In Grand Rapids, when it comes to how much a criminal defense lawyer costs, the cost will depend on the case’s duration and overall complexity. At The Bartish Law Firm, PLLC, we are happy to offer all prospective clients a 120-minute free consultation, and should you choose to work with us, we accept cash, check, and credit.
We care about our clients. When you hire us, you get a direct text line to Mr. Bartish’s cell phone day and night. You don’t
have to pass through a secretary first or wait until business hours to get the answers you deserve. Additionally, the team at
The Bartish Law Firm, PLLC is proud to offer prospective clients 20-minute free consultations.
When you need to hire a criminal defense lawyer who cares for you, the husband-and-wife team at The Bartish Law Firm, PLLC, is here to serve you.
Named to Super Lawyers—
17 Consecutive
Years, from 2009-2025
Holds an Avvo Rating of
10.0 Superb
Offers a free 20-minute consultation
Experienced in both federal and state courts throughout Western Michigan
Located conveniently in
Grand Rapids, Michigan
Who: The Bartish Law Firm
Defending Western Michigan Residents Facing Serious Criminal Charges
Our Western Michigan criminal defense lawyers are here to represent those who need our services the most. Whether you are a professional, business owner, parent of a young child, or a local college student, or you have simply found yourself in the wrong place at the wrong time, we are here to serve you.
We handle serious criminal cases, including federal crimes, sex crimes, and drug crimes, and we understand the importance of protecting those we love. That is why Michael Bartish started this law firm alongside his wife, Anne, who is also a tenacious criminal defense lawyer. We are proud to be a family defending families from all walks of life across the Grand Rapids area. As our client, you get our direct phone line, not a receptionist.
Why
Western Michigan Chooses The Bartish Law Firm
When Lawyer Mike Bartish gives his clients a direct line to his cell phone, it’s because he makes himself available even outside typical business hours. He’d rather you text him at midnight than spend all night worrying.
His recognition as a Super Lawyer demonstrates a nearly two-decade run of peer recognition and professional excellence in the top 5% of Michigan lawyers for the last 17 consecutive years (every year since he was first eligible in 2009).
In addition to founding the firm with his wife, Anne (also a lawyer), their son is on his way to law school to continue the family legacy. Clients who are worried about outcomes for their families should know they are being represented by a family team.
Regardless of your case details, Mike wants to provide the opportunity to fully hear your case pressure-free and without any sort of sales pitch. Where most lawyers only allow 30 minutes for an initial consultation, Mike gives 120 minutes.
Practice Areas
Criminal Defense
Practice Area in Grand Rapids
The Bartish Law Firm practice is serious, comprehensive criminal defense — not traffic tickets. They handles
state
charges in Grand Rapids area courts and federal charges in the Western District of Michigan.
In The Media
Featured Coverage
Jury Acquits Couple in Summer
2025 Croton Dam Pond Altercation
Victoria and Brandon have been living a nightmare for almost a year as a result of some sensational and inaccurate Facebook
postings,” attorney Mike Bartish said.
Proven Results. Real Defense.
Serious Outcomes.
Not Guilty – Child Abuse Fourth Degree, Assault and Battery, Newaygo County
Not Guilty
Child Abuse Fourth Degree, Assault and Battery, Newaygo County
Not Guilty – Operating Under the Influence of Drugs – Third Offense, Fleeing and Eluding an Officer, Kent County
Not Guilty
Operating Under the Influence of Drugs – Third Offense, Fleeing and Eluding an Officer, Kent County
Charges Dismissed at Preliminary Examination Criminal Sexual Conduct 3rd Degree, Ottawa County.
Charges Dismissed at Preliminary Examination
Criminal Sexual Conduct 3rd Degree, Ottawa County.
