Douglas Criminal Defense Attorney
The City of the Village of Douglas sits right beside Saugatuck on the Kalamazoo River and Lake Michigan shore — a resort community whose summer population dwarfs its year-round size. The charges here follow the same seasonal rhythm. I'm Shawn Haff, and I defend people charged with crimes throughout Douglas and Allegan County. If you have been arrested or you know you are under investigation, the smartest move you can make is to talk to a defense lawyer before you talk to anyone else. The call is free, and I'm available 24/7 at 616-438-6719.
Where Your Douglas Case Will Be Heard
Douglas cases go to the 57th District Court in Allegan for misdemeanors and the early stages of a felony, with felony trials at the Allegan County 48th Circuit Court in Allegan. I appear in both.
Charges I Defend in Douglas
I handle the full range of criminal cases in and around Douglas, including:
- OWI / drunk driving and repeat-offense OWI
- Domestic violence and assault charges
- Drug crimes — possession, delivery, and manufacturing
- Marijuana charges over the legal limit or with intent to deliver
- Retail fraud, larceny, and other theft crimes
- Criminal sexual conduct and other felonies
- Weapons and firearm charges
- Probation violations and expungement to clear an old record
Why Local Experience Matters
Summer on the lakeshore means OWI and boating-under-the-influence stops, minor-in-possession and open-container tickets, disorderly conduct, and theft allegations. Whether you live in Douglas or were just visiting, I fight to protect your record and keep one incident from following you home.
I don't just show up and take a plea. I read the police reports, watch the bodycam and dashcam footage, test whether the stop and any search were legal, and look for the constitutional problems that can get evidence thrown out — and cases dismissed. When trial is the right answer, I'm ready to try it. When a deferral, diversion, or reduction is the better outcome, I know how to get it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which court handles a Douglas charge?
The 57th District Court in Allegan for misdemeanors and felony arraignments, and the 48th Circuit Court in Allegan for felonies.
Can a boating-under-the-influence charge be beaten?
Often, yes. BUI cases turn on whether the stop was justified and whether the testing was done correctly — the same pressure points I use to fight a car OWI.
Talk to a Douglas 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. No receptionist, no voicemail, just a straight conversation about how to defend your case.