71/100LFR Score
Ranked #1 because of its Google rating and practice area focus: 4.9★ from 140 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Criminal justice attorney”.
Based on 7 of 9 factors; bar status and recency not yet collected.
Criminal Defense Lawyers in East Lansing, MI: 2026 rankings
43 criminal defense lawyers ranked by LFR ScoreUpdated 0 paid placements in this rankingHow we rank →
The short answer
- 1
Highest LFR Score in East Lansing: Grabel & Associates, LFR Score 71/100; 4.9★ from 140 Google reviews; open 24/7.
- 3
Open 24 hours (per Google): O'Keefe Law PLLC, posts 24/7 hours; ranked #3 of 43.
- 2
Most-reviewed: DeBruin Law, PLLC, 347 Google reviews at 5.0★, the most of 43 ranked; ranked #2.
Rankings can't be bought. Lawyers can't pay to change their rank or score. How we rank
43 East Lansing criminal defense lawyers are ranked here by LFR Score, from nine published factors. 11 are open 24/7, 13 open Saturdays and 11 open Sundays, based on posted hours. The median Google rating is 4.8★ across 43 rated law firms.
Most of this list also appears on the Criminal defense lawyers in Lansing ranking. See Criminal defense lawyers in Lansing
Top 10 criminal defense lawyers in East Lansing at a glance
Ranked by our published LFR Score from public data, not by payment; a rank is not an endorsement or a prediction of results.
| Rank | Business | LFR Score | Google rating | Based in | Hours | Notable for |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Grabel & Associates | 71 | 4.9★ (140) | Lansing, 4 mi away | Open 24 hrs (Google) | Top score |
| 2 | DeBruin Law, PLLC | 69 | 5.0★ (347) | East Lansing | — | Most reviews |
| 3 | O'Keefe Law PLLC | 68 | 5.0★ (59) | Lansing, 9 mi away | Open 24 hrs (Google) | Open 24 hours |
| 4 | Manley & Manley | 68 | 5.0★ (43) | Lansing, 9 mi away | Open 24 hrs (Google) | — |
| 5 | Grabel & Associates | 66 | 5.0★ (8) | East Lansing | Open 24 hrs (Google) | — |
| 6 | The Law Office of Kareem Johnson PLLC | 66 | 4.7★ (13) | Lansing, 4 mi away | Open 24 hrs (Google) | — |
| 7 | Coontz Law | 65 | 4.8★ (120) | Lansing, 4 mi away | — | — |
| 8 | The Ficklin Law Firm, PLLC | 65 | 5.0★ (65) | Lansing, 2 mi away | — | — |
| 9 | Stuart R Shafer Divorce Lawyers | 64 | 3.9★ (8) | Lansing, 3 mi away | Open 24 hrs (Google) | — |
| 10 | Ben Hall Law | 64 | 5.0★ (222) | East Lansing | Open 24 hrs (Google) | — |
All 43 criminal defense lawyers in East Lansing, in rank order
Ordered by LFR Score, a 0–100 score from nine published factors. Paid placement never changes the order.
Ranked by our published LFR Score from public data, not by payment; a rank is not an endorsement or a prediction of results.
Based in East Lansing
69/100LFR ScoreRanked #2 because of its Google rating and practice area focus: 5.0★ from 347 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Criminal justice attorney”.
Based on 7 of 9 factors; bar status and recency not yet collected.
Based in Lansing, 9 mi away
68/100LFR ScoreRanked #3 because of its Google rating and practice area focus: 5.0★ from 59 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Criminal justice attorney”.
Based on 7 of 9 factors; bar status and recency not yet collected.
Based in Lansing, 9 mi away
68/100LFR ScoreRanked #4 because of its Google rating and practice area focus: 5.0★ from 43 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Criminal justice attorney”.
Based on 7 of 9 factors; bar status and recency not yet collected.
Based in East Lansing
66/100LFR ScoreRanked #5 because of its Google rating and practice area focus: 5.0★ from 8 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Criminal justice attorney”.
Based on 7 of 9 factors; bar status and recency not yet collected.
Based in Lansing, 4 mi away
66/100LFR ScoreRanked #6 because of its Google rating and practice area focus: 4.7★ from 13 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Criminal justice attorney”.
Based on 7 of 9 factors; bar status and recency not yet collected.
#7 Coontz Law
Based in Lansing, 4 mi away
65/100LFR ScoreRanked #7 because of its Google rating and practice area focus: 4.8★ from 120 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Criminal justice attorney”.
Based on 7 of 9 factors; bar status and recency not yet collected.
