Criminal Defense Attorney in Wyoming
Serious Charges? Call For A Steady Defense Team
Being arrested or finding out you are under investigation can change your life in an instant. You might be worried about jail, your job, your family, and what will happen when you go to court. In this moment, you need clear information and a criminal defense attorney in Wyoming for calm, steady guidance.
At Tanis Schultz, we represent people facing criminal accusations that arise in Wyoming, nearby communities, and across West Michigan. Our attorneys bring more than 50 years of combined legal experience to each case, and we use a team approach so you are not relying on just one person. We work to protect your rights from the start and help you understand what to expect at every step.
When your future is on the line, every hour counts. Contact Tanis Schultz today for a free consultation with an experienced criminal defense attorney in Wyoming. Call us at (616) 227-3737 or contact us online to start building your defense.
Criminal Cases We Handle For Individuals In Wyoming
People reach out to us with many different types of criminal charges. Some are dealing with a first-time arrest, while others face more serious or repeat allegations. In each situation, we look at the specific facts, the law, and the client’s goals rather than relying on a one-size-fits-all approach.
We handle a wide range of criminal matters, including:
- Operating while intoxicated and traffic-related offenses. These cases may involve accusations of drunk or drug-impaired driving, refusal of testing, or serious traffic incidents.
- Drug charges. Allegations can range from possession of controlled substances to accusations of intent to deliver.
- Assault and other offenses involving violence. These matters can include domestic-related accusations, fights, or threats. They may lead to protective orders and other conditions that affect where you can live or who you can contact.
- Property and theft-related crimes. Cases involving shoplifting, burglary, or damage to property.
- White collar and financial allegations. Some clients face accusations concerning fraud, embezzlement, or misuse of funds.
Whether you are dealing with a misdemeanor or a felony, our criminal lawyer will work with our broader team to understand how the charges could affect you now and in the future. If you are unsure where your situation fits, we encourage you to call and ask. During a free consultation, we can discuss whether your case is one our firm is suited to handle and what the next practical step might be.
How Our Attorneys Build Your Defense
Once you contact us, our focus is to bring order and strategy to what may feel like chaos. We know that every case is different, so we take time to understand what happened from your point of view and to review the documents the state is relying on. Our goal is to identify both legal and practical options for moving forward.
Our process typically begins with a careful review of police reports, witness statements, body camera footage if available, and any other materials provided by the prosecution. More than one attorney may examine this information so that different viewpoints and experiences can be applied.
After that initial review, we discuss our impressions with you in clear language. We explain the charges, the range of potential penalties, and common paths cases like yours may take in West Michigan courts. We also ask about your goals, such as concerns about a professional license, immigration status, or family responsibilities.
Throughout the case, we work to keep you informed. We use technology to track deadlines and hearing dates, manage discovery, and store case documents securely. Our criminal defense lawyer team strives to return calls and messages, and we encourage questions so that you feel involved in decisions that affect your life.
Local Courts, Procedures, & What To Expect
Knowing which court will handle your case and what typically happens at each stage can make the legal process feel more manageable. Cases originating in Wyoming are commonly heard in the 62A District Court for Wyoming or the Kent County Circuit Court, depending on the charge and potential penalties.
Your charging documents usually identify the correct court. Below is an overview of what clients can generally expect.
- Court assignment: Cases are handled in district or circuit court based on the type of offense and maximum possible penalty.
- Arraignment: The first court appearance where charges are read, bond is addressed, and conditions are set while the case is pending.
- Preparation for hearings: Clients are guided on what to expect, what information may matter to the court, and how conduct and appearance can affect outcomes.
- Pretrial proceedings: Attorneys and prosecutors discuss evidence, file motions, address constitutional issues, and explore possible resolutions.
- Trial: If necessary, the case proceeds to trial, where a judge or jury evaluates the evidence under strict legal rules.
Talk To Our Criminal Defense Lawyers Today
At Tanis Schultz, our attorneys offer more than 50 years of combined experience, a collaborative team-based approach, and a strong presence in courts that handle cases from Wyoming and the Grand Rapids area.
We provide free consultations and work to offer flexible scheduling so you can speak with a lawyer when you need to. If you are searching for a criminal lawyer Wyoming residents can trust to take their case seriously, we invite you to contact us.
To discuss your situation confidentially with our criminal defense attorney team, call (616) 227-3737 or reach out online today.
Testimonials
The Opinions That Matter
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I would highly recommend Megan Mast! She is personable, communicates extremely well, is prompt and professional. You can tell she really knows her stuff and will help you with all she’s got to offer every case, every time!- M.H.
