Michael S. Cheltenham - East Lansing, MI
Attorney at Cheltenham Law, PLLC
Criminal Defense Lawyers in East Lansing, MI
1140 Abbot Road #4153 East Lansing, MI 48823
- Free Consultation
East Lansing Criminal Defense Lawyer
Updated: 07/24/2026
Areas of Practice
- Criminal Defense 80%
- Sex Offenses 10%
- DUI/DWI 10%
Litigation: 90%
Attorney Information
Overview
Mike Cheltenham is an experienced Michigan criminal defense attorney with more than 25 years of courtroom experience handling cases ranging from misdemeanors to the most serious felony charges. Before joining Cheltenham Law, PLLC as Of Counsel, Mike served as Chief Assistant Prosecuting Attorney for the Ingham County Prosecutor's Office, where he supervised major felony prosecutions, narcotics cases, child abuse and sexual assault cases, domestic violence, OWI, and homicide prosecutions. Today, he uses that experience to protect the rights of people accused of crimes throughout Mid-Michigan.
As a former prosecutor, Mike knows how criminal cases are investigated, charged, negotiated, and tried. He understands how prosecutors evaluate cases, identify weaknesses in the evidence, and make charging and plea decisions. That insider perspective allows him to anticipate the prosecution's strategy, challenge the government's evidence, negotiate from a position of strength, and prepare every case as if it will be tried before a jury. Whether you are under investigation or already facing charges, Mike provides practical advice, aggressive advocacy, and experienced representation at every stage of your case.
Mike earned his law degree from Wayne State University Law School and his bachelor's degree from the University of Michigan. He also taught Trial Skills for 13 years as an Adjunct Professor at Western Michigan University Cooley Law School, training future attorneys in courtroom advocacy and persuasion. If your reputation, freedom, or future is at stake, you want an attorney with the experience to navigate the criminal justice system and fight for the best possible outcome.
Education
Legal Education
- Wayne State University Law School, Detroit, Michigan
Non Legal Education
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University of Michigan
Bachelor's degree
Current Employment Position(s)
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Attorney
Representative Cases
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April 2026: Police Officer involved in fatal shooting of unarmed man cleared of any misconduct.
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January 2026: Indecent Exposure charge occurring on campus of MSU reduced with no jail time and community service.
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October 2025: Felony CCW charge reduced to disturbing the peace.
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February 2025: Felony Forgery charge dismissed prior to preliminary exam.
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January 2025: Felonious Assault charges not issued and subsequent Michigan State University student misconduct allegations resolved favorably for the client.
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November 2024: Unarmed Robbery charge dismissed.
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July 2024: Unlawful Imprisonment, Accosting a Child for Immoral Purposes, Criminal Sexual Conduct 4th Degree-Victim Under 16, and Resisting & Obstructing a Police Officer dismissed at preliminary exam.
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September 2024: Domestic Violence charges dismissed.
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July 2024: Felony bond violation allegations dismissed.
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June 2024: Misdemeanor Animal Control charges dismissed.
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May 2024: Felony Interfering with Electronic Communications and Domestic Violence charges dismissed.
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April 2024: Domestic Violence charges dismissed.
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March 2024: Domestic Violence charges dismissed.
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December 2023: Assault Murder and Unlawful Imprisonment charges dismissed at conclusion of preliminary exam. Case bound over on lesser charges.
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December 2023: Domestic Violence charges dismissed.
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October 2023: Assault Murder and Felony Firearm charges dismissed by prosecution prior to start of preliminary exam. Case bound over on other charges.
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July 2025: After cross examination of government witnesses at jury trial, client's felony charge reduced to a misdemeanor and client received no jail, no probation, and no fines or costs.
Bar Admissions
- Michigan, 1997
Reviews
Customer Reviews for Michael S. Cheltenham
Highlights
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5.0 Value
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5.0 Quality of Service
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5.0 Professional Competence
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