$ 300-400 per hour
About Karl
Biography
Karl Numinen represents people accused of serious crimes, going through difficult divorces, or who have been severely injured. Where other lawyers cut deals, Karl takes the tough cases to trial and wins.
He has won jury trial acquittals for clients charged with murder, sex assault, robbery, tax evasion, assault and battery, drug offenses, possession of explosives, weapons offenses, and other serious crimes. He advocates for people suffering from catastrophic injuries and has obtained millions of dollars for his clients from insurance companies who previously denied their claims. He regularly handles complex divorce and custody cases, skillfully guiding his clients through the emotional turmoil of family crisis.
He has handled a wide variety of high-profile criminal cases, including an episode of "Accused: Guilty or Innocent?" on the A&E channel and the "Pictured Rocks Murder" trial featured on a special edition of Dateline NBC. His winning trial record includes three consecutive "Not Guilty" verdicts in one year in federal district court. In the 30+ years he has been defending the accused, he has developed special expertise in search and seizure law, police interrogations, and computer forensics. He frequently teaches classes on these subjects and has lectured at seminars sponsored by the Criminal Defense Attorneys of Michigan as well as the Michigan State Police.
His judgment, legal expertise, and honest reputation have been recognized by the judges of the Michigan Court of Appeals who appointed him as a settlement facilitator for domestic relations cases, the judges of the U.S. District Court who appointed him as a qualified civil mediator, and the members of the American Arbitration Association who appointed him as a neutral arbitrator for construction disputes. His peers have honored him with the highest possible ratings an attorney can receive, including the prestigious "AV" rating from Martindale Hubbell, named as a SuperLawyer, listed in The Best Lawyers in America, and a Superb rating from Avvo.
Karl is a partner of Numinen, DeForge & Toutant, PC and Of Counsel to the Barone Defense Firm.
Please contact me at [email protected] or call 906.226.2580
Practice Areas
3
Practice Areas
Criminal Defense
50%
33 years
Divorce and Separation
40%
Litigation
10%
33 years
Fees and Rates
Cost
Hourly Rates
Licenses
Licensed in Michigan for 33 years
State: Michigan
Acquired: 1992
No misconduct found
Location
Gallery
Online Presence
Other places you can find Karl online.
Karl P. Numinen's Reviews
Showing 1 - 5 of 55 client reviews from Avvo
Posted by Chelsea | February 9, 2026 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Great family lawyer
Karl helped me win my custody battle and eventually helped my husband adopt my daughter. We are very grateful for everything he did for our family.
Posted by anonymous | February 4, 2026 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
If you feel like you’re drowning because you’re being falsely accused contact Karl. Karl will go above and beyond!
Karl has been our saving grace, and we will never forget him. We could not thank Karl enough for his hard, aggressive work in winning our CPS case. Being falsely accused and threats to have your baby taken away is a feeling you can’t explain and never will forget. Let Karl help ease your mind. Karl p...
Posted by Larry | December 16, 2025 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Custody Case
Karl was instrumental in me being granted custody of my son. He helped me understand the process and what I needed to do/provide to get the outcome desired. He made himself available when I had questions and patiently explained things. When it actually came to the date of the hearing he was simply...
Posted by Andrew | November 19, 2025 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Accident-Turned-Nightmare Overturned in 20 Minutes
After I was falsely accused of "throwing an iced coffee", Mr. Numinen was a wonderful source of advice and advocacy. By identifying lies present in witness testimony and connecting this to the publicity the accuser wrung from the event, the jury returned a verdict of not guilty in 20 minutes. I ow...
Posted by anonymous | February 7, 2025 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Don't take on CPS alone!
I am so glad we found Karl at one of the most difficult times in our lives. The stakes had never been higher as CPS entered our lives and dismantled everything. I was being wrongly accused by CPS and they were trying to take away my child. Karl's knowledge, performance and expertise helped us win our...
Karl P. Numinen's Lawyer Endorsements
"Karl is one of the best Attorneys in the State and he shines at trial. Karl has helped and mentored me since my joining of CDAM several years ago. Great guy, phenomenal Attorney."
"I endorse this lawyer. I had the pleasure of acting as co-counsel with Karl on an unarmed robbery trial. He is professional and thorough. It was a pleasure to work with him."
"He is not only an intelligent and capable attorney, but a gentlemen."
"I endorse this lawyer. Karl is a true professional. He has a very confident and effective style. He is very strong advocate with judges and prosecutors. He is a fighter who gets great results."
