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Criminal Defense Lawyers in Lansing, MI: 2026 rankings

43 criminal defense lawyers ranked by LFR ScoreUpdated 0 paid placements in this rankingHow we rank →

The short answer

  1. 1

    Highest LFR Score in Lansing: Grabel & Associates, LFR Score 72/100; 4.9★ from 140 Google reviews; open 24/7.

  2. 2

    Open 24 hours (per Google): O'Keefe Law PLLC, posts 24/7 hours; ranked #2 of 43.

  3. 27

    Most-reviewed: Zaleski Law Firm , P.C., 462 Google reviews at 5.0★, the most of 43 ranked; ranked #27.

Rankings can't be bought. Lawyers can't pay to change their rank or score. How we rank

43 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.

Top 10 criminal defense lawyers in 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.

Top 10 criminal defense lawyers in Lansing at a glance
RankBusinessLFR ScoreGoogle ratingBased inHoursNotable for
1Grabel & Associates724.9★ (140)LansingOpen 24 hrs (Google)Top score
2O'Keefe Law PLLC705.0★ (59)LansingOpen 24 hrs (Google)Open 24 hours
3Manley & Manley695.0★ (43)LansingOpen 24 hrs (Google)—
4DeBruin Law, PLLC685.0★ (347)East Lansing, 4 mi away——
5The Law Office of Kareem Johnson PLLC664.7★ (13)LansingOpen 24 hrs (Google)—
6Coontz Law664.8★ (120)Lansing——
7The Ficklin Law Firm, PLLC655.0★ (65)Lansing——
8Stuart R Shafer Divorce Lawyers653.9★ (8)LansingOpen 24 hrs (Google)—
9Steven Howard644.5★ (18)Lansing——
10Ben Hall Law635.0★ (222)East Lansing, 4 mi awayOpen 24 hrs (Google)—

All 43 criminal defense lawyers in 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.

  1. Ranked #1 in Lansing

    Based in Lansing

    72/100LFR 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.

    • 4.9★ from 140 Google reviews
    • Open 24/7
    Hours
    Open 24 hours, 7 days
    Address
    124 W Allegan St #636, Lansing, MI 48933
  2. Based in Lansing

    70/100LFR Score

    Ranked #2 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.

    • 5.0★ from 59 Google reviews
    • Open 24/7
    Hours
    Open 24 hours, 7 days
    Address
    7804 Francis Ct #220, Lansing, MI 48917
  3. Based in Lansing

    69/100LFR Score

    Ranked #3 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.

    • 5.0★ from 43 Google reviews
    • Open 24/7
    Hours
    Open 24 hours, 7 days
    Address
    7804 Francis Ct #110, Lansing, MI 48917
  4. Based in East Lansing, 4 mi away

    68/100LFR Score

    Ranked #4 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.

    • 5.0★ from 347 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Fri 8 AM–6 PM · Sat–Sun closed
    Address
    321 W Lake Lansing Rd Suite A, East Lansing, MI 48823
  5. Based in Lansing

    66/100LFR Score

    Ranked #6 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.

    • 4.8★ from 120 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Fri 7 AM–4 PM · Sat–Sun closed
    Address
    530 W Ionia St Ste B, Lansing, MI 48933
  6. Based in Lansing

    65/100LFR Score

    Ranked #7 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.

    • 5.0★ from 65 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Wed 9 AM–5:30 PM · Thu–Fri 9 AM–5 PM · Sat–Sun closed
    Address
    2722 E Michigan Ave Ste 205, Lansing, MI 48912
  7. Based in Lansing

    64/100LFR Score

    Ranked #9 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.

    • 4.5★ from 18 Google reviews
    Address
    209 N Walnut St Upper Level, Lansing, MI 48933
  8. Based in East Lansing, 4 mi away

    63/100LFR Score

    Ranked #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.

    • 5.0★ from 222 Google reviews
    • Open 24/7
    Hours
    Open 24 hours, 7 days
    Address
    139 W Lake Lansing Rd Suite 140, East Lansing, MI 48823
  9. Based in East Lansing, 13 mi away

    63/100LFR Score

    Ranked #11 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.

    • 5.0★ from 8 Google reviews
    • Open 24/7
    Hours
    Open 24 hours, 7 days
    Address
    1345 Bridlewood Ln, Williamston, MI 48895
  10. Based in Lansing

    62/100LFR Score

    Ranked #12 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.

    • 4.8★ from 24 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Fri 9 AM–5 PM · Sat–Sun closed
    Address
    209 S Bridge St, Grand Ledge, MI 48837
  11. Based in Lansing

    62/100LFR Score

    Ranked #13 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.

