Skip to main content

Gerald R. Lykins

also known as Jerry Lykins
  Save
Avvo Rating10
  • Grand Rapids, MI
  • Licensed for 26 years
View more
Gerald R. Lykins
Gerald R. Lykins
AboutContactReviewsCost

About Gerald

WEST MICHIGAN'S PREMIER DRUNK DRIVING AND CRIMINAL LAW FIRM.

Lykins Law specializes in Crimnal Defense, Drunk Driving and License Restoration cases. Attorney Jerry Lykins is a founding partner at Lykins Law, PLC.  Lykins Law is a high powered Criminal Defense law firm located in Grand Rapids, Michigan.

Jerry has experience of being both a former assistant prosecutor in 2 states and a seasoned trial tested defense attorney. Jerry has been a licensed attorney since 1994 and has been a practicing criminal defense attorney since 1998. Jerry practices in all criminal courts in West Michigan. In addition to his work as a defense attorney, Jerry has been actively involved with the Grand Rapids Bar Association as the Criminal Bar Section Chair for the past 2 years. Jerry is also a sitting member of the 62-B Regional Sobriety Court Team Member, and a Team Member to the Youthful Sex Offender Treatment Program. 

In terms of his legal practice, Jerry has built a reputation within the legal community for always zealously representing his clients, for being honest, practical and attempting to deliver the very best results and resolutions to his clients cases. Over Jerry's 24 years in the criminal law system, he has handled a variety of criminal cases from Murder, Criminal Sexual Conduct (Rape), Home Invasion cases, Fraud cases, Major and Minor Drug cases, Felony Assault cases to misdemeanors like Domestic Violence. Jerry has represented over 1500 clients in Drunk Driving type cases. Jerry's experience as a prosecutor, defense attorney and Sobriety Court Team member truly makes him one of the best attorneys to deal with Drunk Driving defense cases.  If you want to see some of Jerry's results you can visit the review section of Jerry's AVVO page or his Google Plus page at Lykins Law.

 Jerry can be reached 24/7 on his cell phone at 616-540-0443. 

Read More

Practice areas

DUI and DWICriminal defense
  1. Criminal defense: 60%

    60% of my caseload involves Felony and Misdemeanor State and Federal cases. I have handled over 800 felony cases and 2500 misdemeanors. I have handled serious type crimes such as Murder, CSC, Assault, Larcenies, All Drugs cases and DVs,

    27 years, 3,300 cases

  2. DUI and DWI: 40%

    40% of my cases are Drunk Driving cases. I have handled 1700 cases since 1998. My reputation and skill level is the highest in West Michigan. I handle OWI 1st, 2nd, and 3rd and Death cases

