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Tessa K. Muir

Criminal defense Attorney at Grand Rapids, MI

5.0   27 reviews

also known as SBBL Law, Tessa K. Hessmiller

Free consultation Virtual consultation available
Free consultation Virtual consultation available
  • State Years
    Michigan - MI 8 years
    New York - NY 14 years
  • Licensed for 8 years
    State MI
    Acquired 2015
    Status
    Active in Good Standing No misconduct found
  • Licensed for 14 years
    State NY
    Acquired 2009
    Status
    Due to Register within 30 Days of Birthday No misconduct found

We have not found any instances of professional misconduct for this lawyer.

About Tessa

Learn Tessa’s areas of practice.

5
Practice areas
  1. Criminal defense
    30%
    Drug trafficking and other drug offenses, Search and Seizure Motions to Suppress, Juvenile charges

    12 years, 30 cases

  2. Federal crime
    15%
    Former Army JAG Officer. Former federal prosecutor.

    12 years, 110 cases

  3. Violent crime
    15%
    Firearm and gun charges, Bank robbery, Assault & battery, Homicide, Manslaughter, Domestic violence

    12 years, 40 cases

  4. White collar crime
    15%
    Internal corporate investigations, Embezzlement, Tax fraud, Healthcare fraud, Wire fraud, Bank fraud, Benefits fraud

    7 years, 5 cases

  5. Sex crime
    10%
    Sexual assault, College student sex cases (Title IX)

    12 years, 100 cases

  6. Juvenile law
    5%

    7 years

  7. Litigation
    5%
    Civil litigation (plaintiffs' and defendants' side)

    12 years

  8. Military law
    5%

    7 years

FORMER FEDERAL PROSECUTOR | FORMER ARMY JAG OFFICER | AVVO 10.0 SUPERB ATTORNEY RATING | PRINCETON UNIVERSITY AND GEORGETOWN LAW GRADUATE | TRIAL PRACTICE INSTRUCTOR | AWARD-WINNING CRIMINAL DEFENSE TEAM OF FORMER FEDS: US ATTORNEY, TWO FBI SPECIAL AGENTS, TWO JAG ATTORNEYS, FOUR FEDERAL PROSECUTORS

Former federal prosecutor and Army JAG lawyer. Now criminal defense attorney.

Tessa K. Muir brings over a decade of experience as a former federal prosecutor and Army JAG attorney. As a federal prosecutor in the Western District of Michigan, she served as the lead attorney in over 150 criminal cases and Sixth Circuit appeals. She worked closely with and trained dozens of law enforcement agencies, including the Michigan State Police, FBI, DEA, ATF, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), police departments, and sheriffs’ offices. She earned commendations for her work as a trial attorney from the FBI, HSI, and the State Bar of Michigan. Since 2015, she has been selected by fellow attorneys and federal judges in the Western District of Michigan as an instructor at the Hillman Trial Advocacy Program — the district’s premier trial practice program.


As an Army JAG attorney, Ms. Muir worked inside the military’s highest security prison, prosecuted military courts-martial, and advised servicemembers and commanders on Army disciplinary procedures and separation boards.


Ms. Muir has also served as an in-house corporate attorney at a large international tech company, where she led discreet internal fraud investigations and defended the company against lawsuits worldwide.


Ms. Muir’s combined expertise in federal and state courts, the Army justice system, federal prisons, and corporate America is unrivaled.

 

CRIMINAL DEFENSE


From the first stages of an investigation through the final stages of appeal, Ms. Muir knows from the inside out how the system works. As a criminal defense attorney, Ms. Muir uses her expertise as a former federal prosecutor to help her clients understand the investigative process, find weaknesses in the case, and build a strong defense.
Ms. Muir specializes in:


• Federal criminal cases nationwide;
• Federal sentencing guidelines;
• White collar crime (including tax evasion, bank fraud, and healthcare fraud);
• Internal corporate fraud investigations;
• Criminal sexual conduct (CSC) investigations;
• Title IX college sex assault cases;
• Juvenile offenses;
• Violent crime and firearms offenses; and
• Drug trafficking and drug possession cases.