"I know Karl through my work with the Criminal Defense Attorneys of Michigan. Karl has the knowledge and skills to effectively represent someone charged with a crime in either Federal or State court. If you're facing serious criminal charges anywhere near Marquette, you owe it to yourself to call Karl."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"Karl Numinen is an amazing attorney. He is a leader among his peers. Anyone would be lucky to have Karl represent them. I endorse this lawyer."
"Karl is not only one of the top lawyers in Northern Michigan, but one of the top in all of Michigan. Other lawyers look to Karl when seeking assistance with their complex legal matters, and he has taught at legal seminars, in Michigan and Georgia, on such subjects as search warrant issues and admitting evidence. He has been involved in law and politics for more than 25 years. Karl has the knowledge, the experience, the training and the skills necessary to help you get the justice you deserve. You can't go wrong with Karl."
"I have known Karl since the mid 90's, first as an adversary and subsequently as co-counsel on some other matters. Karl is an excellent lawyer, well-prepared, ethical and a pleasure to work with. I was referring clients to Karl before the internet became so central to what we do, and I have never had anyone disappointed with his handling of cases. I highly recommend Karl if you have legal issues arise."
"Karl is a tireless fighter on criminal cases. If you are charged with a crime up in the UP, he is a great lawyer. I trust his judgment, and I am sure that you will too."
Kristyna Nunzio
Criminal defense lawyer
Alan Butler
Criminal defense lawyer
Keith DeForge
Divorce and separation lawyer
Phillip Toutant
Personal injury lawyer
Jason Elmore
Criminal defense lawyer
Joshua Blanchard
Criminal defense lawyer
Raymond Gregory
Criminal defense lawyer
Experience
Honors
2025
Rated "AV" Preeminent, Martindale-Hubbell
2025
Selected by Peer Review, The Best Lawyers In America
2025
Super Lawyer, Thomson Reuters
2025
Super Lawyers, Thomson Reuters
2025
Selected by Peer Review, The Best Lawyers In America
2024
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2023
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2022
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2021
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2020
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2019
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2018
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2017
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2016
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2015
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2014
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2013
Selected by Peer Review, The Best Lawyers In America
2013
Super Lawyer, Thomson Reuters
2012
Super Lawyers, Thompson Reuters
2012
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2012
Selected, "The Best Lawyers in America"
2011
Super Lawyer, Thomson Reuters - Super Lawyers
2010
Pro Bono Circle of Excellence, State Bar of Michigan Access to Justice Fund
1992
American Jurisprudence Award - Family Law, Thomas M. Cooley Law School
1992
American Jurisprudence Award - Trial Skills, Thomas M. Cooley Law School
Work Experience
2002 - Present
Partner, Numinen, DeForge & Toutant, PC
2000 - 2024
Adjunct Professor, Northern Michigan University
1989 - 1991
Special Assistant, Governor James J. Blanchard
1988 - 1989
Staff Assistant, Michigan Primary Care Assoc.
1985 - 1988
Staff Assistant, U.S. Senator Don Riegle
Associations
2022 - Present
Criminal Defense Attorneys of MichiganPast President
2020 - Present
American College of Trial LawyersFellow
2009 - Present
National Association of Criminal Defense LawyersMember
2001 - Present
American Arbitration AssociationNeutral Arbitrator
1992 - Present
State Bar of MichiganMember
1997 - 1998
Family Law Council PACChair
1996 - 2000
Family Law Council, State Bar of MichiganBoard Member
Sample of Legal Cases
"Not Guilty" Federal Tax Evasion
Not Guilty
"Not Guilty" Federal Tax Evasion
Not Guilty
"Not Guilty" verdict for former police officer
Acquittal
Karl Wins Prisoner Case
Not Guilty
Karl Wins Another Sex Assault Case
Not Guilty
Karl Obtains "Not Guilty" Jury Verdict in Federal Case
Not Guilty
Karl Wins "Bet Your Company" Federal Case
Jury Verdict For Defendants
Drug and Alcohol Charges Dismissed
Charges Dismissed!
Felony Drug Charges Dismissed
Multiple Felonies Dismissed!
Domestic Violence Charges Dismissed
All Charges Dismissed!
Judge Dismisses PPO
PPO Dismissed!
Domestic Violence Charges Dismissed
All Charges Dismissed! PPO Dismissed!
Felony DUI Charges Dismissed After Blood Test Challenged
All Charges Dismissed!
Drivers License Saved With Reduction of DUI
Charges Reduced - License Saved!
Judge Dismisses Marijuana Charges
All Charges Dismissed!
Felony Home Invasion and Assault Charges Dismissed
All Charges Dismissed!
Domestic Violence Charges Dismissed
All Charges Dismissed!
