Michael R. Bartish

PRO

Michael R. Bartish

also known as SBBL Law

4.9
Rating: 10.0

Licensed for 27 years

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

60 Monroe Center NE, Suite 500, Grand Rapids, MI

Virtual Consultation Available

Free Consultation

About Michael

Biography

<READ OUR REVIEWS> Former Active Duty Army JAG | Super Lawyer | Avvo 10.0 | Award-winning team of former feds*: *US Attorney *Two FBI Special Agents *Two JAG Attorneys *Four Federal Prosecutors < NOW ON YOUR SIDE >. WE TAKE CASES TO TRIAL AND WIN.

Former Active Duty Army JAG | Super Lawyer | Avvo 10.0 | Award-winning team of former feds*: *US Attorney *Two FBI Special Agents *Two JAG Attorneys *Four Federal Prosecutors < NOW ON YOUR SIDE > National College of Drunk Driving Defense (NCDD)

<READ OUR REVIEWS> Former Active Duty Army JAG | Super Lawyer | Avvo 10.0 | Award-winning team of former feds*: *US Attorney *Two FBI Special Agents *Two JAG Attorneys *Four Federal Prosecutors < NOW ON YOUR SIDE >. WE TAKE SEXUAL ASSAULT CASES TO TRIAL AND WIN.

<READ OUR REVIEWS> Former Active Duty Army JAG | Super Lawyer | Avvo 10.0 | Award-winning team of former feds*: *US Attorney *Two FBI Special Agents *Two JAG Attorneys *Four Federal Prosecutors < NOW ON YOUR SIDE >. WE TAKE FEDERAL CASES TO TRIAL AND WIN.

Practice Areas

4

Practice Areas

Criminal Defense 28%

Former Active Duty Army JAG | Super Lawyer | Avvo 10.0 | Award-winning team of former feds*: *US Attorney *Two FBI Special Agents *Two JAG Attorneys *Four Federal Prosecutors < NOW ON YOUR SIDE >

26 years | 500 cases

28%
DUI and DWI 24%

Former Active Duty Army JAG | Super Lawyer | Avvo 10.0 | Award-winning team of former feds*: *US Attorney *Two FBI Special Agents *Two JAG Attorneys *Four Federal Prosecutors < NOW ON YOUR SIDE >

26 years | 500 cases

24%
Federal Crime 24%

Former Active Duty Army JAG | Super Lawyer | Avvo 10.0 | Award-winning team of former feds*: *US Attorney *Two FBI Special Agents *Two JAG Attorneys *Four Federal Prosecutors < NOW ON YOUR SIDE >

26 years | 495 cases

24%
Sex Crime 24%

Former Active Duty Army JAG | Super Lawyer | Avvo 10.0 | Award-winning team of former feds*: *US Attorney *Two FBI Special Agents *Two JAG Attorneys *Four Federal Prosecutors < NOW ON YOUR SIDE >

26 years | 500 cases

24%

Fees and Rates

Cost

Free Consultation

$0 first 120 minutes


Payment Methods

  • Cash
  • Check
  • Credit Card

Awards

Client's Choice
Client's Choice
2024 2022 2019
...
+ 7

Licenses

Licensed in Michigan for 22 years

State: Michigan

Acquired: 2003

Active in Good Standing

No misconduct found

Licensed in Ohio for 27 years

State: Ohio

Acquired: 1998

Active

No misconduct found

Location

SBBL Law, PLLC

60 Monroe Center NE, Suite 500, Grand Rapids, MI, 49503

sbbllaw.com/michael-bartish

SBBL Law, PLLC

28 W. Main Street, Fremont, MI, 49412

sbbllaw.com/michael-bartish

SBBL Law PLLC

3191 E Warm Springs Road, Las Vegas, NV, 89120

sbbllaw.com/michael-bartish

Online Presence

Other places you can find Michael online.

Michael R. Bartish's Reviews

Avvo Review Score

4.9 /5.0

123 Client Reviews

Posted by anonymous | September 29, 2025 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

An Amazing Team!

Mr. Bartish and Ms. Hamilton are amazing lawyers! From my initial consultation until the very end of my case they were by my side. Through everything they made sure I understood the legal terms and what my options were. They stood by me! I could not have asked for better lawyers. I would definitely 1...000% recommend Mr. Bartish and Ms. Hamilton for anyone that is need of legal assistance. They will always be upfront and honest with you.

