Gerald F. Chefalo

Gerald F. Chefalo

4.6
Rating: 7.6

Licensed for 27 years

Criminal defense Lawyer at Traverse City, MI
Practice Areas: Criminal Defense, DUI & DWI, Violent Crime ... +3 more

3250 Racquet Club Drive, Traverse City, MI

About Gerald

Biography

Practice Areas

6

Practice Areas

Criminal Defense 30%

Felonies and misdemeanors. Criminal sexual conduct, theft crimes, drug offenses, domestic violence, Home Invasion, embezzlement and fraud.

28 years

30%
DUI and DWI 20%

Operating While Intoxicated, Drunk Driving, Impaired Driving, Operating with a Presence of a Controlled Substance and license restoration.

28 years

20%
Violent Crime 20%

Domestic Violence, Criminal Sexual Conduct, molestation, assault, homicide, arson, robbery.

28 years

20%
Bankruptcy and Debt 10%

Debt relief in chapter 7 and Chapter 13 bankruptcy cases.

28 years

10%
Child Custody 10%

Paternity, Parenting time disputes, legal custody, physical custody.

28 years

10%
Divorce and Separation 10%

Divorce with and without minor children. Complex financial issues in divorce cases. Mediation of domestic cases.

28 years

10%

Fees and Rates

Cost

Free Consultation

$0 first 60 minutes

Hourly Rates

$ 150-200 per hour

Contingency

33%-33%

Retainer

Always


Payment Methods

  • Cash
  • Check
  • Credit Card

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Licenses

Licensed in Michigan for 27 years

State: Michigan

Acquired: 1998

Active in Good Standing

No misconduct found

Location

Law Office of Gerald F. Chefalo

3250 Racquet Club Drive, Traverse City, MI, 49684

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Gerald F. Chefalo's Reviews

Avvo Review Score

4.6 /5.0

28 Client Reviews

Showing 11 - 15 of 28 reviews

Posted by Kimberly | November 27, 2015 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense

Great Criminal Attorney

I am a NY mother whose 19 year old daughter moved to Traverse City, MIchigan and found herself and her boyfriend in some trouble shortly after they moved there. I called Gerald in the middle of the night from NY and he answered not only my call but all of my questions and concerns. I spoke to sever...al other attorneys in Michigan too and none as helpful and responsive as Gerald. I flew down to Michigan and followed his advice to surrender her, he walked me through the entire process. The case was settled with one courtdate and one appearance by him. He is well known in the courts and highly respected, as since I am in the legal field in NY I know how important that is. He was able to get my daughters record SEALED and she can learn from her mistake and not have it affect her life since she will not have a record thanks to the negotiations Mr. Chefalo was able to make! She can continue working, living and improving herself in Traverse City without her mistake following her and affecting her life. He continued to communicate with me throughout the process and his reputation and name went a long way in helping my daughter! His office is local and his staff professional GREAT CHOICE I MADE and I couldnt be happier with his services! Well Worth it! if there's any advice I can give to anyone - especially in criminal court in this city its that if you want results and a chance there is NO OTHER ATTORNEY THAT CAN OBTAIN THE RESULTS HE HAS!!! Recommend anyone of any age or problems to contact him!

Posted by anonymous | August 21, 2015 | Hired Attorney | DUI & DWI

Life Changing!

I was facing prison time for a drunk driving related crime. Gerald was able to represent me and help me not only reduce the punishment to sobriety court, but also direct me to a better lifestyle for myself, a better father and husband. Since the incident 4 years ago, with the help of supportive indiv...iduals within the judicial system, I have cleaned my act, kept my family of 5, been promoted twice at work and most importantly know what my purpose is. Thanks -Chris

Posted by Tanya | April 14, 2015

Tanya

My entire family has worked with this law team since 99. We simply won't use anyone else. Mr. Chefalo can't be placed in the category for every other attorney. He is the difference. My calls never went unanswered and my needs were always met promptly. Highly recommend working with him if you're in ne...ed of an attorney!!

Posted by WM | August 06, 2014

A Superior Counselor

Mr. Chefalo recently represented me in a legal matter. He was knowledgeable, efficient, supportive, and informative. He remained in contact with me from the initial telephone conversation (with him) to the final resolution of the case. He was instrumental in achieving a satisfactory result. I hig...hly recommend him.

Posted by derek | May 11, 2014 | Child Custody

The best in the game

The best around I have had 3 lawyers before Gerald and Thay got me nowhere and took a lot of money Gerald is awesome he works with me financially and he has got me full custody of my daughter.not only is he awesome at family court I have used him for felony charges against me and mmp issues Thay woul...d of tried to put me away for 7 years Gerald got me probation. If you want a great lawyer that will not drain your pocket and get the job done Gerald is the attorney u want.

