The Criminal Defense Law Center of
West Michigan
If you are facing criminal charges in Ottawa County, Michigan, you are up against a legal system known for its efficiency and strict enforcement. Whether your case is at the 20th Circuit Court in Grand Haven or one of the 58th District Court locations, the attorney you choose will be the most important decision you make.
Attorney Shawn Haff and the Criminal Defense Law Center of West Michigan provide the “Smart, Tough, and Relentless” advocacy required to navigate Ottawa County’s rigorous courts. We don’t just defend; we fight to win.
If you have been arrested in Grand Haven, Holland, or Hudsonville, you must hire the Best Ottawa County Criminal Defense Lawyer Shawn Haff right away. Ottawa County prosecutors and judges are known for their strict enforcement, and you cannot afford to walk into the 58th District Court or the 20th Circuit Court without the premier defense powerhouse in West Michigan by your side. Our firm moves with a professional sense of urgency to challenge the prosecution’s evidence, secure your release, and explore every avenue for victory, including specialized programs like the Ottawa County Sobriety Treatment Program or Recovery Court. Whether you are facing charges for DUI, Drunk Driving, Retail Fraud, Shoplifting, Domestic Violence, or Criminal Sexual Conduct, Shawn Haff is recognized as the best criminal defense attorney in Ottawa County. He understands exactly how to navigate the local legal system to protect your freedom and your future. Hire the best immediately and let us start fighting for you.
Navigating a case in Grand Haven or Holland requires more than just a general knowledge of Michigan law. It requires an understanding of local judicial tendencies.
Local Courtroom Experience: Shawn Haff has extensive experience appearing before Ottawa County judges like Chief Judge Jon A. Van Allsburg and Judge Jon H. Hulsing. We know how the local prosecutors build their cases, and we know how to tear them down.
Immediate, 24/7 Crisis Support: An arrest at the Holland State Park or a late-night traffic stop on US-31 requires immediate action. Shawn and his team respond within minutes—not days—to ensure your rights are protected from the very beginning.
Proven Track Record: From having Assault & Battery charges dropped in Ottawa County to securing “Not Guilty” verdicts in complex felony cases, Shawn Haff’s results speak for themselves.
Fair & Transparent Pricing: High-level legal defense shouldn’t lead to a “life sentence of debt.” We offer flat-fee structures and flexible payment plans for our Ottawa County clients.
Navigating the legal system in Ottawa County requires more than just a law degree; it requires an intimate understanding of the specific courtrooms where your future will be decided. Unlike out-of-town attorneys who may only visit West Michigan occasionally, Shawn Haff is a fixture in these courts, providing a level of professional urgency that comes from knowing the local bench.
Most criminal matters, including misdemeanors and initial felony proceedings, begin in the 58th District Court. You need an attorney who is trial-ready and familiar with the tendencies of:
Chief Judge Craig E. Bunce: Known for his work with the Sobriety Treatment Program and his extensive background in the local prosecutor’s office.
Judge Juanita F. Bocanegra: Bringing a unique perspective as the county’s first Hispanic judge and a former assistant prosecutor.
Judge Bradley S. Knoll: A veteran of the Holland legal community with deep roots in local corrections and judicial boards.
For serious felony charges that proceed to the 20th Circuit Court in Grand Haven, the stakes could not be higher. Your case may be assigned to:
Chief Judge Jon A. Van Allsburg: Overseeing the administration of the circuit court.
Judge Jon H. Hulsing: A former police officer and prosecutor who currently presides over felony criminal and civil cases.
Judge Kent D. Engle: A former prosecutor with decades of experience handling everything from traffic citations to homicides.
Judge Karen J. Miedema: Who presides over a trial division docket including felony criminal cases and general civil matters.
When your liberty is on the line, you cannot afford a “visitor” to these courtrooms. You must hire the best west Michigan attorney around Shawn Haff right away. We understand the unwritten rules of the Ottawa County courts and provide the aggressive, professional defense necessary to win in front of these specific judges.
Comprehensive Defense Across All Ottawa County Courts
We represent clients in every corner of Ottawa County, ensuring expert defense is never out of reach.
Most cases begin here. We provide expert representation at all three locations:
Grand Haven: 414 Washington Avenue
Holland: 85 West 8th Street
Hudsonville: 3100 Port Sheldon Road
For serious felony charges, your case will move to the Trial Division in Grand Haven. Shawn Haff specializes in high-stakes defense, including CSC, Felony Drug Charges, and Aggravated Assault.
