Free Consultation
$0 first 30 minutes
Shawn James Haff
About Shawn
Biography
I have been a lifelong resident of West Michigan. I graduated from Hudsonville High School in 1993. I went on to Grand Valley State University where I earned two Bachelor degrees: Political Science and Legal Studies. While attending GVSU, I served on the Student Senate and made the Dean’s list on a regular basis. Seeing so many injustices within our political and judicial systems, I felt driven to attend law school. While being trained on how to become a tough criminal defense lawyer, I received an Honor’s scholarship and Certification in Litigation. I made the Dean’s list numerous times, was actively involved in many student activities and received my Juris Doctorate.
I have honed my legal skills at a local prosecutor’s office, high-profile West Michigan law firms and from handling hundreds of criminal cases. I believe in treating my clients with respect and dignity. I will fight for my client’s rights all the time! I am dedicated to providing my clients with aggressive and exceptional representation in all criminal matters. My legal skills have been proven in court, where I have an excellent track record in criminal jury trials.
I am a contrarian by nature and enjoy taking on the Government. I have a healthy skepticism of law enforcement and the police department. This will be evident should I cross examine the cop that arrested you or that raided your house.
I live with my wife in Jenison, Michigan. We love to follow the Detroit Tigers and Lions. We also enjoy fishing and Michigan’s great lakes.
I am a sincere attorney who really cares and spends time on his client's issues. I can handle all criminal matters and I can save you a lot of money when you are facing owi/dui or any other criminal charges. My rates won't make you serve a life sentence of debt!
My initial consultation is totally free! I will personally handle your case from start to finish. Call me now at!
I look forward to talking to you personally about your case and helping you out during this difficult time in your life!
Attorney Shawn James Haff
Practice Areas
8
Practice Areas
Fees and Rates
Cost
Payment Methods
- Cash
- Check
- Credit Card
Looking for an attorney? Avvo can help.
Search our directory
Quickly connect with top attorneys through our legal directory to get help with your legal issue.
Avvo's live chat agents can help coordinate a consultation with a local attorney.
Chat with a live agent who can match you with the right attorney for your legal needs.
Chat withLicenses
Licensed in Michigan for 15 years
State: Michigan
Acquired: 2010
No misconduct found
Location
The Criminal Defense Law Center of West Michigan
2675 44th Street Suite 208, Grand Rapids, MI, 49519
Gallery
Ad
Transform legal challenges into solutions.
Connect now to review your situation.
Shawn James Haff's Reviews
Avvo Review Score
78 Client Reviews
Filter Avvo Reviews (78)
Refine reviews to match your needs. Use the filters to quickly surface reviews that align with your case or priorities.
Practice Areas
What Clients Mention
Case Results (58)
Advocacy (35)
Recommendation (27)
Professionalism (18)
Cost of Services (15)
Responsiveness (14)
Communication Style (13)
Compassion (13)
Character & Conduct (12)
Practice Area Knowledge (11)
Trustworthiness (9)
General Knowledge (8)
Punctuality (5)
Free Consultations (1)
Payment Plans (1)
Showing 1 - 5 of 11 reviews | Practice Area Knowledge
Posted by Alexander | May 31, 2022 | Hired Attorney | Lawsuits & Disputes
Attorney took my retainer, only to find out he couldn’t represent me in Tribal Court.
Hired Shawn to handle an investigation into a matter that occurred on tribal lands (casino) and involving a the Tribal Court obviously. Shawn took one phone call with the detective handling the investigation, and handled a couple of my questions via text. The investigation ended up being a civil cita...
Shawn Haff
Replied last September 22, 2022Alexander retained me to represent him because he was worred about facing possible criminal charges. After paying me a very small retainer fee, I talked with the detective about the case. I talked to Alex by text and e-mail and kept him informed every step of the way about what was going on in his possible case. Thankfully for him, he was not charged and ergo my duty was over. The retainer only covered services rendered before possible criminal charges. If he was not charged, he would not owe me anymore money. If he was charged, he would have signed another retainer for my normal rate. I actually saved Alex money by letting him close out a simple matter before the tribal court. If I wanted to "finesse him for a pay day" I would have taken more of his money to handle things at the tribal court. I gave Mr. Lopez a retainer, which he read and signed. A binding contract. The language clearly says the retainer was non-refundable. Horrible business is not reading a contract that you sign. Next time read a contract before you sign it Alex.
