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Michael R. Bartish
also known as SBBL Law
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About Michael
Biography
A Life Devoted to Justice, Honor, and Service
Beginning with his service in the United States Army Judge Advocate General Corps, where he defended those who defend America, Mike Bartish has always been a force to be reckoned with. A criminal defense attorney whose compassion for his clients is as fierce as his courtroom skills, Mike has been an unwavering advocate for justice and the accused for nearly two decades. His story is not just about legal triumphs but a dedication to service that transcends professional boundaries.
Early Life and Education
Mike Bartish's journey in the realm of law began at the University of Notre Dame, where he attended on a U.S. Army R.O.T.C. scholarship. Yet it was at the University of Cincinnati College of Law where he honed his legal skills, setting the stage for a remarkable career that would extend far beyond the confines of the courtroom.
A Lawyer's Mind, a Soldier's Soul: The Army Years
After graduating from law school, Mike joined the United States Army Judge Advocate General Corps, where he took his first steps in criminal law. Stationed at Fort Hood, Texas, and serving in the First Cavalry Division and the Trial Defense Services, Mike navigated the intricacies of over 100 cases and 15 jury trials, including high-profile murder and attempted murder cases. His four-year tenure in active duty honed not just his legal skills but also instilled an unbreakable sense of duty, honor, and service.
A New Chapter: The Birth of SBBL Law, PLLC
Leaving active duty after four years, Mike moved to Grand Rapids and worked for two renowned law firms before joining forces with Gary Springstead to create Springstead & Bartish Law, PLLC in 2011. What began as a modest, three-person operation quickly established itself by turning seemingly indefensible cases into trial successes. As the firm’s reputation grew, so did the size of the firm until it evolved into SBBL Law, PLLC, - West Michigan’s premier criminal defense firm.
A Lawyer With a Heart
Mike has a reputation for taking his cases personally. Some might see this as a weakness; for him, it's an unmatched strength. Specializing in defending clients charged with some of the most serious criminal offenses imaginable, Mike's numerous acquittals in both state and federal courts speak volumes about his commitment to his clients—whom he defends as passionately as if they were family. Mike also understands, however, that sometimes clients need more than just a defense in the courtroom. Mike has a unique ability to fashion resolutions for his clients in lieu of trial that address the client’s circumstances and treat the underlying cause of uncharacteristic actions. Mike’s reputation for honesty, honor, and ethical behavior has allowed him to cultivate trustworthy relationships with prosecuting attorneys and courts throughout the state to benefit his clients.
Mike’s advocacy is not limited to trials. Mike has also established himself as a formidable advocate for his clients in the appellate courts. With extensive experience in the 6th Circuit Court of Appeals and Michigan appellate courts, his record includes numerous victories and precedent-setting published decisions.
A Lasting Legacy
In addition to his civilian practice, Mike dedicated his life to the United States Army. Mike served on active duty in the Army Reserves and the Michigan National Guard for 26 years, retiring as a Lieutenant Colonel in May 2023. He spent most of his career as a trial defense attorney and defense appellate counsel defending those defending America.
Beyond Legal Briefs and Courtrooms
His service didn't stop at the courtroom or the military. It extends to shaping future legal minds as a West Catholic High School Mock Trial Team volunteer coach. What spare time Mike does have, he spends with his wife Anne (an accomplished attorney in her own right) and his four children. On weekends, Mike can usually be found on the sideline of an athletic field (often multiple fields), cheering on his children or immersed in a spirited yard or board game with his family.
<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%
27 years | 500 cases
DUI and DWI
24%
27 years | 500 cases
Federal Crime
24%
27 years | 495 cases
Sex Crime
24%
27 years | 500 cases
Fees and Rates
Cost
Payment Methods
- Cash
- Check
- Credit Card
Awards
2024 2022 2019
...
+
7
Licenses
Licensed in Michigan for 23 years
State: Michigan
Acquired: 2003
No misconduct found
Licensed in Ohio for 27 years
State: Ohio
Acquired: 1998
No misconduct found
Location
Gallery
Online Presence
Other places you can find Michael online.