OWI / DUI Defense: Ottawa County is notoriously tough on drunk driving. We challenge breathalyzer accuracy and stop legality to protect your license.
Domestic Violence: We act fast to prevent No-Contact orders from tearing your family apart while we build your defense.
Drug Crimes: From possession to manufacture and delivery, we scrutinize police conduct for 4th Amendment violations.
Retail Fraud: Whether it’s an incident at a local Holland retailer or a Grand Haven shop, we work to keep convictions off your permanent record.
Expungements: We help Ottawa County residents clear their records to secure better jobs and housing.
Do not walk into an Ottawa County courtroom alone. The prosecution has a head start—it’s time for you to fight back.
Call Attorney Shawn Haff Today: (616) 438-6719 Available 24/7 for Emergencies Website: Criminal Defense Law Center of West Michigan
“Shawn Haff was with my son every step of the way in Hudsonville. He got my son a great deal and was the best investment I ever made.” — Satisfied Client
Top Ottawa County Criminal Defense Lawyers — Why You Should Choose Shawn Haff Over a Court-Appointed Attorney
If you’ve been charged with a crime in Ottawa County, Michigan, you cannot afford to risk your future with a court-appointed lawyer who may be overwhelmed, inexperienced, or unable to give your case the attention it deserves. In fact, the Ottawa County court-appointed lawyer system has been ranked as one of the worst in Michigan, leaving countless people without the strong defense they desperately need.
Instead of gambling with your freedom, trust Ottawa County Criminal Defense Attorney Shawn Haff and his highly experienced legal team. They are known throughout West Michigan for delivering exceptional results, personalized service, and aggressive courtroom defense.
Q: Where will my case be heard in Ottawa County? A: Ottawa County has three locations for the 58th District Court: Grand Haven, Holland, and Hudsonville. These courts handle traffic tickets, misdemeanors, and the start of felony cases. If you are facing a serious felony charge, your case will eventually move to the 20th Circuit Court in Grand Haven. Shawn Haff is an expert in all Ottawa County courtrooms and knows the specific tendencies of the local judges and the Prosecutor’s office.
Q: I was arrested for a DUI in Holland. Can I keep my driver’s license? A: A DUI or Drunk Driving arrest is an emergency for your driving privileges. While a paper permit is usually issued, you may face a long-term suspension if you refused a chemical test. As the Best Ottawa County Criminal Defense Lawyer, Shawn Haff aggressively challenges the stop and the evidence to protect your license. We also move with urgency to see if you qualify for the Sobriety Treatment Program, which can sometimes provide a path to a restricted license even after multiple offenses.
Q: What is the “Recovery Court” in Grand Haven? A: The Ottawa County Recovery Court (OCRC) is an intensive program for those facing non-violent felony charges related to substance abuse. It focuses on rehabilitation rather than just jail time. Because this program requires a guilty plea and strict compliance, you need the best West Michigan attorney around Shawn Haff to review your case first and ensure that entering a specialty court is actually in your best legal interest.
Q: Can Shawn Haff help me with a Domestic Violence charge in Hudsonville? A: Yes. Domestic Violence cases in Ottawa County often result in immediate “No-Contact” orders that can kick you out of your home. Shawn Haff acts as your professional shield, working to get those orders modified so you can see your family while we build a defense to challenge the allegations. We move with a professional sense of urgency to ensure that a single heated moment or false accusation does not ruin your life.
Q: How does Ottawa County handle Retail Fraud or Shoplifting? A: Retail centers like those in Holland and Grand Haven have aggressive loss prevention teams. Retail Fraud is a “crime of dishonesty” that can stop you from getting a job. Shawn Haff, the best criminal defense attorney in Ottawa County, works tirelessly to negotiate for diversions or dismissals that keep these theft convictions off your permanent public record.
Shawn and his Ottawa County Criminal Defense Lawyers consistently outperform the public defender system. Clients receive dedicated attention, strategic planning, and relentless advocacy—something you cannot guarantee with a court-appointed attorney.
Get immediate guidance and an honest assessment of your case from a top-rated Ottawa County criminal defense attorney.
Criminal cases in Ottawa County are handled by the 58th District Court and the 20th Circuit Court, depending on the severity of the charge.
