Gary K. Springstead is one of the leading criminal defense attorneys / lawyers in West Michigan, which includes Grand Rapids, Muskegon, Big Rapids, Hart, Ludington, and White Cloud. Mr. Springstead's criminal defense practice is dedicated almost exclusively to criminal defense. Why? We believe it gives our attorneys and our clients an advantage in defending criminal charges in state court and federal court. After all, most prosecutors practice in only one area of the law: criminal law. In order to level the playing field, our attorneys focus almost exclusively on criminal defense. The depth of knowledge and experience that comes from focusing on criminal defense day-in-and-day-out makes us better at what we do. It allows us the time and the experience to master all the various aspects of a criminal case in order to get better result for our clients.
As a criminal defense attorney, Mr. Springstead has developed a busy practice in state and federal courts in Grand Rapids, Muskegon, and Big Rapids. Prior to practicing law, Mr. Springstead was an F.B.I. Special Agent for approximately five years, investigating and assisting in the prosecution of a broad range of federal crimes from sophisticated white collar crimes to violent crimes, terrorism and national security matters. This included investigating numerous high-profile cases in the United States and abroad.
Dedicated Criminal Attorney in Grand Rapids, Muskegon, and Big Rapids.
Mr. Springstead's criminal practice is split fairly evenly between federal criminal cases in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Michigan in Grand Rapids, Michigan, and state criminal cases in Kent, Muskegon, Mecosta, Mason, Oceana, and Newaygo counties.
In federal court, Mr. Springstead represents people charged with a variety of violent and white collar crimes, including:
Bank, Wire and Mail Fraud
Bank Robbery
Bribery and Kickback Schemes
Drug Charges and Drug Conspiracies
Embezzlement
Federal Gun/Explosive Charges
Grand Jury Matters
Identity Theft
Illegal Reentry
Immigration Violations
Possession/Distribution of Child Pornography
Exceptional Federal Experience
Mr. Springstead has had many successes in federal court in Grand Rapids and Kalamazoo, Michigan, including:
Excluding evidence
Getting charges reduced to less serious charges
Avoiding charges altogether
Receiving downward departures or variances
Achieving reversal on appeal
Winning a "not guilty" verdict on all counts in a high-profile white-collar crime trial
Mr. Springstead's experience as an F.B.I. agent and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney has been particularly useful in defending federal criminal cases.
A Reputation for Excellence in State Court Criminal Defense
In state court, Mr. Springstead handles serious felonies as well as misdemeanors. His successes include not guilty verdicts at trial, directed verdicts of acquittal, denial of bindover at preliminary examinations, suppression motions, and outright dismissals. Mr. Springstead handles:
Felonies
Arson
Breaking and Entering
Criminal Sexual Conduct
Drug Offenses
Embezzlement
Felon in Possession
Home Invasion
Murder Fleeing and Eluding
Resisting and Opposing
Weapons Charges
Misdemeanors
Assault and Battery
Domestic Violence
Driving/License Offenses
Drunk Driving
Illegal Entry
Larceny
Minor in Possession/Furnishing
Operating Under the Influence of Drugs
Possession of Controlled Substance
Retail Fraud
Sex Offender Registry Offenses
JUDICIAL INTERNSHIPS / FELLOWSHIPS
Presidential Management Fellowship, Washington, D.C., 1998-2000
Hon. Gerald E. Rosen, U.S. District Court, Eastern District of Michigan, 1996-1997
PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS
National College of DUI Defense.
Constitutional Warrior, Criminal Defense Attorneys of Michigan
F.B.I. Agents Association
Federal Bar Association, Western District of Michigan
National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
Newaygo County Bar Association, Interim President (2008), President (2009)
Oceana County Bar Association, President (2007)
State Bar of Michigan, Criminal Law and Litigation Sections
