72/100LFR Score
Ranked #1 because of its Google rating and practice area focus: 5.0★ from 121 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 Grand Rapids, MI: 2026 rankings
66 criminal defense lawyers ranked by LFR ScoreUpdated 0 paid placements in this rankingHow we rank →
The short answer
- 1
Highest LFR Score in Grand Rapids: Grabel & Associates, LFR Score 72/100; 5.0★ from 121 Google reviews; open 24/7.
- 2
Open 24 hours (per Google): Criminal Defense Attorney Shawn Haff, posts 24/7 hours; ranked #2 of 66.
- 31
Most-reviewed: Brookhills Legal Services, 267 Google reviews at 4.1★, the most of 66 ranked; ranked #31.
Rankings can't be bought. Lawyers can't pay to change their rank or score. How we rank
66 Grand Rapids criminal defense lawyers are ranked here by LFR Score, from nine published factors. 15 are open 24/7, 16 open Saturdays and 16 open Sundays, based on posted hours. The median Google rating is 4.6★ across 66 rated law firms.
Top 10 criminal defense lawyers in Grand Rapids 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 | 72 | 5.0★ (121) | Grand Rapids | Open 24 hrs (Google) | Top score |
| 2 | Criminal Defense Attorney Shawn Haff | 72 | 4.9★ (183) | Wyoming, 6 mi away | Open 24 hrs (Google) | Open 24 hours |
| 3 | Law Office of James K. Champion | 71 | 4.9★ (83) | Grand Rapids | Open 24 hrs (Google) | — |
| 4 | The Nunzio Law Firm | 69 | 4.7★ (49) | Grand Rapids | Open 24 hrs (Google) | — |
| 5 | Tanis Schultz | 68 | 4.9★ (215) | Grand Rapids | — | — |
| 6 | David G. Moore - Grand Rapids OWI Lawyer | 68 | 4.7★ (35) | Grand Rapids | Open 24 hrs (Google) | — |
| 7 | SBBL Law | 67 | 4.7★ (202) | Grand Rapids | — | — |
| 8 | Willey & Chamberlain LLP | 67 | 4.5★ (30) | Grand Rapids | Open 24 hrs (Google) | — |
| 9 | Hendricks Spaak Law, PLC | 66 | 4.4★ (21) | Grand Rapids | Open 24 hrs (Google) | — |
| 10 | West Michigan Defense Team | 66 | 4.3★ (54) | Grand Rapids | Sat · Sun · Evenings | — |
All 66 criminal defense lawyers in Grand Rapids, 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 Wyoming, 6 mi away
72/100LFR ScoreRanked #2 because of its Google rating and practice area focus: 4.9★ from 183 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Criminal justice attorney”.
Based on 7 of 9 factors; bar status and recency not yet collected.
Based in Grand Rapids
71/100LFR ScoreRanked #3 because of its Google rating and practice area focus: 4.9★ from 83 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Criminal justice attorney”.
Based on 7 of 9 factors; bar status and recency not yet collected.
Based in Grand Rapids
69/100LFR ScoreRanked #4 because of its Google rating and practice area focus: 4.7★ from 49 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Criminal justice attorney”.
Based on 7 of 9 factors; bar status and recency not yet collected.
Based in Grand Rapids
68/100LFR ScoreRanked #5 because of its Google rating and practice area focus: 4.9★ from 215 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Criminal justice attorney”.
Based on 7 of 9 factors; bar status and recency not yet collected.
Based in Grand Rapids
68/100LFR ScoreRanked #6 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.
#7 SBBL Law
Based in Grand Rapids
67/100LFR ScoreRanked #7 because of its Google rating and practice area focus: 4.7★ from 202 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Criminal justice attorney”.
Based on 7 of 9 factors; bar status and recency not yet collected.
Based in Grand Rapids
67/100LFR ScoreRanked #8 because of its Google rating and practice area focus: 4.5★ from 30 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Criminal justice attorney”.
Based on 7 of 9 factors; bar status and recency not yet collected.
Based in Grand Rapids
66/100LFR ScoreRanked #9 because of its Google rating and practice area focus: 4.4★ from 21 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Criminal justice attorney”.
Based on 7 of 9 factors; bar status and recency not yet collected.
Based in Grand Rapids
66/100LFR ScoreRanked #10 because of its Google rating and practice area focus: 4.3★ from 54 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Criminal justice attorney”.
Based on 7 of 9 factors; bar status and recency not yet collected.
Based in Grand Rapids
65/100LFR ScoreRanked #11 because of its Google rating and practice area focus: 4.7★ from 84 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Criminal justice attorney”.
Based on 7 of 9 factors; bar status and recency not yet collected.
#12 Weise Law
Based in Holland, 20 mi away
64/100LFR ScoreRanked #12 because of its Google rating and practice area focus: 4.7★ from 46 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Criminal justice attorney”.
Based on 7 of 9 factors; bar status and recency not yet collected.