The 58th District Court has three locations:
58th District Court – Grand Haven
414 Washington Avenue, Grand Haven, MI 49417
58th District Court – Holland
85 West 8th Street, Holland, MI 49423
58th District Court – Hudsonville
3100 Port Sheldon Road, Hudsonville, MI 49426
District Court Judges include:
Judge Knoll – Holland
Judge Bocanegra – Holland
Judge Bunce – Grand Haven
Judge Mulder – Hudsonville
20th Circuit Court – Trial Division
414 Washington Avenue, Suite 300
Grand Haven, MI 49417
Criminal cases are primarily handled by:
Judge Jon H. Hulsing
Judge Miedema
Judge Hulsing is widely respected for fairness. Judge Miedema, formerly of the Prosecutor’s Office, is known for professionalism and reasonable handling of cases.
Ottawa County offers a voluntary Adult Drug Treatment Court (ADTC) for non-violent felony drug and alcohol offenses. Judge Mark Feyen oversees this program, which boasts a 70% graduation rate and accepts up to 35 participants at a time.
Shawn’s client avoided a criminal record after prosecutors initially refused any offer. After two hard-fought pretrials, Shawn convinced the prosecutor to allow a civil infraction, letting the client walk out free and without a conviction.
A client facing prison time for drug charges—despite multiple prior convictions—walked away with only a fine and no probation. Judge Hulsing acknowledged the defense’s extensive preparation and the client’s progress, leading to a life-changing result.
Ottawa County prosecutors frequently designate certain cases as policy cases, meaning no plea offers are allowed—even for first-time offenders with strong careers and clean records.
Shawn recently handled an OWI case in Holland where the prosecutor refused to offer a reduction, despite the client’s spotless history and job requiring daily driving. Meanwhile, the same office allowed a defendant in a fatal crash to plead to a 93-day misdemeanor.
This inconsistency is exactly why you need a skilled Ottawa County Criminal Defense Lawyer fighting for you.
Simple assault is a 93-day misdemeanor. Using a weapon can escalate charges to serious felonies with prison time.
Penalties escalate quickly:
1st offense: 93 days
2nd offense: One year
3rd offense: Felony
A skilled Ottawa County domestic violence attorney can negotiate diversion options.
Ottawa County judges often impose harsh penalties. Even minor drug possession cases can lead to jail, loss of driving privileges, or long-term consequences.
Drunk driving convictions stay on your record for life in Michigan. Ottawa County imposes heavy fines, license sanctions, and possible jail time.
Charges like shoplifting, breaking and entering, identity theft, and credit card fraud are taken very seriously and often prosecuted aggressively.
Penalties are severe and often life-altering. Never face these allegations without a dedicated defense lawyer.
Nearly all convictions result in prison sentences. These cases require the highest level of defense skill and discretion.
Population: 263,000+
Majority demographic: Approximately 90% Caucasian
Highly family-oriented region with 80,000+ households with children
High number of seasonal residents due to Lake Michigan shoreline
Ranked the second-healthiest county in Michigan
Median household income: $53,000
Only 5.5% of residents live in poverty
Your freedom matters. Your future matters. And the attorney you choose matters more than anything else.
Don’t settle for a court-appointed lawyer. Get the aggressive, experienced defense you deserve.
📞 Call Ottawa County Criminal Defense Attorney Shawn Haff today for a free case strategy session!
Judges Hulsing and Miedema handle most of the criminal cases in Ottawa County. Judge Hulsing is a fair Judge and treats everyone in his courtroom with respect. Judge Miedema was recently elected as Judge, replacing Judge Post who retired. Judge Miedema used to be a member of the Ottawa County Prosecutor’s office. She has been reasonable and respectable to those in front of her courtroom.
Ottawa County has an Adult Drug Treatment Court. The Judge who is in charge of this Court is Mark Feyan. The court is a voluntary one. It has an intensive program of probation that takes in defendants who are residents of Ottawa County. People who are taken into this intensive probation are those who are convicted of non-violence drug/alcohol felonies in the 20th Circuit Court of Ottawa County.
The ADTC has been open since 2005. The Adult Drug Treatment court has accepted over 250 people. It proudly states that it has a 70 percent graduation rate. The ADTC is able to have 35 participants at one time and takes at least 18 months to complete. This court is funded through grants from the Michigan State Court Administrative Office, Bureau of Justice Assistance, and the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.
March 2nd, 2025
My client was facing a misdemeanor charge in Hudsonville’s 58th district court. I vigorously defended him at the first pretrial conference. The prosecutor was not willing to make an offer. The prosecutor insisted my client plead guilty as charged.
