A Law Firm Committed To Helping You
With Your Most Personal Legal Problems

Our Criminal Defense Practice

At WN Law, we offer highly personalized service to individuals in and around Grand Rapids who are facing criminal charges. We understand your need to communicate with your lawyer, and work hard to be available and accessible whenever you have questions or concerns.

We recognize that clients facing criminal charges are often unsure of what steps to take and scared about their future. At WN Law, we treat each case individually so we can explain to you what might happen in your case, and give you the time to learn more about your options.

Criminal Defense Lawyers In West Michigan

We handle a broad range of criminal defense services, including:

  • DUI defense, including administrative license revocation matters
  • Domestic violence matters such as restraining orders
  • Drug crimes, including drug possession
  • White collar crimes
  • Sex crimes, including criminal sexual conduct
  • Juvenile crimes
  • Traffic offenses
  • Weapons violations
  • Driver’s license restoration

Criminal charges do not strip you of your rights. If you are facing criminal charges, it is important that you speak with an attorney before you talk with anyone else regarding your criminal charges so your attorney can protect your interests.

Attorney Renee Wagenaar will be by your side every step of the way. She provides 24/7 access to allow constant and up-to-date communication. From arraignment to pretrial hearings, from trial to sentencing, she will help clients understand their charges and how the criminal justice system works.

The Role Of A Grand Rapids Criminal Defense Attorney

As your criminal defense attorneys, we stand between you and the prosecution, protecting your rights throughout the criminal process. A skilled attorney makes a significant difference in how your case unfolds, from initial charges through final resolution. We work to challenge evidence, question witness credibility, identify constitutional violations and negotiate with prosecutors. Our approach focuses on minimizing the impact of charges on your future while protecting your freedom and reputation.

Key Responsibilities Of Criminal Defense Lawyers

Our Grand Rapids criminal lawyers fulfill several vital roles when handling your case:

  • Building strong legal defenses through witness interviews, evidence collection, scene investigation and expert testimony preparation
  • Protecting your rights during police questioning, searches, lineups and all court proceedings
  • Examining prosecution evidence for procedural errors, chain of custody issues or constitutional violations
  • Filing strategic motions to suppress illegally obtained evidence, dismiss improper charges or change venue
  • Negotiating with prosecutors for charge reductions, alternative sentencing or case dismissals
  • Presenting compelling arguments through pretrial motions, jury selection and trial advocacy

Each case requires unique strategies based on specific circumstances and evidence.

Types Of Crimes We Defend

As experienced criminal defense lawyers, we handle cases ranging from misdemeanors to serious felony charges. Our track record includes defending clients against:

  • Violent crimes, including assault, armed robbery, weapons violations and domestic violence
  • Drug possession, manufacture, trafficking and conspiracy charges at the state and federal levels
  • Theft, fraud, embezzlement, identity theft and complex white collar crimes
  • Domestic violence charges, restraining order violations and stalking allegations
  • Sex crimes, including criminal sexual conduct, internet crimes and registration violations
  • Drunk driving offenses from first-time DUIs to felony drunk driving causing injury

Each type of charge requires specific approaches to minimize the impact on your criminal record.

Legal Strategy Development

Providing effective legal representation involves developing strategies tailored to your situation:

  • A thorough review of police reports, witness statements, surveillance footage and physical evidence
  • Identification of constitutional violations in searches, seizures, arrests or interrogations
  • Development of alternative sentencing options, including treatment programs, community service or probation to avoid prison sentences
  • Collection of mitigating evidence, including character witnesses, employment history and community involvement
  • Preparation for trial, including jury selection strategy, opening statements and cross-examination plans
  • Strategic timing of pleas, motions and negotiations based on case strengths and weaknesses

We analyze every aspect of your case to create the strongest possible defense against your criminal charges.

Contact Our Office

We offer a free initial consultation. To set up a meeting with an experienced Grand Rapids criminal defense attorney, contact our office by email or call us at CALL. You can schedule an appointment for 24 hours a day seven days a week. We accept credit cards, and our office is within walking distance of the courthouse.