Lead Attorney
Criminal defense — exclusively — in courtrooms across West Michigan.
- 16 years focused on criminal defense
- over 30 years combined office experience
- 1,500+ cases handled
- 3,000+ hearings argued
- ~95% favorable outcome rate
- State Bar of Michigan — active
- Available 24/7 — direct cell
When you’re facing criminal charges, the attorney standing next to you in the courtroom changes everything. I handle criminal defense — and only criminal defense. That focus is what sets my office apart. I work with a small team of trusted attorneys when the caseload demands it, but every client’s strategy starts with me, and I stay involved from start to finish. You’ll never be handed off to a junior associate who doesn’t know your name.
Why Shawn Haff
Plenty of lawyers will take your money and steer you toward the nearest plea. Here’s what makes working with me different.
You get me — not a junior associate
Every strategy starts with me, and I stay on your case from start to finish. You’ll never be passed off to someone you’ve never met.
A former prosecutor’s-office insider
I’ve worked inside a prosecutor’s office and at high-profile West Michigan firms. I know exactly how the other side builds a case — and how to take it apart.
I’m not afraid to go to trial
While others push a quick plea, I prepare every case for trial. I’ve won not-guilty verdicts on domestic violence and drug charges and had a criminal sexual conduct charge dismissed at trial.
My personal cell — 24/7
As soon as you hire me, you get my personal cell number. Not an answering service. Me, day or night.
Respected by the bench and the bar
Most judges and prosecutors know me by name, and other defense attorneys call me for advice on their toughest cases.
Straight talk and flat fees
I’ll tell you the honest truth about where you stand. Flat fees, no hidden costs, and payment plans are available.
About Shawn Haff
I have been a lifelong resident of West Michigan. I graduated from Hudsonville High School in 1993 and went on to Grand Valley State University, where I earned two bachelor’s degrees — Political Science and Legal Studies, with a minor in History. While at GVSU, I served on the Student Senate and made the Dean’s List regularly. Seeing so many injustices within our political and judicial systems, I felt driven to attend law school.
At Thomas M. Cooley Law School I was trained on how to become a tough criminal defense lawyer. I received an Honors Scholarship and a Certification in Litigation, made the Dean’s List numerous times, was actively involved in many student activities, and earned my Juris Doctor in 2000.
I have honed my legal skills at a local prosecutor’s office, at high-profile West Michigan law firms, and from handling hundreds of criminal cases. I believe in treating my clients with respect and dignity, and I fight for my clients’ rights all the time. My legal skills have been proven in court, where I have an excellent track record in criminal jury trials. Over the course of my career, I have personally participated in more than 3,000 court hearings across West Michigan — the kind of day-in, day-out courtroom experience that can’t be faked.
I am a contrarian by nature and I enjoy taking on the government. I have a healthy skepticism of law enforcement — and that will be evident when I cross-examine the officer who arrested you or raided your house.
Away from the courtroom, I live with my wife in Jenison, Michigan. We love to follow the Detroit Tigers and Lions, and we enjoy fishing on Michigan’s great lakes.
Education & Credentials
- Thomas M. Cooley Law School — Juris Doctor, 2000. Honors Scholarship; Certification in Litigation; Dean’s List.
- Grand Valley State University — B.A. Political Science and B.A. Legal Studies (minor in History), 1998. Student Senate; Dean’s List.
- Hudsonville High School — Class of 1993.
- State Bar of Michigan — Active member (Michigan bar).
- Grand Rapids Bar Association — Member.
- Focus areas of practice: Litigation and Domestic Violence.
Courts Where I Appear
I am in West Michigan courtrooms constantly, and most judges and prosecutors know me by name. Courts where I regularly appear include:
- 63rd District Court — Grand Rapids
- 17th Circuit Court — Kent County
- Kentwood District Court
- Wyoming District Court
- Grandville & Walker District Courts
- Hudsonville District Court
- Holland District Court
- Allegan County District Court
- Barry County District Court
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.
Awards & Recognition
- Top 100Society of Criminal Defense Lawyers
- Top 100 LawyersAmerican Society of Legal Advocates
- Rising StarSuper Lawyers
- Top 20 Lawyers, Grand RapidsSuper Lawyers
- 6 Best Criminal Defense Lawyers, Grand RapidsExpertise.com
- Clients' Choice & Top ContributorAvvo
- Top 10 Under 40 / Top 40 Under 40American Society of Legal Advocates
- Top 40 Under 40National Academy of Criminal Defense Attorneys
- Best of the Best — Top Criminal Defense LawyerNational Academy of Criminal Defense Attorneys
Shawn is also highly rated on Avvo, Lawyers.com, and Google, and other attorneys regularly call him for advice on difficult cases.
In the Media & the Community
Shawn has been featured in West Michigan media, including:
- Wood Radio
- WZZM TV
- Fox News Grand Rapids (2024)
He was the featured keynote speaker at “A Night of Professionals” in 2022, 2023, 2024, and 2025. Beyond the courtroom, Shawn stays active in his community — in local government in Georgetown Township, in his church, and by mentoring youth. He has also handled cases pro bono and at reduced rates for people who needed help.
What I Handle
I focus exclusively on criminal defense. My practice centers on the charges I defend most often across West Michigan:
- Domestic violence — a core focus of my practice
- Felony charges of all kinds
- OWI / DUI defense
- Retail fraud & theft crimes
- Drug charges
- Criminal sexual conduct
See real outcomes on my case results page — including not-guilty verdicts at trial on domestic violence and drug charges, a criminal sexual conduct charge dismissed at trial, and a retail fraud client a prior lawyer said would go to prison who never spent a day in jail.
How I Work With Clients
I assure my clients that we will get through their case together, and that I will be their empathetic defender every step of the way. Here’s what that looks like in practice:
- Free consultation — up to 30 minutes, and I prefer to meet with you in my office.
- My personal cell number — I give it to every client as soon as they hire me.
- Available 24/7 — not an answering service. Me.
- Flat fees, no hidden costs — and payment plans are an option.
- You get me — I personally handle your case from start to finish.
Talk to Shawn Directly
Every consultation is free. No pressure — just honest answers about your case. Call me now at 616-438-6719, email attorneyshawnhaff@gmail.com, or contact me online. I’ll tell you exactly where you stand and what I can do about it.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much experience does the firm have?
Attorney Shawn Haff has personally focused on criminal defense for 16 years, and together with the attorneys he works alongside, his office brings over 30 years of combined West Michigan courtroom experience, has handled over 1,500 criminal defense cases, and Shawn has personally participated in more than 3,000 court hearings. Shawn develops the strategy on every case and stays involved from start to finish.
What is Shawn Haff’s educational background?
Shawn earned two bachelor’s degrees from Grand Valley State University — Political Science and Legal Studies, with a minor in History — where he served on Student Senate and made the Dean’s List. He earned his Juris Doctor from Thomas M. Cooley Law School in 2000 on an Honors Scholarship, with a Certification in Litigation. He is an active member of the State Bar of Michigan and the Grand Rapids Bar Association.
Does Shawn Haff handle federal cases?
Shawn concentrates his practice in Michigan state courts across West Michigan. If your matter belongs in federal court, he can help point you toward the right resource.
Is the consultation really free?
Yes. Shawn offers a free initial consultation of up to 30 minutes, and he prefers to meet with you in his office. Once you hire him, he gives you his personal cell phone number and is available 24/7. The firm works on flat fees with no hidden costs, and payment plans are available.