When I go into the 58th district courthouse, I know I am going to have to fight if I am going to achieve victory in Hudsonville for my client. Since the prosecutor refused to make an offer, we set the case up for another pretrial conference. My Ottawa County Criminal Defense Attorneys and I always love fighting for our clients in the district and circuit courts located in Holland, Grand Haven and Hudsonville.
At the second pretrial conference, I again fought hard for my client. After making my case to the prosecutor, she agreed to let me client admit responsibility to a civil infraction! My client was thrilled that he walked out of court a free man without a criminal record. I left feeling great knowing that I had gained victory in Hudsonville —- something that is not easy to do!
May 27th, 2024
My client was facing prison time after being arrested on drug charges. My client had numerous prior felony and misdemeanor convictions. It is hard to get when your client has that kind of criminal background.
My client has a mom who cares deeply about him. She was willing to work with me every step of the way to get results for her son in circuit court. I spent a lot of time e-mailing my client’s mom, working with probation officers and social workers throughout this case.
The case was in front of Judge Jon H. Hulsing in the Ottawa County Circuit court. Judge Hulsing was fair and impressed with all the work his mother and I had done to make sure my client wouldn’t get into trouble anymore. Judge Hulsing only fined my client! My client didn’t do any jail time and was not put on probation! My client and his mom were thrilled!
As you can see, Shawn and his Ottawa County Criminal Defense Attorneys know how to get results!
Defense attorneys are constantly running into issues with Ottawa County policy cases. Their Prosecutors refuse to make offers on certain criminal charges. These Ottawa County policy cases cause a lot of harm to good people who make a mistake and should get a break.
I recently had a OWI case at Holland district court. My client is a good man who has never been in trouble before in his life. He has an outstanding job making 70k a year. His job requires him to be able to drive around for work. He travels out of state to fix machinery. If he has an OWI conviction on his record, he will no longer have this job.
I pointed these facts out to the Ottawa County prosecutor and they refused to offer my client an impaired driving. I appealed this up to the head of the office and he politely informed me that this was one of those policy cases and they would not make an impaired driving offer.
This same office allowed someone who killed a minority in an automobile accident to plea her charges down to a 93 day misdemeanor. I encourage the Ottawa County Prosecutors office to reconsider their policy cases and be more realistic when it comes to certain cases. It’s the right thing to do! As you can see, the prosecutors in this county are very difficult to deal with. This is why you need to hire me and my team of Ottawa County Criminal Defense Attorneys in order to get you the best results possible.
“Battery” is a deliberately touching a person (or something closely attached to said person) that is offensive or harmful to that individual. Assault is when a person performs an act that leads someone to conclude a battery will be imminent. There are several categories of assaults under Michigan law. The lowest form of assault is simply assault and battery which is a 93 day misdemeanor. If a weapon is used, a person could be charged with a felony crime which could lead to prison time.
Domestic Violence is very similar to an assault and battery charge. A difference between the two charges is that the prosecutor must prove there is a domestic relationship between the person charged and the victim of the crime. but the prosecuting attorney must also establish that the parties were in a “domestic relationship.” The maximum punishment for this crime is 93 days in jail. If you get charged with a second offense domestic violence you will face up to one year in jail and if you get charged with a third offense you are facing a felony charge which carries with it possible prison time. This charge also has a specific diversion program that a skilled attorney can get for you under certain circumstances.
If you are facing drug charges in Ottawa County, you are facing potential jail or prison time and the loss of your driving license. Michigan courts consider drug crimes to be serious crimes and love hammering people with jail and prison sentences. You need an outstanding attorney on your side to avoid these kind of negative consequences to your life. Drug crime sentences are dependent on the narcotic possessed and how much of the specific narcotic possessed. I have even seen a judge give a kid 4 months in jail for simple possession of marijuana.
DUI/OWI is a charge that can have a life long impact. These charges stay on a person’s record for life. You are not allowed to expunge these charges for as long as you live under current Michigan law. If you are convicted of an OWI you will most likely be hit with steep fines, higher insurance rates, driving classes, and community service. You are also at risk for jail. A person arrested for drunk driving in Michigan face a license suspension, vehicle immobilization, and numerous points on their license. Any of these things will have a major negative impact on your future.
Common theft crimes involve burglary, robbery, shoplifting, identity theft, armed robbery, carjacking and auto theft. This crime is where one person takes another person’s property without their permission and with the intent keep the property.
Burglary is also known as “breaking and entering.” Burglary refers to illegally entering a home or other building with the intent to engage in theft or other crimes. Burglary could be charged in the first-degree or second-degree depending upon the circumstances of the case. A first degree and second degree burglary charge are both felonies.
