Shawn James Haff

Shawn James Haff

4.9
Rating: 10.0

Licensed for 15 years

Criminal defense Lawyer at Grand Rapids, MI
Practice Areas: Criminal Defense, DUI & DWI, Domestic Violence ... +5 more

2675 44th Street Suite 208, Grand Rapids, MI

About Shawn

Biography

Fees and Rates

Cost

Free Consultation

$0 first 30 minutes


Payment Methods

  • Cash
  • Check
  • Credit Card

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Licenses

Licensed in Michigan for 15 years

State: Michigan

Acquired: 2010

Active in Good Standing

No misconduct found

Location

The Criminal Defense Law Center of West Michigan

2675 44th Street Suite 208, Grand Rapids, MI, 49519

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Shawn James Haff's Reviews

Avvo Review Score

4.9 /5.0

78 Client Reviews

Showing 1 - 5 of 5 reviews | Punctuality

Posted by Dean | March 26, 2021 | Hired Attorney | Expungement

Excellent attorney

I contacted Shawn Haff to have a felony record expunged for a mistake I made 30 years ago he was very prompt professional and got the job done quickly If you want a professional attorney this is your guy

Posted by Jessica | July 01, 2019 | Criminal Defense

Shawn Haff was an EXCELLENT ATTORNEY!!!!

Shawn Haff was very polite whenever we spoke, and he never once judged me based on my charges. Shawn was always on time looked presentable and worked great Magic for my case. By the time we were done at sentencing the judge throw out my paperwork for a 45 day sentence and I walked with 90 hours comm...unity service and 5 years probation when I was facing 2, 5 year felonies to begin with. I felt Shawn had a great relationship with the judges we seen, he even went to every court hearing with me from arraignment to sentencing. It was a huge benefit to have him show up at my arraignments because 1st felony was a rare 100$ bond and 2nd arraignment they granted me a p.r bond. I recommend Shawn to all my friends ... he was very helpful and walked us through every step of the way. My outcome was great !!! 10 stars for this lawyer :)!!!

Shawn Haff

Replied last July 01, 2019

Getting great results always puts a smile on my face. Thank you for trusting me to guide you through the complex judicial system.

Posted by Leeza | May 20, 2019 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense

Excellent Attorney.

Shawn returned our first phone call ten minutes after we contacted him. We were in his office to consult 3 hours later. He is well versed in criminal law, kind and very intelligent. He always responded in a professional manner, and presented a well thought out defense. Everything he told us came to... fruition. If Shawn tells you he will do something for your case, it will get done in a timely manner. He cares about the best outcome for every client he takes on. Because he limits the number of clients that he takes on, every case gets his full attention. I would recommend him highly.

Shawn Haff

Replied last May 20, 2019

Thank you so much for the kind words! I am glad I could be helpful to you!

Posted by Rose | March 21, 2017 | Hired Attorney | Speeding & Traffic Ticket

Very happy with service

My brother hired mr. haff for wreckless driving in Ottawa. Very worried about getting jail time he hired Shawn haff. We met with him and he went over everything that we were going to go through and for fair and descent price he would represent my brother, so we hired him. In the waiting before court ...date mr. haff always returned our phone calls and or emails ensuring us not to worry, he would be there and do whatever he has to for my brother. He was very passionate and caring about what my brother was going through. He showed up for court standing by our side till we went in answering all our questions and going over what was going on. My brother ended up with a fine and no jail time. Thank you for your services and I will definitely keep his number if anyone I know ever needs an attorney.

Shawn Haff

Replied last March 21, 2017

Thank you for the kind words! if you ever need my help again, give me a call! Thank you, Shawn

Posted by Alexandrea | March 02, 2015 | DUI & DWI

Last minute lawyer

Sean filled in for my original lawyer at a time when I greatly needed representation. My original lawyer had gone to the hospital for an emergency surgery and ended up having blood clots and was no longer able to be in the court room with me during my sentencing. Shawn is professional he was there ea...rly he went over all the paperwork with me and even spend a little bit of time getting to know me so that he could represent me fairly in front of the judge. He did a wonderful job representing me and it only showed meeting one time was him that he is a genuine guy he gets to know his clients and he does what it takes for each individual client I'm thankful he was there to stand in for my lawyer when I really needed someone. I recommend him for anyone looking for a lawyer to represent them in a DWI/ OWI case.

Shawn Haff

Replied last March 02, 2015

The client who Attorney Haff represented in this review was my client. I was unable to be there for her due to emergency surgery. I knew Shawn was the very best person to step in for me and not only did he give top-notch service, he did not even charge for his time. This should tell you what kind of person this attorney really is. I absolutely agree with this client. Thank you Shawn! I owe you!

See All Client Reviews

Shawn James Haff's Lawyer Endorsements

Endorse Shawn
Jared Clayton Austin headshot
Jared Austin

Criminal defense lawyer | Mar 11

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"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."

