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Criminal Defense Lawyer · Lansing, MI/Updated June 13, 2026

The 9 Best Criminal Defense Lawyers in Lansing, MI

Navigating legal troubles requires the right defense. Our ranking highlights Lansing's best criminal defense lawyers based on real reviews.

Editorially independent9 companies evaluated
cover story
★ Editor's ChoiceDeBruin Law, PLLC
96Score
Latest update · June 13, 2026: Initial ranking published. 9 Lansing-metro criminal defense lawyer businesses evaluated, top 9 ranked by Vetted Score.

In Lansing, the stakes are high for criminal defense. With a total of 1,055 reviews from nine evaluated firms, the landscape reveals a clear leader: DeBruin Law, PLLC, which holds a perfect 5-star rating backed by 348 reviews. The next best option, Ben Hall Law, also shines with a 5-star rating from 223 reviews, but the difference in volume is significant.

This ranking was built on thorough evaluation of each law firm's review record. We analyzed client feedback and overall satisfaction to present a list of the best criminal defense lawyers in Lansing, ensuring that you can make an informed choice when facing legal challenges.

9criminal defense lawyers evaluated in Lansing
4.97average rating across the field
1.1Kcustomer reviews analyzed

Cityvetted analysis of public Google review data, updated June 13, 2026.

How much does criminal defense lawyer cost in Lansing? See the price breakdown →

Our top picks

At a glance · three categories
★ Editor's Choice
96Score

DeBruin Law, PLLC

★★★★★5.0(348 reviews)

With a perfect 5-star rating from 348 reviews, DeBruin Law, PLLC, comes highly recommended for criminal defense in Lansing.

Read full review
Best Value
95Score

Ben Hall Law

★★★★★5.0(223 reviews)

Ben Hall Law also holds an impressive 5-star rating from 223 reviews.

Read full review
Most Reviewed
94Score

Grabel & Associates

★★★★★4.9(139 reviews)

Grabel & Associates has a stellar rating of 4.9 from 139 reviews, showcasing a solid reputation in Lansing’s legal scene.

Read full review

All 9, compared

Data as of June 13, 2026
BusinessVetted ScoreGoogle ratingReviewsBest for
1
DeBruin Law, PLLC
DeBruin Law, PLLC
Editor's Choice
96Score
5.0★★★★★
348Serious criminal charges
2
Ben Hall Law
Ben Hall Law
Best Value
95Score
5.0★★★★★
223Affordable criminal defense
3
Grabel & Associates
Grabel & Associates
Most Reviewed
94Score
4.9★★★★★
139A variety of criminal cases
4
85Score
5.0★★★★★
65DUI defense
5
84Score
5.0★★★★★
60Court representation
6
82Score
4.8★★★★★
120Plea negotiations
7
80Score
5.0★★★★★
43Minor criminal cases
8
80Score
5.0★★★★★
43Minor criminal offenses
9
78Score
5.0★★★★★
14Tailored legal services
Methodology

How we evaluated all 9 criminal defense lawyers.

To compile this list, we examined nine criminal defense law firms in the Lansing metro area, paying close attention to their Vetted Scores, customer ratings, and review counts. Our evaluation process is transparent, with no firm paying for placement, ensuring that the rankings reflect genuine client experiences.

We refresh our rankings monthly to capture any changes in performance or client feedback. This commitment to accuracy means you can trust that our recommendations are current and relevant for anyone seeking legal representation in Lansing.

The Vetted Score: six weighted factors

Customer sentiment25%
Rating quality20%
Review volume & velocity20%
Website trust signals15%
Service breadth10%
Business longevity10%

Sentiment is measured by AI analysis of review text, recency-weighted, with verified-pattern checks to discount suspicious review bursts.

Full reviews

The rankings · in order
1
★ Editor's Choice

DeBruin Law, PLLC

★★★★★5.0(348 reviews)
96Score

With a perfect 5-star rating from 348 reviews, DeBruin Law, PLLC, comes highly recommended for criminal defense in Lansing. Clients appreciate the firm’s thoroughness and commitment to their cases, often highlighting the attorney's exceptional communication skills. While the firm excels in handling serious charges, some clients find the fees on the higher side.

