Gerald R. Lykins

Gerald R. Lykins

also known as Jerry Lykins

4.9
Rating: 10.0

Licensed for 31 years

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

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

About Gerald

Biography

Practice Areas

2

Practice Areas

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,

32 years | 3,300 cases

60%
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

32 years | 1,700 cases

40%

Fees and Rates

Cost

Retainer

Always


Payment Methods

  • Cash
  • Check
  • Credit Card

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Licenses

Licensed in Michigan for 28 years

State: Michigan

Acquired: 1997

Active in Good Standing

No misconduct found

Licensed in Kentucky for 30 years

State: Kentucky

Acquired: 1995

Former Member

No misconduct found

Licensed in Ohio for 31 years

State: Ohio

Acquired: 1994

Inactive

No misconduct found

Location

Law Offices of Gerald R. Lykins

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

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Gerald R. Lykins's Reviews

Avvo Review Score

4.9 /5.0

107 Client Reviews

Showing 21 - 25 of 32 reviews | Practice Area Knowledge

Posted by Clark | June 04, 2014 | Criminal Defense

Review for Gerald Lykins

Gerald Lykins represented me in a case for domestic assault. At the time I was a senior in college and had much going on with graduation, applying for jobs, and making preparations for moving out of state. Lykins worked diligently and effectively to get me a plea before I moved out of state. In the ...end, I was able to get a reduced charge. From the start of the case, it was obvious to me that Lykins has a good reputation within the Grand Rapids court system and was able to use that to my advantage in the case. Ultimately, Lykin's connections, competence, and dedication to my case made my situation a lot better. I am very thankful for his services and I would highly recommend him.

Posted by Joseph | February 18, 2014 | DUI & DWI

Hire Jerry Lykins For Results!!! Save My License Privileges

I hired Jerry Lykins after meeting the many other DUI attorneys. I was looking for a honest attorney who would work with me to save my license after I was arrested for my 2nd Drunk Driving. Jerry told me that he had plan and that if I did what he asked he felt that he could save my privileges. ... Well after almost 4 month and various legal motions, Jerry delivered and saved my license from being revoked. I cannot express the debt of gratitude I have for Jerry and his efforts. I was told by several other attorneys that there was nothing that could be done and I would just have to deal with the almost permanent loss of my driving privileges. Now, I have another chance and I have been counseled that I must be careful moving forward. Thank you Jerry!

Posted by Randall | February 04, 2014 | Criminal Defense

Gets the Job Done!

I hired attorney Jerry Lykins after having another attorney handle my case for about a year. I had a number of old Housing Code Violation misdemeanors which were pending in Grand Rapids. I had left GR almost 3 years earlier and no longer owned the property. The outstanding Housing Code cases contin...ued to cause legal issues even though I was no longer living in Michigan. Jerry was worth every dollar I paid his firm. He was responsive and understood what I needed to resolve the case. In the end, the misdemeanors were amended to non-criminal cases which will permit me to remain conviction free, very important in today's job market. I would highly recommend Jerry to anyone searching for a very good criminal attorney. Jerry works hard and knows the system. Thanks Jerry!

Posted by Christopher | November 22, 2013 | DUI & DWI

SUPERIOR LAWYER !!!!

I hired Jerry Lykins to represent me both with a 2nd DUI and later when I needed my driver's license reinstated. When I first hired Jerry to represented me almost 2 years ago for my DUI, it was a scary time for me. I searched for a criminal defense attorney that could provide me the direction and i...nstruction to move forward with an action plan and who could relate to me in a common sense way. Jerry provided a blue print and an action plan that I could understand and that I could follow. Jerry was able to minimized the effects of the DUI with the Court system and I was very happy with the resolution of the case. Most of all, I was happy with the support and direction Jerry offered me when making changes in my life that have redirected my future. Recently, I re-hired to Jerry to help get my driver's license back. Once again, Jerry had an action plan which I understood and could follow. Jerry provide a step by step plan which I followed carefully. Jerry was also able to work with the Secretary of State's office so that I did not have to fly back to Michigan from Colorado. Jerry's office was able to help me do a video hearing which not only saved me days of travel but a significant amount of money. Jerry prepared me both at the beginning and right before the hearing for the ins and out of the process. I now have my freedom back because I have my license back. While I did the work, the direction for getting back my freedom started with a phone call to Jerry Lykins. He is truly a Great Attorney and I would recommend him for any type of DUI or criminal matter!

