Business Details
27 Years
experience
Your Trusted Criminal Defense Team in Kalamazoo
Hills Law Offices has been dedicated to protecting the rights of individuals accused of criminal offenses since 1999. Our team of experienced attorneys combines the resources of a large firm with the personalized attention of a small practice, specializing in criminal defense across southwest Michigan. With decades of collective experience in state and federal courts, we provide zealous advocacy for clients facing charges ranging from drunk driving to violent crimes. Our attorneys are recognized leaders in their field, holding memberships in prestigious legal associations and maintaining a strong commitment to ethical standards.We prioritize client communication, offering transparent guidance throughout the legal process while developing tailored defense strategies. Our track record of success in complex cases has earned us respect from peers and clients alike, solidifying our reputation as a trusted legal resource in Kalamazoo and surrounding areas.
Services
Drunk Driving Defense
Assaultive Crimes Defense
Sex Crimes Defense
License Restoration
Federal Case Representation
Domestic Violence Defense
Drug Offenses
Expungement
Criminal Investigation Defense
Weapons Violations
Details
- Year established: 1999
Highlights and features
- We offer over 25 years of combined criminal defense experience
- Our team provides personalized case strategy development
- We maintain the highest ethical standards in legal practice
- Our attorneys have handled thousands of criminal cases
- We serve eight Michigan counties with local court knowledge
Associations and certifications
- National Association of Criminal Defense Attorneys
- Michigan Bar Association
- Kalamazoo County Bar Association
What people say
Excellent communication
Experienced representation
Compassionate legal advocacy
Successful case outcomes
Prompt response times
Services
Drunk Driving Defense
Our experienced attorneys defend clients against all types of drunk driving charges including OWI, OWVI, and Super Drunk Law violations. We challenge evidence, question testing procedures, and develop strategic defenses tailored to each case. Our team understands the severe consequences of DUI convictions and works to minimize penalties while protecting driving privileges.
Sex Crimes Defense
We provide aggressive representation for clients facing sex crime allegations including criminal sexual conduct and lifetime electronic monitoring requirements. Our attorneys challenge evidence, question witness credibility, and work to prevent registry requirements. We understand the life-altering consequences of these charges and develop comprehensive defense strategies.
License Restoration
Our firm specializes in restoring revoked Michigan drivers licenses through legal proceedings and administrative hearings. We guide clients through the complex process of overcoming alcohol-related or criminal offense-related license sanctions. Our experience with the Michigan Secretary of State's requirements helps clients regain driving privileges efficiently.
Violent Crime Defense
We defend clients against violent crime charges including assault, domestic violence, and homicide allegations. Our attorneys investigate evidence, challenge witness accounts, and develop defense strategies tailored to each case. We represent clients in both state and federal courts throughout southwest Michigan.
Criminal Investigation Defense
Our team provides immediate legal guidance for individuals under criminal investigation. We advise against police interviews, protect constitutional rights, and work to prevent formal charges. Our proactive approach includes evidence preservation and strategic communication with law enforcement agencies.
People
Michael D. Hills
Criminal Defense Attorney, Partner
Admitted to the Michigan Bar in 1998, Michael has over 25 years of criminal defense experience. He graduated cum laude from Michigan State University School of Law and has served as Kalamazoo Bar Association President. He specializes in complex criminal cases and has represented clients in state and federal courts.
Jessica E. LaFond
Criminal Defense Attorney, Partner
Partner Jessica LaFond joined the firm in 2013 with extensive criminal defense experience. A DePaul University College of Law graduate, she serves as Kalamazoo County OWI Court Defense Attorney Representative. She focuses on DUI defense and violent crime cases with a commitment to client advocacy.
James D. Hills
Former Prosecutor
With over 50 years of legal experience, James is a former prosecutor and military legal officer. He has practiced in all Michigan courts and federal appellate courts. His unique perspective from both prosecution and defense sides benefits clients facing complex criminal charges.
Kaitlin M. Locke
Criminal Defense Attorney
Attorney Kaitlin Locke provides dedicated representation in criminal cases across southwest Michigan. A member of the Berrien County Bar Association, she focuses on DUI defense and violent crime cases while maintaining a strong commitment to client communication and case preparation.
Anthony J. DeAgostino
Criminal Defense Attorney
Tony DeAgostino brings extensive trial experience to criminal defense cases. With membership in multiple legal associations, he focuses on complex criminal matters and has successfully represented clients in high-profile cases throughout southwest Michigan's court systems.
Questions
What should I do immediately after being arrested for DUI?
Remain calm, comply with lawful instructions, and immediately request legal representation. Avoid speaking to police without an attorney present to prevent unintentional self-incrimination.
How can a sex crime conviction affect my future?
Convictions can result in lifetime registry requirements, employment restrictions, and severe social stigma. Our attorneys work to prevent convictions and minimize long-term consequences through aggressive defense strategies.
Can I get my driver's license restored after revocation?
Yes, we specialize in license restoration cases and guide clients through the legal process to regain driving privileges after alcohol-related or criminal offense-related revocations.
What are common defenses for assault charges?
Defenses may include self-defense claims, witness credibility challenges, and evidence suppression based on constitutional violations. Our attorneys develop tailored strategies for each specific case.
Do you handle federal criminal cases?
Yes, our attorneys represent clients in federal courts for various criminal charges with experience in navigating federal prosecution complexities and sentencing guidelines.