Posted by anonymous | November 13, 2024 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

OWI Expungement

Mike and his team at SBBL Law were phenomenal to work with. After finding myself with a DUI >5 years ago, SBBL helped to reduce the charge to an OWI. 5 years later Mike was able to help me get the charge expunged. I feel like I can finally move on with my life and close that sad chapter that haunted ...me. I was even finally able to visit Canada which felt like a true victory. I highly recommend using Mike and SBBL. They have your back!

Posted by Anna | October 9, 2024 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

Exceeded My Expectations

If I could give 10 stars, I would! What a dedicated, hard-working, compassionate group of people. I highly recommend Michael Bartish; knowledgeable, educated, communicative, kind-hearted and down-to-earth. I knew I was in great hands from our first meeting. I had no hesitation in hiring Mike for my s...econd OWI. He kept his word, and worked his magic to push my Sentencing past Michigan's 7 year window between OWI's. Therefore, being able to plea to a first offense, which changed the outcome of my potential consequences. I was looking at 14 days in jail, among several other possible punishments. I'm grateful to be writing this from my own home, as he was successful to get me probation and the privilege of keeping my license (with restrictions, of course). With a lot of hard work, patience, and prayers, I could not have hoped for a better outcome.

Posted by anonymous | September 25, 2024 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

Just hire him

In June I found myself in a situation that required legal counsel. I was under a lot of pressure to host a “Pinterest” graduation party for my daughter. There were lots of laughs, pictures and well lots of drinking… At the end of the night I got my youngest to bed and stumbled my way to bed myself.... On the way I overheard inappropriate conversation between my husband & my daughter’s friends. I told my husband to get out and the friends to go home. Next thing I know my husband is right behind me yelling, pointing & forcing me into a corner. I went into fight or flight and needed to get away. My daughter whose graduation party it was came running up behind my husband to get him away from me. Not realizing in my attempts to get away, I pushed my daughter. She was not hurt physically. Emotionally startled and embarrassed I’m sure. I did get away into our bedroom and locked the door. My husband punched the door and entered the room. I continued to retreat to get away from him because I was terrified. I somehow was able to call 911 and they sent officers. I cannot comprehend what the officer was thinking because I was arrested after calling for help. My husband’s lies convinced her that I assaulted him and my daughter. He even added that I racked a 9mm and “almost” pointed it at him… I was arrested & in jail for the night. I started to panic & was terrified about potentially losing my job and/or licensing through the state in addition to losing my CPL & 2nd amendment rights. I was initially charged with felony felonious assault and a few other things that I do not recall. I started looking & researching who to hire to sort this mess out. I had talked to a dozen attorneys & all I heard were the same lines- like a salesman working for commission. A few of them sat ok with me. But that was the problem… they were ok. When there is so much on the line mediocre is not what I was willing to accept. I reached out to a trusted attorney that I had worked with previously on a civil matter from Warner Norcross + Judd. He referred me to Michael Bartish. I began digging into reviews & searching for articles about him. I reached out to SBBL Law. It didn’t take long for Michael to return my call. After speaking with Michael over the phone I knew he was the guy. He was direct yet empathetic. He listened to what was important to me and the fears I had. He was reassuring without over promising any sort of result. He never said any of the lines I’d heard from the previous attorneys who seemed to not be genuine. Over the course of about 2 months Michael walked me through the process, explained everything so that I understood. I could feel he was vested in this fight with me from our first court appearance. His presence and confident demeanor brought me peace at some of the most emotional times I had faced in a long time. Michael included me in every aspect of the case and looked to me to make the decisions on plea deals that were offered. He supported my decision to go to trial. He still never promised a winning result but his confidence gave me the confidence to fight this. I had never watched a jury selection. The jurors likely never were jurors before. Watching Michael educate the jurors while assessing their ability to be impartial for the anticipated trial was nothing short of impressive. He has power in his voice & not the sort that’s disrespectful or arrogant. At hearings Michael made clear arguments backed by law. He crushed every move the prosecution attempted. He has passion and speaks with a dominance you only see with true experience. The prosecution dismissed the case. Any headway they attempted was shattered by Michael. It was a huge win for us! Michael and I joked that it was a bit disappointing not going to trial. Watching him in the courtroom knowing his abilities I felt it would be a sure win and it would put the prosecutor in his place even more. If I ever need a defense attorney he 100% will be my guy!

