Delton Criminal Defense Attorney
Delton is an unincorporated community in Barry Township, in the middle of Barry County's lake country — a scatter of inland lakes, cottages, and a year-round population that is a fraction of what shows up in July. I am Shawn Haff, and I defend people charged with crimes throughout Delton and Barry County. If you have been arrested, or you know you are under investigation, talk to a defense lawyer before you talk to anyone else. The call is free and I am available 24/7 at 616-438-6719.
Where Your Delton Case Will Be Heard
Delton cases are handled by the 56B District Court at 206 W Court St in Hastings, with felonies tried at the 5th Circuit Court in the Barry County Courthouse, 220 W State St. They are two separate buildings, so check the address on your notice rather than the name of the court.
Knowing the building is the easy part. What matters is knowing how that particular bench handles a first offense, which prosecutor has room to negotiate, and what the local diversion options actually are — see my 56B District Court page for how these cases run.
The Charges I See Most in Delton
This is lake country, and the calendar drives the caseload. Between Memorial Day and Labor Day the population multiplies, and with it come boating-under-the-influence cases, minor in possession at lakeside gatherings, disorderly conduct, and OWI stops on M-43 and the two-lanes running between the lakes. Off-season it reverts to the ordinary charges of a rural township.
- Boating under the influence on the Barry County lakes, charged under MCL 324.80176 at the same 0.08 threshold that applies on the road
- Furnishing alcohol to a minor — the charge that follows a lake party where the host was not the one drinking
- OWI and drunk driving on M-43 and the lake roads
- Minor in possession, open intoxicant, and disorderly conduct at seasonal gatherings
- Drug crimes and marijuana charges over the legal limit
- Domestic violence and assault
- Theft from cottages, docks, boats, and vehicles left overnight
What Is Actually at Stake
The charge that surprises people here is the one against the adult who was not drinking. A cottage full of teenagers produces complaints, complaints produce a deputy at the door, and Michigan holds the person who furnished or knowingly allowed the alcohol responsible — whether or not they supplied it themselves, and whether or not they were even in the room. Whether you actually knew, and what you did about it, is a factual question, not a foregone conclusion.
What to Do Next
If deputies come to the door about a gathering, you are not required to let them in without a warrant and you are not required to narrate the evening. Say who you are, decline to discuss the rest, and call before anyone gives a statement about who bought what.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is a Delton case heard?
At the 56B District Court, 206 W Court St, Hastings, for misdemeanors and felony arraignments, and at the 5th Circuit Court in the Barry County Courthouse, 220 W State St, for felonies. Note that those are two different buildings.
Is boating under the influence a real criminal charge?
Yes. Michigan charges BUI under MCL 324.80176 at a 0.08 blood alcohol level, the same threshold as driving. A first offense is a misdemeanor punishable by up to 93 days in jail, a $100 to $500 fine, and up to 45 days of community service, and it can suspend your right to operate a motorboat.
I live downstate and only come up in summer. Do I have to attend every hearing?
Not usually. As your attorney I can appear on your behalf for many routine dates, and I will tell you clearly which ones require you personally. What matters is arranging that in advance — missing a date without it produces a bench warrant, and that is far more disruptive than the drive.
Talk to a Delton Defense Lawyer Today
A criminal charge moves fast, and the first days matter most. Call me directly at 616-438-6719 for a free, confidential consultation — 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.