See All Client Reviews

Gerald F. Chefalo's Lawyer Endorsements

Endorse Gerald
Jan M Geht headshot
Jan Geht

Bankruptcy and debt lawyer | Jul 30

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Amy M. Swogger headshot
Amy Swogger

Mediation lawyer | Mar 24

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Gerry is a very skilled and talented attorney and facilitative mediator. I respect his professionalism and appreciate the services he offers to our community."

Robert John Rudy III headshot
Robert Rudy

Criminal defense lawyer | Jan 30

Relationship: Friend

"I endorse this lawyer."

Michael Hayes Dettmer headshot
Michael Dettmer

Criminal defense lawyer | May 07

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"I have both referred clients to Gerry and worked with him on a co-counsel basis. I fully endorse Gerry's work ethic, his professional ethics and his sense of justice. He is a great lawyer to work with and I am fully confident in referring clients to him. I have been a practicing attorney for 43 years, including as the chief federal prosecutor for the 49 counties comprising the Western District of Michigan and I have no doubts about Gerry's competence and ability to work a file to a successful conclusion. Michael H. Dettmer (SBM number P12709)."

View All Endorsements
Jan M Geht headshot
Jan Geht

Tax lawyer

Craig W. Elhart headshot
Craig Elhart

Family lawyer

Shelley A. Kester headshot
Shelley Kester

Family lawyer

Michael Hayes Dettmer headshot
Michael Dettmer

Litigation lawyer

Peter John Boyles headshot
Peter Boyles

Insurance lawyer

Amy M. Swogger headshot
Amy Swogger

Family lawyer

Robert John Rudy III headshot
Robert Rudy

Criminal defense lawyer

Experience

Rating:  7.6 (Very Good)

Honors

2014

BV Rated, Martindale-Hubbell

2013

People's Choice-Best Law Firm, Grand Traverse Insider

2013

Leading Lawyers, Traverse City Business News

2012

People's Choice-Best Law Firm, Grand Traverse Insider

2011

People's Choice-Best Law Firm, Grand Traverse Insider

2010

People's Choice-Best Law Firm, Grand Traverse Insider

2009

People Choice-Best Law Firm, Grand Traverse Insider

2009

100 100-Best Law Firm, Record Eagle

2008

People's Choice-Best Law Firm, Grand Traverse Insider

2008

40 Under 40, Traverse City Business News

2008

Best Criminal Attorney, Traverse City Business News

2007

40 Under 40, Traverse City Business News

Work Experience

1999 - Present

Lawyer, The Law Office of Gerald F. Chefalo, P.C.

1997 - 1998

Law Clerk, 30th Judicial Circuit Court

Associations

2015 - Present

SCORE

mentor

2015 - Present

Addiction Treatment Services (ATS)

Board Member

2013 - Present

Grand Traverse County EDC

Secretary

2012 - Present

Long Lake Association

President

2008 - Present

Domestic Relations Mediation Training

Member

2008 - Present

Domestic Screening Protocol Training

Member

2005 - Present

National Association of Consumer Bankruptcy Attorneys

Member

2005 - Present

Eastern District of Michigan Bankruptcy Bar Association

Member

1999 - Present

Grand Traverse-Leelanau-Antrim Bar Association

Member

1999 - Present

Western District Bankruptcy Bar Association

Member

1999 - Present

National Association of Criminal Defense Attorneys

Member

1998 - Present

State Bar of Michigan

Member

1997 - Present

American Bar Association

Member

Sample of Legal Cases

Benzie County

Dismissed at Pretrial Conference

Osceola County

Dismissed Prior to Trial

Grand Traverse County

Dismissed at Jury Selection

Wexford County

Dismissed Prior to Trial

Grand Traverse County

Not Guilty at Jury Trial

Charlevoix County

Dismissed Prior to Trial

See More Legal Cases

Education

1997

Thomas M. Cooley Law School

JD - Juris Doctor

1994

Michigan State University

BA - Bachelor of Arts

Publications

2010

Grand Traverse Insider/In Your Corner Good intentions are still against the law.

2010

Grand Traverse Insider/In Your Corner The rules for fire pits, recreation fires and burning

2010

Grand Traverse Insider/In Your Corner Understanding Boating Regulations

2008

NM3 Northern Michigan Men's Magazine/Street Legal Prenups aren't just for millionaries

2008

NM3 Northern Michigan Men's Magazine/Street Legal So, you want to start your own company?

2008

NM3 Northern Michigan Men's Magazine/Street Legal Tips to Avoid a Head-On Collision When the Economy Runs Out of Gas

Languages

English

Activity

Avvo Rating

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