Halina K.
"Blair was always resourceful, respectful and quick to respond whenever I had a question..."
About The Firm
With over 50 years of experience, the Peter J. Johnson Law Office, PLLC has established itself as one of the most well-known and well-respected legal practices in Southwest Michigan. From all levels of criminal defense to probate, from family law to personal injury and beyond, our versatile practice is here to help you resolve almost any legal challenge.
About The Firm
With over 50 years of experience, the Peter J. Johnson Law Office, PLLC has established itself as one of the most well-known and well-respected legal practices in Southwest Michigan. From all levels of criminal defense to probate, from family law to personal injury and beyond, our versatile practice is here to help you resolve almost any legal challenge.
Meet Our Team
PETER J. JOHNSON
ATTORNEY
As one of the most recognized litigators in Berrien County, Peter started as a prosecutor, then moved into a long-standing career as a successful criminal defense attorney. This valuable experience from both sides of the table – now spanning over five decades – allows Peter to utilize a uniquely effective litigation style that relates easily to clients while commanding respect in courtrooms throughout Southwest Michigan.
Among an honored few recognized for 50 years of practice as a Michigan attorney, Peter will bring legal knowledge and invaluable experience to diligently work toward the best possible solution to your legal matter.
- J.D., Chicago-Kent College of Law, 1966
- B.S., Central Michigan University, 1960
- State Bar of Michigan, 1967
- State Bar of Illinois, 1967
- U.S. District Court, Western District of Michigan, 1967
- U.S. District Court, Northern District of Illinois, 1967
- United States Court of Appeals, Sixth Circuit, 1969
- United States Supreme Court, 1970
BLAIR M. JOHNSON
ATTORNEY
Working hard from the ground up has its advantages when it comes to molding legal knowledge and experience. Beginning his career as paralegal in the family firm back in 2001, Blair eventually entered private practice with his father, Peter, in 2013 with an emphasis on family law.
As a mediator and collaborative attorney, Blair brings an interest-based approach to his legal representation to help clients understand “the why behind the what” of the specifics of each case. This honest and direct approach will help you weigh the potential risks and benefits to determine the ideal approach to moving your case toward the best possible outcome. A holistic approach like this – rooted in healthy communication – allows exploration of all available options to ultimately achieve what is best for you and your family.
- J.D., Indiana Maurer School of Law, 2010
- B.A., Hope College, 2003
- State Bar of Michigan, 2011
- U.S. District Court, Western District of Michigan, 2014
ALEXANDER R. STARR
ATTORNEY
Alex brings an infectious energy and passion to his practice of law, making him an integral part of our legal team as an experienced researcher and support attorney for the firm. Alex is also disciplined and relatable while serving as the primary point of informational contact with many our clients. His attention to detail and responsiveness, coupled with his ever-growing knowledge of criminal and family law, will give you even more confidence that your legal issue is in reliable hands.
- J.D., ITT Chicago-Kent College of Law, 2016
- B.A., The College of William and Mary, 2011
- State Bar of Michigan, 2017
SONYA COOK
LEGAL ASSISTANT
A native of southwest Michigan, Sonya earned her Associate Degree in Applied Science from Lake Michigan College in 2013, during which time she also served as an intern at the Berrien County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office. She joined the Peter J. Johnson Law Office in March 2015 and has been an invaluable team member ever since.
As legal secretary, Sonya is an integral part of the development of our criminal, administrative, and civil caseloads and, as the primary point of contact for many of our clients, is responsible for much of the correspondence between them and our attorneys, the courts, and other law firms. Sonya also manages our court dockets, schedules hearings and appointments, assists with billing questions, and is often the first voice you will hear when you contact the Peter J. Johnson Law Office.
KAREN JOHNSON
OFFICE MANAGER
As the third Johnson family member of the Peter J. Johnson Law Office team, Karen is the backbone of the business. For nearly as long as the five decades Peter Johnson has been practicing law, Karen has facilitated the business through her tireless devotion to the firm’s operations along with her skill and ingenuity managing the financial aspects of the business.
Karen first started working with Peter as a legal assistant and bookkeeper in 1984. She quickly took the reins of the probate side of the firm, serving as Peter’s dedicated paralegal in matters involving guardianships, deceased estates, adoptions, and other probate cases – a role she still maintains today while passing on her wealth of knowledge and experience to others in the firm. Karen continues to oversee the firm’s day-to-day, behind-the-scenes operations, and is the primary point of contact for billing-related matters.