Based in Holland, 24 mi away
64/100LFR ScoreRanked #13 because of its Google rating and practice area focus: 5.0★ from 32 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Criminal justice attorney”.
Based on 7 of 9 factors; bar status and recency not yet collected.
Based in Grand Rapids
64/100LFR ScoreRanked #14 because of its Google rating and practice area focus: 5.0★ from 33 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Criminal justice attorney”.
Based on 7 of 9 factors; bar status and recency not yet collected.
Based in Grand Rapids
63/100LFR ScoreRanked #15 because of its Google rating and review volume: 4.9★ from 168 Google reviews.
Based on 7 of 9 factors; bar status and recency not yet collected.
#16 Barrix Law Firm
Based in Grand Rapids
63/100LFR ScoreRanked #16 because of its Google rating and review volume: 4.9★ from 156 Google reviews.
Based on 7 of 9 factors; bar status and recency not yet collected.
Based in Grand Rapids
63/100LFR ScoreRanked #17 because of its Google rating and practice area focus: 4.7★ from 42 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Criminal justice attorney”.
Based on 7 of 9 factors; bar status and recency not yet collected.
#18 Hebert, P.C.
Based in Grand Rapids
62/100LFR ScoreRanked #18 because of its Google rating and practice area focus: 5.0★ from 18 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Criminal justice attorney”.
Based on 7 of 9 factors; bar status and recency not yet collected.
#19 Lykins Law
Based in Grand Rapids
61/100LFR ScoreRanked #19 because of its Google rating and review volume: 4.8★ from 79 Google reviews.
Based on 7 of 9 factors; bar status and recency not yet collected.
Based in Grand Rapids
61/100LFR ScoreRanked #20 because of its Google rating and practice area focus: 3.9★ from 36 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Criminal justice attorney”.
Based on 7 of 9 factors; bar status and recency not yet collected.
#21 Daniel J. Broxup
Based in Grand Rapids
60/100LFR ScoreRanked #21 because of its Google rating and practice area focus: 5.0★ from 3 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Criminal justice attorney”.
Based on 7 of 9 factors; bar status and recency not yet collected.
#22 Hackett Robert S
Based in Grand Rapids
60/100LFR ScoreRanked #22 because of its Google rating and practice area focus: 3.0★ from 3 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Criminal justice attorney”.
Based on 6 of 9 factors; bar status, recency and availability not yet collected.
Based in Grand Rapids
59/100LFR ScoreRanked #23 because of its Google rating and practice area focus: 5.0★ from 6 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Criminal justice attorney”.
Based on 7 of 9 factors; bar status and recency not yet collected.
Based in Jenison, 7 mi away
58/100LFR ScoreRanked #24 because of its Google rating and practice area focus: 4.4★ 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 Grand Rapids
58/100LFR ScoreRanked #25 because of its Google rating and practice area focus: 3.4★ from 5 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 ranked #26 to #50
#1 to #25 are shown in full above. Here are #26 to #50, in LFR Score order; each links to its profile. We publish the top 50 of 66 ranked criminal defense lawyers here; the rest are on their profiles.
| Rank | Business | LFR Score | Google rating | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 26 | Kolkema Law, PLC | 57 | 4.6★ (40) | 28 mi |
| 27 | Law Office Of James A. Thomas | 57 | 5.0★ (14) | In Grand Rapids |
| 28 | Judith A Baxter P.L.C. | 56 | 4.6★ (31) | In Grand Rapids |
| 29 | Krupp Law Offices PC | 56 | 4.6★ (109) | In Grand Rapids |
| 30 | Beurkens Law | 56 | 4.9★ (67) | In Grand Rapids |
| 31 | Brookhills Legal Services | 55 | 4.1★ (267) | In Grand Rapids |
| 32 | Legalquest Network, P.C. | 55 | 5.0★ (51) | In Grand Rapids |
| 33 | The Law Offices of Raymond A. Purdy, PLLC | 55 | 4.4★ (25) | 28 mi |
| 34 | Arnson VanTol Law, PLC | 55 | 4.5★ (97) | In Grand Rapids |
| 35 | McCroskey Law | 55 | 4.9★ (41) | In Grand Rapids |
| 36 | Van Den Heuvel Law Office | 55 | 4.2★ (131) | In Grand Rapids |
| 37 | Cascade Legal Services | 54 | 4.9★ (35) | In Grand Rapids |
| 38 | Allaben & Bandeen Attorneys at Law | 54 | 4.5★ (58) | In Grand Rapids |
| 39 | Scozzari Law, PLLC | 54 | 4.4★ (58) | In Grand Rapids |
| 40 | WN Law PLLC | 53 | 4.9★ (27) | In Grand Rapids |
| 41 | Gower Law PLC Grand Rapids | 53 | 4.5★ (15) | In Grand Rapids |
| 42 | Zamzow Fabian PLLC | 53 | 4.8★ (28) | In Grand Rapids |
| 43 | Core Legal PLC | 53 | 4.8★ (23) | In Grand Rapids |
| 44 | Law Office of Richard Kessler, PC | 52 | 4.0★ (70) | In Grand Rapids |
| 45 | Kreis Enderle | 52 | 4.6★ (18) | In Grand Rapids |
| 46 | Standard & Berry, PLLC | 51 | 4.3★ (18) | In Grand Rapids |
| 47 | Stephan & Avery | 51 | 4.5★ (35) | 5 mi |
| 48 | Barrix Law Firm PC | 51 | 5.0★ (16) | 29 mi |
| 49 | Ledford & Associates | 51 | 4.4★ (29) | 5 mi |
| 50 | The Haehnel Law Firm, PLLC | 51 | 4.5★ (13) | In Grand Rapids |
Also serving Grand Rapids
20 more criminal defense lawyers within 30 mi that we can't rank yet: too few reviews, or a practice area we couldn't confirm. Listed A to Z.
