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About Coontz Law

Coontz Law

My name is Dustyn Coontz, and I founded Coontz Law to serve the criminal defense needs of Lansing and the surrounding areas. This is the part of most lawyers’ websites where they talk about themselves – the honors in law school they received, their career accomplishments, and their community involvement. We are not going to do that. Not because we don’t have those things, but because you probably don’t care all that much.

If you’re here right now, you are probably going through one of the toughest, darkest, scariest times of your life. We want to get you through that. If you have been wrongly accused, we want to get you acquitted. If you are experiencing something in your personal life that caused you to make an unfortunate decision, we want to get you somewhere that can help you through that problem. If you made a mistake, we want to make it so that mistake doesn’t define the rest of your life.

If you want to know about us, here is what you should know: we are a skilled group of attorneys and legal professionals, and we practice criminal defense because it’s what we are passionate about. We help people with their whole lives by providing a dedicated client care team (the CCT), we make sure things get to the right places with our legal assistance team (the LAT), and we get the job done in court with our attorney team (the A-Team). We enjoy helping people through their worst times so they can get back to living their best lives. Whether you’re facing drug crime charges or a DUI, we can help.

Coontz Law

 

READ DUSTYN’S NEW BOOK: “SURVIVING A CRIMINAL CASE IN MICHIGAN (AND PICKING UP THE PIECES AFTERWARD)”

Book Coontz Maybe it’s the flashing lights in your rearview, or perhaps it’s a knock or a battering ram at your door. However, your first interaction with the criminal justice system happens, this encounter is likely just the start of a long, stressful journey.

Dustyn wrote this book not for lawyers but for regular folks who are likely going through the worst time of their entire lives. This book isn’t going to save your skin or protect your liberty. Instead, it’s meant as a companion to help you understand what it is you’re up against, what you can expect at different stages of your case, and some ways to either beat a case or to lessen the damages. While not intended as a substitute for actual legal advice, Dustyn wants you to at least get an idea of what your case could be like.

 

Coontz Law

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Yes, we’re big fans of defending people’s rights. But check out what our clients are saying...

(That's what really matters!)

"Dustyn Coontz was friendly and professional from the first meeting with him until the conclusion of my case"

I was informed and up to date through the entire process. Anytime I had questions or concerns I just contacted his office and was always answered or soon returned a call.
Phil

“Incredibly thorough and professional!”

Services rendered were above and beyond the call of duty. I can't imagine my experience with the legal system without the assistance of Coontz Law and the attorney provided to me.
Andrew

“Hands down been an Excellent Lawyer!”

Never judged never looked down on my story instead gave me hope that the outcome would be better by fighting and not giving in. A lawyer thats Willing to fight for you to the end is ONE you WANT and NEED on your Team!!! I would recommend and also rate 5 Stars! I appreciate all you've done so far in my case.
Kandra

“He is kind, compassionate, and cares about people.”

He even called me and texted me back a few extra times when he didn't have to. For me he went beyond. Thanks so much, Dustyn.
Christine

“If you need legal representation, I would highly recommend Coontz Law”

From my first conversation with Dustyn, he was a calm presence since this was the first time I needed any legal assistance. He truly wants the best for his clients and is truly a wonderful lawyer to have on your side. I never felt judged and he was willing to fight for the best outcome for myself & my future.
Jake
A great criminal defense starts with a simple free consultation

Our Process

01
You schedule a call
Meet briefly to learn more ∙ Understand your specific situation ∙ Determine if we can help
02
We suggest a solution
Know what it will cost ∙ Understand how long it’ll take ∙ Know what next steps look like.
03
We work together
Gather & review evidence ∙ Create defense strategy ∙ Provide updates without you even asking
04
Enjoy peace of mind
We’ll work tirelessly on your behalf to get you the best possible outcome on your case.

Get to know DUSTYN

What made you choose a career in criminal law?

I went to law school with the mindset that I wanted to be a human rights lawyer. I wanted to prosecute the people and governments that are responsible for war crimes, crimes against humanity, and genocide. Understandably, it ticks me off when governments come after their own citizens. When in law school, I saw that American citizens (especially people of color) are often mistreated by my government. I’m not okay with that. I believe in America’s ideals of liberty, the rule of law, and equal protection. If we can’t get those things right on our own soil, how can we be the City on a Hill for other countries who don’t even have these ideals enshrined in a constitution like we do? I figured the best way to fight our sometimes repressive government is to practice criminal defense.

 

In your opinion, what sets your criminal-defense firm apart from other firms in the area?

In short, me. A lot of lawyers do not take the time to actually look at the unique facts of a case. I do. A lot of lawyers are afraid to try a case. I’m not. Many lawyers won’t file motions. I will. If they do file motions, far too many of them are shockingly bad writers. I’m not. Some lawyers don’t really care about their work or their clients. There is little in this world I value more. I bring blue-collar effort to produce blue-ribbon results.

What steps do you take to prepare for a difficult case?

I clear my schedule the best I can, and I work. I analyze. I reanalyze. I create diagrams and visual aids. I think about how I can tell our story and get the jury on our team. I try to be vigilant about my case’s weaknesses while also working up the case’s strengths. I try to make it so I’m not just defending; rather, I’m controlling the narrative.

 

How do you view your role in the attorney-client relationship?

I am to be there on the front line battling it out with my client. I am the face and voice of the case. My job is to strategize and lead.

 

What sets you apart from other attorneys?

Ultimately, I think it comes down to the intellectual rigor I bring to a case. It is important because while some cases are cut and dry, many are not. And I think too many attorneys default to the mindset that the case in front of them now is just like the last one. I come to my cases with the mindset that my client is innocent and telling me the truth, which allows me to look at the facts and the law more freely and creatively. It allows me to make First Amendment arguments in bomb-threat cases, Second Amendment arguments in concealed-carry cases where the person is under the influence on her own property; and Fourth Amendment arguments in cases where a city-owned hospital collected urine without consent or reasonable suspicion. It doesn’t mean I win those arguments. But the mere fact that I make them puts my clients in a better position to get a better plea deal or win at trial.

What is the most rewarding aspect of your job?

Changing the law and changing lives. I haven’t gotten to change the law as much as I’d like, but I’ve certainly been able to change some lives – from helping people get clean to guiding them through the worst time of their lives to showing them they have someone to count on.

What advice do you most often give your clients & why?

In the words of Cormac McCarthy: “[Y]ou never know what worse luck your bad luck saved you from.” First, McCarthy’s prose is poetry; he can say so much with so little. Second, it’s good advice. I use this most often in OWI cases where the client could have hurt or killed someone or himself. Or maybe a drug user was arrested early on in her substance abuse before it ruined her whole life. Going through the criminal justice system is never pleasant but it can also be a catalyst for some positive life changes.