Newaygo Criminal Defense Attorney
Newaygo is a small city on the Muskegon River in the south of the county, where M-37 crosses the water — a river town whose summer economy runs on tubing, kayaking, and the campgrounds strung along the banks. I am Shawn Haff, and I defend people charged with crimes throughout Newaygo and Newaygo 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 Newaygo Case Will Be Heard
Both of the county's criminal courts share a building in the county seat. The 78th District Court at 1092 Newell St in White Cloud handles misdemeanors and felony arraignments, and the 27th Circuit Court at the same address tries felonies. It is roughly twenty minutes north of Newaygo.
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 78th District Court page for how these cases run.
The Charges I See Most in Newaygo
The river sets the season. From May onward the liveries put thousands of people on the water, and with them come minor in possession, open intoxicant, disorderly conduct, and the occasional boating case — plus the OWI stops on M-37 as everyone drives home at the end of the day. Off-season the caseload reverts to rural traffic stops, drug charges, and domestic matters.
- OWI and drunk driving on M-37 and the roads to Croton and Hardy Dam
- Minor in possession, open intoxicant, and disorderly conduct on the river and at campgrounds
- Boating and paddlecraft cases, including operating under the influence under MCL 324.80176 at the same 0.08 limit as a car
- Drug possession and delivery charges from rural traffic stops
- Domestic violence and assault
- Theft from campsites, vehicles, and cottages
What Is Actually at Stake
A charge picked up on a summer weekend is a real criminal charge, and most of the people it happens to here do not live in Newaygo County. That makes it tempting to plead quickly and stop driving back — and that is exactly how a record gets made. The conviction outlasts the inconvenience by decades.
What to Do Next
If you were arrested on the river while visiting, call before you agree to anything. I can appear for you at many hearings, and the convenient resolution offered at the first date is almost never the best one available.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which court handles Newaygo cases?
The 78th District Court at 1092 Newell St in White Cloud handles misdemeanors and felony arraignments, and the 27th Circuit Court at the same address handles felony trials. Both are in the county seat, about twenty minutes north of the city of Newaygo.
My child got a ticket on the river. Does that go on a record?
It depends what was charged. A first minor in possession is normally a civil infraction in Michigan, but anything charged alongside it — open intoxicant, false ID, disorderly conduct — is treated differently and can produce a criminal record. It is worth having someone look at what was actually written before you simply pay it.
I live downstate and was arrested up here. Do I have to come back for court?
For many hearings, no — I can appear on your behalf, and I will tell you which dates genuinely require you. What you must not do is ignore a date. A failure to appear becomes a bench warrant, and that surfaces at the worst possible moment, often in another state.
Talk to a Newaygo 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.