Michael S. Cheltenham

Mike Cheltenham is a distinguished alumnus of the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, and holds a Juris Doctor degree from Wayne State University Law School. With a rich professional background, he currently serves as Of Counsel at Cheltenham Law, PLLC, specializing in criminal defense throughout Mid-Michigan.

Leveraging Prosecution Experience for Your Defense
Mike's journey in the criminal law spans over two decades, including his tenure as Chief Assistant Prosecuting Attorney for the Ingham County Prosecutor’s Office. This extensive prosecutorial experience is a unique asset in defending criminal cases. Here's why it benefits you:
• Insider Knowledge: Having been on the other side, Mike understands the strategies and tactics prosecutors use. This insight allows him to anticipate their moves and develop robust defense strategies to counteract them.
• Strong Relationships: Mike’s long-standing relationships with law enforcement and other legal professionals can facilitate smoother negotiations and more favorable outcomes for his clients.
• Comprehensive Case Analysis: His experience in prosecuting complex cases, including those involving child abuse, sexual assault, and narcotics, means he can scrutinize every detail of your case to identify weaknesses in the prosecution’s arguments.
• Proven Leadership: As a supervising attorney, Mike oversaw numerous cases and legal personnel, honing his ability to manage and navigate the intricacies of the legal system effectively.

Extensive Legal Expertise
During his years at the Ingham County Prosecutor’s Office, Mike held supervisory roles in:
• Child Abuse/Sexual Assault Unit (criminal sexual conduct involving minors, computer sex crimes, and child abuse)
• District Court Unit (domestic violence, drunk driving, traffic offenses, and assaults)
• Circuit Court Unit (low level felony offenses to capital crimes including armed robbery and murder)
• Tri-County Metro Narcotics Unit (delivery, possession, and possession with intent to deliver cocaine, heroin, fentanyl, meth, and other various controlled substances)
In these positions, he gained expertise across the spectrum of criminal law. This experience gave him a deep understanding of both the prosecutorial process and the importance of a vigorous defense to protect a defendant’s rights and vindicate the wrongly accused.

Started in Criminal Defense
Before his impressive career at the prosecutor’s office, Mike dedicated himself to criminal defense in Northern Michigan, representing indigent clients facing felony charges in Alpena, Montmorency, Alcona, and Presque Ilse counties.

Educator and Mentor
In addition to his legal practice, Mike has shared his wealth of knowledge and experience as an Adjunct Professor at Western Michigan University Thomas M. Cooley Law School, where he taught trial skills for 13 years. As a professor he instructed students in the nuances of trial advocacy, public speaking, and courtroom persuasion.

Contact Us
If you are facing criminal charges and need an experienced defense attorney who can leverage insider prosecutorial knowledge for your benefit, contact Mike Cheltenham at Cheltenham Law, PLLC. Let our expertise and dedication work for you.