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Decades of success is not easily overlooked. I am focused on delivering results. I have been practicing law in State and Federal courts for more than 20 years and have obtained a vast amount of experience as a result of many courtroom battles. Recent victories include acquittals for possessing firearms in furtherance of drug trafficking (fed case#1:22-cr-169), retaliation against an informant causing injury (fed case#1:20-cr-009); reduced sentence sex trafficking, conspiracy to commit sex trafficking (state case#23-1409FC). You're innocent until proven guilty. It's not a crime to be accused of a crime - Don't Settle.
I've handled a wide array of criminal charges, including:
Firearm Offenses
Drug distribution overdose
Drug conspiracy
Bank fraud
Armed Robbery
Child sexual abuse
Felony drunk driving
Murder
Stalking
Terrorism-related charges
Uttering and publishing
I grew up in Gary, Indiana (about 28 miles southeast of Chicago). Violent crime was commonplace in my childhood neighborhood. After graduating high school I left my old neighborhood and joined the U.S. Navy where I served six years on active duty. Afterward, I attended and graduated from the University of California, at Berkeley, Berkeley, California. From there it was on to Thomas M. Cooley Law School in Lansing, Michigan. My early life experiences have shaped my perspective of the criminal justice system. I have personally seen what it means to have a lawyer who (1) understands your family dynamics, (2) understands environmental barriers, and (3) will fight. I understand what it is like to be accused of a crime and to find yourself in the crosshairs of the police.
I've built a reputation for delivering results for my clients. I bring a disciplined approach and steadfast commitment to work each day.
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Chat withState: Michigan
Acquired: 2001
No misconduct found
State: Illinois
Acquired: 2002
No misconduct found
250 Monroe Ave NW, Suite 400, Grand Rapids, MI, 49503
24 Client Reviews
Showing 1 - 2 of 2 reviews | Compassion
Posted by anonymous | August 13, 2025 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense
Compassionate and Effective Representation
This was my first time ever needing a criminal defense lawyer, and I couldn’t have asked for a better experience. Geoffrey Upshaw was not only highly knowledgeable, but also emotionally supportive throughout the entire process. He was always available to answer my questions and explain each step in a...
Posted by Tina | March 11, 2025 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense
A Dedicated Attorney Who Truly Cares
I cannot express enough how grateful I am for Mr. Upshaw and the exceptional service he provided to me and my family. After my husband was sentenced to federal prison for a major drug crime, I hired Mr. Upshaw to help with reducing his sentence. From the moment we retained him, he was always availabl...
Federal crime lawyer
2021
Michigan Super Lawyers, Michigan Super Lawyers
2017
Peer Review Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
2001 - Present
Criminal Defense Attorney, Law Offices Of Geoffrey Upshaw
2000 - 2001
Adjunct Professor, Thomas M. Cooley Law School
2010 - Present
Federal Bar Association - Eastern District of MichiganMember
2010 - Present
Criminal Defense Attorneys of MichiganMember
2004 - Present
Federal Bar Association - Western District of MichiganMember
2010 - 2025
Judge Charles A. Pratt Bar AssociationFounding Member
Not Guilty by jury
Not Guilty by jury verdict on all criminal counts
Not Guilty by jury verdict – Felon in Possession of a Firearm.
In the Western District of Michigan, client sentenced to 23 years. He was designated a “career offender”. After oral argument before the U.S. Court of Appeals, the “career offender” designation was reversed. He was re-sentenced to 9 years.
In the Western District of Michigan, Grand Rapids, client found not guilty by jury verdict -- Retaliation against an informant.
In the 9th Circuit Court, Kalamazoo County, client found not guilty on all criminal counts by jury verdict -- Robbery, Firearms Possession.
2000
JD - Juris Doctor
1997
BA - Bachelor of Arts
English
Legal Answers
I missed my commitment date yesterday. What happens if I go today to turn myself in?
19 Mar 2025
How do i go about my court case? it’s my first offense
18 Mar 2025
I'm a felon ,I'm staying at my mother's house there is a pole Saw in garage can I get in trouble for this
17 Mar 2025