Michael Bartish

Replied last September 26, 2024

Thank you so much for this review. It was an honor to represent you. What happened to you should never happen to anyone. I am so sorry you had to go through this. Thank you for trusting me.

Posted by anonymous | June 12, 2024 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

Best possible outcome

Mike and his team did a wonderful job fighting for my case. When things seemed hopeless he really helped me achieve the best possible outcome. I would recommend SBBL to anyone facing legal troubles.

See All Client Reviews

Michael R. Bartish's Lawyer Endorsements

Endorse Michael
Michael J. Nichols headshot
Michael Nichols

Criminal defense lawyer | Feb 17

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"I endorse this lawyer. Mike Bartish is an excellent attorney. He is bright and works hard for results for every one of his clients. I have worked on cases in which Mike represented co-defendants and I was very impressed with his work. I refer cases to Mike with confidence that he will get results!"

Robert S. Whims headshot
Robert Whims

Criminal defense lawyer | Sep 08

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"I needed an attorney for a client/friend of mine that had a family member who was accused of 'resisting and obstructing' police officers downstate where Attorney Bartish works. It was a difficult case to defend, and I needed somebody who was both competent and trustworthy. In the state of Michigan it doesn't take much for a prosecutor to win a case like this. In fact, our law holds that you could be found guilty of resisting or obstructing a police officer if you delay or disobey a police order, even if they give you a clearly unlawful command! Results matter, and in this case Attorney Bartish was able to win the jury trial in thundering fashion - the jury took all of about 10 minutes to vote NOT GUILTY. If you need an excellent lawyer, do yourself a favor and hire Attorney Bartish."

Heath Michael Lynch headshot
Heath Lynch

Criminal defense lawyer | May 31

Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

"I litigated against Mike in several cases while I served as a Federal prosecutor. He was unfailingly prepared and a fearless advocate for his clients. I also observed him in trial, where he brought a cutting edge learned as an Army JAG to cross-examining prosecution witnesses. I endorse him as an attorney and am grateful to now call him a colleague."

Britt Cobb headshot
Britt Cobb

Criminal defense lawyer | Jan 07

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Victoria J. Smith headshot
Victoria Smith

Criminal defense lawyer | Jan 04

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. My experience with Mr. Bartish depicted his passion for the law and representing his clients. He strives to represent each of his clients to the best of his ability and to ensure that his clients understand the process as well as what is in their best interest."

Joshua Marlin Covert headshot
Joshua Covert

Criminal defense lawyer | Aug 27

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"Michael is a wonderful attorney who really works hard for his clients. I worked with Michael on a federal case where he represented a co-defendant and was impressed with his level of work."

Matthew G. Borgula headshot
Matthew Borgula

Criminal defense lawyer | Aug 08

Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

"I endorse this lawyer. As a federal prosecutor for many years who has opposed Mike Bartish on variety of cases, I know Mike to be a zealous advocate who routinely obtains the best possible outcome for his clients. Mike has a reputation among government attorneys as a skilled trial attorney who also cares about his clients. I would not hesitate to recommend him to anyone facing criminal charges."

Peter Francis Iocona headshot
Peter Iocona

DUI and DWI lawyer | May 06

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"I endorse this lawyer. Michael Bartish is a great lawyer who achieves great results for his clients. He is a zealous advocate for his clients. I highly recommend this lawyer."

Marlo Parago Cordero headshot
Marlo Cordero

Criminal defense lawyer | May 06

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. If you are in need of a great criminal defense attorney in Western Michigan, you should definitely contact Mr. Bartish of Springstead and Bartish Law."

Ravi R. Gurumurthy headshot
Ravi Gurumurthy

Unknown lawyer | Feb 03

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Judy Jenkins headshot
Judy Jenkins

Criminal defense lawyer | Aug 27

Relationship: Other

"I endorse this lawyer."