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Where We Work
Berrien County +
Professional Experience in the Heart of Berrien County
The Peter J. Johnson Law Office has been rooted in downtown St. Joseph, Michigan for over 25 years with our offices conveniently located directly across the street from the Berrien County Courthouse. Just steps away from Lake Michigan and St. Joseph’s many shops and eateries, you will also have easy access to the post office, banks, ATMs, and even bondsmen resources.
Our Berrien County clients come from every corner of the region, including Benton Harbor, Saint Joseph, Stevensville, and smaller communities like Coloma, Watervliet, Galien, and Baroda. Our attorneys have developed strong ties with the local practicing bar, the county judicial system, and the local law enforcement agencies throughout Berrien County. These long-standing relationships help us expedite processes and provide you with positive outcomes, all while saving you time and money.
Criminal Defense, Family Law, Probate, and Estate Planning in St. Joseph, Michigan
It’s also important to note that Berrien County is one of a handful of counties in Michigan with a unified “trial court” system – consolidating the circuit, district, and probate court divisions under one general heading.
The Berrien County Trial Court is housed in St. Joseph, Michigan just steps away from the Peter J. Johnson Law Office. When Berrien County residents are facing divorce or other family law issues, we will stand beside you in court to help resolve any dispute with respect and integrity. We also help Berrien County residents look toward the future to provide and care for their loved ones by creating robust estate plans, and we are here to administer those estates when that time comes.
Criminal Defense in Niles, Michigan
Berrien County splits its criminal and civil courts between St. Joseph and the South County Building in Niles, Michigan.
Less than 10 minutes from the Indiana border, the small town of Niles, Michigan has its own style and legal complexities. If you live in south Berrien County, you may be called to appear at 1205 N. Front Street in Niles, Michigan. Approximately 25% of our clients come from “South County.” Our attorneys and team are known for accountability and professionalism among the South County staff and judges. We work hard to make sure our clients from Niles, Buchanan, Eau Claire, Berrien Springs, Three Oaks, New Buffalo, and Bridgman receive high-quality, experienced criminal defense representation.
When you are facing any type of legal challenge in Berrien County, Michigan, contact us today to schedule your free consultation.
Cass County +
Bringing Experienced Legal Expertise to Cass County
When your hometown is a smaller community in Cass County, Michigan, it can sometimes be hard to find a skilled attorney with broad experience who is familiar your area and its unique legal infrastructure.
Attorney and founder Peter J. Johnson has been serving the residents of Southwest Michigan for over 50 years. Few lawyers across Michigan, let alone in the rural communities of Southwest Michigan, can say they have worked so long in a single area of practice in the same community without interruption.
Our Cass County clients come from Dowagiac, Cassopolis, Edwardsburg, Marcellus, Vandalia, as well as many of the other area villages and townships. Over the years, our attorneys have developed strong ties with the Cass County’s local lawyers, judges, and law enforcement agencies, connections we rely on to represent you competently, efficiently, and professionally in your local courts.
Family Law, Probate, and Estate Planning in Cassopolis, Michigan
The 43rd Circuit Court, located in the Law & Courts Building, 60296 M-62, Cassopolis, Michigan, handles all family law cases, large-value civil lawsuits, and criminal felonies.
When Cass County residents are facing divorce or other family law issues, we are there to stand beside you in court and help resolve disputes with respect and integrity. We also help Cass County residents look toward the future to provide and care for their loved ones by creating robust estate plans, and we are here to administer those estates when that time comes.
Criminal Defense in Cassopolis, Michigan
The 4th District Court is also located in the Law & Courts Building, 60296 M-62, Cassopolis, Michigan. The district court handles small civil claims and criminal cases, and all criminal charges start at the district court level.
Misdemeanors – like low-cost theft offenses and first time drunk driving are resolved there. If you have been charged with a felony, your case will likely be “bound over” to the 43rd Circuit Court located in the same building as the 4th District Court. Because we regularly travel the region for our clients, we will be with you from your arraignment in the 4th District Court and – if necessary – through sentencing at the 43rd Circuit Court, all while providing you with honest, aggressive, competent representation to get you the best outcome possible.
When you are facing any type of legal challenge in Cass County, Michigan, contact us today to schedule your free consultation.
Van Buren County +
A History of Service and Success in Van Buren County
When your hometown is a small community in Van Buren County, Michigan, it can sometimes be a challenge to find experienced, professional representation who understands your specific needs and knows the legal landscape of your area. Our team is dedicated to bringing high-quality legal representation to the small towns and villages of Van Buren County and Southwest Michigan.
Professional Experience for Van Buren County Residents
Attorney and founder Peter J. Johnson has been serving the residents of Southwest Michigan for over 50 years. Few lawyers across Michigan, let alone in the rural communities of Southwest Michigan, can say they have worked so long in a single area of practice in the same community without interruption.
