Spring Lake Criminal Defense Attorney
Spring Lake sits just across the Grand River from Grand Haven — a lakeside village where a lot is at stake for the professionals, business owners, and families who live along the water. A criminal charge here can threaten a career and a reputation built over decades. I'm Shawn Haff, and I defend people charged with crimes throughout Spring Lake and Ottawa 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 Spring Lake Case Will Be Heard
Cases out of Spring Lake are handled by the 58th District Court in Grand Haven, and any felony is tried at the Ottawa County 20th Circuit Court, also in Grand Haven. Both are minutes away, and I appear in them constantly.
Charges I Defend in Spring Lake
I handle the full range of criminal cases in and around Spring Lake, 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
In a community like Spring Lake, the collateral damage of a conviction — a professional license, a security clearance, a spot on a board, your standing with neighbors — often matters as much as the sentence itself. I build defenses with all of that in mind, and I push hard for outcomes that protect your record, not just your freedom.
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
Can you keep a Spring Lake charge off my record?
Often, yes. Depending on the charge and your history, options like a first-offense deferral, a diversion program, a reduction, or a dismissal may be available. The right strategy has to be set early, which is why you should call before your first court date.
Which court handles Spring Lake cases?
The 58th District Court in Grand Haven for misdemeanors and felony arraignments, and the 20th Circuit Court in Grand Haven for felony trials.
Talk to a Spring Lake 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.