Ms. Muir is a persuasive courtroom advocate. She has succeeded at both the state and federal level in achieving the complete dismissal of cases after filing Fourth Amendment motions to challenge traffic stops, search warrants, and inventory searches. She has convinced prosecutors at both the state and federal level to agree with her position on motions ranging from reversing improper sentencing conditions to excluding evidence of other acts by the defendant at trial. She has persuaded prosecutors’ offices throughout Michigan not to charge clients under investigation for serious sex offenses. She used the government’s own expert witness to defeat a federal supervised release violation alleging illegal drug use. She succeeded in a motion to reverse a federal magistrate judge’s decision to deny bond to a client pending trial in a serious RICO conspiracy case. She achieved early release from a halfway house for a client suffering a mental breakdown. These are just some examples of the results she has been able to obtain for her clients.
Ms. Muir’s clients routinely comment that she is responsive, empathetic, professional, and effective. Read Ms. Muir’s client reviews below.

 

INVESTIGATIONS, ACCUSATIONS, AND WITNESSES


Ms. Muir regularly advises people who are being investigated, accused, or called as a witness in criminal cases. As a federal prosecutor and Army JAG attorney, she worked with hundreds of victims, witnesses, and defendants during criminal investigations. She knows the ins and outs of what to expect, how to prepare, and how to protect people facing these situations.

 

TITLE IX COLLEGE SEXUAL ASSAULT CASES AND SERIOUS SCHOOL DISCIPLINE


Title IX and other serious school disciplinary investigations follow an administrative process handled internally by the school, and the traditional courtroom rules do not apply. Sometimes people accused in these types of cases try to defend themselves, believing that their goodwill with the school, their community contributions, or other factors will make the case go away. On the contrary, internal school investigations can have life-altering results including expulsion, termination of employment, or criminal charges. Ms. Muir comes alongside her clients to help them better understand the process, mount a thorough defense, find weaknesses in the allegations, present expert witnesses, negotiate with the school, and convince the decision makers to resolve the case favorably.


Ms. Muir has succeeded in convincing a university’s Title IX office to disqualify its full-time investigator for bias, which resulted in the replacement of the investigator and a finding of “not responsible” for the student accused of sexual assault. Ms. Muir also successfully negotiated on behalf of a school employee accused of improper contact with students, ultimately resulting in a finding of no impropriety and ensuring the investigation stayed out of the press.


INTERNAL CORPORATE INVESTIGATIONS


Ms. Muir understands confidentiality, risk management, and mitigating public fallout for companies that suspect internal fraud or are under investigation. As former in-house corporate counsel to a large international tech company, Ms. Muir is a trusted corporate advisor, especially when confidentiality and privacy are of the utmost concern.


CIVIL LITIGATION


Clients turn to Ms. Muir’s trial skills for representation in civil matters on a range of topics, both on the plaintiff’s side and the defendant’s side. Ms. Muir leverages her skills in research, writing, negotiation, and litigation to help her clients avoid the upheaval of trial. If the case goes to trial, Ms. Muir’s litigation expertise serves her clients no matter the subject area of the case. On civil matters, Ms. Muir often partners with other civil attorneys in her network to ensure a comprehensive and specialized team approach in any particular case.

Awards

Client's Choice 2023,2022,2021,2020
Client's Choice
2023 2022 2021 + 1 ...

Contact Tessa

SBBL Law
60 Monroe Center St NW #500
Grand Rapids, MI, 49503
SBBL Law
28 W. Main Street
Fremont, MI, 49412
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Reviews