Some types of fraud include identity theft, uttering and publishing (commonly known as passing bad checks), credit card fraud and false pretenses with intent to defraud. We have seen people get hammered time after time for committing this crime. Do not face these charges alone.
Child abuse is allegation which could dramatically affect the life of the accused and their family. In Michigan, child abuse is broken down into four separate degrees. First degree child abuse is a felony. Second degree child abuse is a felony. Third degree child abuse is also a felony. Local prosecutors take these offenses very seriously. Do not face these charges alone or you could be facing a long prison sentence!
Child pornography is a crime which involves children engaging in sexual acts. The Michigan Penal Code doesn’t makes it a criminal offense to possess, distribute, produce, or finance “child sexually abusive material.” A conviction of being in possession of child pornography almost always results in a prison sentence. The length of the prison sentence is determined by a person’s prior record, how many images were possessed and if a person was producing material or simply just in possession.
According to the most recent census, Ottawa County had over 263,000 people in it. The vast majority of these people were Caucasian. (90%) Over 80,000 house holds had children living in the house who were under the age of 18. The vast majority of couples living in Ottawa County were married.
Ottawa County has a lot of seasonal residents during the summer. Since Ottawa County is on beautiful Lake Michigan, it has a ton of lakefront homes and retreats that are summer getaways for people in Detroit, Chicago and Grand Rapids. There are no official statistics on seasonal residents.
According to the Robert Wood foundation, Ottawa County is the second-healthiest county in Michigan. The only other county that ranks higher is Traverse City.
The median income for all households in Ottawa County is 53,000. Males averaged an income of 42,180 while females earned 27,706. Only 5.5% of the Ottawa County is considered to be living in poverty.
Which Ottawa County court will handle my criminal case?
Criminal cases in Ottawa County are primarily distributed among three locations of the 58th District Court. If you were arrested in Grand Haven, West Olive, or Spring Lake, your case will likely be at the Grand Haven location (414 Washington Ave). For incidents in Holland or Zeeland, proceedings occur at the Holland location (85 W. 8th St), while cases in Hudsonville, Jenison, or Georgetown Township are heard at the Hudsonville location (3100 Port Sheldon Rd). Serious felonies that proceed past the preliminary stage are moved to the 20th Circuit Court in Grand Haven. Hire the best west Michigan attorney around Shawn Haff right away to ensure you have a defender who knows the specific nuances of each Ottawa County courtroom.
What are the judges like in the Ottawa County 58th District Court?
Ottawa County judges, including Chief Judge Craig Bunce and Judges Bradley Knoll, Juanita Bocanegra, and others, are known for running efficient and strict courtrooms. They expect professional urgency and a thorough understanding of Michigan law. Because each judge has different tendencies regarding bond conditions and sentencing, you cannot afford a “general practice” lawyer. Shawn Haff has extensive experience appearing before these judges and understands how to frame your defense to achieve the most favorable outcome in their specific courtrooms.
I was arrested for a “Super Drunk” OWI in Holland; what are the risks?
A “High BAC” or Super Drunk charge (.17 BAC or higher) in Ottawa County is treated with extreme gravity. You face up to 180 days in jail, thousands in fines, and a mandatory 45-day “hard” license suspension followed by 320 days of ignition interlock restrictions. For residents of Zeeland or Holland who commute for work, this is a catastrophe. Shawn Haff is a powerhouse OWI defender who immediately challenges Datamaster calibration records and officer protocols to fight for a reduction to a standard OWI or a full dismissal.
Can Shawn Haff defend against Criminal Sexual Conduct (CSC) charges in Grand Haven?
Yes. CSC allegations in Ottawa County are life-altering and often handled in the 20th Circuit Court. These cases require a sophisticated, shield-like defense because the social stigma in Ottawa County can be overwhelming. Shawn Haff provides a fearless, professional defense that focuses on uncovering the truth and protecting your constitutional rights against overzealous prosecution. We move with total urgency to preserve your reputation and your freedom.
Why is it critical to hire a lawyer immediately after an Ottawa County arrest?
The Ottawa County Prosecutor’s Office is highly organized and begins building its case the moment a police report is filed. If you wait until your arraignment to hire counsel, you have already lost valuable time. Shawn Haff moves with professional urgency to secure bodycam footage, witness statements, and electronic evidence before they disappear. Hiring Shawn Haff right away puts a titan in your corner to push back against the state and take control of your legal future.
Copyright 2025