About Shawn J.
Shawn J. Haff built his path to the law through steady academic work and a clear decision to practice in Michigan. He earned a Bachelor of Science from Grand Valley State University in 1998 and later completed his Juris Doctor at Western Michigan University Cooley Law School in 2009. Those years established a foundation in legal study and courtroom procedure that he carried into practice.
After law school, Haff set out to practice criminal defense. He founded The Criminal Defense Law Center of West Michigan to handle criminal matters for clients across the state. Starting a firm gave him a chance to shape how cases are handled and how clients are served. Over time the office developed a practical approach to case preparation and courtroom work.
Haff’s work centers on representing people in criminal cases in Michigan courts. He handles matters through arraignment, pretrial proceedings, trial, and post-trial work when necessary. He has experience managing the moving parts of criminal litigation: evidence, procedural deadlines, negotiations, and hearings. He prepares for trial, though many matters are resolved before reaching that stage.
Colleagues and clients describe Haff as methodical in case preparation. He emphasizes clear communication and a steady pace through the steps of litigation. That translates into detailed case files, scheduled timelines, and direct conversations about options and risks. In practice, that means weighing plea possibilities against the odds at trial and advising clients on likely outcomes.
Outside of courtrooms, Haff’s years of practice have kept him involved in the local legal community. He maintains a practice based in West Michigan that serves individuals facing criminal charges. He continues to run The Criminal Defense Law Center of West Michigan and to represent clients in Michigan courts. His current practice focuses on criminal defense work in Michigan.