5.0 / 5.0
  27 customer reviews
5 Star
 
100%
4 Star
 
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Client's Choice 2023
Client's Choice
Client's Choice is an Avvo award granted to attorneys with a significant number of client reviews over 4 stars in a given year.
Posted by Scott & Stephanie | April 27, 2020
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Excellent representation!!!
Tessa Muir did an excellent Job from the very start. Very good communication between myself and Stephanie, kept us informed on everything. Even got the court date moved sooner! I would highly recommend Tessa for future representation for myself and others! We would give her six stars but We could only give five
Posted by Rachelle | June 3, 2020
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
criminal defense
I hired Tessa on short notice. She had less than a week to prepare. She got it done! She was kind, caring and very personable. She know how to get things done! She's very smart and knows the law. I would recommend her to anyone who needs a criminal lawyer. Or any reason you may need a lawyer. Tessa Muir is a wonderful person and wonderful lawyer!
Read less
Posted by Becky | July 25, 2023
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Elementary Title IX
We were confronted with a situation no parent wants, false accusations of sexual harassment. But not just that, our child was 10. Our son’s story never changed, however the ‘victim’ story fluctuated. As parents who have seen a lot during career work, we were not willing to allow for an unguided allowance of the schools investigation. We searched out legal teams for this issue, to which we found to be minimal in comparison to other areas of law. After interviewing two firms, one a rabid dog, the other a well behaved guard dog, we opted for that guard dog. Tessa was amazing at explaining the process, keeping us informed of procedural irregularities or just being receptive to the nonsense put on paper by this school district. We were able to point out and complete some work on our own to keep the billable hours to what we needed Tessa to complete in regards to legal matters, but our involvement was more informational pointing out the inconsistencies of the school’s investigation. Tessa completed all needed work timely and her involvement did not extend the process, even when the school messed up and caused delay. Each person we dealt with at SBBL was courteous and kind. Payment was easy and connecting with our team was flawless! Due to the diligent work of Tessa and her team, we had the decision of Not Responsible, which was touch and go with how the school handled the investigation! I would recommend Tessa to any parent or student who needs legal counsel in relation to Title IX!
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Posted by anonymous | April 5, 2023
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
incredible
Tessa was nothing short of amazing. She was always there when I needed her or had any questions. Tessa was quick to respond and quick to update me. It was a blessing to work with her.
Posted by anonymous | March 11, 2023
This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.
| Consulted Attorney
helped when she didn't have to...
I could tell immediately that I was in good hands with Ms. Muir. I am a university staff member that was facing a false Title IX allegation and had no idea how to proceed in this new world. I was given a referral to Ms. Muir from a third party, and I was extremely happy with my time spent on the phone with her. I called for an initial consultation and Ms. Muir gave me an incredible amount of targeted advice even though I wasn't a paying client yet. Her expert knowledge and keen insight helped me navigate my decision matrix as to whether or not I fought against the charges or simply resigned for another opportunity. This was invaluable and provided me a lot of peace of mind. Had I moved forward in fighting this issue, I would have certainly hired Ms. Muir and felt confident I was in good hands. I would highly recommend anyone facing a Title IX issue to contact her office immediately.
Read less
Posted by Karen | February 9, 2023
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Amazing Attorney!
Tessa was amazing, with no judgement she helped with our family navigate through a Title IX investigation with success. She is extremely intelligent, compassionate, organized and thorough. With her help there is a future for our son.
Posted by S. Hall | February 8, 2023
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Attorney Tessa, an attorney that I would recommend.
Attorney Tessa was very knowledgeable, attentive, and accessible. She displayed professionalism and compassion during this difficult time. She achieved a HYTA resolution in the case and work diligently in resolving the Title IX case. It was rewarding to work with an attorney like Tessa.
Posted by anonymous | February 7, 2023
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Review
SBBL Law provided exceptional work and was easily accessible when I needed her. Attorney Tessa was always professional and empathetic for my family throughout the stressful time. She was able to pull a HYTA solution out of a difficult case. She is also diligent in her work with Title IX cases. I would recommend her for future work
Read less
Posted by Jack | February 7, 2023
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Title IX Allegation
Tessa did a phenomenal job and her knowledge in these cases is impeccable. I was accused of a Title IX violation by my university. Tessa helped explain the process to me as well as my family and kept us calm during this nerve wracking time. Tessa was nothing but professional, honest and timely with everything pertaining to my case. She never missed a call or even a text when I needed to get ahold of her. In addition to Tessa's great legal advice, she was super supportive and caring during the whole process. I would highly recommend Tessa to anyone looking for a great lawyer.
