Grand Rapids Misdemeanor Defense Lawyers

Over 50 Years of Combined Experience. A Full Team Fighting for You.

A misdemeanor charge moves quickly through the courts, and the decisions made in the earliest stages shape every phase that follows. Retaining a defense attorney before speaking to police or entering any plea can protect your constitutional rights from the start. Our attorneys at Tanis Schultz bring over 50 years of combined criminal defense experience to every case. When you hire our firm, you get more than one attorney working for you. Our team-based model means your case draws on the knowledge and perspective of multiple attorneys, not a single practitioner working in isolation.

We offer free consultations, same-day appointments, and after-hours availability because arrests and notices to appear don’t happen on a convenient schedule. We serve clients throughout Grand Rapids, Kentwood, and the broader West Michigan area.

Arrange your free case evaluation by calling (616) 227-3737 today. You can also contact us online.

Misdemeanor Charges We Defend in Grand Rapids

Michigan misdemeanor charges cover a wide range of conduct, and the specific charge matters. Different offenses carry different penalties, different collateral consequences, and different strategic considerations at the pretrial stage. Our misdemeanor attorneys in Grand Rapids defend clients facing charges including:

• Assault and battery
• Domestic violence (first offense)
• Retail fraud and embezzlement
• Operating while intoxicated (OWI/DUI)
• Drug possession
• Stealing property valued between $200 and less than $1,000
• Discharging a firearm
• Trespassing

The consequences of a conviction extend well beyond jail time and fines. A domestic violence misdemeanor can result in permanent loss of the right to purchase or possess a firearm under federal law. An OWI conviction can mean a suspended or revoked driver’s license. Certain misdemeanor convictions require reporting to a professional licensing board, which can put a career license at risk. For non-citizens, some misdemeanor convictions carry immigration consequences, including potential deportation. These are the reasons we treat every misdemeanor case with the same seriousness we bring to felony matters.

Michigan’s Misdemeanor Tiers & What a Conviction Costs You

Michigan law divides misdemeanors into three tiers based on maximum penalty. Where a charge falls in that structure determines both sentencing exposure and the long-term consequences of a conviction.

Michigan’s three misdemeanor tiers are:

• Up to 93 days in jail and/or fines of up to $500
• Up to one year in jail and/or fines of up to $1,000
• High Court misdemeanors, carrying up to two years in jail and/or fines of up to $2,000

Beyond those statutory penalties, a conviction creates a permanent criminal record that appears on background checks. That record can close doors to employment, housing, and professional licenses. A second misdemeanor conviction after a prior offense may trigger enhanced penalties under Michigan’s sentencing guidelines, which Kent County courts apply based on prior record and case-specific factors. A conviction can also affect eligibility for federal financial aid. Keeping a misdemeanor off your record is worth fighting for, and an early, informed defense can give you the best chance to do that.

How We Build Your Misdemeanor Defense

Our attorneys appear regularly in the 61st District Court in Grand Rapids, which handles misdemeanor cases for city residents, and we handle matters in the 62B District Court in Kentwood as well. That regular presence means we know the local scheduling practices, the prosecutors handling these cases, and how the court system moves.

Investigation & Motion Practice

From the moment you retain us, we begin reviewing police reports, evaluating the prosecution’s evidence, and identifying weaknesses in the case. Early investigation into witness statements, digital records, and law enforcement reports often uncovers issues that can be raised before trial ever begins. Depending on what we find, we may file a motion to suppress evidence obtained through an unlawful search or seizure, a motion to dismiss, or a motion to exclude irrelevant material.

Arraignment, Pretrial Conferences, & Trial

In Michigan, a defendant can enter a guilty, not guilty, or no-contest plea at arraignment. Entering a not guilty plea preserves all defense options and is often the right first step. At the pretrial stage, prosecutors may present plea offers. Our team evaluates whether any offer genuinely serves your interests before recommending a course of action. We keep you informed at every stage, from arraignment through pretrial hearings, motion practice, and, when necessary, trial.

Contact us at (616) 227-3737 to get started today.