    27 years, 1,700 cases

Languages spoken

English

Photos and videos

749325 1265305236

749325 1313591639

749325 1375061258

749325 1380109916

749325 1380110495

749325 1490943377

Contact

234 Division Ave., N
Suite 400
Grand Rapids, MI, 49503

Website
http://www.lykinslawplc.com 

    Resume

    License
    StateStatusAcquiredUpdated
    MIActive And In Good Standing199705/24/2021
    KYFormer Member199506/04/2021
    OHInactive199404/18/2021
    We have not found any instances of professional misconduct for this lawyer.
    Avvo Contributions
    Legal answers78
    Legal guides1
    Awards
    Award nameGrantorDate granted
    Best Non-White Collar Criminal Defense AttorneyGrand Rapids Magazine2019
    BV RatedMartindale-Hubbell2014
    Client RatingMartindale-Hubbell2014
    BV RatedMartindale-Hubbell2007
    2 week courseCareer Prosecutor's Course1995
    Work Experience
    TitleCompany nameDuration
    President - AttorneyLykins Law, PLC2018 - Present
    Vice PresidentWest Michigan Defense Team2013 - 2018
    AttorneyLykins Law2006 - 2012
    PartnerLykins and LaGrand PC2000 - 2006
    Assistant ProsecutorFormer Assistant Kent County Prosecuto1997 - 1998
    Assistant CAFormer Jefferson County Commonwealth Attorney1995 - 1997
    Assistant Intern City AttorneyWhitehall City Attorney's Office1992 - 1993
    Bat BoyCincinnati Reds1984 - 1986
    Associations
    Association namePosition nameDuration
    Team Member for 62B District Court Regional Sobriety CourtDefense Attorney Team Member2017 - Present
    Grand Rapids Bar AssociationCriminal Law Section Chairperson2016 - Present
    Grand Rapids Bar AssociationMember1997 - Present
    Michigan Bar AssociationMember1997 - Present
    Justice Foundation Life Time MemberSustaining Member1997 - Present
    Camp Henry Board of DirectorsAssociate Board Member2000 - 2008
    Big Brothers and Big Sisters of West MichiganFormer Advisory Board Member1999 - 2004
    Kentucky Bar AssociatonMember1995 - 1997
    Louisville Bar FoundationMember1995 - 1997
    Ohio State Bar AssociationMember1994 - 1995
    American Bar AssociationMember1994 - 2010
    Publications
    Publication nameTitleDate
    Blog Posting WMDTIntegrity in the Criminal Defense Business2015
    Blog Posting WMDTShould I Speak during Police Questioning about a Crime?2015
    Blog Posting WMDTHolmes Youthful Trainee Act (HYTA)2015
    Blog Posting WMDTWhy Michigan Does Not Use Sobriety Checkpoints2015
    Blog Posting WMDTThe Horrible Reality of Jail Mugshots in West Michigan2015
    Blog Posting WMDT5 Helpful Legal Court Tips2015
    Blog Posting WMDT5 Keys to Selecting a Qualified Criminal Defense Attorney2015
    Blog Posting WMDT5 Components to License Restoration in Michigan2015
    Blog Posting WMDT3 Reasons Not To Plead Guilty to Criminal Charges2015
    Blog Posting WMDTParents watch your child’s computer & smart phone usage!2015
    Blog Posting / Law ReviewLicense Restoration2013
    Education
    School nameDegreeGraduated
    Career Prosecutor's SchoolAdvance Trial Prosecution1995
    Capital Law SchoolJuris Doctorate1994
    Freien University, BerlinSummer Studies in International Law1992
    Miami University of OhioBachelor of Arts1990
    Speaking Engagements
    Conference nameTitleDate
    Constitution DayConstitution2018
    Constitution DayConstitution2017
    Legal ReviewCriminal Law Review2012
    Legal ReviewCriminal Law Review2011
    Legal ReviewCriminal Law Review2010
    Legal ReviewCriminal Law Review2009
    Legal cases
    Case nameOutcome
    State v. MaxonCharges Reduced from Felony to Misdemeanors
    City of GR v. ClientCivil Infractions
    State v. SamuelsDismissed!
    OWI Case Reduced to Careless DrivingOWI Case Reduced to Careless
    City of Grand Rapids v. ClientReduced Plea from Reckless to Careless Driving
    People v. ClientOWI Child Endangerment Reduced to Impaired
    City of Wyoming v. ClientReduced Plea OWI To Careless Driving
    People v.Not Guilty Jury Verdict
    People v. Chad SCharges Dismissed
    People v. Michael TNot Guilty Jury Trial Verdict
    People v.Not Guilty Jury Verdict

    Reviews

    (99)
    5 Star
    		98%
    4 Star
    		1%
    3 Star
    		0%
    2 Star
    		1%
    1 Star
    		0%
    Review Gerald Lykins