Michael S. Waddington headshot
Michael Waddington

Criminal defense lawyer | Jun 04

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

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

Peter Alan VanGelderen headshot
Peter VanGelderen

Criminal defense lawyer | Jul 01

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"I endorse this lawyer. I have had the opportunity to work with Mike on multiple cases and always came away impressed with his ability to find the best results for his clients. Whether it was navigating a complex trial or negotiating a favorable result through a plea, Mike passionately represented his clients. I am confident he can handle any criminal matter placed before him."

Cathryn A. McGinn headshot
Cathryn McGinn

DUI and DWI lawyer | May 17

Relationship: Other

"Mike Bartish recently provided legal defense services to a family member of mine. Mike was recommended to me by a partner in a major law firm in Grand Rapids, MI with whom I do business and we were very pleased with his knowledge and conduct every step of the way . Mike provided comprehensive, legally sound counsel to my young family member, taking the time to explain the options, potential outcomes, next steps, etc. He was extremely responsive, supportive, and caring during this very scary time for my family member - and he achieved a wonderful outcome. I would refer family, friends and business clients to Mike without hesitation based on his sound legal counsel, his responsiveness and caring, as well as his extensive expertise."

Jon Martin Pettis headshot
Jon Pettis

Unknown lawyer | Apr 20

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Callista A. Gloss headshot
Callista Gloss

Criminal defense lawyer | Jan 29

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Mr. Bartish is truly an asset to the legal profession. He is very passionate about what he does and is willing to fight for his client's rights."

Jennifer L. Johnsen headshot
Jennifer Johnsen

Criminal defense lawyer | Oct 12

Relationship: Friend

"I wholeheartedly support Michael as the best criminal defense attorney I've had the pleasure of knowing. I do not hesitate to refer clients to him, and the feedback from their experiences with Michael are nothing but positive. Michael is the type of attorney to whom I would trust my family and friends as well."

Shawn C. Worden headshot
Shawn Worden

Criminal defense lawyer | Aug 23

Relationship: Co-worker

"For several years Mike and I worked together at a large Grand Rapids law firm. Mike is tireless in his pursuit of legal knowledge and has become my "go to" guy for criminal referrals in the Grand Rapids area."

Hal G. Ostrow headshot
Hal Ostrow

Criminal defense lawyer | Aug 12

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Mike is a fantastic criminal defense attorney. I have observed him in court handling a difficult matter with great professionalism, and I am comfortable sending referrals to him knowing that he will do a fantastic job."

Erica L. Wikander headshot
Erica Wikander

Criminal defense lawyer | Aug 04

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I absolutely endorse Michael Bartish. Michael is an excellent criminal defense attorney; I always refer potential clients to him. Michael is ethical, honest and hardworking. I am confident that he provides outstanding legal services to his clients, always keeping their best interests in mind."

View All Endorsements
Emily Wilkey Jipp headshot
Emily Jipp

Criminal defense lawyer

Todd Andrew Stuart headshot
Todd Stuart

Business lawyer

Heath Michael Lynch headshot
Heath Lynch

Criminal defense lawyer

Donald A. Davis headshot
Donald Davis

Criminal defense lawyer

Matthew G. Borgula headshot
Matthew Borgula

White collar crime lawyer

Barbara A Snow headshot
Barbara Snow

Criminal defense lawyer

Jason J. Elmore headshot
Jason Elmore

Criminal defense lawyer

Kathryn Maddox Springstead headshot
Kathryn Springstead

Criminal defense lawyer

Peter Alan VanGelderen headshot
Peter VanGelderen

Criminal defense lawyer

Callista A. Gloss headshot
Callista Gloss

Criminal defense lawyer

Harlan H. F. Wood headshot
Harlan Wood

Criminal defense lawyer

Hal G. Ostrow headshot
Hal Ostrow

Business lawyer

Robert S. Whims headshot
Robert Whims

Criminal defense lawyer

Shawn C. Worden headshot
Shawn Worden

Personal injury lawyer

Sarah Riley Howard headshot
Sarah Howard

Criminal defense lawyer

Madelaine C. Lane headshot
Madelaine Lane

Criminal defense lawyer

Stephen R. Drew headshot
Stephen Drew

Personal injury lawyer

Robert J. Buchanan headshot
Robert Buchanan

Medical malpractice lawyer

Jason Napoleon Thelen headshot
Jason Thelen

Litigation lawyer

Todd A. Snow headshot
Todd Snow

Criminal defense lawyer

Experience

Rating:  10.0 (Superb)

