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Michael J. Cronkright

also known as Mike Cronkright
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Avvo Rating9.8
  • Lansing, MI
  • Licensed for 25 years
  • Free consultation
Michael J. Cronkright
Michael J. Cronkright
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About Michael

Have you been accused of child abuse, child neglect or a serious felony? Stay calm, I can help.

Michael J. Cronkright is one of Michigan's most accomplished and respected Child Protective Services defense attorneys. For more than 20 years, he has protected the interests and asserted the rights of parents, families, and caretakers as they face CPS allegations. A graduate of Western Michigan University Cooley Law School, Attorney Cronkright went on to co-found Kronzek & Cronkright, PLLC in 1998, where he practiced in the CPS and criminal defense practice areas. This extensive experience has made Attorney Cronkright particularly qualified to handle cases in which CPS investigations and criminal allegations intersect. Now the founder of Cronkright Law, Attorney Cronkright employs his experience over thousands of cases to fight for the rights of parents and help keep families together. If you or your family are facing a serious CPS matter and need to inquire about representation, contact Cronkright Law today.

Practice areas

FamilyCriminal defenseChild abuse
  1. Child abuse: 75%

    I focus my practice on medical defenses in child abuse cases involving false allegations of neglect and abuse. I am a parent defense attorney.

    25 years, 100 cases

  2. Criminal defense: 20%

    I have been defending people accused of criminal activity since my first year in practice. My first jury verdict was a "not guilty" and I have not looked back. The key to success is working with a client, and not just for him.

    25 years, 500 cases

  3. Family: 5%

    25 years

Languages spoken

English

Photos and videos

737013 1496708790

Contact

4601 W Saginaw Hwy
address map

Cronkright Law

4601 W Saginaw Hwy
Suite J2A
Lansing, MI, 48917

Website
https://www.michiganparentdefense.com/attorney-profile/

Resume

License
StateStatusAcquiredUpdated
FLMember in Good Standing201009/29/2020
MIActive And In Good Standing199510/24/2020
We have not found any instances of professional misconduct for this lawyer.
Avvo Contributions
Legal answers1409
Legal guides2
Awards
Award nameGrantorDate granted
Preeminent 5.0 out of 5Martindale-Hubbell2018
Top 100 Trial LawyersThe National Trial Lawyers2015
Top One PercentNational Association of Distinguished Counsel2015
10 Best for Client SatisfactionAmerican Institute of Criminal Law Attorneys2015
Peer Review RatedMartindale-Hubbell2009
Blue BookThomas M. Cooley1996
Certificate of MeritThomas M. Cooley Law School1994
Work Experience
TitleCompany nameDuration
MemberCronkright Law, PLLC2016 - Present
Partner (member)Kronzek & Cronkright, PLLC1998 - 2016
Associations
Association namePosition nameDuration
Ingham County Bar AssociationMember2016 - Present
National Association of CPS Defense AttorneysInterim Board Member, Incorporator2013 - Present
National Child Abuse Defense and Rescource CenterSupporting Member2008 - Present
Association of Trial Lawyers of AmericaMemberN/A
National Association of Criminal Defense LawyersMemberN/A
Criminal Defense Attorneys of MichiganMemberN/A
Publications
Publication nameTitleDate
AggressiveCriminalDefenseDeath Penalty for Marathon Bomber?2014
CPS DefenseCPS Supervision Tragedy2014
AggressiveCriminalDefenseHelping a Teenager in Trouble2013
AggressiveCriminal DefenseMan Dies After Consuming Cocaine from Brother's Butt2012
Education
School nameDegreeGraduated
Thomas M. Cooley Law SchoolJD - Juris Doctor1994
Spring Arbor CollegeBA - Bachelor of Arts1982
Speaking Engagements
Conference nameTitleDate
Student Question and Answer PresentationCareer Day2015
Chlld Abuse Allegations, the Law, the Science, the Myths and the RealityDeposing and Exposing Faulty Medical Testimony2015
National Association of Child Abuse Defense and Resource Center, Las Vegas, 2014Ethics and Standard of Care Issues in Child Abuse Defense2014
Parent Attorney TrainingDiscovery and Evidence Issues in Child Protection Proceedings2014
Special Meeting of the Lansing Compassion ClubSection 8 Defenses Under the MMMA2013
Legal cases
Case nameOutcome
Ingham County, Felony Domestic ViolenceNot Guilty, Jury Trial
1st Degree Child Abuse, Berrien CountyNot Guilty, Jury Trial
Criminal Sexual Conduct 1st degreeNot Guilty, all counts
Kent County Infant FractureAfter defense medical experts were brought in, a viable medical defense was presented. The case was ultimately dismissed and the child was returned home.
Child Abuse / Neglect PetitionFavorable jury verdict, no jurisdiction