Felony DUI Reduced to Misdemeanor With No Jail
Felony Dismissed - plea to misdemeanor
Judge Dismisses DUI Charges For Sleeping Driver
All Charges Dismissed!
Felony DUI Charges Reduced to Misdemeanor
Felony Dismissed
Jury Says "Not Guilty" on 4 out of 5 Felony Counts
Not Guilty! (4 out of 5 counts)
Felony Fraud Charges Dismissed
All Charges Dismissed!
DUI Charges Dismissed After DataMaster Challenge
All Charges Dismissed!
Felony Case Ends After Mistrial Declared
Mistrial declared, client freed!
Attempted Murder Charges Dismissed After Finding Temporary Insanity
Not Guilty!
Jury Says "Not Guilty" After Trial on Sex Assault Case
Not Guilty!
Jury Says "Not Guilty" After Trial on Vehicle Assault Case
Not Guilty!
Jury Says "Not Guilty" After Trial on Drug Case
Not Guilty!
Education
1992
Thomas M. Cooley Law School
JD - Juris Doctor
1988
Michigan State University
BA - Bachelor of Arts
Speaking Engagements
2025
Hillman Advocacy Program
Faculty
2024
Hillman Advocacy Program
Faculty
2023
Webinar
"I Stopped Trying and Started Winning: Wu Wei in Trial"
2023
CDAM Annual Conference
"Show and Tell: Using Demonstrative Aids Throughout Trial"
2023
Anatomy of a Trial
Closing Argument Faculty Demonstration
2021
NACDL 2021 Conference
"Defending Drug Overdose Homicide Cases"
2021
Annual Conference
"Effective Motion Practice: Winning Your Case Before Trial"
2021
Annual Conference
"A is For Attorney"
2021
Annual Conference
MasterClass: "How to Prepare and Use Trial Notebooks"
2020
Annual Fall Conference
"Fearless Defense: Putting Your Client on the Stand"
2019
CDAM Trial Skills Seminar
"Evidence Boot Camp"
2019
Annual Summer Conference
"How to Challenge Search and Seizures in the Home"
2019
Annual Fall Conference
"A is For Attorney"
2018
Annual Spring Conference
"The Art of War: How to Win Before Trial Through Effective Motion Practice"
2017
Annual Fall Conference
"How to Prepare a Trial Notebook"
2016
Annual Spring Conference
MasterClass: "Persuasive Closings"
2016
Annual Meeting
"Michigan Medical Marijuana Act Overview"
2015
Upper Michigan Legal Institute
Medical Marijuana Legal Update
2015
Spring Advanced Trial Skills Conference
Keynote Speech: Experts in CSC Cases
2015
Police Academy
Cross Examination of Police Officers
2014
NALS Spring Conference
Criminal Defense: How To Prepare For Trial
2013
People's Law School 2013
Jury Selection
2013
CDAM Advanced Skills Seminar
Master Class: How to Select a Jury
2013
CDAM Advanced Skills Seminar
Master Class: How to Handle False Confessions
2012
Summer Conference
Cross Examination of Snitches
2012
Michigan State Police Evidence Tech Course
Search and Seizure
2012
Advanced Skills Seminar
Master Class: How to Prepare Your Client to Testify at Trial
2012
Advanced Skills Seminar
Master Class: Cross Examination of Snitches
2011
People's Law School
Family Law
2010
People's Law School
Federal Criminal Law
2009
People's Law School
Criminal Trials
2008
Leadership Academy
Justice Day
2006
U.S. Courts Complex Litigation Seminar - Atlanta
Challenging Computer Search Warrants
2006
Michigan State Police Advanced Evidence Technician Training
Admitting Evidence
2002
Must-Know Divorce Strategies Seminar
Moderator
2001
Overcoming Juror Bias
Moderator
2000
U.P. Road Builders Association Seminar
Contract Issues
1999
U.P. Road Builders Association Meeting
Construction Issues for Road Commissions
Publications
2024
Lexis Nexis Publishing
Michigan Criminal Law and Procedure
2013
Institute of Continuing Legal Education (Michigan)
How to Prepare Your Client to Testify at Trial
2012
Criminal Defense Attorneys of Michigan publication
The Cross Examination of Snitches, Rats, and Other Government Informants
2011
Institute of Continuing Legal Education (Michigan)
How To Challenge An Illegal Search & Seizure
2011
Starting the Case: Michigan Complaint Manual (MAJ)
Contributor: Civil Rights Claim Against Police
1998
Michigan Family Law Journal
Property Holdings In 2nd Marriages
Activity
Legal Answers