Posted by Grant | November 21, 2013 | Speeding & Traffic Ticket

License Restoration Guru !!!!

I recently hired Jerry Lykins and the West Michigan Defense Team to help get my driving privilege restored after losing them in 2003. The process of getting my license back was a 10 year journey with two trips to the Secretary of State (the first trip without legal representation) and finally hiring ...Jerry and his firm to a successfully get my driver's license returned. I cannot say more about the ability of the Jerry and the Team to get my life and license back. Both Jerry and attorney Jeff Kortes worked on this and between the two of them I have my license back free and clear. They were always on top of the game, prompt and efficient in representation. The fees they charge are well worth the price and I would highly recommend their firm to anyone seeking a license. Thanks to Jerry and Jeff for their help!

See All Client Reviews

Gerald R. Lykins's Lawyer Endorsements

Endorse Gerald
Ashley Sue VanDyk headshot
Ashley VanDyk

Criminal defense lawyer | Aug 12

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 headshot
Britt Cobb

Criminal defense lawyer | Jan 07

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Michael S. Waddington headshot
Michael Waddington

Criminal defense lawyer | Jun 04

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

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

Frederick E. Mackraz headshot
Frederick Mackraz

Criminal defense lawyer | Jan 08

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 R. Oppenhuizen headshot
James Oppenhuizen

Criminal defense lawyer | Nov 22

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 Marie Mclean headshot
Michelle Mclean

Criminal defense lawyer | Nov 18

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 L. Morgan headshot
Crystal Morgan

Criminal defense lawyer | Nov 18

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 Patrick Cox headshot
Sean Cox

Criminal defense lawyer | Sep 24

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 Benjamin Slot headshot
Phillip Slot

Criminal defense lawyer | Jul 29

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 E. Chamberlain Jr. headshot
Charles Chamberlain

DUI and DWI lawyer | May 13

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

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

Peter Alan VanGelderen headshot
Peter VanGelderen

Criminal defense lawyer | May 07

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 P. Hunting headshot
Mark Hunting

Criminal defense lawyer | May 07

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 T. Kortes headshot
Jeffrey Kortes

Criminal defense lawyer | May 07

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 R. Simkins headshot
Steven Simkins

Unknown lawyer | Jul 12

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"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 L. Jansma headshot
Jason Jansma

Criminal defense lawyer | Jun 22

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 G. Ostrow headshot
Hal Ostrow

Criminal defense lawyer | May 07

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."