Based in Lansing, 2 mi away
65/100LFR ScoreRanked #8 because of its Google rating and practice area focus: 5.0★ from 65 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Criminal justice attorney”.
Based on 7 of 9 factors; bar status and recency not yet collected.
Based in Lansing, 3 mi away
64/100LFR ScoreRanked #9 because of its Google rating and practice area focus: 3.9★ from 8 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Criminal justice attorney”.
Based on 7 of 9 factors; bar status and recency not yet collected.
#10 Ben Hall Law
Based in East Lansing
64/100LFR ScoreRanked #10 because of its Google rating and review volume: 5.0★ from 222 Google reviews.
Based on 7 of 9 factors; bar status and recency not yet collected.
#11 Steven Howard
Based in Lansing, 4 mi away
64/100LFR ScoreRanked #11 because of its Google rating and practice area focus: 4.5★ from 18 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Criminal justice attorney”.
Based on 6 of 9 factors; bar status, recency and availability not yet collected.
#12 White Law PLLC
Based in Okemos, 4 mi away
62/100LFR ScoreRanked #12 because of its Google rating and review volume: 4.7★ from 332 Google reviews.
Based on 7 of 9 factors; bar status and recency not yet collected.
#13 Ben Hall Law
Based in Owosso, 24 mi away
62/100LFR ScoreRanked #13 because of its Google rating and practice area focus: 5.0★ from 15 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Criminal justice attorney”.
Based on 7 of 9 factors; bar status and recency not yet collected.
#14 Zeineh Law
Based in Lansing, 1 mi away
62/100LFR ScoreRanked #14 because of its Google rating and review volume: 4.9★ from 131 Google reviews.
Based on 7 of 9 factors; bar status and recency not yet collected.
#15 Cronkright Law
Based in Lansing, 7 mi away
61/100LFR ScoreRanked #15 because of its Google rating and practice area focus: 4.4★ from 9 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Criminal justice attorney”.
Based on 7 of 9 factors; bar status and recency not yet collected.
Based in Okemos, 4 mi away
61/100LFR ScoreRanked #16 because of its Google rating and practice area focus: 4.6★ from 17 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Criminal justice attorney”.
Based on 7 of 9 factors; bar status and recency not yet collected.
Based in Holt, 11 mi away
61/100LFR ScoreRanked #17 because of its Google rating and practice area focus: 4.7★ from 35 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Criminal justice attorney”.
Based on 7 of 9 factors; bar status and recency not yet collected.
Based in Lansing, 7 mi away
60/100LFR ScoreRanked #18 because of its Google rating and practice area focus: 5.0★ from 14 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Criminal justice attorney”.
Based on 7 of 9 factors; bar status and recency not yet collected.
Based in Lansing, 13 mi away
60/100LFR ScoreRanked #19 because of its Google rating and practice area focus: 4.8★ from 24 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Criminal justice attorney”.
Based on 7 of 9 factors; bar status and recency not yet collected.
#20 BALDORI LAW
Based in Okemos, 3 mi away
60/100LFR ScoreRanked #20 because of its Google rating and review volume: 5.0★ from 162 Google reviews.
Based on 7 of 9 factors; bar status and recency not yet collected.
Based in Lansing, 4 mi away
59/100LFR ScoreRanked #21 because of its Google rating and practice area focus: 5.0★ from 5 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Criminal justice attorney”.
Based on 7 of 9 factors; bar status and recency not yet collected.
Based in East Lansing
58/100LFR ScoreRanked #22 because of its Google rating and practice area focus: 4.8★ from 36 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Immigration attorney”.
Based on 7 of 9 factors; bar status and recency not yet collected.
#23 Nichols Law Firm
Based in East Lansing
56/100LFR ScoreRanked #23 because of its Google rating and review volume: 4.7★ from 137 Google reviews.
Based on 7 of 9 factors; bar status and recency not yet collected.
Based in Lansing, 1 mi away
56/100LFR ScoreRanked #24 because of its Google rating and practice area focus: 5.0★ from 76 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Attorney”.
Based on 7 of 9 factors; bar status and recency not yet collected.
#25 Bahrie Law, PLLC
Based in Lansing, 6 mi away
56/100LFR ScoreRanked #25 because of its Google rating and review volume: 4.7★ from 200 Google reviews.
Based on 7 of 9 factors; bar status and recency not yet collected.
