The Criminal Defense Law Center of
West Michigan
Facing criminal charges in Newaygo County, Michigan can be overwhelming. From DUI and drug offenses to robbery and other felony charges, your future, freedom, and reputation are at stake. You need an experienced, aggressive criminal defense attorney who knows the local courts and prosecutors. Attorney Shawn Haff and the team at The Criminal Defense Law Center of West Michigan have more than 25 years of experience successfully defending clients in Newaygo County criminal cases. Shawn and his team of Newaygo County Criminal Defense Attorneys get you the best results possible.
Shawn Haff is a highly respected Newaygo County criminal defense attorney. He has handled every type of misdemeanor and felony imaginable in the county, providing clients with results that most law firms can only hope to achieve. His team approaches every case with a customized strategy designed to protect your rights, minimize penalties, and, when possible, have charges reduced or dismissed entirely.
Misdemeanor cases with potential jail time under one year are handled in the Newaygo County District Courts, while felony cases and serious misdemeanors are tried in the 17th Circuit Court. The Circuit Court also hears criminal appeals, including appeals from district courts and administrative driver’s license matters.
Newaygo County includes communities such as Newaygo, White Cloud, Fremont, Grant, Bailey, and Bitely. The local prosecutor’s office is known for being aggressive, which makes hiring a skilled criminal defense attorney essential. Shawn and his team:
Offer a free case strategy session to discuss your options
Investigate the facts thoroughly using DNA analysis, polygraphs, and forensic accounting
Defend clients against DUI/OWI, drug charges, theft, robbery, sex crimes, juvenile offenses, and more
Build defense strategies tailored to your specific circumstances
If you are facing criminal charges in the 78th District Court or the 27th Circuit Court in White Cloud, you must hire the right away. Our firm moves with a professional sense of urgency to secure your release from the Newaygo County Jail and protect your future from the aggressive tactics of the Newaygo County Prosecutor. Whether you have been arrested for 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. Shawn Haff is recognized as the best criminal defense attorney in Newaygo County because he knows the local legal landscape from Fremont to Grant. We don’t just “handle” cases; we win them. Don’t leave your life in the hands of the government; hire the best immediately.
Newaygo County Courthouse
17th Circuit Court & District Courts
[Address not specified]
Hon. Robert D. Springstead – Circuit Court Judge, appointed 2017, former top prosecutor
Hon. Melissa Dykman – Chief Judge, Probate & Family Court Elected in 2019
Hon. Ellsworth J. Stay Jr. – 78th District Court Judge, appointed by Governor Whitmer in February of 2024.
The Circuit Court handles all felony charges, serious misdemeanors, family law matters, and appeals from lower courts. Judges in Newaygo County have wide discretion in sentencing, making experienced legal representation critical to protect your rights.
Attorney Shawn Haff has achieved numerous favorable outcomes for clients, including:
2025: Felony charges reduced to misdemeanors
2024: Drug charges dismissed entirely
2022: Multiple felony charges dismissed
2021: Felony charges reduced to misdemeanors
Shawn’s team aggressively defends clients while maintaining professionalism and ethical standards.
Q: Where is the courthouse in Newaygo County? A: All major criminal proceedings are held at the Newaygo County Courthouse located at 1092 Newell St. in White Cloud. Misdemeanors and preliminary exams are heard in the 78th District Court, while felony trials take place in the 27th Circuit Court. Shawn Haff is an expert in these courtrooms and knows the local tendencies of the judges and staff in White Cloud.
Q: I was arrested for a DUI in Fremont. Will I lose my license? A: A DUI or Drunk Driving arrest is a crisis. In Michigan, your license is typically replaced with a paper permit (DI-177) immediately. As the Best Newaygo County Criminal Defense Lawyer, Shawn Haff moves with urgency to challenge the evidence. We also explore your eligibility for the 78th District Sobriety Court, a specialized program that can help you avoid jail and maintain restricted driving privileges through intensive rehabilitation.