Honors

2025

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2024

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2023

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2022

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2021

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers Magazine

2020

Top Lawyer - Criminal Defense, Grand Rapids Magazine

2020

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers Magazine

2019

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers Magazine

2018

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers Magazine

2017

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers Magazine

2016

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers Magazine

2015

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers Magazine

2014

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers Magazine

2013

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers Magazine

2013

Top 100 Trial Lawyers, National Trial Lawyers

2012

Rising Star, Super Lawyers Magazine

2011

Rising Star, Super Lawyers Magazine

2011

Top 40 Under 40, The National Trial Lawyers

2009

Rising Star, Super Lawyers Magazine

Work Experience

2011 - Present

Partner, SBBL Law

2019 - 2023

Team Chief - Las Vegas, United States Army 117th LOD

2016 - 2019

Expert Appellate Counsel, United States Army Defense Appellate Divsion

2012 - 2019

Staff Judge Advocate, 46th Military Police Command - Michigan National Guard

2007 - 2013

Senior Defense Counsel - Army Reserves, United States Army & Army Reserve

2005 - 2011

Associate, Willey & Chamberlain

2003 - 2005

Associate, Smith Haughey Rice & Roegge

1999 - 2002

Judge Advocate, U.S. Judge States Army Judge Advocate General's Corps

Associations

2012 - Present

National College of DUI Defense

Member

2009 - Present

State Bar of Michigan, Litigation Section

Council Member

2005 - Present

National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers

Member

2005 - Present

Criminal Defense Attorneys of Michigan

Constitutional Warrior

2005 - Present

Criminal Justice Act Panel - Western District of Michigan

Panel Member

2004 - Present

State Bar Criminal Law Section

Member

2004 - Present

Federal Bar Association (Western District of Michigan chapter)

Member

2003 - Present

State Appellate Defenders Office Forum

Member

2012 - 2014

Criminal Defense Attorneys of Michigan

Board Member

Sample of Legal Cases

People v. CV

Not Guilty

People v. J.P.

Not Guilty

People v. R.M

Not Guilty

People v. P.M.

Implied Consent Refusal Dismissed; Operating With the Presence of a Controlled Substance Dismissed in exchange for plea to careless driving following filing of motion to suppress.

City of Wyoming v. E.B.

Plea to a civil infraction and non-dui misdemeanor. Client able to keep his CDL.

People v. B.P.

All charges against the client dismissed.

United States v. John Mekediak

Original sentence overturned and client resentenced to half the original sentence.

People v. A.P.

Motion to suppress was granted and the case was dismissed.

People v. K.A.

Case dismissed following successful suppression motion.

M.M. v. Secretary of State

Restoration of client's driving privileges.

United States v. Raogo Ouedraogo

Murder conviction overturned, Judgement of Acquittal Granted. Client released from jail days before Christmas

U.S. v. MM

Client received a significantly lower sentence than recommended by the guidelines.

People v. J.N.

Evidence was suppressed and the case was dismissed.

United States v. S.F.

6th Circuit Victory and Significant Sentence Reduction

People v. M.J.

Not Guilty

United States v. W.L.

Client acquitted of lone contested charge.

United States v. Timothy Gibbs

At resentencing hearing, the district court ordered both sentences to run concurrently. Client's overall sentence was reduced by five years.

See More Legal Cases

Education

2007

Judge Advocate General's School, U.S. Army

Officer Advance Course

1999

Judge Advocate General's School, U.S. Army

Officer Basic Course

1998

University of Cincinnati College of Law

J.D.

1995

University of Notre Dame

B.S.

Speaking Engagements

2019

Criminal Defense Attorneys of Michigan Winter Conference

Walking the Minefield: Preparing Your Client to Testify in CSC Trials

2011

University of Notre Dame College of Law Practice Tracks Program

Military and Criminal Law as a Practice

2010

U.S. Army Trial Defese Service Great Lakes Regional Conference

Defending UCMJ Sex Crimes

Publications

2021

2016

2014

@Law magazine (NALS) "You Can't Handle the Truth!; Dispelling the Myths About the Military Justice System"

2007

CDAM Newsletter Spotlight on Attorney - Michael R. Bartish

Languages

English

Activity

Avvo Rating

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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