Criminal defense lawyers ranked #42 to #42
#1 to #25 are shown in full above. Here are #42 to #42, in LFR Score order; each links to its profile. We publish the top 42 of 43 ranked criminal defense lawyers here; the rest are on their profiles.
| Rank | Business | LFR Score | Google rating | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 42 | Attorney Eric X. Tomal | 50 | 3.0★ (12) | 6 mi |
How we ranked East Lansing criminal defense lawyers
We scored 43 East Lansing criminal defense lawyers on nine factors, weighted as shown. A law firm is ranked when its practice area is confirmed and it has 3 or more Google reviews or a claimed profile. A law firm with no Google reviews scores zero on rating, review volume and recency. Other unknown factors are left out, not counted as zero. Scores last refreshed November 9, 2026.
Paid placement never changes a rank or score. Attorney advertising businesses are paid, labelled, limited to 3 and shown above the ranking, outside it.
| Factor | Weight | Computed from | In East Lansing data |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reputation | 25% | Google star rating, adjusted for how many reviews back it | Measured |
| Bar status | 10% | An active bar or law society record matched to a lawyer at the firm (not measured until a record source is loaded) | Not yet collected |
| Review volume | 10% | Number of Google reviews, compared with the most-reviewed firm on the list | Measured |
| Recency | 10% | Share of reviews from the last 12 months | Not yet collected |
| Availability | 5% | Weekly office hours, Saturday, Sunday, and phones answered 24/7 | Measured |
| Practice focus | 15% | How clearly the firm practises this area (its Google category and name) | Measured |
| Proximity | 5% | An office in the city scores highest, less the farther away it is | Measured |
| Claimed profile | 10% | The firm has claimed its Law Firms Ranked profile (free and paid earn the same) | Measured |
| Law Firms Ranked reviews | 10% | Verified client reviews collected by Law Firms Ranked: their rating and how many there are | Measured |
How to choose a criminal defense lawyer
- Check the lawyer’s status and any public discipline in the state bar or law society directory.
- Ask how many criminal defense matters the lawyer handles each year, and who at the firm will do the work.
- Get the fee arrangement in writing: hourly, flat or contingency, and which costs are charged on top.
- Ask how and how often the firm will update you, and how fast it answers calls and emails.
- Read recent reviews for how the firm communicated and billed, not only for outcomes.
- Ask whether the lawyer regularly appears in the court where your case is filed.
- Meet more than one firm; many offer a short first consultation, sometimes free.
Questions to ask a criminal defense lawyer
- How would you approach a matter like mine, and what are the realistic options?
- How do you charge, and what will the total likely cost?
- Who will be my main contact, and how quickly do you reply?
- What does the flat fee cover, and what costs extra if the case goes to trial?
- Who will appear with me at each hearing?
- Is there any conflict of interest that would stop you representing me?
Terms explained
- Contingency fee
- A fee that is a share of the money recovered, paid only if there is a recovery. Common in injury cases; not allowed for criminal defense or for securing a divorce.
- Retainer
- Money paid up front and held in a trust account, which the lawyer draws on as fees are earned.
- Flat fee
- One set price for a defined piece of work, such as a will or an uncontested matter.
- Limited-scope representation
- Paying a lawyer for part of a matter only, such as reviewing documents or coaching for one hearing (also called unbundled services).
- Statute of limitations
- The deadline to file a lawsuit or charge. It differs by state or province and by type of claim.
- Good standing
- A lawyer’s status as active and eligible to practise with a state bar or law society.
- Law society
- The body that licenses and disciplines lawyers in a Canadian province or territory.
- Board certification
- Recognition in a field of law by a state program or an organisation accredited for that purpose. Lawyers may only claim it when they hold it, naming the certifying body.
- Attorney–client privilege
- The rule that keeps confidential communications between a client and lawyer, made for legal advice, out of court.
- Conflict check
- The search a firm runs before taking a matter to make sure it does not represent someone on the other side.
- Pro bono
- Legal work done for free, usually for people who cannot afford a lawyer.
- Legal aid
- Publicly funded legal help for people with low incomes, through legal aid offices, public defenders or provincial legal aid plans.
Criminal defense lawyers in East Lansing: frequently asked questions
Which criminal defense lawyer has the highest LFR Score in East Lansing?
By LFR Score, the highest-ranked criminal defense lawyer in East Lansing, MI is Grabel & Associates with an LFR Score of 71/100. It has 4.9★ from 140 Google reviews. It is open 24/7. DeBruin Law, PLLC (#2) and O'Keefe Law PLLC (#3) follow. We ranked 43 criminal defense lawyers on nine factors, last updated November 9, 2026.
How many criminal defense lawyers are there in East Lansing?
LawFirmsRanked ranks 43 criminal defense lawyers serving East Lansing, MI. 5 of them are based in East Lansing; the rest serve it from nearby towns. Counts are as of November 2026.
Which criminal defense lawyers in East Lansing are open 24/7?
