uparow
Kalamazoo, MI, Criminal Defense Lawyer
Home /  Kalamazoo, MI, Criminal Defense Lawyer

Kalamazoo, MI, Criminal Defense Lawyer

Your Trusted Kalamazoo Criminal Defense Team

With years of experience handling criminal cases in both Michigan and federal courts, the team of attorneys at SBBL Law will thoroughly assess your case and build a defense that fiercely represents you.

We leverage our trial and investigation expertise, negotiating techniques,  decades of legal practice in criminal courts nationwide, and compassion for those facing the overwhelming power of the government to provide superior defense services to those charged with a crime. Our lawyers regularly appear in both state and federal court in Kalamazoo. To fight the criminal charges against you and protect your future, don’t wait to ask our team for help.

Crime in Kalamazoo, MI

The overall crime rate in Kalamazoo is 27.6 per 1,000 residents. It ranks in the 41st percentile for safety, which means it’s considered to be less safe than 59% of other cities. It ranks in the 39th percentile for property crimes and the 21st percentile for violent crimes.

The Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety (KDPS) has been focused on reducing gun violence, and its efforts are paying off. Between 2023 and the beginning of 2025, their department reported:

  • 55% decrease in homicides
  • 27% decrease in victims assaulted with firearms
  • 48% decrease in confirmed shots-fired incidents

That said, the laws aren’t always enforced properly or are misinterpreted, often leading to issues for defendants, prosecutors, and everyone in between. If you’re facing criminal charges, a Kalamazoo, MI, a criminal defense lawyer at SBBL Law can help.

Seek legal representation as soon as possible, so you can build a strong defense and protect yourself and your future.  Anything you say to police, to witnesses, or even to family and friends can be used against you in court, so securing legal counsel as early as possible is critical.

Common Criminal Charges in Kalamazoo, Michigan

Some of the most common types of criminal charges our lawyers see in Kalamazoo include:

What Does a Kalamazoo, MI, Criminal Defense Lawyer Do?

Criminal defense attorneys have a broad range of tasks and responsibilities, depending on the case. Your attorney is there to evaluate your case and build a defense that secures the lightest possible sentence for your charges, or to get them dismissed altogether. In addition to providing legal advice and support, your criminal defense lawyer can help with:

  • Building a strong defense that is unique to your case
  • Filing motions to suppress evidence and statements in court
  • Collecting evidence, including witness statements
  • Conducting private investigations to prepare for trial
  • Interviewing relevant subjects
  • Negotiating plea deals or acceptance into special court programs like mental health treatment court and drug court
  • Representing you at every stage of your case in court

Penalties for Criminal Charges in Kalamazoo, MI

The penalties determined for criminal charges in Kalamazoo, like anywhere, are entirely dependent on the nature and severity of the crime. For example, you can expect a lighter sentence for a misdemeanor than for a felony. A judge or jury may look at factors like:

  • Criminal history
  • Defendant’s behavior
  • Nature of the crime
  • Severity of the crime
  • Threat to public safety
  • Whether anyone was injured and level of harm to the victims
Michael Bartish

Criminal Defense Attorney, Partner
616-458-5500

Team Leader

Gary Springstead

Criminal Defense Attorney, Partner
231-924-8700

Team Leader

Heath M. Lynch

Criminal Defense Attorney, Partner
888-915-8064

FAQs

How Much Is a Retainer Fee for a Kalamazoo, MI, Criminal Defense Lawyer?

The amount an attorney charges for their retainer fee depends on factors like the complexity of your case and the specific services you need. Some lawyers charge a flat rate, others charge hourly, and others use a combination of both. Once your lawyer knows more about your case, they can give you an understanding of your anticipated costs and fee structure.

How Do I Find the Right Criminal Defense Attorney in Kalamazoo, MI?

It’s important to do your research to find the right Kalamazoo criminal defense lawyer. Not every lawyer is a criminal defense lawyer, and not every lawyer has experience in the court where you are charged. It’s important to find a criminal defense attorney with experience with your exact type of case and experience in the court where you are facing charges.

This is especially true if facing federal charges, as most lawyers have little to no experience in federal court, so you will need to find a federal criminal defense lawyer for a federal criminal case.

Defense lawyers work on a range of crimes, with some lawyers covering every type of criminal offense and others focusing on specific categories. Be sure to choose a lawyer who has experience working on cases similar to yours. It’s also important that you trust your attorney because you are preparing your legal strategy together. That means you must be open and honest with the lawyer you choose.

What Is the Hardest Crime to Defend Against in Michigan?

In Kalamazoo, Michigan, the complexity of a criminal case and the defenses available can vary depending on the details of the situation. That said, certain charges are known to be harder to defend against than others. Generally speaking, complex fraud, drug trafficking, and violent crimes can be particularly challenging to defend. Additionally, one of the most difficult crimes to defend is first-degree murder. This crime involves the deliberate and premeditated planning of a murder.

Sex crimes are also difficult cases because there is often little to no physical evidence and no witnesses, so it sometimes comes down to a credibility contest between the defendant and the purported victim.

What Are Some Common Defenses for Criminal Charges in Kalamazoo, MI?

The type of defense you and your Kalamazoo criminal defense lawyer use is entirely dependent on the details of your case. Some common defenses may include entrapment, insanity, lack of intent, mistaken identity, mistake of fact or law, necessity, self-defense, and more.

The prosecutor carries the burden of proving a case beyond a reasonable doubt, so finding holes in the prosecution’s investigation is crucial. You should consult a lawyer and discuss your case in detail to ensure they can build the strongest defense possible.