Read less
Posted by Andrew | October 28, 2022
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Title IX and Civil Suit
I was accused of sexual assault and Tessa represented me well against an unreasonably biased university. The school held a second hearing for unsubstantiated reasons and Tessa won us both hearings by a mile and then a successful civil suit for undue hardship. Tessa was knowledgeable, reliable, easy to get ahold of, and having her support made a very difficult process so much more manageable.
Read less
Posted by Holley | July 19, 2022
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Case dismissed!
Tessa helped us navigate the juvenile court system. She took time to make sure we understood each step of the process; what we could expect and what was expected of us. I know that her knowledge of the law and dedication to our case helped us get the case dismissed under the first offender diversion program. We highly recommend her services.
Read less
Posted by Brandy | June 23, 2022
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Highly recommended
Tessa was professional, knowledgeable and efficient. Her experience was apparent and we felt confident from start to finish that we were well represented.
Posted by Kenny | March 30, 2022
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Title IX
Although my school did not proceed with filing a formal Title IX complaint against me, I came to Tessa due to the preventative measures that were instilled. She explained to me the whole process and made me aware of how such measures may become punitive in the measure considering the circumstances. In the end, we were able to get the matter resolved in a manner that allowed me to continue pursuing my education without worries of how this would affect me throughout my time within my graduate program!
Read less
Posted by anonymous | March 17, 2022
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Lawyer review
She was wonderful and very understanding. As a young person she helped me remain calm. She allowed me to progress in life. She worked well with myself and family to pursue a costly and fast end to my case.
Posted by anonymous | January 5, 2022
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Investigation and Report
Our organization engaged Ms. Muir to conduct an investigation and report regarding a potentially very serious and sensitive matter. Ms. Muir completed the work in a very timely manner and submitted a very informative report with exhaustive interviews and support materials. Everyone appreciated the report and found it en pointe and accessible and critical to our understanding of the circumstances and issues the organization faced.
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Posted by anonymous | November 12, 2021
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Case Dismissed!
Tessa worked with me step by step. Explaining the situation and what the expected outcome would be, before every meeting. She helped prepare me and asnwered all the questions I had. She was very helpful in the situation and helped get my charges dismissed.
Posted by A&D | November 12, 2021
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
We hired Tessa Muir of Springsteen Bartish &Borgula
Thank goodness we found Tessa Muir. We know from past experience of family involvement in the Muskegon County justice system the outcome would have been devastating to our family, so we knew that we had to look outside of Muskegon to hire an attorney. We spoke with an attorney in Muskegon and all they wanted to do was try and get a lesser charge, but once we found and spoke with Tessa, we were feeling much more like we had found someone to actually fight for our side. And fight she did — not just a lesser charge, but Tessa won a motion to keep evidence of other acts out of the jury trial, and then Tessa fought for and the judge granted our motion for a directed verdict of ACQUITTAL following the government’s case. Tessa had great communication skills. Tessa put hours into research that no other lawyers even attempted. It took a great deal of perseverance and commitment. She always took time with us and returned our phone calls to answer our questions We now know who our lawyer is.
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Posted by anonymous | August 15, 2021
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Complete success! We won!!!!!
I cannot say enough about Tessa and her staff! Let me first tell you she overturned the condition of my sentence! From the first phone call she was precise and to the point. She kept me informed on each step and what was likely to happen next. (she called, texted and emailed me) When she wasn't available her staff would reach out to update me as well. I personally never had to step into a court room once. Tessa and her staff are definitely up for any kind of challenge. She was dedicated to my case and fought diligently for me. It took longer than expected, but Covid didn't stop her. I would highly recommend Tessa to everyone who is looking for an attorney that puts her heart into her work.
Read less
Posted by Tiarra | August 12, 2021
This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.
| Consulted Attorney
Amazing
Very Professional, helpful, Determined, upfront honest and caring, never missed a phone call or text. Anything that needed to be done was done highly recommended and blessed to have had her.
Posted by Tim | May 25, 2021
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Excellent in every way!
Tessa is wonderful! She is caring, dedicated, thoughtful, a fighter, committed to doing what is right and doing all she can to help!! We are extremely grateful for her help on a matter that she successfully defended. So thankful!! We highly recommend her!
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Cost

