Jeffrey T. Kortes

Jeffrey T. Kortes

5.0
Rating: 8.9

Licensed for 22 years

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

Kortes, Lykins, Hunting & Jansma PLLC, 77 Monroe Center NW, Ste. 700, Grand Rapids, MI

About Jeffrey

Biography

Practice Areas

3

Practice Areas

DUI and DWI 50%

23 years

50%
Family 10%

23 years

10%

Fees and Rates

Cost

Retainer

Always


Payment Methods

  • Cash
  • Check
  • Credit Card

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Licenses

Licensed in Michigan for 22 years

State: Michigan

Acquired: 2003

Active in Good Standing

No misconduct found

Location

West Michigan Defense Team

Kortes, Lykins, Hunting & Jansma PLLC, 77 Monroe Center NW, Ste. 700, Grand Rapids, MI, 49503

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Jeffrey T. Kortes's Reviews

Avvo Review Score

5.0 /5.0

10 Client Reviews

5 star (10)
4 star (0)
3 star (0)
2 star (0)
1 star (0)

Posted by anonymous | January 25, 2018 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

Experienced, knowledgeable and professional

Jeff Kortes put some extra work in convincing the assistant DA to get my case dismissed. A few months ago I was charged with felony child abuse in a matter involving my son. I didn’t like the prospect of going to trial, and pleading to a reduced charge would have some bad consequences. I understand t...hat most cases are settled during the 1st court appearance however we had to do some extra work to get a dismissal. Jeff always replied to my emails the same or next day and I liked that he usually answers his phone, unlike most lawyers. He also asked the judge to modify bond conditions and allow me travel out of state. Overall Jeff is a very professional, understanding and experienced attorney.

Posted by anonymous | May 26, 2016 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

DWI Case

Jeff and his team did a great job managing my case. This was the worst thing to ever happen to me, but he and his staff helped me navigate this troublesome time. They kept me in the loop on what was happening with my case in the court and answered the many questions that I had for them. Mr. Kortes... was sensitive to my work schedule and often gave his time for consultation after normal work hours. Communication between him and his office was always prompt. Most of all, he is extremely knowledgeable with these types of cases. After the incident, he asked specific and pointed questions to help improve the outcome. I felt very comfortable leaving my fate in his expert hands; it is obvious he has defended many clients in similar circumstances.

Posted by anonymous | August 6, 2015

Excellent Pinch Hitter

I hired Mr. Kortes in August 2015 to represent my son, a college student, for a probation violation for 2 misdemeanors from 2014. My son organizationally challenged, absent minded and struggles with attention (all diagnosed), and missed a recent probation appointment. As this was not his first, he ...was facing jail time for the remainder of his probation. Knowing that my son was truly trying to get his life in order, we wanted representation for a probation violation (PV) hearing, which I believe is not the norm. My son’s original lawyer was not available. Mr. Kortes, with the assistance of his partner, Jerry Lykins, stepped up to bat the day before the hearing. Mr. Kortes was able to successfully represent my son by highlighting the progress he has made in the last 6 months, his diagnosed condition and the support system in place to help him stay on right track. The hard work is now up to my son to comply with all aspects of his probation before another review next year. Mr. Kortes paved the way to an outcome that I am told was truly unprecedented.

Posted by shelby | June 14, 2015

Excellent Family Law Attorney

I was referred to Jeff Kortes from another local attorney who did not practice family law but knew Jeff from his criminal law practice. I reached out to Jeff and his assistant Jaime with my legal issue. Both were professional, offered guidance along the way, and were quick to return my emails through...out the process. I was skeptical the courts would be sympathetic to my situation, but Jeff and Jaime assured our strategy was sound and that we had a strong chance of succeeding. We scheduled a hearing date, and Jeff was in fact successful in persuading the court as to all of our legal issues and what we were seeking relative to resolution. I would highly recommend Jeff and Jaime to anyone searching for a family law attorney.

