The Criminal Defense Law Center of
West Michigan
If you are facing criminal charges in Muskegon County, Michigan, the consequences can be devastating. A conviction for DUI, domestic violence, drug possession, or Criminal Sexual Conduct (CSC) can affect your freedom, your reputation, your job, and your entire future. When the stakes are this high, you need a criminal defense lawyer with experience, skill, and a proven record of winning difficult cases. Lawyer Shawn Haff has the best Muskegon County Criminal Defense Attorneys around!
Attorney Shawn Haff of the Criminal Defense Law Center of West Michigan has built a strong reputation across Muskegon County for aggressive, strategic, and effective criminal defense representation. If you are under investigation or have been charged with a crime in Muskegon, now is the time to act.
If you are facing criminal charges in the 60th District Court or the 14th Circuit Court, you must hire the Best Muskegon County Criminal Defense Lawyer Shawn Haff right away. Our firm moves with a professional sense of urgency to protect your rights, challenge the prosecution’s evidence, and secure your freedom in the Muskegon legal system. Whether you are dealing with a DUI, Drunk Driving, Retail Fraud, Shoplifting, Domestic Violence, or Criminal Sexual Conduct, you need the premier defense powerhouse in West Michigan in your corner. From the shores of Muskegon Lake to the streets of Roosevelt Park, Shawn Haff is recognized as the best criminal defense attorney in Muskegon County, and he knows exactly what it takes to win against the aggressive tactics of local prosecutors. Don’t leave your future to chance; hire the best immediately.
📞 Call 616-438-6719 right now for a free case strategy session.
The call is free—your freedom is not.
Muskegon County law enforcement and prosecutors are known for pushing hard in criminal cases. The sooner you hire an experienced defense attorney, the better your chances of avoiding harsh penalties or even preventing charges altogether.
Attorney Shawn Haff defends clients throughout Muskegon County, including Muskegon, Muskegon Heights, Norton Shores, Montague, Whitehall, Twin Lake, and Roosevelt Park. Whether you are facing a misdemeanor or a serious felony, retaining legal counsel early can:
Protect your constitutional rights
Prevent police overreach
Influence charging decisions
Strengthen your defense strategy
Decrease the risk of jail time
Preserve evidence and witness testimony
Q: Where will my criminal case be heard in Muskegon County? A: If you are charged with a misdemeanor or are having a preliminary examination for a felony, your case will be heard in the 60th District Court located at the Michael E. Kobza Hall of Justice in downtown Muskegon. Serious felony trials, including Criminal Sexual Conduct and high-level Drug Offenses, are moved to the 14th Judicial Circuit Court. Shawn Haff is a constant presence in both courtrooms and knows the local procedures required to win.
Q: I was arrested for a DUI in Norton Shores. What happens to my license? A: In Michigan, an OWI arrest usually results in the immediate destruction of your plastic license and the issuance of a paper permit (the DI-177). If you refused a chemical test, you face an automatic one-year suspension. You must hire the best West Michigan attorney around Shawn Haff right away to file a petition with the Circuit Court to fight for your driving privileges.
Q: Can I get my charges dismissed in Muskegon if the police didn’t read me my rights? A: Not necessarily. “Miranda Rights” only apply to statements made during a custodial interrogation. However, as the Best Muskegon County Criminal Defense Lawyer, Shawn Haff specializes in finding other constitutional violations. If the Muskegon County Sheriff conducted an illegal search of your car or house without a warrant, we can move to suppress that evidence, which often leads to a full dismissal of charges.
Q: What is the “Regional Sobriety Court” and can I use it in Muskegon? A: Muskegon has various specialty courts designed to help individuals with substance abuse issues avoid jail time. If you are facing a Drunk Driving or Drug Possession charge, we explore every specialized program available. We move with a professional sense of urgency to determine if you qualify for these programs, which can often save your career and keep you out of the Muskegon County Jail.
Q: How serious are Retail Fraud charges in Muskegon? A: Extremely serious. Prosecutors in the 60th District Court treat Shoplifting and Retail Fraud as “crimes of dishonesty.” A conviction can prevent you from getting a job for decades. Shawn Haff, the best criminal defense attorney in Muskegon County, works to negotiate these down to “non-theft” offenses or entry into diversion programs that keep your public record clean.
Below are the key areas where Shawn Haff delivers powerful and effective legal representation.
DUI and OWI charges are among the most common criminal cases in Muskegon County—but they are also among the most aggressively prosecuted. A conviction can result in:
Driver’s license suspension
Jail time
Heavy fines
Probation
Ignition interlock devices
Higher insurance rates
Permanent criminal record
Attorney Shawn Haff knows how to attack every part of a DUI case, including:
Illegal traffic stops
Incorrectly administered field sobriety tests
Faulty breathalyzer or blood-test results
Violations of constitutional rights
Lack of probable cause
With the right strategy, DUI charges can often be reduced—or dropped altogether.
Domestic violence charges in Muskegon County move quickly—and can lead to immediate consequences such as:
No-contact orders
Removal from your home
Loss of firearm rights
Jail time
Damage to your reputation
Custody or divorce complications
Attorney Shawn Haff understands how emotionally charged these cases can be. Many domestic violence charges stem from:
False accusations
Misunderstandings
Exaggerated claims
Arguments that escalated
Retaliation during breakups
Shawn works to expose weaknesses in the prosecution’s case, keep charges off your record, and protect your future.