Posted by Emin | January 15, 2020 | Criminal Defense
Amazing man
Amazing man god bless him ho me alot thanks dude if you ever need any help contact him about and scams or police scams dude knows what he is talking about if it wasn't for him I would be out of luck thanks again.
Shawn Haff
Replied last January 15, 2020Thank you so much! I am glad I could help you avoid being scammed.
Posted by Jodi | August 15, 2019 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense
Excellent attorney
Shawn helped me tremendously throughout this process with my criminal case. He was very helpful and responded quickly to any questions or concerns I had during this. I would highly recommend him.
Shawn Haff
Replied last August 15, 2019Thank you Jodi! It was a pleasure working with you! I wish you well in the future and I know you have a bright future ahead of you!
Posted by anonymous | July 01, 2019 | Child Custody
Helpful, Friendly Lawyer who returns calls promptly and is very honest and affordable.
Shawn handled a child custody case for us. He always returned my phone call to him prompty. He never charged us extra money for all the phone calls I made to him. He is willing to visit you are your house if you need him to come to you. He was very friendly and did more work for less money than anot...
Shawn Haff
Replied last July 01, 2019I am glad I was able to get you results that were pleasing to you!
Posted by Valerie | July 01, 2019 | Drug Crime
Great guy, Great lawyer!
I was facing a possession of marijuana charge and Shawn took the case to trial and he got the case thrown out on a directed verdict! How many lawyers can say they win cases on directed verdict? He always returned my calls quickly and never left me hanging regarding my case. I will refer him to all ...
Shawn Haff
Replied last July 01, 2019I always return my client's calls quickly! I want to provide my clients with the best customer service possible!
Shawn James Haff's Lawyer Endorsements
"Shawn is a premier criminal defense attorney in the Grand Rapids area. He combines passion, knowledge, and experience to get the best possible results for his clients. If a friend or loved one was facing a criminal charge in the Kent County area, I would definitely retain Shawn Haff."
"Shawn is an excellent attorney and is highly respected by his peers in the community. I am happy to endorse Shawn. He truly cares about his clients and that they receive the best possible legal representation. Shawn is well versed and current on the law and is well respected by the Judges and Court staff he appears in front of."
"I endorse this lawyer. Mr. Haff is a professional. He treats his clients with respect and always zealously advocates for his clients."
"I endorse Shawn. Avvo pro bono contributions are excellent. Knowledge of criminal law and procedure is significant. Client reviews are stellar. READ THEM! Do yourself a favor if you are in or near Grand Rapids and schedule a consultation with him."
"I strongly endorse Mr.Haff in all areas of law associated with criminal and DUI defense. He is a tremendous advocate for his clients."
"I endorse this lawyer. Tough, talented and thorough litigator."
"I endorse this lawyer. Highly respected."
"I endorse Shawn. Highly respected in the legal community with a strong reputation for client advocacy and dedication."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse Shawn. He is a highly skilled attorney that is well respected in the legal community."
"I endorse this lawyer. A highly skilled and respected lawyer in the legal community."
"I endorse this lawyer. A highly skilled and respected lawyer in the legal community."
"I gladly endorse Attorney Haff. Mr. Haff definitely cares about those he serves and is quite knowledgeable about criminal defense. Attorney Haff's professionalism and concern for others makes it easy to endorse him and proud to call him a colleague."
"I endorse this Attorney Haff without reservation."
"Top-notch attorney. Highly respected in the legal community."
"Shawn Haff is a competent defense attorney who always puts the needs of his clients before his own. Anyone facing a criminal prosecution would be wise to contact Mr. Haff."
"Very reliable, honest and hard working."
"I endorse this lawyer's work & ethic."
"Shawn Haff is a diligent lawyer who knows the in's and out's of criminal practice of Western Michigan. Mr. Haff is appropriately aggressive, extremely knowledgeable, flexible and affordable. I'm proud to endorse this lawyer."