| Business | Google rating | Distance |
|---|---|---|
| CARPENTER & TOBIN ATTORNEYS AND COUNSELORS | 4.0★ (75) | In Grand Rapids |
| Christensen Law - Personal Injury Attorney | 5.0★ (161) | In Grand Rapids |
| Estate Planning Law Group | 4.9★ (79) | In Grand Rapids |
| Goodman Acker P.C. | 4.9★ (173) | In Grand Rapids |
| Gordon & Hess PLC | 4.8★ (236) | In Grand Rapids |
| Judd & Fricke PLLC | 4.4★ (5) | In Grand Rapids |
| Law Offices of Marielo Puerta | 3.9★ (63) | In Grand Rapids |
| Michigan Auto Law - Auto Accident Attorneys | 5.0★ (292) | In Grand Rapids |
| Reeder Murphy, P.C. | 4.6★ (68) | In Grand Rapids |
| Russell Law Firm, P.C. | 5.0★ (291) | In Grand Rapids |
| Sinas Dramis Law Firm | 5.0★ (221) | In Grand Rapids |
| Stenger & Stenger P.C. | 4.3★ (2,190) | In Grand Rapids |
| Stout Law, PLLC | 4.7★ (82) | In Grand Rapids |
| The Britt Law Group PC | 4.9★ (60) | In Grand Rapids |
| The Law Offices of David L. Carrier, P.C. | 4.5★ (253) | In Grand Rapids |
| The Law Offices of Sean Patrick Cox | 4.6★ (228) | In Grand Rapids |
| The Sam Bernstein Law Firm | 5.0★ (509) | In Grand Rapids |
| USADebt Bankruptcy Attorneys | 4.9★ (126) | In Grand Rapids |
| Velo Law | 1.6★ (243) | In Grand Rapids |
| Verspoor Waalkes PC | 4.9★ (100) | In Grand Rapids |
How we ranked Grand Rapids criminal defense lawyers
We scored 66 Grand Rapids 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 Grand Rapids 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 Grand Rapids: frequently asked questions
Which criminal defense lawyer has the highest LFR Score in Grand Rapids?
By LFR Score, the highest-ranked criminal defense lawyer in Grand Rapids, MI is Grabel & Associates with an LFR Score of 72/100. It has 5.0★ from 121 Google reviews. It is open 24/7. Criminal Defense Attorney Shawn Haff (#2) and Law Office of James K. Champion (#3) follow. We ranked 66 criminal defense lawyers on nine factors, last updated November 9, 2026.
How many criminal defense lawyers are there in Grand Rapids?
LawFirmsRanked ranks 66 criminal defense lawyers serving Grand Rapids, MI. 41 of them are based in Grand Rapids; the rest serve it from nearby towns. Another 20 within 30 mi are listed but not ranked yet. Counts are as of November 2026.
Which criminal defense lawyers in Grand Rapids are open 24/7?
15 ranked criminal defense lawyers in Grand Rapids post 24/7 hours. The highest-ranked are Grabel & Associates (#1), Criminal Defense Attorney Shawn Haff (#2) and Law Office of James K. Champion (#3). Hours come from each law firm's Google listing as of November 2026, so call to confirm.
Which criminal defense lawyers in Grand Rapids work on weekends?
16 of 66 ranked criminal defense lawyers post Saturday hours and 16 post Sunday hours. The highest-ranked open Saturdays are Grabel & Associates (#1), Criminal Defense Attorney Shawn Haff (#2) and Law Office of James K. Champion (#3). Posted hours are office hours; many firms meet clients by appointment outside them.
What Google rating do Grand Rapids criminal defense lawyers have?
The median Google rating among 66 rated criminal defense lawyers in Grand Rapids is 4.6★, with a median of 30 reviews. Brookhills Legal Services has the most, 267 reviews, and ranks #31. 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 Grand Rapids count in this ranking?
Yes, if they are within 30 mi of the Grand Rapids 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 Grand Rapids, 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 Grand Rapids, 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 Grand Rapids?
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 Grand Rapids
- November 2026: LFR Scores recalculated for 66 criminal defense lawyers serving Grand Rapids.
More criminal defense lawyers and Grand Rapids pages
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