Posted by anonymous | April 24, 2014

OWI Case

Jeff was very knowledgeable about my case and certain details that helped me to get my case reduced. He always responded in a timely manner when I had questions. I would recommend him to friends and family if they ever needed attorney.

See All Client Reviews

Jeffrey T. Kortes's Lawyer Endorsements

Endorse Jeffrey
Michael S. Waddington headshot
Michael Waddington

Criminal defense lawyer | Jun 04

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

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

Michael J. Nichols headshot
Michael Nichols

Criminal defense lawyer | Nov 19

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. Jeff works hard. Jeff is involved in many groups and organizations dedicated to continuing legal education. I talked with Jeff many times about cases that he is willing to fight or go to trial on and he gets results!"

Barton W. Morris Jr. headshot
Barton Morris

DUI and DWI lawyer | Nov 17

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I have known Jeff Kortes professionally for several years and I can definitely say that he is a top tier criminal and DUI defense lawyer. Jeff is known for his experience, knowledge and preparation. He gets great results for his clients and that is why I highly recommend him."

Michael D. Adams headshot
Michael Adams

Criminal defense lawyer | Nov 07

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse Mr. Kortes and give him the highest marks for his demonstrated professionalism, strong legal background and understanding of the complexities of the criminal justice system. Ms. Kortes is well-respected among his fellow attorneys and is committed to achieving results for his clients. His work and ethic and integrity are beyond reproach."

Courtney L. Quist headshot
Courtney Quist

Family lawyer | Nov 07

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Jeff Kortes is professional, smart, and a good lawyer. He knows the law, and can accurately assess a case in order to advise his clients. I highly recommend him as an attorney."

Thomas L. Saxe headshot
Thomas Saxe

Divorce and separation lawyer | Oct 31

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. I have know him for many years. He not only has a strong work ethic and legal accumen, but he also has an honest and practical approach to resolving his clients' cases in a way that benefits them in a very cost-economical manner."

James R. Oppenhuizen headshot
James Oppenhuizen

Criminal defense lawyer | Oct 31

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. Jeff is a dedicated advocate and has the experience necessary to assist clients in all matters."

Gerald R Stahl headshot
Gerald Stahl

Criminal defense lawyer | Jun 20

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. I have worked with Jeff on several criminal cases. He has great communication skills and is very familiar with the courts and Judges in Kent County. He is very ethical and knows the law."

Thomas B. Baynton headshot
Thomas Baynton

Criminal defense lawyer | Jun 18

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. Jeff is a dedicated criminal defense attorney who goes the extra mile for his clients. Jeff has taken advanced training in criminal defense and is involved with a group of other highly skilled attorneys who share their expertise and cutting edged defenses."

Matthew S. Abdo headshot
Matthew Abdo

Criminal defense lawyer | May 17

Relationship: Other

"From Mr. Kortes' interaction on this website and from reviewing his case experience I believe him to be an avant garde criminal defense practitioner. Our office would gladly send clients from Michigan's west side his way. I endorse this attorney."

Steven R. Simkins headshot
Steven Simkins

Criminal defense lawyer | May 08

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"Jeff is an extremely bright, charismatic attorney known for his ability to provide clients outstanding representation from the beginning of a case through its final resolution. Jeff has the ability to analyze legal issues from every angle and works with all parties involved in a criminal matter to get the best possible outcome for his clients."

Mark P. Hunting headshot
Mark Hunting

Criminal defense lawyer | May 07

Relationship: Co-worker

"I joined with Jeff as a law partner in January 2013. I have known Jeff for several years around the criminal law and OWI legal fields. Jeff is someone who I have admired and appreciated his dedication to his client's cases. I am pleased to be partnered with Jeff in our new criminal defense law firm, Kortes, Lykins, Hunting & Jansma, PLLC, the West Michigan Defense Team."

Phillip Benjamin Slot headshot
Phillip Slot

Criminal defense lawyer | Apr 03

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. Jeff is one of the best lawyers in Grand Rapids for family law and criminal defense matters. I strongly recommend him."

