The Criminal Defense Law Center of
West Michigan

Meet Your Criminal Defense Attorneys

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616-438-6719

The Arrest Process: What You Need to Know

When you’re facing criminal charges, the attorney standing next to you in that courtroom changes everything. I’ve spent my entire career making sure I’m the attorney people want in their corner — not because of a fancy title, but because of what I’ve actually done in West Michigan courtrooms for over 25 years.

At the Criminal Defense Law Center of West Michigan, every case gets the attention it deserves. I handle criminal defense — and only criminal defense. That focus is what sets us apart. I work with a team of trusted attorneys when caseload demands it, but every client’s strategy starts with me.

Grand

Shawn James Haff

Lead Attorney

Education & Credentials:

  • Hudsonville High School, Class of 1993
  • Grand Valley State University — Bachelor of Arts in Political Science, Bachelor of Arts in Legal Studies (Student Senate, Dean’s List)
  • Thomas M. Cooley Law School — Juris Doctor, Honors Scholarship Recipient, Litigation Certification, Dean’s List
  • Michigan State Bar — Active Member
  • Practice Area: Criminal Defense (Exclusively)
  • Years in Practice: 25+
  • Documented Case Outcomes: 1,500+ criminal defense cases handled

My Background

I was born and raised in Grand Rapids. I went to Hudsonville High School, earned two bachelor’s degrees at Grand Valley State University, and got my law degree from Cooley Law School on an honors scholarship with a litigation certification. I’ve never left West Michigan — and I never plan to.

I’m a contrarian by nature. When a prosecutor tells me their case is airtight, I take that as a challenge. When the system pushes for a quick plea deal that doesn’t serve my client, I push back harder. That’s not a marketing pitch — it’s how our firm has built a track record spanning over 1,500 criminal defense cases.

Courts Where I Appear Regularly

I practice in courtrooms across West Michigan every single week. I know the judges, the prosecutors, and the procedures in each of these courts:

  • 63rd District Court — Grand Rapids
  • 61st District Court — Grand Rapids
  • 62A District Court and 62B District Court — Kentwood
  • 17th Circuit Court — Kent County
  • 59th District Court — Grandville/Walker
  • 58th District Court — Holland
  • 60th District Court — Grand Haven
  • 56B District Court — Hastings/Barry County
  • 57th District Court — Allegan
  • 64A District Court — Ionia
  • 7th District Court — Paw Paw/Van Buren County

When you walk into any of these courtrooms with me, we’re not walking in blind. I know how each court operates, what arguments resonate with specific judges, and how local prosecutors build their cases. That familiarity gives my clients a real advantage.

What I Handle

I focus exclusively on criminal defense: OWI/DUI charges, domestic violence, drug crimes, assault, theft, sex crimes, expungements, driver’s license restoration, and every other criminal charge that puts your freedom and future at risk.

Availability

I answer my phone 24/7. Not an answering service — me. When you’re sitting in a jail cell at 2 AM or you just got pulled over on a Friday night, you can reach me directly at 616-438-6719.

Our Team

I work with a small team of trusted, experienced attorneys who share my commitment to aggressive criminal defense. When caseload requires it, I bring in attorneys I’ve personally vetted and trained on my approach — but every case strategy starts with me, and I stay involved from start to finish. You’ll never be handed off to someone you’ve never met.

Why Choose the Criminal Defense Law Center of West Michigan?

Exclusive Focus:

We handle criminal defense and nothing else

Proven Track Record

1,500+ cases handled — documented acquittals, dismissals, and reductions

Local Knowledge:

We practice in courtrooms across Kent, Ottawa, Allegan, Barry, Ionia, Van Buren, and Newaygo counties

24/7 Availability

Call anytime — we answer

Free Consultations:

Every consultation is free. No pressure. Just honest answers about your case.

Call me now at 616-438-6719. The call is free. I’ll tell you exactly where you stand and what I can do about it. You can also visit our FAQ page or contact us online.

Call Shawn Now

Frequently Asked Questions

Lead attorney Shawn Haff has 25+ years of criminal defense experience, with over 1,500 cases handled across West Michigan. Shawn works with a small team of trusted attorneys when caseload requires it, but he personally develops the strategy for every case and stays involved from start to finish.

Yes. The Criminal Defense Law Center of West Michigan focuses exclusively on criminal defense — including OWI/DUI, domestic violence, drug crimes, assault, sex crimes, theft, expungements, and license restoration. This exclusive focus means the attorneys stay current on Michigan criminal law and defense strategies every day.

Yes. Since 2021, Michigan allows first-offense OWI convictions to be expunged after a waiting period. You must meet eligibility requirements and petition the court. Attorney Shawn Haff has a 100% success rate on expungement petitions and can evaluate whether your OWI qualifies for record clearing.

Yes. Shawn Haff is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Clients and potential clients can call him directly at 616-438-6719 at any time, including nights, weekends, and holidays. Every initial consultation is free with no obligation.

Shawn Haff earned two bachelor’s degrees from Grand Valley State University — in Political Science and Legal Studies — where he served on Student Senate and made the Dean’s List. He earned his Juris Doctor from Thomas M. Cooley Law School on an Honors Scholarship with a Litigation Certification, also making Dean’s List.