Grand Rapids Criminal Defense Lawyer

Grand Rapids Criminal Defense Lawyer | 17-Time Michigan Super Lawyer

At The Bartish Law Firm, PLLC, Michael Bartish has dedicated his career to defending individuals accused of a variety of crimes across the greater Grand Rapids area for over 27 years. He has been named to Super Lawyers for 17 consecutive years and comes with a depth of legal talent you won’t be able to find anywhere else. He has the experience and confidence necessary to defend clients against charges like:

• Felony crimes
• Drug crimes
• Sex crimes
• OWI/DUI
• Federal charges

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 120-minute free consultations.

The Actions You Take Today Can Shape Tomorrow’s Outcome.

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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. Contact us right away to schedule your free 120-minute consultation today.

• Named to Super Lawyers—17 Consecutive Years, from 2009-2025
• Holds an Avvo Rating of 10.0 Superb
• Offers a free 120-minute consultation
• Experienced in both federal and state courts throughout Western Michigan
• Located conveniently in Grand Rapids, Michigan

Defending Grand Rapids Residents Facing Serious Criminal Charges

Our Grand Rapids 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.

Criminal Defense Practice Area in Grand Rapids

At The Bartish Law Firm, PLLC, we are serious about criminal defense. We have the ability to take on both state-level offenses in the Grand Rapids area courts and federal-level charges in the Western District of Michigan. There is no criminal charge too large for us to face. Our common practice areas include crimes like:

• Domestic violence. This is any act of abuse or violence that arises between members of a family or household. We handle both felony and misdemeanor cases, possible record implications, and the implications of protective or restraining orders.
• Sex crimes. These crimes include rape, statutory rape, CSAM, or child sexual abuse material, criminal sexual conduct charges, and registering as a sex offender. We are capable of providing you with aggressive pretrial defense.
• Expungements. These include any cases that fall under Michigan’s Clean Slate Act.
• OWI charges. These charges relate to operating a vehicle while intoxicated by drugs and/or alcohol. We have the ability to challenge any field sobriety test, the traffic stop itself, and any breath or blood test results involved.
• Drug crimes. These include state and federal drug crimes, possession charges, manufacturing, distribution, and trafficking. We have the knowledge needed to file suppression motions in these cases.
• Felony defense. These include any felony charge in either Grand Rapids or the Western District of Michigan.
• Federal criminal charges. These include drug conspiracies, fraud, and firearm violations.
• Violent crimes. These can include armed robbery, murder, assault, or other homicide-related charges.
• Driver’s license appeals. We can help you get back on the road following a driver’s license revocation or suspension, helping you file a Secretary of State appeal.

Why Grand Rapids 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, Lawyer 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, Lawyer Mike gives 120 minutes.

Meet Michael Bartish—Grand Rapids 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. Read Mike’s full bio.

Serving Grand Rapids and All of Western Michigan

We are based in the Grand Rapids area, but we are proud to handle cases in courtrooms throughout Western Michigan. If your case is federal, we can work for you in any of the U.S. District Courts for the Western District of Michigan, and we also offer virtual consultations for clients statewide.

What Grand Rapids Clients Say

Mike Bartish has over 100+ five-star Avvo ratings and is consistently described as someone with experience, accessibility, and a willingness to protect his clients while seeking favorable results. Past clients have said:

“He was direct yet empathetic. He listened to what was important to me and the fears I had. He was reassuring without over-promising any sort of result. The prosecution dismissed the case.” — Anonymous, Avvo, Hired Lawyer, Felonious Assault (2024)

“I retained Mr. Bartish for his services, and he was successful in getting my family member acquitted of a very serious charge, and my family member was released after two years in jail awaiting the trial.”

— Diane, Avvo, Hired Lawyer (2018)

“The jury took all of about 10 minutes to vote NOT GUILTY.” — Robert Whims, Criminal Defense Lawyer, Avvo Endorsement.

Common Questions About Criminal Defense in Grand Rapids

Q: How Much Does a Criminal Defense Lawyer Cost in Grand Rapids?

A: 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.

Q: What Should I Do After Being Arrested in Michigan?

A: 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?

A: 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.

At the end of the day, we are here to answer all of your questions, any time of the day or night. See All FAQs