    • 4.9★ from 131 Google reviews
    • Open 24/7
    Hours
    Open 24 hours, 7 days
    Address
    3000 E Saginaw St Suite A, Lansing, MI 48912
  12. Based in Lansing

    62/100LFR Score

    Ranked #14 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.

    • 4.4★ from 9 Google reviews
    • Open 24/7
    Hours
    Open 24 hours, 7 days
    Address
    4601 W Saginaw Hwy Ste J2A, Lansing, MI 48917
  13. Based in Okemos, 7 mi away

    62/100LFR Score

    Ranked #15 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.

    • 4.7★ from 332 Google reviews
    • Open 24/7
    Hours
    Open 24 hours, 7 days
    Address
    2549 Jolly Rd Suite 340, Okemos, MI 48864
  14. Based in Lansing

    62/100LFR Score

    Ranked #16 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.

    • 5.0★ from 14 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Fri 8:30 AM–5 PM · Sat–Sun closed
    Address
    4710 W Saginaw Hwy #5, Lansing, MI 48917
  15. Based in Owosso, 27 mi away

    61/100LFR Score

    Ranked #17 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.

    • 5.0★ from 15 Google reviews
    • Open 24/7
    Hours
    Open 24 hours, 7 days
    Address
    216 W Exchange St, Owosso, MI 48867
  16. Based in Okemos, 6 mi away

    60/100LFR Score

    Ranked #19 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.

    • 4.6★ from 17 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Fri 8 AM–5 PM · Sat–Sun closed
    Address
    2295 Sower Blvd, Okemos, MI 48864
  17. Based in Lansing

    60/100LFR Score

    Ranked #20 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.

    • 5.0★ from 5 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Fri 8 AM–5 PM · Sat–Sun closed
    Address
    422 W Lenawee St, Lansing, MI 48933
  18. Based in Okemos, 6 mi away

    59/100LFR Score

    Ranked #21 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.

    • 5.0★ from 162 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Sat 8:30 AM–6 PM · Sun closed
    Address
    2719 Mt Hope Rd, Okemos, MI 48864
  19. Based in Lansing

    57/100LFR Score

    Ranked #22 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.

    • 4.7★ from 200 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Fri 8 AM–5 PM · Sat–Sun closed
    Address
    6810 S Cedar St #2c, Lansing, MI 48911
  20. Based in East Lansing, 4 mi away

    57/100LFR Score

    Ranked #23 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.

    • 4.8★ from 36 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Fri 9 AM–7 PM · Sat 9 AM–12 AM · Sun 12 AM–7 PM
    Address
    740 W Lake Lansing Rd #700, East Lansing, MI 48823
  21. Based in Lansing

    56/100LFR Score

    Ranked #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.

    • 5.0★ from 76 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Fri 8 AM–5 PM · Sat–Sun closed
    Address
    3000 E Saginaw St, Lansing, MI 48912
  22. Based in Haslett, 13 mi away

    56/100LFR Score

    Ranked #25 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.

    • 5.0★ from 3 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Fri 8:30 AM–4:30 PM · Sat–Sun closed

All 43 criminal defense lawyers

#1 to #25 are shown in full above. Here are #26 to #43, in LFR Score order; each links to its profile.

criminal defense lawyers in Lansing, ranks 26 to 43
RankBusinessLFR ScoreGoogle ratingDistance
26Nichols Law Firm554.7★ (137)4 mi
27Zaleski Law Firm , P.C.555.0★ (462)27 mi
28Grewal Law544.6★ (124)6 mi
29McKone Law Firm PLLC543.8★ (13)27 mi
30Daudi & Kroll, P.C.544.7★ (76)7 mi
31Basiga Law Firm, PC - Family Law & Defense535.0★ (23)In Lansing
32Toby White Law534.5★ (64)7 mi
33The Harkness Law Firm, PLLC534.7★ (41)7 mi
34John J. Homola524.9★ (193)27 mi
35Byrne Law, PLLC525.0★ (15)In Lansing
36Abood Law Firm524.0★ (83)4 mi
37Attorney Eric X. Tomal523.0★ (12)In Lansing
38Lyke Law PLLC514.2★ (37)4 mi
39VP Law, PLLC515.0★ (6)In Lansing
40Law Office of G. Sal Gani, P.C.514.1★ (14)In Lansing
41DON E. BURCH P.C.505.0★ (4)7 mi
42Cheltenham Law, PLLC504.2★ (15)8 mi
43The Law Office Of Azin Arbab PLC504.4★ (7)4 mi

Also serving Lansing

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.