Pros

  • Highly rated
  • Strong communication
  • Thorough case handling

Cons

  • Higher fees than some competitors
  • Limited availability due to demand
Best forSerious criminal charges
Service areaLansing, MI
Typical pricing$200 to $400 per hour
2
Best Value

Ben Hall Law

★★★★★5.0(223 reviews)
95Score

Ben Hall Law also holds an impressive 5-star rating from 223 reviews. Clients frequently commend the firm for its personalized attention and effective strategies in defense cases. They are particularly praised for working with clients to find affordable solutions. However, some clients note that response times can vary depending on case load.

Pros

  • Personalized service
  • Affordable solutions
  • Strong case strategies

Cons

  • Response times may vary
  • Smaller firm may have limited resources
Best forAffordable criminal defense
Service areaLansing, MI
Typical pricing$150 to $300 per hour
3
Most Reviewed

Grabel & Associates

★★★★★4.9(139 reviews)
94Score

Grabel & Associates has a stellar rating of 4.9 from 139 reviews, showcasing a solid reputation in Lansing’s legal scene. Clients appreciate the firm's deep knowledge of criminal law and aggressive representation. They are known for handling a variety of cases from misdemeanors to felonies. However, some clients mention that the initial consultation can feel rushed.

Pros

  • Aggressive representation
  • Wide range of case types
  • Deep legal knowledge

Cons

  • Initial consultation may feel rushed
  • Mixed availability
Best forA variety of criminal cases
Service areaLansing, MI
Typical pricing$200 to $350 per hour
4

The Ficklin Law Firm, PLLC

★★★★★5.0(65 reviews)
85Score

The Ficklin Law Firm, PLLC, has a solid 5-star rating from 65 reviews. Clients often highlight the firm's approachability and dedication to their cases. They particularly excel in DUI defense. However, the limited number of reviews suggests that their experience may not be as broad as larger firms. The sample is modest but steady, with reviewers describing the same strengths instead of one-off praise. Most of what reviewers hire it for is dUI defense. It serves Lansing, MI, with $150 to $300 per hour pricing, and the honest trade-offs are limited number of reviews and less experience with complex cases.

Pros

  • Approachable staff
  • Dedicated service
  • Strong DUI defense

Cons

  • Limited number of reviews
  • Less experience with complex cases
Best forDUI defense
Service areaLansing, MI
Typical pricing$150 to $300 per hour
5

O'Keefe Law PLLC

★★★★★5.0(60 reviews)
84Score

O'Keefe Law PLLC holds a 5-star rating from 60 reviews. Clients appreciate the firm’s strategic approach and thorough preparation in court. They are known for their strong advocacy in criminal cases. However, some clients have mentioned that the firm’s focus on preparation sometimes leads to longer wait times for responses.

Pros

  • Strategic approach
  • Thorough preparation
  • Strong advocacy

Cons

  • Longer response times
  • Limited availability
Best forCourt representation
Service areaLansing, MI
Typical pricing$200 to $350 per hour
6

Coontz Law

★★★★★4.8(120 reviews)
82Score

Coontz Law has an impressive 4.8-star rating from 120 reviews. Clients commend the firm for its attention to detail and strong negotiation skills. They are particularly effective in plea bargain situations. However, a few reviews mention that the firm can be difficult to reach during busy periods. That is a substantial body of feedback for a local operator, enough to trust the rating rather than credit a lucky streak. Most of what reviewers hire it for is plea negotiations. It serves Lansing, MI, with $150 to $300 per hour pricing, and the honest trade-offs are difficult to reach at times and less presence in court.

Pros

  • Attention to detail
  • Strong negotiation skills
  • Effective in plea bargains

Cons

  • Difficult to reach at times
  • Less presence in court
Best forPlea negotiations
Service areaLansing, MI
Typical pricing$150 to $300 per hour
7

Manley & Manley

★★★★★5.0(43 reviews)
80Score

Manley & Manley has a 5-star rating from 43 reviews. Clients appreciate their personable approach and accessibility. They are known for handling smaller cases effectively. However, the limited number of reviews indicates they may not have extensive experience with serious charges. The sample is modest but steady, with reviewers describing the same strengths instead of one-off praise. Most of what reviewers hire it for is minor criminal cases. It serves Lansing, MI, with $100 to $250 per hour pricing, and the honest trade-offs are limited experience with serious charges and few reviews.