At the Peter J. Johnson Law Office, PLLC, our clients come from all the nearby small communities, like South Haven, Paw Paw, Hartford, Bangor, Decatur, Mattawan, Lawton, and other villages and townships in Van Buren County. Our attorneys have developed strong ties with the local practicing bar, the county judicial system, and local law enforcement agencies. We are able to utilize these connections to represent you competently, efficiently, and professionally in your local and regional courts.
Family Law, Probate, and Estate Planning in Paw Paw, Michigan
The 36th Circuit Court is housed in the Van Buren County Courthouse at 212 E. Paw Paw Street, Paw Paw, Michigan.
When Van Buren residents are facing divorce or other family law issues, we are there to help make the transition with respect and integrity. The local Friend of the Court office is located across the street at 219 E. Paw Paw Street, where family services are available and referee hearings on family matters are held.
When Van Buren County residents are facing divorce or other family law issues, we are there to stand beside you in court and help resolve disputes with respect and integrity. We also help Van Buren County residents look toward the future to provide and care for their loved ones by creating robust estate plans, and we are here to administer those estates when that time comes.
Criminal Defense in South Haven and Paw Paw
Van Buren County is home to the 7th District Court. The District Court has courtrooms in both the Van Buren County Courthouse in Paw Paw, Michigan and a West branch located at 1007 E. Wells St, South Haven, Michigan.
These district courts handle small civil claims and criminal cases. All criminal charges start at the district court level – usually at the courthouse closest to where the event occurred. Misdemeanors like low-cost theft offenses and first time drunk driving are resolved there.
If you have been charged with a felony, your case will likely be “bound over” to the 36th Circuit Court located in Paw Paw. With over 50 years of criminal law experience in Southwest Michigan, our experienced criminal defense attorneys will travel to be with you in Paw Paw or South Haven to see you through the entire process and work hard toward the best possible outcome with your Van Buren criminal case.
When you are facing any type of legal challenge in Van Buren County, Michigan, contact us today to schedule your free consultation.
SOUTWEST MICHIGAN
Committed to the Families and Residents of Southwest Michigan
When your legal trouble involves a Southwest Michigan court, you want an experienced professional by your side who knows the judges, staff, and prosecutors. The Peter J. Johnson Law Office, PLLC, sits in the heart of Southwest Michigan and our attorneys have developed relationships with courts and law enforcement agencies throughout the region to better serve your interests and expedite solutions.
High Quality Representation from Local Southwest Michigan Attorneys
With over 30% of our time devoted to cases outside of Berrien County, we travel from our offices in St. Joseph, Michigan to courts all throughout Southwest Michigan. The Peter J. Johnson Law Office, PLLC is proud to have one of the broadest geographical reaches among Southwest Michigan’s law firms.
What’s the value of a “smaller firm” in a larger region?
While having direct access to “large firm” knowledge and expertise, you won’t get lost in the shuffle of corporate and higher-income clients which can often occur with mid-size and larger firms.
We offer personalized services and immediate access to your attorney, all without sacrificing valuable experience and knowledge that in other regions may require you to travel to larger cities to get the representation you deserve. With over 50 years of trial, litigation, and family law experience, our firm has established itself as one of the premier legal defense firms in all of Southwest Michigan.
Helping Local Residents and Southwest Michigan Visitors
Our attorneys help local residents with family and probate concerns and out-of-state travelers whose visit ends up with unwanted criminal charges. If you are house-bound or live out of state, our team will help structure our attorney/client communication to keep your court appearances and office visits to a minimum to help minimize the impact to your work personal life.
We provide phone consultations, have electronic payment resources, and will can easily communicate and transfer virtually all types legal paperwork electronically. Depending on your situation, we may even be able to resolve your case without you ever needing to step into a Michigan courtroom.
Local Lawyers in All Southwest Michigan Courthouses
As we all know, legal issues can be emotionally taxing. Since we pride ourselves on exercising professionalism, courtesy, and friendliness with court staff, attorneys, judges, and law enforcement agencies throughout Southwest Michigan, we’re able to get things done more efficiently, including in the many small towns in our region like Niles, Paw Paw, Cassopolis and more.
When you are facing any type of legal challenge anywhere throughout Southwest Michigan, contact us today to schedule your free consultation.