Q: How does Newaygo County handle Retail Fraud or Shoplifting? A: The 78th District Court treats Retail Fraud as a serious “crime of dishonesty.” A conviction can destroy your job prospects for years. Shawn Haff, the best criminal defense attorney in Newaygo County, works to negotiate for diversions or “Delayed Sentences” (MCL 771.1) that keep these theft convictions off your permanent public record.
Q: What should I do if I am charged with Domestic Violence in Newaygo? A: You will likely be served with a “No-Contact” order that can bar you from your home. Shawn Haff acts as your professional shield, moving with a sense of urgency to modify these bond conditions and investigating the facts to expose false or exaggerated Domestic Violence allegations. We ensure your side of the story is the one the court hears.
Q: What is the “Mental Health Court” in Newaygo County? A: Newaygo County participates in a regional Mental Health Court designed for defendants whose criminal behavior is linked to severe mental health issues. This program focuses on treatment over punishment. You need the best West Michigan attorney around Shawn Haff to advocate for your entry into this program, which can result in reduced or dismissed charges upon success.
Challenge illegal traffic stops
Suppress faulty chemical test results
Attack inaccurate field sobriety tests
Possession with intent to deliver
Firearm-related drug charges
Federal drug trafficking
Assault, battery, and domestic violence
Theft, burglary, and fraud
Juvenile criminal defense and sex crimes
If you are facing criminal charges in Newaygo County, Michigan, you need a trusted, aggressive, and experienced criminal defense attorney. Shawn Haff and his team will protect your rights, fight for the best possible outcome, and guide you through every step of the legal process.
📞 Call 616-438-6719 today for a free case strategy session. Don’t wait—the earlier you call, the stronger your defense.
Shawn Haff also has vast experience of providing residents of Newaygo County criminal defense representation in these areas: of sex crimes, and juvenile crimes.
The Circuit Court is referred to as the “trial court of general jurisdiction” in Michigan because of its very broad powers. Circuit Court has jurisdiction over all actions except those given by state law to another court. Generally speaking, Circuit Court has original jurisdiction in all civil cases involving more than $25,000; in all criminal cases where the offense involves a felony or certain serious misdemeanors; and in all family cases and domestic relations cases such as divorce, paternity actions, juvenile proceedings, and adoptions.
The State of Michigan is divided into judicial circuits along county lines. The number of judges in a circuit reflects the volume of business in the court. If there is more than one county in a circuit, such as ours, judges travel from one county seat to another to hold court sessions. Our judges conduct court in both Newaygo County as well as Oceana County .
The Circuit Court also hears cases appealed from lower courts and from some administrative agencies of state government. In addition, the Circuit Court has superintending control over other courts within the circuit, subject to final superintending powers of the Supreme Court.
Circuit judges are elected for six-year terms on non-partisan ballots. A candidate must be a resident of the circuit in which the candidate is running, a qualified elector, licensed to practice law in Michigan, and at the time of election less than 70 years of age. The legislature sets salaries for circuit judges.
The Family Division, a division of Circuit Court, has exclusive jurisdiction over all family matters such as divorce, custody, parenting time, support, paternity, adoptions, name changes, juvenile proceedings, the emancipation of minors, parental consent, and personal protection proceedings. The Family Division also has ancillary jurisdiction over cases involving guardianships and conservatorships and proceedings involving the mentally ill or developmentally disabled.
Check out our video to better inform yourself about what goes on at the Newaygo County Courthouse. Please feel free to contact us today if you want our Newaygo County Criminal Defense Lawyers to get to work on your case asap!
Shawn has a proven record of success in all areas of criminal law including:
Shawn has the technical ability and legal talent necessary to successfully fight your drunk driving charge.
2022
Multiple Felonies dismissed.
2021
Felony charges again dropped to a misdemeanor.
2025
Felony charges dropped to misdemeanor.
2024
Drug charges completely dropped.
Copyright 2025 The Criminal Defense Law Center of West Michigan