Jason S. Barrix headshot
Jason Barrix

Criminal defense lawyer | Jan 04

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"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."

James Joseph Kiebel headshot
James Kiebel

Criminal defense lawyer | Jun 09

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. Mr. Haff is a professional. He treats his clients with respect and always zealously advocates for his clients."

Peter John Marek headshot
Peter Marek

Domestic violence lawyer | Dec 12

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"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."

Jeremiah Justin Denslow headshot
Jeremiah Denslow

Criminal defense lawyer | Dec 10

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I strongly endorse Mr.Haff in all areas of law associated with criminal and DUI defense. He is a tremendous advocate for his clients."

William W Housley headshot
William Housley

Criminal defense lawyer | Dec 10

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. Tough, talented and thorough litigator."

Parvine P. Ghandchi-Boji headshot
Parvine Ghandchi-Boji

Unknown lawyer | Dec 05

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. Highly respected."

Richard Geller headshot
Richard Geller

Unknown lawyer | Nov 25

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse Shawn. Highly respected in the legal community with a strong reputation for client advocacy and dedication."

Dmitriy Shakhnevich headshot
Dmitriy Shakhnevich

Criminal defense lawyer | Sep 28

Relationship: Other

"I endorse this lawyer."

Michael S. Waddington headshot
Michael Waddington

Criminal defense lawyer | Jun 04

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

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

Sean Cleary headshot
Sean Cleary

Criminal defense lawyer | May 19

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. A highly skilled and respected lawyer in the legal community."

John M O'Brien headshot
John O'Brien

Criminal defense lawyer | Apr 11

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. A highly skilled and respected lawyer in the legal community."

Edward Jacob Sternisha headshot
Edward Sternisha

Criminal defense lawyer | Feb 24

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in 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."

Guy Henry Haskell headshot
Guy Haskell

Criminal defense lawyer | Jan 27

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this Attorney Haff without reservation."

Christian K. Lassen II headshot
Christian Lassen

Unknown lawyer | Oct 20

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Top-notch attorney. Highly respected in the legal community."

Steven Andrew Hilton headshot
Steven Hilton

Criminal defense lawyer | Apr 20

Relationship: Friend

"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."

Ryan Anthony Maesen headshot
Ryan Maesen

Criminal defense lawyer | Jan 02

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Very reliable, honest and hard working."

Geoffrey Allen Haveman headshot
Geoffrey Haveman

Criminal defense lawyer | Dec 16

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer's work & ethic."

Erin Bradley McAleer headshot
Erin McAleer

Criminal defense lawyer | Nov 07

Relationship: Friend

"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."

View All Endorsements
Jared Clayton Austin headshot
Jared Austin

Criminal defense lawyer

Jason S. Barrix headshot
Jason Barrix

Criminal defense lawyer

James Joseph Kiebel headshot
James Kiebel

Criminal defense lawyer

Peter John Marek headshot
Peter Marek

Criminal defense lawyer

Jeremiah Justin Denslow headshot
Jeremiah Denslow

Criminal defense lawyer

William W Housley headshot
William Housley

Criminal defense lawyer

Parvine P. Ghandchi-Boji headshot
Parvine Ghandchi-Boji

Criminal defense lawyer

Richard Geller headshot
Richard Geller

Divorce and separation lawyer

Edward Jacob Sternisha headshot
Edward Sternisha

Criminal defense lawyer

Guy Henry Haskell headshot
Guy Haskell

Criminal defense lawyer

Christian K. Lassen II headshot
Christian Lassen

Personal injury lawyer

Steven Andrew Hilton headshot
Steven Hilton

General practice lawyer

Peter Michael Kulas headshot
Peter Kulas

Family lawyer

Brenda E. Sprader headshot
Brenda Sprader

Child custody lawyer

Ryan Anthony Maesen headshot
Ryan Maesen

Criminal defense lawyer

Geoffrey Allen Haveman headshot
Geoffrey Haveman

Bankruptcy and debt lawyer

Peter G. Roth headshot
Peter Roth

Business lawyer

Erin Bradley McAleer headshot
Erin McAleer

Criminal defense lawyer

Experience

Rating:  10.0 (Superb)

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 Association

Member

2010 - Present

State Bar of Michigan

Member

2014 - 2016

Criminal Defense Attorneys of Michigan

Member

2008 - 2009

Federalist Society

President

1997 - 1998

Students for Life

Vice President

1997 - 1998

Student Senator at GVSU

Senator

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

See More Legal Cases

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

Languages

English

Activity

Avvo Rating

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What determines Avvo Rating?
  • Experience & background Years licensed, work experience, education
  • Legal community recognition Peer endorsements, associations, awards
  • Legal thought leadership Publications, speaking engagements
  • Discipline Disciplinary information may not be comprehensive, or updated. We recommend that you always check a lawyer's disciplinary status with their respective state bar association before hiring them.
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