Geoffrey Upshaw

Geoffrey Upshaw

4.5
Rating: 7.8

Licensed for 24 years

Criminal defense Lawyer at Grand Rapids, MI
Practice Areas: Criminal Defense

250 Monroe Ave NW, Suite 400, Grand Rapids, MI

About Geoffrey

Biography

Practice Areas

1

Practice Area

Criminal Defense 100%

State and Federal criminal charges, including allegations of violent crimes, firearm offenses, drug crimes, trafficking, racketeering, and conspiracy related allegations.

100%

Fees and Rates

Cost

Free Consultation

$0 first 30 minutes


Payment Methods

  • Cash
  • Check
  • Credit Card

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Licenses

Licensed in Michigan for 24 years

State: Michigan

Acquired: 2001

Active in Good Standing

No misconduct found

Licensed in Illinois for 23 years

State: Illinois

Acquired: 2002

Administrative - Not Authorized to Practice

No misconduct found

Location

Law Office of Geoffrey Upshaw

250 Monroe Ave NW, Suite 400, Grand Rapids, MI, 49503

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Geoffrey Upshaw's Reviews

Avvo Review Score

4.5 /5.0

24 Client Reviews

Filter Avvo Reviews (24) Refine reviews to match your needs. Use the filters to quickly surface reviews that align with your case or priorities.

Showing 1 - 5 of 6 reviews | Responsiveness

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... way that made me feel informed and reassured. He helped me navigate my case with confidence, and thanks to his skill and dedication, I received the least possible punishment for my conviction. I truly appreciate his professionalism, responsiveness, and compassion. I would highly recommend Geoffrey to anyone in need of a criminal defense attorney.

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...e to meet with me and provide guidance. Not only is he an incredibly skilled attorney, but he is also a compassionate person who genuinely cares about his clients. Thanks to his hard work, my husband’s sentence was reduced. Mr. Upshaw will fight for you, provide honest advice, and be there when you need him most.

Posted by Eddie | February 08, 2025 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense

Great achievement

Mr. Upshaw is a highly experienced attorney that goes to work for you. He demonstrated genuine advise throughout my case whom addressed all of my concerns that made my situation less stressful. He maintained the line of communication by being straight forward in updating me every significant importan...t detail. This was very uncomfortable but we end up in trial and won the case. He certainly didn't talked me into a plea. He was persistent and fought with courage utilizing expertise. In conclusion, I recommend Jeff Upshaw for his proven dedication and being a true asset in the legal field as a trustworthy attorney.

Posted by Carmen | February 05, 2024 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense

Thank you Attorney Upshaw

I cannot say enough positive things about attorney Geoffrey Upshaw. My son was facing a serious legal issue and Mr. Upshaw was his court appointed lawyer . From the moment we met him, he was professional, knowledgeable, and took the time to truly understand the situation. Throughout the entire le...gal process, Mr. Upshaw was incredibly efficient and always kept us informed of any updates or developments, still does . He worked tirelessly on my son's case. His attention to detail and dedication to his clients is truly commendable. I am so grateful for the great work that Attorney Upshaw did for my son. He is an exceptional attorney and I would highly recommend him to anyone in need of legal representation. Thank you, Mr. Upshaw, for all that you have done for our family.

Posted by Staci | September 29, 2021 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense

This is the lawyer you want on your team!

Mr. Upshaw is an amazing attorney. He got my husband's fed time down to 2 1/2 years when it could have been 10. He is very knowledgeable of the federal court system. Returned all of my calls, and answered our questions in a timely manner. Was patient with our lack of knowledge in the fed system repe...atedly going over things with us. I would definitely recommend. Very happy with the outcome as that was the lowest possible time my husband could get. Thank you Mr. Upshaw!

See All Client Reviews

Geoffrey Upshaw's Lawyer Endorsements

Endorse Geoffrey
Britt Cobb headshot
Britt Cobb

Criminal defense lawyer | Mar 30

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"I endorse this lawyer. Geoff is smart, compassionate and diligent."

View All Endorsements
Britt Cobb headshot
Britt Cobb

Federal crime lawyer

Experience

Rating:  7.8 (Very Good)

Honors

2021

Michigan Super Lawyers, Michigan Super Lawyers

2017

Peer Review Rated, Martindale-Hubbell

Work Experience

2001 - Present

Criminal Defense Attorney, Law Offices Of Geoffrey Upshaw

2000 - 2001

Adjunct Professor, Thomas M. Cooley Law School

Associations

2010 - Present

Federal Bar Association - Eastern District of Michigan

Member

2010 - Present

Criminal Defense Attorneys of Michigan

Member

2004 - Present

Federal Bar Association - Western District of Michigan

Member

2010 - 2025

Judge Charles A. Pratt Bar Association

Founding Member

Sample of Legal Cases

Kent County Criminal Case, Perjury During Murder Investigation Subpoena

Not Guilty by jury

State Criminal Case, Violent Crime

Not Guilty by jury verdict on all criminal counts

Federal Criminal Case, Firearms Possession

Not Guilty by jury verdict – Felon in Possession of a Firearm.

Federal Criminal Appeal, “Career Offender” Sentence

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.

Federal Criminal Case, Retaliation against an informant (Violent Crime)

In the Western District of Michigan, Grand Rapids, client found not guilty by jury verdict -- Retaliation against an informant.

State Criminal Case, Violent Crime

In the 9th Circuit Court, Kalamazoo County, client found not guilty on all criminal counts by jury verdict -- Robbery, Firearms Possession.

See More Legal Cases

Education

2000

Thomas M. Cooley Law School, Lansing, Michigan

JD - Juris Doctor

1997

University of California, at Berkeley, Berkeley, California

BA - Bachelor of Arts

Languages

English

Activity

Avvo Rating

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