Joshua Blanchard headshot
Joshua Blanchard

Criminal defense lawyer | Mar 27

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. I've known Jeff through mutual training events that we have attended as well as seeing him practice in local courts. Jeff has the knowledge and skills to effectively represent people charged with serious crimes."

Gerald R. Lykins headshot
Gerald Lykins

Criminal defense lawyer | Jun 29

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"I endorse this lawyer. Simply put Jeff is one of the best lawyers in Grand Rapids for both Criminal Defense and Family Law. Jeff is hardworking, focused and compassionate to his clients. Jeff has built an excellent reputation among other attorneys as well as with the Judges. I would recommend Jeff to anyone needing legal assistance."

View All Endorsements
Steven R. Simkins headshot
Steven Simkins

Criminal defense lawyer

Michelle Marie Mclean headshot
Michelle Mclean

Child custody lawyer

Courtney L. Quist headshot
Courtney Quist

Divorce and separation lawyer

Gerald R Stahl headshot
Gerald Stahl

Criminal defense lawyer

Jason L. Jansma headshot
Jason Jansma

Criminal defense lawyer

Mark P. Hunting headshot
Mark Hunting

Criminal defense lawyer

Gerald R. Lykins headshot
Gerald Lykins

Criminal defense lawyer

Experience

Rating:  8.9 (Excellent)

Honors

2019

Notable, Martindale-Hubbell

2012

Standardized Field Sobriety Training, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration

2012

Advance Program, Hillman Trial Advocacy

2002

Intra-School Moot Court Champion, Thomas M. Cooley Law School

2000

Raymond Burr Award, Thomas M. Cooley Law School

2000

Shane Joseph Johnson, Thomas M. Cooley Law School

2000

Criminal Law Book Award, Thomas M. Cooley Law School

Work Experience

2013 - Present

President, West Michigan Defense Team Kortes, Lykins, Hunting & Jansma, PLLC

2006 - 2012

Attorney, Kreis Enderle Hudgins & Borsos, PC

2003 - 2006

Owner, Jeffrey T. Kortes PC

2002 - 2003

Extern, Kent County Prosecutor's Office

Associations

2012 - Present

National College of DUI Defense

General member

2012 - Present

Michigan Association of OWI Attorneys

Member

2008 - Present

National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers

Member

2003 - Present

Federal Bar Association (Western District of Michigan chapter)

Member

Sample of Legal Cases

CSC 1st, Life Offense

Not Guilty

Aggravated Stalking - Felony

Case dismissed

Operating While Intoxicated - 2nd Offense

Dismissed

CSC Allegations

No charges were authorized

CSC Allegations

Charges were not authorized

Operating While Intoxicated Causing Death

Not Guilty

Operating While Intoxicated Felony

Not Guilty

Home Invasion 1st Degree

Not Guilty

See More Legal Cases

Education

2003

Thomas M. Cooley Law School

JD - Juris Doctor

1986

Central Michigan University

B.A.A.

Speaking Engagements

2017

CPL Training Class

Legal responsibilities for CPL Holders

2016

CPL Class

legal Responsibilities for Concealed Permit Licensees

2015

CPL Training Class

Legal Responsibilities for Concealed Permit Licensees

2014

CPL Class

legal Responsibilities for Concealed Permit Licensees

2013

CCW Licensing Classes

Legal Responsibilities for Concealed Permit Licensees

2010

Law Day

Careers in the Law

Publications

2010

SADO Criminal Defense Newsletter Opinion of the Month

Languages

English

Activity

Avvo Rating

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What determines Avvo Rating?
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  • Legal community recognition Peer endorsements, associations, awards
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Avvo Rating Levels
10.0 - 9.0 Superb8.9 - 8.0 Excellent7.9 - 7.0 Very Good6.9 - 6.0 Good5.9 - 5.0 Average4.9 - 4.0 Concern3.9 - 3.0 Caution2.9 - 2.0 Strong Caution1.9 - 1.0 Extreme Caution