Additional information about other Southwest Michigan Counties:
Berrien County
The Peter J. Johnson Law Office, PLLC, is located in downtown St. Joseph, Michigan directly across the street from the Berrien County Courthouse. If you need to file a case in St. Joseph or have been summoned to appear at the South County Building in Niles, we can help immediately. more info on Berrien County…
Cass County
Cass County, Michigan is a network of small towns and rural communities, each with their own legal structure and complexities. If you live or work in Cass County, or have been summoned to court in Cassopolis, we are here to help. more info on Cass County…
Van Buren County
Van Buren County’s many villages and townships are spread across a wide section of Southwest Michigan. Whether you have a district case in South Haven or a family or probate matter in Paw Paw, we will appear with you or on your behalf to quickly resolve your case. more info on Van Buren County…
Professional Experience in the Heart of Berrien County
The Peter J. Johnson Law Office has been rooted in downtown St. Joseph, Michigan for over 25 years with our offices conveniently located directly across the street from the Berrien County Courthouse. Just steps away from Lake Michigan and St. Joseph’s many shops and eateries, you will also have easy access to the post office, banks, ATMs, and even bondsmen resources.
Our Berrien County clients come from every corner of the region, including Benton Harbor, Saint Joseph, Stevensville, and smaller communities like Coloma, Watervliet, Galien, and Baroda. Our attorneys have developed strong ties with the local practicing bar, the county judicial system, and the local law enforcement agencies throughout Berrien County. These long-standing relationships help us expedite processes and provide you with positive outcomes, all while saving you time and money.
Criminal Defense, Family Law, Probate, and Estate Planning in St. Joseph, Michigan
It’s also important to note that Berrien County is one of a handful of counties in Michigan with a unified “trial court” system – consolidating the circuit, district, and probate court divisions under one general heading.
The Berrien County Trial Court is housed in St. Joseph, Michigan just steps away from the Peter J. Johnson Law Office. When Berrien County residents are facing divorce or other family law issues, we will stand beside you in court to help resolve any dispute with respect and integrity. We also help Berrien County residents look toward the future to provide and care for their loved ones by creating robust estate plans, and we are here to administer those estates when that time comes.
Criminal Defense in Niles, Michigan
Berrien County splits its criminal and civil courts between St. Joseph and the South County Building in Niles, Michigan.
Less than 10 minutes from the Indiana border, the small town of Niles, Michigan has its own style and legal complexities. If you live in south Berrien County, you may be called to appear at 1205 N. Front Street in Niles, Michigan. Approximately 25% of our clients come from “South County.” Our attorneys and team are known for accountability and professionalism among the South County staff and judges. We work hard to make sure our clients from Niles, Buchanan, Eau Claire, Berrien Springs, Three Oaks, New Buffalo, and Bridgman receive high-quality, experienced criminal defense representation.
When you are facing any type of legal challenge in Berrien County, Michigan, contact us today to schedule your free consultation.
Bringing Experienced Legal Expertise to Cass County
When your hometown is a smaller community in Cass County, Michigan, it can sometimes be hard to find a skilled attorney with broad experience who is familiar your area and its unique legal infrastructure.
Attorney and founder Peter J. Johnson has been serving the residents of Southwest Michigan for over 50 years. Few lawyers across Michigan, let alone in the rural communities of Southwest Michigan, can say they have worked so long in a single area of practice in the same community without interruption.
Our Cass County clients come from Dowagiac, Cassopolis, Edwardsburg, Marcellus, Vandalia, as well as many of the other area villages and townships. Over the years, our attorneys have developed strong ties with Cass County’s local lawyers, judges, and law enforcement agencies, connections we rely on to represent you competently, efficiently, and professionally in your local courts.
Family Law, Probate, and Estate Planning in Cassopolis, Michigan
The 43rd Circuit Court, located in the Law & Courts Building, 60296 M-62,Cassopolis, Michigan, handles all family law cases, large-value civil lawsuits, and criminal felonies.
When Cass County residents are facing divorce or other family law issues, we are there to stand beside you in court and help resolve disputes with respect and integrity. We also help Cass County residents look toward the future to provide and care for their loved ones by creating robust estate plans, and we are here to administer those estates when that time comes.
Criminal Defense in Cassopolis, Michigan
The 4th District Court is also located in the Law & Courts Building, 60296 M-62, Cassopolis, Michigan. The district court handles small civil claims and criminal cases, and all criminal matters start at the district court level.
Misdemeanors like low-cost theft offenses and first time drunk driving are resolved there. If you have been charged with a felony, your case will likely be “bound over” to the 43rd Circuit Court located in the same building as the 4th District Court. Because we regularly travel the region for our clients, we will be with you from your arraignment in the 4th District Court and through sentencing at the 43rd Circuit Court, all while providing you with honest, aggressive, competent representation to get you the best outcome possible.
When you are facing any type of legal challenge in Cass County, Michigan, contact us today to schedule your free consultation.