Reviews

(10)
5 Star
100%
4 Star
0%
3 Star
0%
2 Star
0%
1 Star
0%
Review Michael Cronkright

We won!!!

Posted by

I hired Mr. Cronkright to handle a CPS case. He was very supportive and professional in helping figure out what witnesses and documents were needed in my case and was on top of it the whole time. Very fair price for everything he did to win my case. Would highly recommend!!!!
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Hired attorney

Police brutality

Posted by

I was charged with drunk and disorderly. My lawyer never went to Wesco to talk to the manager, nor did he ask for copies of surveillance cameras inside or outside of store. I also had my left fist slammed into a counter which broke my wrist. There was no provocation on my part. There have been 3 other instances where my lawyer which was court appointed didn't do anything to defend me. Also the same cop had abused me on 2 different occasions. He never does anything to investigate or get someone to do thus. It is always he goes with the judge, get me to accept a plea. This lawyer has never done anything to defend me; it's always accept this... Last time I went in front of the judge they trying to charge me with a two year felony. Assaulting a police officer and resisting arrest... The police officer was 6ft .5in. ,versus my 5ft. 5in . 275lbs. versus my 128lbs. I have 5 shot vertebrata in my neck. I called the police station to report me being intimidated. This on going for me as I am an ex felon,etc.
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Hired attorney

He brought calm to the storm

Posted by

I hired Michael in a difficult part of my life. He got me through a very difficult time. He works hard and communicates promptly. I appreciate all his hard work and highly recommend him to anyone who is going through the storm.
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Hired attorney

Excellent work

Posted by

Mike Cronkright is an excellent attorney! I was being chared with a felony, but I acted in self defense. I had made mistakes in the past and the prosecution was trying to use those mistakes against me. Mike picked my case up with only about a week to prepare and did an excellent job preparing for trial, helping me to prepare me for trial, and representing me as my attorney. By the grace of God, I was found not guilty! I can continue to spend the precious and valuable time with my family. I am greatly appreciative.
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Hired attorney

Knowledgeable and thorough...

Posted by

You will not be disappointed with Attorney Cronkright's extensive knowledge (legal and medical) as well as his thorough research and time spent on the facts involved in every case. I am eternally grateful to Mike, his staff and experts for an outstanding job defending and proving my innocence.

A family reunited

Posted by

Michael Cronkright represented me in a child abuse and neglect case and performed far beyond expectations. This gifted and talented man is a razor sharp litigator; he was in command of the court room. I have never experienced anything as horrific as this life altering experience. CPS, police, and prosecuting attorney were quick to make judgment based on inadequate information, driven by a confirmatory bias. But Michael Cronkright was a powerful force...truly amazing...after having intensely studied, scrutinized, and, reflected on every detail, he then articulated the complexities of my case systematically and with such clarity the jury understood the truth.

The right lawyer makes the right outcome.

Posted by

When the system is trying to rope a innocent person, The right attorney acts swift and precise as to not drag out a potentially expensive and time consuming ordeal. Mr. Cronkright and his wonderful staff were able to nip it in the bud before it escalated. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.

stay away from crawford...

Posted by

I was facing felony charges and Mike had it reduced to misdmeanor charges. Mike was excellent he taught the probation officer and prosecutor how to understand simple math. Mike travelled over 3 hours from Lansing to assist me with my case more than once. If you find yourself in trouble I can definitely recommend that this is the man to hire.