    AWESOME ATTORNEY AND GREAT RESOLUTION

    Posted by

    My father and I contacted Jerry based upon a referral from another attorney who did not practice criminal law. After several phone conversations with Jerry, we decided to hire Jerry and the West Michigan Defense Team to assist with my pending Reckless Driving charge. Mind you, I had not hired an attorney initially and when I did my own pretrial with an attorney, the City Attorney handling the case told me that they would make any reductions to the charge. Jerry told us that he would do his best to get the charge amended or dismissed and we trusted his judgment when hiring him. Jerry visited with the City Attorney several times and told us that the City Attorney was reluctant and did not want to reduce or amend the charge and wanted me to be convicted of Reckless Driving. Well, Jerry kept on trying and on the last day possible he was able to get the City Attorney to change her mind and reduce the charge. I thank Jerry for his willingness to continue to try to get a deal for me. I don't know what I would have done if I had lost my license. In the end, I was able to walk away with a Careless Driving saving a lot of money. I would highly recommend Jerry to anyone facing a criminal type charge. He was honest, direct and helpful throughout the whole process. Thanks Jerry!!!!!

    THE BEST ATTORNEY EVER!!!!

    Posted by

    I would highly recommend Jerry Lykins in the area of criminal defense. Jerry had represented my father and so I was well aware of his skill and work ethic. I had been charged with a Domestic Assault, but had left the State of Michigan the evening of the incident. I never returned and only learned of it when I spoke to my ex-boyfriend and he told me there was an arrest warrant for Domestic Assault. Well, I called Jerry and he immediately went into action. Jerry called me back and told me that he would go directly to the Judge assigned to see about lifting the warrant. Apparently, this worked and the warrant was pulled. Jerry then went and got the police report and started work on resolving the case. Jerry was successful and the Domestic charge was dismissed completely on July 22, 2013. Wow, I am so happy and this all happened without me having come back to Michigan and spend a fortune on travel. Thanks Jerry and the West Michigan Defense Team, you are a life saver!

    Personable and Caring Lawyer

    Posted by

    This was my first time within working through the legal system, and I highly recommend Jerry. He made sure that I understood what was going on at all times, and cared about me as a person. Jerry goes out of his way to make sure that you are feeling supported. I am very happy with the results of my case, and the outcome it had, majorly due to Jerry!
    This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
    Hired attorney

    Very personalized and caring service coming from a father of a child in trouble

    Posted by

    Jerry Lykins represented my 20 year daughter in a very tumultuous time in her young adult life with first offense OUI arrest along with drug possession. We were in desperate for legal advice and direction and Jerry came with high regards from a friend and colleague of mine. I knew we were in a good counsel when Jerry was calling me back on the following Sunday night and worked immediately to address our concerns and case file! He took control of the situation and gave us much needed comfort and immediate guidance. Jerry brought a very personalized and warm caring approach to our daughter, not only to her legal representation but more importantly, to counseling her on her future after sentencing as to growing into a healthier adult life. He encouraged her into successful drug and alcohol treatment program and has been instrumental into her becoming healthy again and looking forward to returning again to college after completion of her probation. Through his credibility and reputation in the local legal system, Jerry was instrumental in to having our daughter's drug possession charges dismissed along with reducing her OUI offense to OWI (impaired) conviction which was remarkable in our eyes (especially given her .15 BAC at the time of her arrest). We are truly blessed and fortunate to have received the legal counsel representation of attorney Jerry Lykins and will ever be grateful to him!
    This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
    Hired attorney

    Outstanding Defense Attorney

    Posted by

    My husband and I retained Jerry Lykins to represent our son. Upon the initial consultation, we were immediately impressed with Jerry’s knowledge, honesty and his caring demeanor. Jerry was up front with us on the hurdles our son was up against. Jerry was empathetic and encouraged our son not to allow this mistake to define the rest of his life. Jerry took our calls at all hours of the day and worked very diligently on our case. We fully trusted that Jerry had our son’s best interest in mind. When all was said and done, Jerry was able to get our son a much reduced sentence. We are grateful beyond words and sincerely thank Jerry for coaching us through an incredibly stressful time. We highly recommend Jerry to anyone that may need a defense attorney.
    This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
    Hired attorney