Unranked criminal defense lawyers serving Lansing
BusinessGoogle ratingDistance
Austin & Larson Tax Resolution: Lansing Tax Attorney: Back Tax Help4.9★ (39)In Lansing
Foster Swift Collins & Smith PC3.4★ (27)In Lansing
Fraser Trebilcock4.2★ (19)In Lansing
Frederick J Blackmond PC4.3★ (41)In Lansing
Grua, Tupper & Young PLC4.4★ (35)In Lansing
J Nicholas Bostic PLLC4.6★ (11)In Lansing
Jay Trucks & Associates, PC5.0★ (42)In Lansing
Kallman Legal4.7★ (125)In Lansing
Lansing Legal Group4.6★ (20)In Lansing
Maddaloni Associates3.1★ (18)In Lansing
Mallory, Lapka, Scott & Selin, PLLC3.9★ (18)In Lansing
Monument Legal5.0★ (26)In Lansing
Reid Law Offices, PLC4.4★ (14)In Lansing
Samuel Law, PC5.0★ (18)In Lansing
Sinas Dramis Law Firm4.7★ (128)In Lansing
Speaker Law Firm, PLLC4.7★ (67)In Lansing
The Covert Law Firm, PLLC4.9★ (82)In Lansing
The Kronzek Firm PLC4.0★ (119)In Lansing
The Woolley Law Firm, PLLC5.0★ (23)In Lansing
Wood & Associates PLLC4.5★ (301)In Lansing

How we ranked Lansing criminal defense lawyers

We scored 43 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.

Read the full method: formula, sources and exclusions

LFR Score factors and weights
FactorWeightComputed fromIn Lansing data
Reputation25%Google star rating, adjusted for how many reviews back itMeasured
Bar status10%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 volume10%Number of Google reviews, compared with the most-reviewed firm on the listMeasured
Recency10%Share of reviews from the last 12 monthsNot yet collected
Availability5%Weekly office hours, Saturday, Sunday, and phones answered 24/7Measured
Practice focus15%How clearly the firm practises this area (its Google category and name)Measured
Proximity5%An office in the city scores highest, less the farther away it isMeasured
Claimed profile10%The firm has claimed its Law Firms Ranked profile (free and paid earn the same)Measured
Law Firms Ranked reviews10%Verified client reviews collected by Law Firms Ranked: their rating and how many there areMeasured

How to choose a criminal defense lawyer

  1. Check the lawyer’s status and any public discipline in the state bar or law society directory.
  2. Ask how many criminal defense matters the lawyer handles each year, and who at the firm will do the work.
  3. Get the fee arrangement in writing: hourly, flat or contingency, and which costs are charged on top.
  4. Ask how and how often the firm will update you, and how fast it answers calls and emails.
  5. Read recent reviews for how the firm communicated and billed, not only for outcomes.
  6. Ask whether the lawyer regularly appears in the court where your case is filed.
  7. 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 Lansing: frequently asked questions

Which criminal defense lawyer has the highest LFR Score in Lansing?

By LFR Score, the highest-ranked criminal defense lawyer in Lansing, MI is Grabel & Associates with an LFR Score of 72/100. It has 4.9★ from 140 Google reviews. It is open 24/7. O'Keefe Law PLLC (#2) and Manley & Manley (#3) follow. We ranked 43 criminal defense lawyers on nine factors, last updated November 9, 2026.

How many criminal defense lawyers are there in Lansing?

LawFirmsRanked ranks 43 criminal defense lawyers serving Lansing, MI. 20 of them are based in Lansing; 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 Lansing are open 24/7?

11 ranked criminal defense lawyers in Lansing post 24/7 hours. The highest-ranked are Grabel & Associates (#1), O'Keefe Law PLLC (#2) and Manley & Manley (#3). Hours come from each law firm's Google listing as of November 2026, so call to confirm.

Which criminal defense lawyers in 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 (#2) and Manley & Manley (#3). Posted hours are office hours; many firms meet clients by appointment outside them.

What Google rating do Lansing criminal defense lawyers have?

The median Google rating among 43 rated criminal defense lawyers in Lansing is 4.8★, with a median of 36 reviews. Zaleski Law Firm , P.C. has the most, 462 reviews, and ranks #27. 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 Lansing count in this ranking?

Yes, if they are within 30 mi of the 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 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 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 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 Lansing

  1. November 2026: LFR Scores recalculated for 43 criminal defense lawyers serving Lansing.