See Related Posts:

Build Your Defense With the Help of a Kalamazoo, MI, Criminal Defense Lawyer

Defending yourself against a criminal charge can be complicated and overwhelming on your own. Michigan is known for aggressively handling crimes, particularly violent crimes. Prosecutors often seek the most severe charges and penalties for criminal offenses, which can leave you facing life-altering consequences.

An experienced Kalamazoo criminal defense attorney from SBBL Law will work closely with you every step of the way to defend you against charges and work toward an optimal outcome. If you are ready to discuss your case in more detail, reach out to our team to set up a consultation with a skilled attorney today.

Where We Practice

Our criminal lawyers represent clients in nationwide federal criminal cases and Title IX investigations, and we regularly appear in courts throughout Michigan:

  • U.S. District Court for the Western District of Michigan (federal court in Grand Rapids, Kalamazoo, Lansing, Marquette)
  • U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan (federal court in Detroit, Ann Arbor, Bay City, Flint, Port Huron)
  • Kent County (Greater Grand Rapids, Walker, Wyoming, Kentwood, Grandville)
  • Newaygo County (White Cloud)
  • Ottawa County (Hudsonville, Holland, Grand Haven)
  • Allegan County
  • Barry County (Hastings)
  • Muskegon County
  • Oceana County (Hart)
  • Mecosta County (Big Rapids)
  • Ionia County
  • Montcalm County (Stanton)
  • Clinton County (St. Johns)
  • Gratiot County (Ithaca)
  • Eaton County (Charlotte)
  • Ingham County (Lansing, East Lansing, Mason)
  • Jackson County
  • Calhoun County (Battle Creek)
  • Kalamazoo County
  • Van Buren County (Paw Paw, South Haven)
  • Mason County (Ludington)
  • Lake County (Baldwin)
  • Osceola County
  • Berrien County (St. Joseph)
  • Washtenaw County (Ypsilanti, Ann Arbor)
  • and elsewhere throughout Michigan.

If you or someone you know is looking for a criminal defense attorney, call now for a free consultation (616) 458-5500 or (231) 924-8700 or connect with us online.

Kalamazoo

TYPES OF CASES

  • White Collar Crimes
  • Tax Crimes
  • Other Financial Crimes
  • Environmental Crimes

Allegan

TYPES OF CASES

  • Domestic Violence
  • Violent Felonies
  • Firearms Offenses
  • Major Cases
  • Murder-for-Hire

Barry

TYPES OF CASES

  • White Collar Crimes
  • Tax Crimes
  • Other Financial Crimes
  • Environmental Crimes

Lona

TYPES OF CASES

  • Domestic Violence
  • Violent Felonies
  • Firearms Offenses
  • Major Cases
  • Murder-for-Hire

Kent

TYPES OF CASES

  • White Collar Crimes
  • Tax Crimes
  • Other Financial Crimes
  • Environmental Crimes

Ottawa

TYPES OF CASES

  • Domestic Violence
  • Violent Felonies
  • Firearms Offenses
  • Major Cases
  • Murder-for-Hire

Muskegon

TYPES OF CASES

  • White Collar Crimes
  • Tax Crimes
  • Other Financial Crimes
  • Environmental Crimes

Mecosta

TYPES OF CASES

  • Domestic Violence
  • Violent Felonies
  • Firearms Offenses
  • Major Cases
  • Murder-for-Hire

Montcalm

TYPES OF CASES

  • White Collar Crimes
  • Tax Crimes
  • Other Financial Crimes
  • Environmental Crimes

Newaygo

TYPES OF CASES

  • White Collar Crimes
  • Tax Crimes
  • Other Financial Crimes
  • Environmental Crimes

Lake

TYPES OF CASES

  • Domestic Violence
  • Violent Felonies
  • Firearms Offenses
  • Major Cases
  • Murder-for-Hire

Mason

TYPES OF CASES

  • White Collar Crimes
  • Tax Crimes
  • Other Financial Crimes
  • Environmental Crimes

Leelanau

TYPES OF CASES

  • White Collar Crimes
  • Tax Crimes
  • Other Financial Crimes
  • Environmental Crimes

Benzie

Grand Traverse

Manistee

Kalkaska

Crawford

Oscoda

Alcona

Oceana

TYPES OF CASES

  • White Collar Crimes
  • Tax Crimes
  • Other Financial Crimes
  • Environmental Crimes

Wexford

Missaukee

Roscommon

Ogemaw

Iosco

Osceola

Clare

Isabella

Ionia

Clinton

Eaton

Ingham

Van Buren

Calhoun

Jackson

Berrien

Cass

St. Joseph

Branch

Gladwin

Arenac

Midland

Bay

Huron

Gratiot

Saginaw

Tuscola

Sanilac

Shiawassee

Genesee

Lapeer

St. Clair

Livingston

Oakland

Macomb

Hillsdale

Washtenaw

Wayne

Lenawee

Monroe

Antrim

Otsego

Montmorency

Alpena

Presque Isle

Charlevoix

Emmet

Cheboygan

Our Locations

616-458-5500
Grand Rapids

60 MONROE CENTER ST NW #500
GRAND RAPIDS, MI 49503

Fremont

28 W. MAIN STREET
FREMONT, MI 49412

WA or id wy ut az nm co nd sd ne mn wi il in ky tn nc sc ga fl al oh wv va de md pa nj ny me vt nh ma ri ct mi ia mo ar la ms ak hi ks ok tx ca nv mt Mason Lake Oceana Newaygo Montcalm Muskegon Ottawa Allegan Kalamazoo Barry Kent Lona Mecosta State & Federal Federal