    Highly Recommended

    Posted by

    I hired Jerry Lykins for an OWI-1 offense occurring in December 2019. I was very pleased with Jerry’s work. Under the circumstances, it could have easily resulted in a more severe sentence. Here’s what I especially liked about working with Jerry: Jerry charged a flat fee that was reasonable. He puts much emphasis on, and encourages, good communication. For attorneys who charge by the hour, a client is always hesitant to ask any questions about their case. Even the simplest of questions taking only a few minutes to answer are often billed at 15 minutes. I communicated frequently with Jerry via text messages, email and phone calls. Jerry goes back a long way with area judges, city attorneys and prosecutors. He’s well-respected in the legal community. Undoubtedly these personal relationships are helpful in getting the best outcome for his clients. Jerry knows if, and when, one should plead to a lesser offense. This is based not only on his knowledge of the law, which is extensive, but also knowing court personnel especially well and how they work. I was able to contact Jerry whether it was in the evening or on weekends. He promptly responded to all text messages, emails and phone calls. This obviously was a very trying time emotionally. Jerry was a good confidant and, while not diminishing the seriousness of the charge, helped put it in the proper “total-life” perspective. Jerry is personable, easy to talk to, empathetic and did an excellent job of managing expectations. I highly recommend Jerry Lykins.
    This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
    Hired attorney

    Not your average attorney!

    Posted by

    I cannot begin to explain the gratitude I have for Mr. Jerry Lykins. Having minimal experience with attorney's I was confused and nervous placing my child's future in a stranger's hands...low and behold my son's case fell into Mr. Lykins lap. Not only did he thoroughly guide me through what was happening with the court case, he was compassionate and understanding. What he did was not only honorable, he took the fear out of the whole process. The willingness he had to go above and beyond for my son was not only admirable but commendable. He kept close contact with my son. He actually shows up! He used his vast experience and human compassion to ensure my son was treated fairly which led to a much better outcome that we could have ever anticipated. I have the utmost respect for Mr. Lykins and would highly recommend his services.
    This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
    Hired attorney
    Gerald Lykins' response: Thank you so much Rita for your review. You have a good family and your son is fortunate to have your support and love!

    Best lawyer

    Posted by

    I highly recommend Jerry as your attorney I've been helped by him three times already and it was all positive outcomes.Jerry has done spectacular job in my case which in involved a felony and a misdemeanor,if it wasnt for him I would be behind bars right now for a long time.Im glad he was the one to defend me in my case.I even got into more trouble and Jerry helped me get out of it. He listens an gives great advice so listen to what he tells you because he is a honest and wise man.He is with you the whole way until the end ,he really follows through with his work.
    This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
    Hired attorney

    Great attorney!

    Posted by

    Jerry was thorough and helpful through my legal process and litigation for a High BAC OWI. I first consulted with Jerry after I was initially charged for the crime. I was able to check into a 30 day inpatient treatment center. While I was there, Jerry handled all of my legal obligations with the court. When I was discharged from the treatment center, Jerry was helpful and proactive to assist me in my ongoing sobriety and recovery efforts. With the legal aspect, Jerry was fantastic in consulting with me and being able to keep me out of jail. Jerry not only did a great job in the legal aspect but was a great support in my recovery. I would recommend Jerry to anyone needing legal help with a drinking-related offense.
    This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
    Hired attorney

    he's your guy!

    Posted by

    Hiring Mr. Lykins for my impaired driving charge was the best choice I made for my case. With his knowledge and honesty we were able to have it reduced to careless driving and a civil point infraction which I believe is a fair sentencing. From beginning to end he was upfront and transparent about his intentions which made me feel comfortable enough to do the same. I am so happy with the outcome and would recommend his services to anyone who is looking for help with a DUI-natured case!
    This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
    Hired attorney
    See all reviews

    Attorney endorsements

    (16)
    Are you an attorney? Endorse this lawyer

    Ashley VanDyk, Criminal defense Attorney on Aug 12, 2020
    Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

    I endorse this lawyer. I can say is wow. It is very impressive to see his legal mind at work and how he approaches an issue. He is a creative problem solver and one of the best I've seen for criminal defense work. I refer all my clients on criminal matters to him and he has always done a wonderful job taking good care of them and giving them the best possible outcome for their situation.

