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Gerald F. Chefalo
About Gerald
Biography
On the first day of law school, they asked why were there. I replied that "I've always wanted to find out what was behind the wizard's curtain." Since that day, I have continued in my pursuit of knowledge and have been fascinated to learn that the law is an ever changing thing. It is shaped and molded by those that study and apply it. My first passion is being in the court room. I understand that listening to my cleints and being their voice is my main job as an advocate for the rights of my clients. I have worked hard to earn the reputation of being The Proven Fighter. I will continue to tirelessly work to protect the rights of my clients in and out of the courtroom.
I am blessed to live and work in Northern Michigan with my wife and daughter. It is truly a special place and has some of the best people in the world. We take advantage of everything the greater Traverse City area has to offer. When I not at work, I like to spend time with my family, go to the State Theater, hike, fish and go to great restaurants.
Practice Areas
6
Practice Areas
Criminal Defense
30%
28 years
DUI and DWI
20%
28 years
Violent Crime
20%
28 years
Bankruptcy and Debt
10%
28 years
Fees and Rates
Cost
Hourly Rates
$ 150-200 per hour
Contingency
33%-33%
Retainer
Always
Payment Methods
- Cash
- Check
- Credit Card
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Chat withLicenses
Licensed in Michigan for 27 years
State: Michigan
Acquired: 1998
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
28 Client Reviews
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Practice Areas
Criminal Defense (8)
Lawsuits & Disputes (6)
Bankruptcy & Debt (5)
Business (4)
Divorce & Separation (4)
Child Custody (3)
DUI & DWI (2)
Family (2)
Litigation (2)
Mediation (2)
Consumer Protection (1)
Contracts & Agreements (1)
Credit Repair (1)
Debt Settlement (1)
Domestic Violence (1)
Estate Planning (1)
Expungement (1)
Personal Injury (1)
Speeding & Traffic Ticket (1)
Violent Crime (1)
Wills & Living Wills (1)
What Clients Mention
Showing 1 - 1 of 1 review | Personal Injury
Posted by Bob | September 20, 2017 | Personal Injury
Recommend Gerald f. Chefalo
My wife and I have used Mr. Chefalo for multiple issues, and have always been pleased with the results. Gerry is very Frank and clear in guiding you through the legal jungle. I was especially impressed this time, when he gave me a brief overview of my case and referred me to a colleage better suite...
Gerald F. Chefalo's Lawyer Endorsements
"I endorse this lawyer."
"Gerry is a very skilled and talented attorney and facilitative mediator. I respect his professionalism and appreciate the services he offers to our community."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"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)."
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Experience
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
SCOREmentor
2015 - Present
Addiction Treatment Services (ATS)Board Member
2013 - Present
Grand Traverse County EDCSecretary
2012 - Present
Long Lake AssociationPresident
2008 - Present
Domestic Relations Mediation TrainingMember
2008 - Present
Domestic Screening Protocol TrainingMember
2005 - Present
National Association of Consumer Bankruptcy AttorneysMember
2005 - Present
Eastern District of Michigan Bankruptcy Bar AssociationMember
1999 - Present
Grand Traverse-Leelanau-Antrim Bar AssociationMember
1999 - Present
Western District Bankruptcy Bar AssociationMember
1999 - Present
National Association of Criminal Defense AttorneysMember
1998 - Present
State Bar of MichiganMember
1997 - Present
American Bar AssociationMember
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
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
Legal Answers
Legal Answers
Q&A
IF I GO TO THE COURT HOUSE WILL I GET ARRESTED FOR AN OUTSTANDING WARRANT?
22 Mar 2016
Q&A
Is disturbing the peace the same as disorderly conduct?
16 Mar 2015
Q&A
Apartment was raided by police. Only a ounce of marijuana was found. There are four people living in the apartment.
17 Mar 2015