11 ranked criminal defense lawyers in East Lansing post 24/7 hours. The highest-ranked are Grabel & Associates (#1), O'Keefe Law PLLC (#3) and Manley & Manley (#4). Hours come from each law firm's Google listing as of November 2026, so call to confirm.
Which criminal defense lawyers in East Lansing work on weekends?
13 of 43 ranked criminal defense lawyers post Saturday hours and 11 post Sunday hours. The highest-ranked open Saturdays are Grabel & Associates (#1), O'Keefe Law PLLC (#3) and Manley & Manley (#4). Posted hours are office hours; many firms meet clients by appointment outside them.
What Google rating do East Lansing criminal defense lawyers have?
The median Google rating among 43 rated criminal defense lawyers in East Lansing is 4.8★, with a median of 36 reviews. DeBruin Law, PLLC has the most, 347 reviews, and ranks #2. We adjust ratings for review count, so a few five-star reviews cannot top the list.
How does LawFirmsRanked rank criminal defense lawyers?
Each criminal defense lawyer gets a 0–100 LFR Score from nine published factors, led by reputation (25%), practice focus (15%), review volume (10%) and recency (10%). A law firm with no Google reviews scores zero on rating, review volume and recency; other factors we cannot measure are left out. Only law firms with a confirmed practice area and 3 or more reviews, or a claimed profile, are ranked.
Do criminal defense lawyers outside East Lansing count in this ranking?
Yes, if they are within 30 mi of the East Lansing city center, our service radius for criminal defense lawyers. Each listing shows where the law firm is based and how far away it is. Proximity is 5% of the LFR Score, so a nearby law firm gets a small edge.
Can criminal defense lawyers pay to rank higher on LawFirmsRanked?
No. The LFR Score never reads payment status, and this ranking has 0 paid placements. Up to 3 Featured law firms may appear above the list, labelled Attorney advertising and showing their honest rank.
How do criminal defense lawyers in East Lansing, MI charge?
Criminal defense lawyers usually charge a flat fee per stage (for example, through a plea or through trial) or an hourly rate. Contingency fees are not allowed in criminal cases under ABA Model Rule 1.5(d). Lawyers using Clio billed an average of $219 an hour in this area (Clio Legal Trends data, October 2026; all areas $362). Ask for the fee arrangement in writing before you agree.
What if I can’t afford a criminal defense lawyer?
If a charge can lead to jail, the court must appoint a lawyer for you if you cannot afford one (Gideon v. Wainwright, 1963; Argersinger v. Hamlin, 1972). Ask about a public defender at your first court appearance. This is general information, not legal advice.
How is this list of criminal defense lawyers in East Lansing, MI ranked?
By LFR Score only, from public data on reviews, practice focus, office location and hours. Firms labelled “Attorney advertising” paid for that placement; payment never changes a rank, and a rank is not an endorsement.
Does a lawyer need an office in East Lansing?
No, but the lawyer must be licensed in your state (or, for federal matters such as immigration, in some state). A local office makes meetings and court appearances easier, so proximity is one of our factors.
Update log for East Lansing
- November 2026: LFR Scores recalculated for 43 criminal defense lawyers serving East Lansing.
More criminal defense lawyers and East Lansing pages
Criminal defense lawyers near East Lansing
- Criminal defense lawyers in Okemos, MI43 ranked
- Criminal defense lawyers in Lansing, MI43 ranked
- Criminal defense lawyers in Haslett, MI43 ranked
- Criminal defense lawyers in Holt, MI43 ranked
- Criminal defense lawyers in Waverly, MI45 ranked
- Criminal defense lawyers in Owosso, MI66 ranked
- Criminal defense lawyers in Jackson, MI10 ranked
- Criminal defense lawyers in Ionia, MI29 ranked
- Criminal defense lawyers in Fenton, MI114 ranked
- Criminal defense lawyers in Flint, MI39 ranked
Other practice areas in East Lansing
- Personal injury lawyers in East Lansing42 ranked
- Social Security disability lawyers in East Lansing9 ranked
- Divorce and family lawyers in East Lansing49 ranked
- Estate planning and probate lawyers in East Lansing46 ranked
- Bankruptcy lawyers in East Lansing24 ranked
- Immigration lawyers in East Lansing11 ranked
- Employment lawyers in East Lansing10 ranked
- Business lawyers in East Lansing5 ranked
- Real estate lawyers in East Lansing16 ranked
- Tax lawyers in East Lansing6 ranked
- Insurance lawyers in East Lansing11 ranked
- General practice lawyers in East Lansing101 ranked
- All lawyers in East Lansing