Charges Dismissed by Prosecutor Criminal Sexual Conduct 3rd Degree, Ottawa County
Charges Dismissed by Prosecutor
Criminal Sexual Conduct 3rd Degree, Ottawa County
Not Guilty – Criminal Sexual Conduct 1st Degree, Allegan County
Not Guilty
Criminal Sexual Conduct 1st Degree, Allegan County
Your Defense Team
Meet
Michael Bartish
Western Michigan Criminal Defense Lawyer
Lawyer Mike Bartish has been defending clients in both Grand Rapids and all across Western Michigan for over 27 years. In that time, he has been recognized for his excellence through a variety of credentials: Super Lawyers since 1009; a 10.0 Superb rating on Avvo, which includes more than a hundred five-star reviews; and National Trial Lawyers Top 100.
Starting The Bartish Law Firm in 2026 with his wife, Lawyer Anne Bartish, Mike chose to build a true family practice dedicated to those who need someone in their corner. After all, Mike has always been drawn to the underdog.
Your Defense Team
Meet
Anne Bartish
Western Michigan Criminal Defense Lawyer
Throughout her career, Anne has focused on making the legal process approachable and understandable for the people she represents. Whether assisting with long-term planning or helping a client navigate an immediate legal concern, Anne strives to provide responsive counsel, straightforward communication, and solutions designed to protect what her clients have worked hard to build at The Bartish Law Firm, PLLC.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common Questions About
Criminal Defense in Grand Rapids
Q: How Much Does a Criminal Defense Lawyer Cost in Grand Rapids?
Q: What Should I Do After Being Arrested in Michigan?
After you are arrested in Michigan, the number one thing you need to do is exercise your right to remain silent. It is essential that you do not commit to any searches and that you call a lawyer before your arraignment. All of these actions are protected under the United States Constitution, and it is imperative that you exercise them in order to advocate for your rights.
Q: Can I Get a Felony Expunged in Michigan?
In certain cases, yes, you may be able to have a felony charge expunged in Michigan under the Clean Slate Act and MCL – Section 780.621. It is crucial that if you have a felony on your permanent criminal record, you contact The Bartish Law Firm, PLLC. Our lawyers are here to review your unique circumstances and help determine your eligibility for expungement in Michigan.
What Western Michigan Clients Say
Reference that Mike has 100+ five-star Avvo reviews. Note that clients consistently describe the same experience: direct communication,
accessible, fights hard, gets results. Keep it brief — let the quotes carry the section.
Lyn
Caring and Accessible Prompt communication, knowledgeable and understanding. Defended and supported our son as he would have treated his own child. Highly recommended.
Trisha
Thorough, caring and smart! Mike clearly knows the law. My son's codefendants' attorneys made an error which would have affected all of their futures. Mike not only caught the error, but he worked really hard…
Brad
Lawyer for OWI third I hired Michael Bartish as my lawyer for an OWI third offense charge. He was very knowledgeable in all aspects of the law and especially with my case. He knew the…
Community Involvement
Committed to Our Community
Mike and Anne Bartish share a strong commitment to service that extends beyond their legal practice and into the West Michigan community. Mike volunteers his time coaching the West Catholic High School Mock Trial Team, helping introduce students to the legal system while developing the advocacy, critical-thinking, and communication skills of future generations. His dedication to service also includes a distinguished 26-year military career in the U.S. Army, Army Reserve, and Michigan National Guard, from which he retired as a Lieutenant Colonel in 2023.Anne Bartish volunteers her time as a coach for Odyssey of the Mind, an international creative problem-solving program that challenges teams of students to tackle open-ended technical, artistic, and performance-based problems using original thinking rather than adult-directed solutions. As a coach, Anne guides her team through weekly practices where she encourages brainstorming, collaboration, and hands-on experimentation, all while carefully stepping back to let the students design, build, and problem-solve on their own—since a key rule of the program is that adults may not contribute ideas or do the work for the kids. Her role involves helping students manage their time, resolve creative disagreements, build props and performances from scratch, and prepare for competition, all while fostering confidence, teamwork, and resilience. Through her dedication, Anne helps young people develop critical thinking and creativity skills that extend well beyond the competition itself. Anne has likewise remained engaged in Michigan’s legal community, including previously serving as Treasurer for the Western Region of the Women Lawyers Association of Michigan. Together, Mike and Anne bring the same values of service, leadership, and community involvement to The Bartish Law Firm that have shaped their careers outside the courtroom.