Jared Austin
Criminal defense lawyer
Jason Barrix
Criminal defense lawyer
James Kiebel
Criminal defense lawyer
Peter Marek
Criminal defense lawyer
Jeremiah Denslow
Criminal defense lawyer
William Housley
Criminal defense lawyer
Parvine Ghandchi-Boji
Criminal defense lawyer
Richard Geller
Divorce and separation lawyer
Edward Sternisha
Criminal defense lawyer
Guy Haskell
Criminal defense lawyer
Christian Lassen
Personal injury lawyer
Steven Hilton
General practice lawyer
Peter Kulas
Family lawyer
Brenda Sprader
Child custody lawyer
Ryan Maesen
Criminal defense lawyer
Geoffrey Haveman
Bankruptcy and debt lawyer
Peter Roth
Business lawyer
Erin McAleer
Criminal defense lawyer
Experience
Honors
2026
Society of Criminal Defense Lawyers, Top 100 Lawyers
2017
Top 100 Lawyers, American Society of Legal Advocates
2017
Rising Star, Super Lawyers
2016
Top Contributor, Avvo
2016
Top Twenty Defense Lawyers Grand Rapids, Michigan, Expertise.com
2015
Client's Choice, Avvo
2015
Top 40 Lawyers Under 40, American Society of Legal Advocates
2013
Top 10 Under 40, National Academy of Criminal Defense Attorneys
2009
Litigation Certificate, Thomas M Cooley Law School
2008
Dean's list, Thomas M Cooley
2006
Dean's List, Grand Valley State University
2005
Dean's List, Grand Valley State University
1997
Dean's List, Grand Valley State University
1996
Dean's List, Grand Valley State University
Work Experience
2014 - Present
Owner, The Criminal Defense Law Center of West Michigan
2012 - 2014
Owner, The West Michigan Criminal Defense Law Firm
2010 - 2012
Owner, The Law Office of Shawn Haff
Associations
2010 - Present
Grand Rapids Bar AssociationMember
2010 - Present
State Bar of MichiganMember
2014 - 2016
Criminal Defense Attorneys of MichiganMember
2008 - 2009
Federalist SocietyPresident
1997 - 1998
Students for LifeVice President
1997 - 1998
Student Senator at GVSUSenator
Sample of Legal Cases
Assault Strangulation Charges
Misdemeanor charge, no Jail!
Criminal Sexual Conduct Charges
Not Guilty Verdict at Trial
Failure to Stop After a Property Damage Accident
Charges Dropped
Lying to a Police Officer
Charges Dropped
Larceny in a Building
Felony Charges Dismissed
Domestic Violence
Not Guilty!
Retail Fraud Charges Dismissed
dismissed
False Police Report Felony -- Charges Dropped
Charges Dropped
Possession of marijuana
not guilty
Parental Kidnapping charge dismissed!
dismissed
Domestic Violence
Dismissed
Creating a disturbance
dismissed
Driving while license Suspended
dismissed
Criminal Sexual Conduct Charges
Not Guilty Verdict at Trial
Criminal Sexual Conduct Charges
Not Guilty Verdict at Trial
Education
2010
Thomas M. Cooley Law School
Juris Doctor
2006
Grand Valley State University
BS - Bachelor of Science
1998
Grand Valley State University
BS - Bachelor of Science
Speaking Engagements
2026
A night of Law Professionals
How to win your Criminal Case in Grand Rapids, Michigan
2017
A Night With Professionals
Possession of Marijuana charges
2016
A Night With Professionals
Criminal Sexual Conduct Charges
Publications
2020
Digital Connect Magazine
Should I Become A Criminal Defense Lawyer
2019
Lanozione.com
10 questions to ask your criminal defense attorney
2017
Ezine Articles
First Offense DUI
2016
Go Articles
Criminal Sexual Conduct Charges in Michigan
Languages
English
Activity
Legal Answers
Legal Guides
Legal Answers
Q&A
I'm on probation for misdemeanor possession of marijuana. If I fail the drug test, will I go to jail?
24 Apr 2015
Q&A
My 14 year old son was charged with Assault & Battery. He is also bipolar & has been hospitalized for it twice. Now what?
17 Apr 2015
Q&A
Experience with Judge Peter P. Versluis and Retail Fraud 3rd degree
06 Apr 2015