View All Endorsements
Ashley Sue VanDyk headshot
Ashley VanDyk

Trusts lawyer

Esther Hilda Alis Acosta headshot
Esther Acosta

Estate planning lawyer

Mark John Magyar headshot
Mark Magyar

Litigation lawyer

Bradley Paul Koffel headshot
Bradley Koffel

DUI and DWI lawyer

Judith A. Baxter headshot
Judith Baxter

Criminal defense lawyer

Michelle Marie Mclean headshot
Michelle Mclean

Child custody lawyer

Crystal L. Morgan headshot
Crystal Morgan

State, local, and municipal law lawyer

Britt Cobb headshot
Britt Cobb

Criminal defense lawyer

Robert F. Mirque Jr. headshot
Robert Mirque

Immigration lawyer

Sean Patrick Cox headshot
Sean Cox

Elder law lawyer

Phillip Benjamin Slot headshot
Phillip Slot

Business lawyer

Charles E. Chamberlain Jr. headshot
Charles Chamberlain

Criminal defense lawyer

Richard E. Hillary II headshot
Richard Hillary

Litigation lawyer

Frederick E. Mackraz headshot
Frederick Mackraz

Litigation lawyer

James R. Oppenhuizen headshot
James Oppenhuizen

Bankruptcy and debt lawyer

Andrea D. Crumback headshot
Andrea Crumback

Litigation lawyer

Peter Alan VanGelderen headshot
Peter VanGelderen

Criminal defense lawyer

Jeffrey T. Kortes headshot
Jeffrey Kortes

Criminal defense lawyer

Mark P. Hunting headshot
Mark Hunting

Criminal defense lawyer

Jason L. Jansma headshot
Jason Jansma

Criminal defense lawyer

Experience

Rating:  10.0 (Superb)

Honors

2019

Best Non-White Collar Criminal Defense Attorney, Grand Rapids Magazine

2014

BV Rated, Martindale-Hubbell

2014

Client Rating, Martindale-Hubbell

2007

BV Rated, Martindale-Hubbell

1995

2 week course, Career Prosecutor's Course

Work Experience

2018 - Present

President - Attorney, Lykins Law, PLC

2013 - 2018

Vice President, West Michigan Defense Team

2006 - 2012

Attorney, Lykins Law

2000 - 2006

Partner, Lykins and LaGrand PC

1997 - 1998

Assistant Prosecutor, Former Assistant Kent County Prosecuto

1995 - 1997

Assistant CA, Former Jefferson County Commonwealth Attorney

1992 - 1993

Assistant Intern City Attorney, Whitehall City Attorney's Office

1984 - 1986

Bat Boy, Cincinnati Reds

Associations

2017 - Present

Team Member for 62B District Court Regional Sobriety Court

Defense Attorney Team Member

2016 - Present

Grand Rapids Bar Association

Criminal Law Section Chairperson

1997 - Present

Grand Rapids Bar Association

Member

1997 - Present

Michigan Bar Association

Member

1997 - Present

Justice Foundation Life Time Member

Sustaining Member

2000 - 2008

Camp Henry Board of Directors

Associate Board Member

1999 - 2004

Big Brothers and Big Sisters of West Michigan

Former Advisory Board Member

1995 - 1997

Kentucky Bar Associaton

Member

1995 - 1997

Louisville Bar Foundation

Member

1994 - 1995

Ohio State Bar Association

Member

1994 - 2010

American Bar Association

Member

Sample of Legal Cases

State v. Maxon

Charges Reduced from Felony to Misdemeanors

City of GR v. Client

Civil Infractions

State v. Samuels

Dismissed!

OWI Case Reduced to Careless Driving

OWI Case Reduced to Careless

City of Grand Rapids v. Client

Reduced Plea from Reckless to Careless Driving

People v. Client

OWI Child Endangerment Reduced to Impaired

City of Wyoming v. Client

Reduced Plea OWI To Careless Driving

People v.

Not Guilty Jury Verdict

People v. Chad S

Charges Dismissed

People v. Michael T

Not Guilty Jury Trial Verdict

People v.

Not Guilty Jury Verdict

See More Legal Cases

Education

1995

Career Prosecutor's School

Advance Trial Prosecution

1994

Capital Law School

Juris Doctorate

1992

Freien University, Berlin

Summer Studies in International Law

1990

Miami University of Ohio

Bachelor of Arts

Speaking Engagements

2018

Constitution Day

Constitution

2017

Constitution Day

Constitution

2012

Legal Review

Criminal Law Review

2011

Legal Review

Criminal Law Review

2010

Legal Review

Criminal Law Review

2009

Legal Review

Criminal Law Review

Publications

Languages

English

Activity

Avvo Rating

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  • Experience & background Years licensed, work experience, education
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Avvo Rating Levels
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