    Britt Cobb, Criminal defense Attorney on Jan 7, 2016
    Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

    I endorse this lawyer.

    Michael Waddington, Criminal defense Attorney on Jun 4, 2014
    Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

    I endorse Gerald. He is a highly skilled attorney that is well respected in the legal community.

    Frederick Mackraz, Criminal defense Attorney on Jan 8, 2014
    Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

    Jerry is my go to guy for crimminal law referrals. I beleive him to be one of the best in the business.

    James Oppenhuizen, Criminal defense Attorney on Nov 22, 2013
    Relationship: Worked together on matter

    I have referred clients to Gerry in the past, and each has reported that he did an outstanding job; therefore, I endorse this lawyer.

    Michelle Mclean, Criminal defense Attorney on Nov 18, 2013
    Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

    I have known Gerald for a few years now and am impressed with his ability. He is a zealous advocate for his clients and works tirelessly to get them good results. He is respected in the legal community and is known for being highly knowledgeable and ethical.

    Crystal Morgan, Criminal defense Attorney on Nov 18, 2013
    Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

    I endorse Jerry Lykins. He is a skilled and well-respected attorney, and a strong advocate for his clients.

    Sean Cox, Criminal defense Attorney on Sep 24, 2013
    Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

    I endorse this lawyer. Jerry has a great knowledge of the law and he is a tremendous trial attorney.

    Phillip Slot, Criminal defense Attorney on Jul 29, 2013
    Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

    I endorse this lawyer. Jerry is a hard working and dedicated attorney. I would recommend him to anyone seeking criminal defense representation.

    Charles Chamberlain, DUI and DWI Attorney on May 13, 2013
    Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

    I endorse this lawyer wholeheartedly. He knows his stuff, and his clients are well-represented.

    Peter VanGelderen, Criminal defense Attorney on May 7, 2013
    Relationship: Co-worker

    I had the opportunity to work with Jerry on many cases and saw first-hand his knowledge, passion, and commitment to his cases. Jerry fights for his clients and maintains an honest and open relationship throughout the case. Jerry gets results and educates his clients at the same time.

    Mark Hunting, Criminal defense Attorney on May 7, 2013
    Relationship: Co-worker

    Jerry and I began working together in January 2013. Prior to this, I have know Jerry because we both practiced in the criminal defense and OWI fields. Jerry is a tireless advocate for his clients. Jerry understands people and law. I am pleased to have Jerry as a legal partner in our new law firm, Kortes,Lykins, Hunting & Jansma, PLLC, the West Michigan Defense Team!

    Jeffrey Kortes, Criminal defense Attorney on May 7, 2013
    Relationship: Co-worker

    I have seen firsthand Jerry's tireless devotion to his clients. Jerry is an aggressive, hard-working attorney that stands above the rest.

    Steven Simkins

    I endorse this lawyer. Jerry is one of the brightest, most passionate and energetic attorneys I've ever had the pleasure to meet. His experience, knowledge of the law, and dedication to each and every client he represents are but a few of the many reasons for his success.

    Jason Jansma, Criminal defense Attorney on Jun 22, 2012
    Relationship: Worked together on matter

    Jerry is one of the best criminal defense attorneys in West Michigan. He is a hard worker who gets results.

    Hal Ostrow, Criminal defense Attorney on May 7, 2012
    Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

    I strongly endorse Jerry. He is a top-notch criminal defense attorney with an excellent reputation in the legal community. He is extremely accessible and works tirelessly for each of his clients.

    Cost

    RATES
    • Retainer Some attorneys require an upfront payment to secure their services before they begin their work.
      Always
    PAYMENT METHODS

    Cash, Check, Credit Card