Rates
  • Free Consultation 30 minutes
Payment methods
Cash, Check, Credit Card

Resume

AVVO RATING 10.0 (Superb)

Work Experience

  • Senior Counsel
  • Springstead Bartish Borgula & Lynch, PLLC
  • 2020 - Present
  • In-House Legal Counsel
  • Automattic Inc.
  • 2018 - 2020
  • Assistant United States Attorney, Western District of Michigan
  • U.S. Department Of Justice
  • 2013 - 2018
  • Captain, Judge Advocate General's Corps
  • U.S. Army
  • 2009 - 2013
View all work experience

Education

  • Georgetown University Law Center
  • JD - Juris Doctor
  • 2008
  • Princeton University
  • AB - Applied Baccalaureate
  • 2005

Legal Cases

  • United States v. Jermaine Carr
  • United States v. Brennan Jackson, et al.
  • United States v. Michael Downey
View all legal cases

Associations

  • Grand Rapids Bar Association
  • Member
  • 2020 - Present
  • National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
  • Member
  • 2020 - Present
  • Women Lawyers Association of Michigan
  • Member
  • 2019 - Present
  • Ottawa County Bar Association
  • Member
  • 2019 - Present
  • State Bar of Michigan
  • Member
  • 2015 - Present
  • Children's Advocacy Center of Kent County
  • Board Member, Officer
  • 2014 - Present
  • Federal Bar Association
  • Executive Committee Member (2014-2017)
  • 2013 - Present
  • Junior League of Grand Rapids
  • President (2019-2020)
  • 2013 - Present
  • New York State Bar Association
  • Member
  • 2009 - Present
  • Silent Observer of Kent County
  • Board Member
  • 2016 - 2017
  • Kent County Human Trafficking Task Force
  • Chairperson (2015-2016)
  • 2015 - 2017
  • Hillman Trial Advocacy Program
  • Steering Committee Member, Faculty
  • 2014 - 2018
View all associations

Languages Spoken

  • English

Honors and Awards

  • Brilliance Award - Social Change Agent
  • West Michigan Woman
  • 2018
  • Unsung Hero Award
  • State Bar of Michigan
  • 2016
  • Cum Laude
  • Georgetown University Law Center
  • 2008
  • Distinguished Military Graduate
  • Army ROTC, Princeton University
  • 2005
  • Shapiro Prize for Academic Excellence
  • Princeton University
  • 2002
View all awards

Publications

Speaking Engagements

  • Hillman Trial Advocacy Program
  • Closing Arguments - Faculty Demonstration
  • 2018
  • Apps, Trafficking, and a Parent Toolkit
  • Protect Children Online
  • 2017
  • Michigan Law Enforcement Conference
  • Investigating and Prosecuting Crimes Against Children
  • 2016
  • Human Trafficking
  • Human Trafficking Prevention, Investigation, and Prosecution
  • 2015
View all speaking engagements

Attorney endorsements

Received (5)
Given (7)
Endorse Tessa
Criminal defense Attorney | Mar 10
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I highly recommend Tessa Muir. Tessa is an outstanding attorney. She is extremely hardworking and dedicated. Tessa is also a wonderful person and is extremely well-respected in our community."
Criminal defense Attorney | Jan 29
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"Tessa is one of the finest attorneys with whom I have worked. She is intelligent, thoughtful and diligent. I would not hesitate to hire her for the most complex criminal matters."
Litigation Attorney | Jan 29
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I wholeheartedly would recommend Tessa. She has incredible litigation experience and has many great experiences. She is kind and trustworthy."
Criminal defense Attorney | Jan 29
Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter
"As someone who has practiced criminal law both with and against Tessa Hessmiller, I give her my unqualified endorsement. She is diligent, well-prepared, organized, and is every bit as effective in the courtroom as a trial attorney as she is as a legal writer - a rare quality. As a former federal prosecutor, she is uniquely qualified to represent clients being investigated for, or who have been charged with, even the most serious crimes."
Criminal defense Attorney | Jan 28
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"This is an easy endorsement for me to write. Tessa was an instructor for a trial advocacy program I was in a couple of years ago. Suffice to say, she knows what she's doing and is excellent at it."
Criminal defense
Federal crime
Criminal defense
Wills and living wills
Criminal defense
White collar crime

Avvo Contributions

This attorney hasn't created any legal answers in Q&A or legal guides recently on Avvo.

Grand Rapids Criminal defense Lawyer Tessa K. Muir
Tessa K. Muir
Criminal defense Attorney
Grand Rapids, MI
Licensed for 14 years
Free Consultation
Virtual consultation available