Zeeland Criminal Defense Attorney
Zeeland — "Feel the Zeel" — is a tight-knit Ottawa County city next to Holland, with deep Dutch roots and a strong manufacturing base. In a town this close, a criminal charge is not just a legal problem; it is a personal one. I'm Shawn Haff, and I defend people charged with crimes throughout Zeeland 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 Zeeland Case Will Be Heard
Zeeland cases are heard at the 58th District Court (the Holland division serves the Zeeland area), and felonies are bound over to the Ottawa County 20th Circuit Court in Grand Haven. I know how these courts run and who staffs them.
Charges I Defend in Zeeland
I handle the full range of criminal cases in and around Zeeland, 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
Whether it is an OWI on Chicago Drive, a domestic dispute that got out of hand, a drug charge, or a first-time retail-fraud allegation, I defend Zeeland clients with the goal of protecting the reputation and livelihood they have built in a community where everyone knows everyone.
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
Where is my Zeeland case heard?
Misdemeanors and felony arraignments go to the 58th District Court serving the Holland/Zeeland area; felonies are tried at the 20th Circuit Court in Grand Haven.
Is a first-offense charge a big deal in a small city like Zeeland?
It can be — a conviction follows you on background checks for jobs, housing, and licensing. That is exactly why first offenses are worth fighting, and why deferral and diversion options matter.
Talk to a Zeeland 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.