Criminal Sexual Conduct is one of the most serious charges in Michigan. A conviction can result in:
Mandatory prison
Lifetime sex offender registration
Loss of employment
Reputation devastation
Police and prosecutors often assume guilt before investigating fully. You need a defense lawyer with experience in:
False allegations
Cases involving minors
Internet crimes and sting operations
Lack of physical evidence
Witness credibility challenges
If you are being investigated for CSC in Muskegon County, do not speak to police before speaking to an attorney. One wrong sentence can destroy your entire case.
Call Shawn Haff immediately.
Drug charges can have severe penalties depending on the type and amount of the substance, including:
Jail or prison
Probation
Loss of driving privileges
Heavy fines
Lifetime criminal record
Shawn defends individuals charged with:
Possession
Possession with intent to deliver
Delivery/manufacturing
Prescription drug offenses
Marijuana and controlled substance crimes
Meth, heroin, fentanyl, cocaine, and more
Drug cases often involve illegal searches and seizures. If police violated your rights, Shawn will work to suppress evidence and fight for dismissal.
Handles:
Misdemeanors (up to 1 year in jail)
Preliminary exams for felony cases
Handles:
Felonies
CSC charges
Major drug cases
Criminal appeals
Attorney Shawn Haff appears regularly in both courts and understands the local legal landscape, judges, prosecutors, and procedures—giving you a strategic advantage.
Representing Muskegon clients in high-stakes criminal cases.
From DUI and domestic violence to CSC and felony drug cases.
Shawn fights hard from day one to protect your rights.
Local experience matters—and Shawn uses it to your benefit.
You’ll always know what is happening with your case.
Anything you say can be used against you—even if you are innocent.
Early legal intervention can prevent charges.
Protect your rights before it’s too late.
📞 Call 616-438-6719 for a free case strategy session.
You deserve a criminal defense lawyer who takes your case seriously and fights aggressively for the best possible outcome. Whether you are facing DUI charges, domestic violence allegations, CSC investigation, or drug crimes in Muskegon County, Attorney Shawn Haff is ready to stand by your side.
Don’t wait. Don’t risk your future.
Call now.
📞 616-438-6719 – Free Consultation 24/7
Misdemeanor criminal matters having the potential for a jail term of less than one year are handled by various district courts located throughout Muskegon County. High court misdemeanors and felony cases in Muskegon County are actually handled by the 14th Circuit Court. Additionally, the Circuit Court hears criminal appeals, including District Court appeals and administrative driver’s license appeals. The Muskegon County Courthouse is located at:
| COURTS DIRECTORY | |
|---|---|
| COURT | JUDICIAL STAFF |
| Muskegon County, 14th Circuit Court 990 Terrace Muskegon, MI 49442 (231) 724-6251 | Hon. Timothy G. Hicks Hon. Annette R. Smedley Hon. William C. Marietti Hon. Gregory C. Pittman |
| 60th District Court 990 Terrace Street Muskegon, MI 49442 (231) 724-6283 | Hon. Maria Ladas HoopesHon. Michael J. Nolan Hon. Harold F. Closz Hon. Andrew Wierengo |
Misdemeanor criminal matters having the potential for a jail term of less than one year are handled by various district courts located throughout Muskegon County. High court misdemeanors and felony cases in Muskegon County are actually handled by the 14th Circuit Court. Additionally, the Circuit Court hears criminal appeals, including District Court appeals and administrative driver’s license appeals. The Muskegon County Courthouse is located at:
| COURTS DIRECTORY | |
|---|---|
| COURT | JUDICIAL STAFF |
| Muskegon County, 14th Circuit Court 990 Terrace Muskegon, MI 49442 (231) 724-6251 | Hon. Timothy G. Hicks Hon. Annette R. Smedley Hon. William C. Marietti Hon. Gregory C. Pittman |
| 60th District Court 990 Terrace Street Muskegon, MI 49442 (231) 724-6283 | Hon. Maria Ladas HoopesHon. Michael J. Nolan Hon. Harold F. Closz Hon. Andrew Wierengo |
October, 2024
Client was facing two serious misdemeanor charges. I fought hard for him and was able to get one of the charges dropped. My client walked out with only fines and costs. No probation! No Jail! Very happy client!
September, 2024 A client was facing life in prison for serious criminal sexual conduct charges. We worked our tails off to get him an offer that called for a greatly reduced sentence.
July, 2024
A man was charged with a felony charge related to marijuana. The Muskegon County prosecutor’s played hardball the whole time. The Muskegon prosecutor’s office claimed they were going to file additional charges if the man didn’t plead guilty as charged.
Thankfully, we didn’t allow our client to break to the pressure from the Muskegon County prosecutor’s office. We filed a motion to suppress evidence. Sadly, that motion was denied and it was a huge blow to our case. We kept fighting. We set the case up for a trial and showed up for trial ready to fight for our client. On the day of trial, the prosecutor’s office finally offered to drop the felony charges! Our client was extremely pleased with the results!
April, 2025
Our Client was charged with a DUI. We got him a good plea deal that allowed him to get the charges reduced to operating while impaired. Client was very happy with the results and went home a free man
Copyright 2025 The Criminal Defense Law Center of West Michigan