Pros

  • Personable service
  • Accessible attorneys
  • Effective for smaller cases

Cons

  • Limited experience with serious charges
  • Few reviews
Best forMinor criminal cases
Service areaLansing, MI
Typical pricing$100 to $250 per hour
8

Manley & Manley

★★★★★5.0(43 reviews)
80Score

Another branch of Manley & Manley, this firm also holds a 5-star rating from 43 reviews. Clients value their friendly service and commitment to client needs. They are particularly effective in minor cases but may lack the depth for complex legal issues. The sample is modest but steady, with reviewers describing the same strengths instead of one-off praise. Most of what reviewers hire it for is minor criminal offenses. It serves Lansing, MI, with $100 to $250 per hour pricing, and the honest trade-offs are limited for complex issues and few reviews.

Pros

  • Friendly service
  • Client-focused
  • Effective for minor cases

Cons

  • Limited for complex issues
  • Few reviews
Best forMinor criminal offenses
Service areaLansing, MI
Typical pricing$100 to $250 per hour
9

Clint W. Perryman PC

★★★★★5.0(14 reviews)
78Score

Clint W. Perryman PC has a 5-star rating from 14 reviews. Clients appreciate the firm’s personalized attention and dedication. They focus on providing tailored services for individual cases. However, the limited number of reviews raises questions about their experience level and capacity for larger cases. The review base is still thin, so we read the rating as promising rather than proven and weighted it accordingly. Most of what reviewers hire it for is tailored legal services. It serves Lansing, MI, with $150 to $300 per hour pricing, and the honest trade-offs are limited number of reviews and may lack experience with larger cases.

Pros

  • Personalized attention
  • Dedicated service
  • Tailored approach

Cons

  • Limited number of reviews
  • May lack experience with larger cases
Best forTailored legal services
Service areaLansing, MI
Typical pricing$150 to $300 per hour
Before you book

How to choose a criminal defense lawyer in Lansing

Selecting the right criminal defense lawyer is crucial for your case. Here are some key factors to consider when making your choice.

Check their review history

Look at the number of reviews and overall ratings. A firm with consistent positive feedback over a larger number of cases is likely more reliable.

Consider their specialization

Some lawyers focus on specific types of criminal defense. Ensure the lawyer you choose has experience relevant to your case.

Evaluate their communication style

A lawyer’s ability to communicate clearly and promptly can significantly impact your experience and the outcome of your case.

What it costs

What criminal defense lawyers cost in Lansing

The cost of hiring a criminal defense lawyer in Lansing can vary widely based on several factors, including the complexity of your case and the lawyer's experience. Here are some general pricing tiers.

Consultation feesMost lawyers charge between $100 to $300 for an initial consultation.
Hourly ratesHourly rates for criminal defense lawyers typically range from $150 to $500, depending on their experience and case complexity.
Flat fees for specific casesSome lawyers offer flat fees for specific services, which can range from $1,500 to $5,000 or more.
Retainer feesIf you hire a lawyer on retainer, you might pay an upfront fee of $2,500 to $10,000, which will cover a certain number of hours of work.

Frequently asked questions

How much does hiring a criminal defense lawyer cost in Lansing?

Costs can vary significantly. Expect fees ranging from $150 to $400 per hour, depending on the lawyer's experience and the complexity of your case.

What should I look for in a criminal defense lawyer?

Prioritize experience, client reviews, and your comfort level with the lawyer. Look for someone who specializes in criminal defense and has a proven track record in Lansing.

How often is this ranking updated?

We re-run the full analysis monthly with fresh review data. Last updated June 13, 2026.

Our verdict

For most Lansing residents: <strong>DeBruin Law, PLLC</strong>

DeBruin Law, PLLC leads the pack with a perfect 5-star rating from 348 reviews, clearly demonstrating their reliability and client satisfaction. Following closely is Ben Hall Law, also with a 5-star rating but from 223 reviews, proving their strong performance in criminal defense. Lastly, Grabel & Associates comes in third with a 4.9-star rating from 139 reviews, showing solid expertise but slightly less acclaim than the top two. For the best chances in navigating legal challenges, start with DeBruin Law, then consider Ben Hall Law, and if needed, look to Grabel & Associates.