Michael R. Bartish
Michael R. Bartish
Criminal Defense Attorney | Partner
616-458-5500
Michael R. Bartish
is a founding member of SBBL Law. He regularly defends and represents clients in state courts throughout Michigan and federal courts nationwide. Mike is a former active-duty officer in the Army Judge Advocate General’s (JAG) Corps. During his active duty, Mike served as senior trial counsel and defense counsel in military court.
After four years of active duty, Mike moved to Grand Rapids and worked for two renowned law firms before joining forces with Gary Springstead to create Springstead & Bartish Law in 2011. As the firm’s reputation grew, so did the size of the firm until it evolved into SBBL Law, West Michigan’s premier criminal defense firm.
Practice Specialties
Mike is a lead partner in the following practice areas:
- Domestic Violence
- Violent Felonies & Firearms Offenses
- Criminal Sexual Conduct (CSC)
- Child Sexually Abusive Material & Child Pornography
- Drug Crimes
- DUI, OWI & Alcohol-Related Driving Offenses
- Title IX & School Misconduct Investigations
- Criminal Expungements
- Driver’s License Restorations
- Military Law
- Misdemeanors
- Juvenile Offenses & HYTA
Track Record
Mike handles all types of felonies and misdemeanors in federal and state court and has won not-guilty verdicts in numerous cases throughout Western Michigan. He has won motions to suppress illegally seized evidence, including drugs, resulting in complete dismissals for his clients. He also practices extensively before the Michigan Department of State Drivers License Appeal Division to help reinstate driving privileges for clients who lost them through OWI convictions.
Mike’s numerous acquittals in both state and federal courts speak volumes about his commitment to his clients. He also can fashion resolutions for his clients instead of trial. Mike’s reputation for honesty, honor, and ethical behavior has allowed him to cultivate trustworthy relationships with prosecuting attorneys and courts throughout the state to benefit his clients. With extensive experience in the 6th Circuit Court of Appeals and Michigan appellate courts, Mike’s record also includes numerous victories and precedent-setting published decisions.
Personal Life
Mike’s service extends to shaping future legal minds as a volunteer coach for the West Catholic High School Mock Trial Team. What spare time Mike does have, he spends with his wife Anne (an accomplished attorney in her own right) and his four children.
On weekends, Mike can usually be found on the sideline of an athletic field (often multiple fields), cheering on his children or immersed in a spirited yard or board game with his family. Whether in the military, the classroom, or the courtroom, Mike Bartish lives a life committed to principles of justice, honor, and compassion.
Military Background
In addition to his civilian practice, Mike has dedicated his life to the United States Army. Mike served on active duty in the Army Reserves and the Michigan National Guard for 26 years, retiring as a Lieutenant Colonel in May 2023. He spent the majority of his career as a trial defense attorney and defense appellate counsel defending those who defend America.
Education
- University of Cincinnati College of Law, JD (with honors)
- University of Notre Dame, BA (cum laude)
Awards
- Super Lawyer for Criminal Law, Super Lawyers Magazine
- Avvo Ranking – 10.0 “Superb”; Client’s Choice Award
Bar & Court Admissions
- State Bar of Michigan
- State Bar of Ohio
- U.S. District Court, Western District of Michigan
- U.S. District Court, Northern District of Indiana
- U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit
- U.S. Court of Appeals for the Armed Forces
Professional Affiliations
- Criminal Defense Attorneys of Michigan, Board Member
- State Bar of Michigan, Criminal Law Section
- National Association of Criminal Defense Attorneys
- National College of DUI Defense (NCDD)
- Michigan Association of OWI Attorneys (MIOWIA)
- Published in the Federal Lawyer
Client Reviews
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
Kalkask
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
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