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“Without this office's expert advice, professionalism, attention to detail, and preparation, I would still be disabled without benefits.”- A.
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This is a great firm! They were extremely helpful and available to answer any of our questions. They are clearly dedicated to their clients. I would highly recommend them!- B.L.
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Starting out by saying, what an amazing firm and attorney! Megan was able to help me with my case and she did everything she promised and executed! She went above and beyond in problem-solving and communication skills. I can't thank her and the firm enough! Highly recommended!- N.T.
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Jonathan has helped me with a family law case. Everything he did was smooth and it took a huge burden off of me. I appreciate that he took the time to email me at every step to let me know what was going on. Oftentimes, with other lawyers, I was kept in limbo while I tried to get a hold of them. Jonathan was very professional and I will continue to use his services should anything else arise with my divorce case.- A.W.
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“I appreciated her communication and the respect she gave me during the process.”- C.A.
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Josh was professional and extremely helpful in creating our estate plan. He guided us through the process from start to finish. We would highly recommend Josh to anyone looking for an estate planning attorney.- S.N.
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She actually listened to me and answered all of my questions. Never did I feel like she was rushing through things. She explained everything very well. Very professional. Highly recommend her.- F.H.
Facing Criminal Charges In This Area: What You Should Do Now
After an arrest or when police contact you about a possible crime, it can be hard to know what to do first. The decisions you make in the hours and days that follow can shape what happens in court. Taking a few careful steps can help protect your rights and reduce avoidable damage.
Here are some practical actions to consider right away:
- Exercise your right to remain silent. You are not required to answer questions from law enforcement about the facts of the case. Statements you make can be used in court, even if you feel you are only trying to explain yourself. You can politely state that you want to speak with a lawyer before answering questions.
- Do not ignore paperwork or upcoming dates. After an arrest, you typically receive documents that list the charges and tell you when to appear in court for an arraignment or hearing. Missing a court date can lead to additional problems, including warrants and stricter bond conditions.
- Preserve information and evidence. Save texts, emails, photos, or other materials that could be important. Write down your memories of what happened while they are fresh. If there were witnesses, try to keep their contact information.
- Avoid discussing the case on social media. Posts, messages, and photos can sometimes appear in police reports and in court. Even comments that seem harmless may be misunderstood or taken out of context later.
- Contact a defense lawyer as soon as you can. Speaking with a criminal defense lawyer early often helps you avoid common mistakes and may influence issues such as bond, conditions of release, and how charges are filed. When you contact us, we work to review your situation quickly and explain realistic next steps.
Criminal cases that begin in Wyoming are often heard in Kent County courts that serve the Grand Rapids area. The specific courthouse depends on the nature of the charge and other details, and we can explain what to expect once we see your paperwork. Reaching out to our firm for a free consultation gives you a chance to go over your documents with an attorney and start planning for that first day in court.
Why Work With Our Criminal Defense Team
When you are facing the government in court, experience and resources matter. Our firm has more than five decades of combined legal practice, and our attorneys have spent years litigating against powerful opponents, including government institutions and large organizations. That background is valuable when your future and freedom may be at stake.
We take a team-based approach to every criminal case. Instead of handing your file to a single lawyer and hoping for the best, we collaborate. Our criminal attorney and other members of our defense team review police reports, charging documents, and relevant evidence together. This gives you multiple perspectives on potential defenses, legal issues, and practical strategies.
Our attorneys have handled complex and high-profile matters that involve detailed fact patterns, sensitive allegations, or intense scrutiny. That kind of experience helps us stay focused and organized when your case involves serious felony accusations, multiple counts, or overlapping legal issues. We also use advanced technology to manage evidence, track court dates, and communicate efficiently with clients.
A criminal charge does not have to result in a conviction. As your Wyoming criminal defense lawyer, we will fight to protect your rights and your reputation at every turn. Reach out to Tanis Schultz at (616) 227-3737 or through our online form for the elite representation you deserve.
Meet Your Attorneys
Highly Educated & Experienced Trial Lawyers
Why Choose Tanis Schultz?
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Dedicated AttorneysWhen you hire one of the experienced attorneys at Tanis Schultz, you get an entire team!
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Track Record of SuccessOur attorneys have experience handling high-profile, complex cases with complete success.
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Quality RepresentationTanis Schultz is a professional law firm that provides a competitive advantage and the experience to address your legal issues.
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ExperienceOur attorneys have over 50 yearsof combined experience handling various areas of the law with precision.