PRACTICE AREAS
CRIMINAL DEFENSE
​A Successful Trial Attorney for 35 Years
WHEN YOUR FREEDOM IS ON THE LINE
Criminal Defense Attorney in Grand Rapids, MI
Judith A. Baxter is a successful trial attorney with 35 years of courtroom experience in criminal law including over 20 years as an Assistant Prosecuting Attorney, and 10 years experience representing those charged with crimes at all levels in most West Michigan Courts. Ms. Baxter’s extensive knowledge of and experience with the Kent County Prosecutor’s Office, and in the Kent County court system, and most West Michigan prosecutor’s offices and court systems, provides Ms. Baxter in depth insight about criminal law and defending criminal cases, which gives her clients an advantage in securing favorable results, including negotiating reduced charges and minimum sentences, dismissal of charges, and winning cases in court. Judith A Baxter is dedicated to her clients, and stands with them every step of the way if their case proceeds through the court system.
The penalties for being convicted of a crime in Michigan, whether a felony or a misdemeanor, are severe and include jail and/or prison time, expensive fines, costs, and fees, often to both the court and the Secretary of State; restitution to victims, lengthy probation or parole, community service and/or work crew, the loss of your driver’s license; and often the loss of your job; any future jobs; and a criminal conviction on your criminal record. A criminal conviction will appear on any background check or security clearance. A conviction may also prevent you from traveling to Canada or outside the United States, and will affect your seeking custody of, or parenting time with, your children. Multiple convictions will increase the seriousness of the penalties.
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Judith A. Baxter For A FREE CONSULTATION
Ms. Baxter will answer your questions, advise you about the seriousness of the charges you are facing, the consequences you are facing, and explain your options to you.
Ensuring a valiant fight for your freedom
"Attorney Baxter is devoted to protecting her clients’ freedom. She challenges the prosecution to prove its case and does everything in her power to help eliminate or reduce any potential sentence. She knows that witnesses may lie on the stand, that crime scenes can be tampered with and that police officers can make mistakes. She personally speaks with witnesses to ensure they are telling the whole truth. She will examine the alleged crime scene with a fine-toothed comb, searching for evidence that can help prove your innocence. She analyzes police records and brings in experts to challenge the prosecution’s theories.​ Nothing is more important than your freedom."
Nick, Grand Rapids MI
Judith A. Baxter represents clients in the following practice areas and more:

Convicted felons are stripped of many of the rights guaranteed to American citizens, including the right to travel out of the country and the right to own a gun, to name a few. Convicted felons also have to disclose their crimes on job applications, and can be deported if they are not American citizens. How you handle a felony charge, and how quickly, can make the difference in your case result.
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​​Misdemeanors
Misdemeanors are crimes punishable by jail time - not prison, and include disorderly conduct, simple assault, shoplifting, trespassing, drunk driving, domestic violence, and MIP. Having a misdemeanor conviction on your criminal record can limit your employment options, cost you your job, cost you your driver's license, and get you deported.
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​Motor Vehicle Offenses
If you have been charged with operating a vehicle under the influence of drugs or alcohol, driving with a suspended license or with committing vehicular manslaughter, The Law Offices of Judith A. Baxter, PLC can help put you back in the driver’s seat. The firm also assists clients in restoring their driver's licenses and fighting traffic tickets.
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​Drug Crimes
Being charged with trafficking, distributing or possessing illegal substances or paraphernalia can result in heavy fines and extended time in jail and prison. Drug convictions can also cost you your driver's license. Judith Baxter has 11 years of courtroom experience prosecuting drug crimes in Kent County. She uses her extensive and successful experience as a drug prosecutor to represent her clients.
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​Sexual Offenses
Rape and sexual assault cases are often the hardest for defendants to win. Conviction of sexual assualt results in jail, prison, and registration as a SEX OFFENDER. Judith A. Baxter has the experience and skills to successfully win your case.
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Record Sealing and Expungement
A criminal record can prevent a person from pursuing higher education, securing their dream job, traveling abroad, owning a firearm, and can result in deportation. A criminal record can cost you your job, your drivers license, your income, and your future. Judith A. Baxter will help you erase criminal charges from your record, or seal those records, to ensure and protect your future.