A History of Service and Success in Van Buren County
When your hometown is a small community in Van Buren County, Michigan, it can sometimes be a challenge to find experienced, professional representation who understands your specific needs and knows the legal landscape of your area. Our team is dedicated to bringing high-quality legal representation to the small towns and villages of Van Buren County and Southwest Michigan.
Attorney and founder Peter J. Johnson has been serving the residents of Southwest Michigan for over 50 years. Few lawyers across Michigan, let alone in the rural communities of Southwest Michigan, can say they have worked so long in a single area of practice in the same community without interruption.
At the Peter J. Johnson Law Office, our clients come from all the nearby small communities, like South Haven, Paw Paw, Hartford, Bangor, Decatur, Mattawan, Lawton, and other villages and townships in Van Buren County. Our attorneys have developed strong ties with the local practicing bar, the county judicial system, and local law enforcement agencies. We are able to utilize these connections to represent you competently, efficiently, and professionally in your local and regional courts.
Family Law, Probate, and Estate Planning in Paw Paw, Michigan
The 36th Circuit Court is housed in the Van Buren County Courthouse at 212 E. Paw Paw Street, Paw Paw, Michigan.
The local Friend of the Court office is located across the street at 219 E. Paw Paw Street, where family services are available and referee hearings on family matters are typically held.
When Van Buren County residents are facing divorce or other family law issues, we are there to stand beside you in court and help resolve disputes with respect and integrity. We also help Van Buren County residents look toward the future to provide and care for their loved ones by creating robust estate plans, and we are here to administer those estates when that time comes.
Criminal Defense in South Haven and Paw Paw
Van Buren County is home to the 7th District Court. The District Court has courtrooms in both the Van Buren County Courthouse in Paw Paw, Michigan and a West branch located at 1007 E. Wells Street, South Haven, Michigan.
These district courts handle small civil claims and criminal cases. All criminal cases start at the district court level – usually at the courthouse closest to where the event occurred. Misdemeanors like low-cost theft offenses and first-time drunk driving cases are resolved there.
If you have been charged with a felony, your case will likely be “bound over” to the 36th Circuit Court located in Paw Paw. With over 50 years of criminal law experience in Southwest Michigan, our experienced criminal defense attorneys will travel to be with you in Paw Paw or South Haven to see you through the entire process and work hard toward the best possible outcome with your Van Buren criminal case.
When you are facing any type of legal challenge in Van Buren County, Michigan, contact us today to schedule your free consultation.
Committed to the Families and Residents of Southwest Michigan
When your legal trouble involves a Southwest Michigan court, you want an experienced professional by your side who knows the judges, staff, and prosecutors. The Peter J. Johnson Law Office sits in the heart of Southwest Michigan and our attorneys have developed relationships with courts and law enforcement agencies throughout the region to better serve your interests and expedite solutions.
High-Quality Representation from Local Southwest Michigan Attorneys
With over 30% of our time devoted to cases outside of Berrien County, we travel from our offices in St. Joseph, Michigan to courts all throughout Southwest Michigan. The Peter J. Johnson Law Office is proud to have one of the broadest geographical reaches among Southwest Michigan’s law firms.
What’s the value of a “smaller firm” in a larger region?
While having direct access to “large firm” knowledge and expertise, you won’t get lost in the shuffle of corporate and higher-income clients which can often occur with mid-size and larger firms.
We offer personalized services and immediate access to your attorney, all without sacrificing valuable experience and knowledge that in other regions may require you to travel to larger cities to get the representation you deserve. With decades of trial, litigation and family law experience, our firm has established itself as one of the premier legal defense firms in all of Southwest Michigan.
Helping Local Residents and Southwest Michigan Visitors
Our attorneys help local residents with family and probate concerns and out-of-state travelers whose visit ends up with unwanted criminal charges. If you are house-bound or live out of state, our team will help structure our attorney/client communication to keep your court appearances and office visits to a minimum, and help minimize the impact on your work and personal life.
We provide phone consultations, have electronic payment resources, and can easily communicate and transfer almost all types of legal paperwork electronically. Depending on your situation, we may even be able to resolve your case without you ever having to step into a Michigan courtroom.
Local Lawyers in All Southwest Michigan Courthouses
As we all know, legal issues can be emotionally taxing. We pride ourselves on exercising professionalism, courtesy, and friendliness with court staff, attorneys, judges, and law enforcement agencies throughout Southwest Michigan. This allows us to get things done more efficiently, including in the many small towns in our region like Niles, Paw Paw, Cassopolis and more.
When you are facing any type of legal challenge anywhere throughout Southwest Michigan, contact us today to schedule your free consultation.
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