The right attorney Makes a difference

Posted by

I found Mike at a time when I wasn't sure where to turn. Mike was friendly, confident & reassuring that all would work out well. Mike kept me informed on everything that was happening. Mike was very knowledgeable, very professional. Mike is a good listener, and is very honest about things. He told me how it was & what to expect. I could not have ask for a better attorney. Mike also is very family oriented & cares about people. I would recommend Mike at anytime to anyone. He was awesome thru the whole case. Mike was also able to refer me to a different attorney for my son, that was out of Mikes field. That also worked out very well.

A shepherd through hell

Posted by

From day 1, Michael Cronkright's advice and reassurances helped us to be at peace as well as can be expected when you're told to your face by hospital doctors that they believe you are a monster and have called CPS to intervene. He was readily available whenever something eventful would happen during our child's long stay at the hospital, and he worked with the system to allow us as much contact as possible during that time, both for family's sake and for our child's sake, even when it looked like we were going to be losing custody permanently. He helped us regain full custody of our child through a compromise with the court that included daily visiting nurses, continued visits with the court-appointed psychologist, and frequent follow-ups with our child's doctor. After a couple of months of that, our case was closed, as there was no sufficient evidence proving the allegations. If we ever need defense for this again, we'll be calling Mike.

Attorney endorsements

(28)
Are you an attorney? Endorse this lawyer

Derek Jacques, Family Attorney on Oct 31, 2018
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

Mr. Cronkright is an excellent advocate for his clients. I would not hesitate to recommend him to a client in need.

Walter Hnot,, Child abuse Attorney on Apr 20, 2017
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

Michael is an excellent attorney committed to providing the highest quality representation to clients. I endorse this attorney without reservation.

Marina Melman, Family Attorney on Aug 11, 2016
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

Excellent Attorney - I fully endorse

Mark Clay, Family Attorney on Aug 22, 2015
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

I highly endorse Mr. Cronkright. Truly exceptional and caring attorney who gets great results in representing clients! I want all people with legal problems to contact him first.

Justin Drach, Child abuse Attorney on Jun 3, 2015
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

I endorse this lawyer.

Nancy Ballast, Criminal defense Attorney on May 4, 2015
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

I endorse this lawyer.

Jonathan Lacour, DUI and DWI Attorney on Apr 28, 2015
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

I endorse this lawyer. Keen attention to detail and exceptional service. One of the best there truly is.

Webb Millsaps, Criminal defense Attorney on Apr 4, 2015
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

Mr. Woodward consistently gives analytical answers in this forum. His responses are cogent, concise and practical. I endorse this lawyer.

Evan Callanan, Child abuse Attorney on Apr 1, 2015
Relationship: Worked for lawyer

I endorse this lawyer. Mike has great analytical abilities and is always prepared. He is skilled in the art of cross-examination and very persuasive with arguments. He has performed miracles in the trial arena.

Mark Murad

I endorse this lawyer.

Vonnie Dones, Child abuse Attorney on Mar 29, 2015
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

I wholeheartedly endorse this lawyer. A brilliant, trustworthy and highly respected attorney in the legal community.

Coleman Hengesbach, Criminal defense Attorney on Mar 25, 2015
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

I endorse this lawyer.

Judd Nemiro

An excellent attorney in an extremely difficult field, who is an excellent advocate for clients. I endorse this lawyer.

John Elkhoury, Criminal defense Attorney on Mar 20, 2015
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

I endorse this lawyer.

Christian Lassen

Top-notch attorney. Highly respected in the legal community.

John Elbert, Criminal defense Attorney on Mar 10, 2015
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

Michael is a fine attorney who is dedicated to his clients and works tirelessly for successful results. I have no hesitation when endorsing him.

David Carroll, Child abuse Attorney on Mar 5, 2015
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

I endorse this lawyer. Mr. Cronkright is a knowledgeable attorney with great legal insight.

H. White

I endorse this lawyer.

John Melton, Criminal defense Attorney on Aug 7, 2014
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

I endorse this lawyer.

Charles Kronzek, Child abuse Attorney on Aug 7, 2014
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

This is the lawyer that I send my relatives and friends to. He's a lawyer's lawyer. Highly recommended.

Cost

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    • Free Consultation Some lawyers offer a free consultation to help determine whether their services are right for your legal needs60 minutes
    Recent Posts

    https://www.michiganparentdefense.com/blog/

    Legal guides written by Michael Cronkright