Peter VanGelderen - Grand Rapids, MI
Attorney at Willey & Chamberlain LLP
Criminal Law Lawyers in Grand Rapids, MI
300 Ottawa Avenue Suite 810 Grand Rapids, MI 49503
- Free Consultation
- 1 Super Lawyers®
-
17
Years
Experience
Grand Rapids Criminal Law Lawyer
Updated: 03/10/2026
Areas of Practice
- Criminal Law
Attorney Information
Overview
Attorney Peter Van Gelderen remains committed to honest, passionate and thorough representation of the accused facing criminal prosecution. Since his admission to the bar, his practice has been focused solely on criminal law - from simple misdemeanor cases to complex state and federal prosecutions.
Peter's criminal defense experience includes OWI (operating while intoxicated) offenses, drug offenses, federal RICO cases, fraud, white collar crime and violent crimes. In addition, he also handles license matters with the Michigan Secretary of State for those facing license consequences related to criminal activity.
Peter earned a B.A. from the University of Michigan in history, with a minor in moral and political philosophy, in 2005. He received his J.D., with distinction, from Thomas M. Cooley Law School in 2009. While in law school Peter served as an associate editor of Law Review and Chairman of the Mock Trial Board on the Grand Rapids campus. He also spent time working as an intern in the Ottawa County Prosecutor's Office providing him with experience in trial work and criminal law.
Prior to joining Willey & Chamberlain in 2011, Peter used the education and experiences gained during law school to open a private practice devoted exclusively to criminal law. During that time, he was able to gain valuable experience in misdemeanor and felony work in state courts throughout West Michigan.
Peter has further developed his expertise in these areas by continuing his practice in criminal law through Willey & Chamberlain, engaging in criminal defense organization - and participating in the trial advocacy workshops such as the Hillman Advocacy Program. His commitment to the accused and fundamental fairness in the criminal justice system continues on at Willey & Chamberlain.
If you have been charged with a crime, you need aggressive, effective and efficient representation dedicated to protecting your rights and interests at every stage of your case. Experienced attorney Peter VanGelderen will effectively support you from the grand jury investigation through an appeal, if necessary.
For more information about criminal defense attorney Peter VanGelderen, or to learn more about the experienced and trusted criminal defense attorneys at Willey & Chamberlain, contact us here or call our office directly at 616.458.2212.
Awards and Honors
Honors
- The National Trial Lawyers, Top 40 under 40, 2016
- Super Lawyers, Rising Star, 2015 and 2016
Other Sources of Feedback About Peter VanGelderen
Included on the 2026 Michigan Super Lawyers list
Past Lists
- 2025 Michigan Super Lawyers list
- 2024 Michigan Super Lawyers list
- 2023 Michigan Super Lawyers list
- 2022 Michigan Super Lawyers list
- 2021 Michigan Super Lawyers list
- 2020 Michigan Super Lawyers list
- 2019 Michigan Super Lawyers list
- 2018 Michigan Super Lawyers list
- 2017 Michigan Super Lawyers list
- 2016 Michigan Super Lawyers list
- 2015 Michigan Super Lawyers list
Education
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Legal Education
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Thomas M. Cooley Law School,
Lansing,
Michigan, 2009
J.D.
Honors: With Distinction
Law Review: Thomas M. Cooley Law Schook, Mock Trial Board
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Thomas M. Cooley Law School,
Lansing,
Michigan, 2009
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Non Legal Education
-
University of Michigan, 2005
B.A.
Major: History
Minor: Moral/Political Philosophy
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University of Michigan, 2005
Current Employment Position(s)
-
Attorney
Bar Admissions
- Michigan, 2009
- U.S. District Court Western District of Michigan, 2009
- U.S. Court of Appeals 6th Circuit, 2014
Other Affiliations
- National Association of Criminal Defense Attorneys
- Michigan Association of OWI Attorneys
- Criminal Defense Attorneys of Michigan
- State Bar of Michigan
- Grand Rapids Bar Association (Criminal Law Section)
- Federal Bar Association (Western District of Michigan)
Photo
Contact
300 Ottawa Avenue
Suite 810
Grand Rapids, MI 49503
Phone: 616-426-8055
Fax: 616-458-1158
Email: Send a message
Website: http://www.willeychamberlain.com
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