Michael R. Bartish's Reviews
Avvo Review Score
123 Client Reviews
Filter Avvo Reviews (123)
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Practice Areas
Criminal Defense (81)
DUI & DWI (24)
Lawsuits & Disputes (16)
Sex Crime (6)
Drug Crime (5)
Speeding & Traffic Ticket (4)
Domestic Violence (3)
Expungement (3)
Juvenile (3)
Litigation (3)
Violent Crime (3)
Administrative Law (2)
Appeals (2)
Child Custody (2)
Federal Crime (2)
Civil Rights (1)
Family (1)
What Clients Mention
Case Results (98)
Advocacy (83)
Recommendation (57)
Professionalism (48)
Responsiveness (41)
Communication Style (40)
Practice Area Knowledge (29)
General Knowledge (28)
Character & Conduct (26)
Compassion (24)
Trustworthiness (21)
Staff & Support (12)
Cost of Services (11)
Punctuality (4)
Free Consultations (3)
Showing 101 - 105 of 123 reviews
Posted by anonymous | November 01, 2013
Professional and Knowledgeable
I cannot even begin to put into words what an amazing lawyer Mr. Bartish is, from the very beginning I was treated fair and never felt judged. He was professional at all times. He had a tremendous positive impact on my life and for that I was always be grateful to him. I cannot thank him enough for g...
Posted by anonymous | October 24, 2013 | Criminal Defense
Review of Mike Bartish
I contacted the Springstead and Bartish law firm earlier in the summer because I had recently been charged with my second MIP. They were very clear and upfront with me about the procedure that would happen, as well as what they would try to do for me. Mike Bartish, my lawyer, was extremely kind and e...
Posted by anonymous | September 26, 2013 | Criminal Defense
DUI
Michael was exceptional in representing my case. He catered specifically to my unique needs and helped steer the judge towards a decision that did not significantly alter my anticipated plans (pre-arrest). My charge was lowered and repercussions were fair. It was clear that Michael was looking out...
Posted by Khalid | September 26, 2013 | DUI & DWI
Excellent, trustworthy, and gets results!
I hired Mike for my 2nd OWI and my priorities were to avoid jail time and to get my license. He was always straightforward and worked hard to get me what I wanted. His credibility and great reputation are not baseless. He was able to get me a fair sentence and was very pleasant to work with, I highl...
Posted by anonymous | July 17, 2013 | Criminal Defense
ELECTRIC FOREST CASE DISMISSED
my son made some poor decisions in his trip to the electric forest music festival. he was facing some serious charges and this was unfortunately his 4th encounter with the legal system. we were extremely worried and distraught i was convinced he was facing jail time and substantial fines. the ultimat...
Michael R. Bartish's Lawyer Endorsements
"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!"
"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."
"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."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"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."
"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."
"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."
"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."
"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."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse Michael. He is a highly skilled attorney that is well respected in the legal community."
"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."
"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."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"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."
"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."
"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."
"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."
"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."
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Experience
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 DefenseMember
2009 - Present
State Bar of Michigan, Litigation SectionCouncil Member
2005 - Present
National Association of Criminal Defense LawyersMember
2005 - Present
Criminal Defense Attorneys of MichiganConstitutional Warrior
2005 - Present
Criminal Justice Act Panel - Western District of MichiganPanel Member
2004 - Present
State Bar Criminal Law SectionMember
2004 - Present
Federal Bar Association (Western District of Michigan chapter)Member
2003 - Present
State Appellate Defenders Office ForumMember
2012 - 2014
Criminal Defense Attorneys of MichiganBoard 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.
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
The Federal Lawyer
No Plans to End 30 Years of Service
2019
Traverse City Record Eagle
'A living nightmare'; Jury acquits man accused of sexual assault
2016
Live: Grand Rapids Press
Murder Trial Gamble Pays Off with Aquittal
2014
MLive: Grand Rapids Press
Woman who took 3-year-old child from bus found not guilty of kidnapping
2014
@Law magazine (NALS)
"You Can't Handle the Truth!; Dispelling the Myths About the Military Justice System"
2011
2007
CDAM Newsletter
Spotlight on Attorney - Michael R. Bartish
Languages
English
Activity
Legal Answers
Legal Answers
Q&A
If convicted in Michigan for a felony child sexually abusive material charge will you still be able to live with your kids?
21 Apr 2020
Q&A
What are my chances of getting a felony charge dropped to a misdemeanor/probation?
05 Mar 2018
Q&A
Can my probation officer find out i have a job dealing with direct money when im not suppose to?
24 Jan 2013