Terrence F Cavanaugh, Criminal Defense Attorney in Lansing, Michigan
Over 48 years of legal practice · focused on Criminal Defense and Elder Law · 4.4/5 rating from 1 verified client review
Professor
Lansing, MI
Practicing criminal defense in Lansing since 1978.
- 48+
- Years practicing
- 4.4 ★
- 1 client review
- 1
- Bar admission
Practices in
Are you Terrence F Cavanaugh?
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Quick answer
Terrence F Cavanaugh is a professor based in Lansing, MI. The practice focuses on Criminal Defense and Elder Law. Terrence has over 48 years of legal experience. Rated 4.4 out of 5 from 1 client review.
- Based in
- Lansing, MI
- Experience
- over 48 years
- Known for
- Criminal Defense · Elder Law
- Handles Criminal Defense and Elder Law matters from Lansing, MI.
- Over 48 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
- Recognized with BV Distinguished.
About Terrence F Cavanaugh: Terrence F Cavanaugh is a professor based in Lansing, MI. The practice focuses on Criminal Defense and Elder Law. Terrence has over 48 years of legal experience. Rated 4.4 out of 5 from 1 client review.
Areas of practice
Legal matters Terrence takes on
Terrence concentrates on criminal defense and elder law. Each area below outlines the kind of case Terrence handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Criminal Defense cases in Lansing, Michigan
Terrence takes criminal defense matters in Lansing, Michigan. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Terrence agrees to represent you.
Elder Law cases in Lansing, Michigan
Terrence takes elder law matters in Lansing, Michigan. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Terrence agrees to represent you.
Biography
Meet Terrence F Cavanaugh — criminal defense lawyer in Lansing
Terrence F Cavanaugh is a professor based in Lansing, MI. The practice focuses on Criminal Defense and Elder Law. Terrence has over 48 years of legal experience. Rated 4.4 out of 5 from 1 client review.
Terrence F Cavanaugh is a lawyer practicing criminal law clinic, elder law clinic, criminal law. Terrence received a B.S.E. degree from University of Michigan in 1971, and has been licensed for 48 years. Terrence practices in Lansing, MI.
Working with Terrence on a criminal defense matter
Terrence F Cavanaugh is a lawyer practicing criminal law clinic, elder law clinic, criminal law. Terrence received a B.S.E. degree from University of Michigan in 1971, and has been licensed for 48 years. Terrence practices in Lansing, MI.
Clients Terrence works with
Terrence reviews new inquiries case-by-case for criminal defense and elder law matters in Lansing and the surrounding Michigan area.
Credentials
Education, bar admissions, and languages
The University of Toledo College of Law
J.D. · 1978
University of Michigan
B.S.E. · 1971
Jurisdictions
Terrence's state bar admissions
Michigan
1978 · ACTIVE
Terrence studied at J.D. in The University of Toledo College of Law and B.S.E. in University of Michigan.
Law school and academic background
Terrence completed J.D. in The University of Toledo College of Law and B.S.E. in University of Michigan. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Terrence runs in Michigan is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Recognition
Recognition and thought leadership
Terrence has received 1 formal recognition from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.
BV Distinguished
Legal awards and honors
BV Distinguished.
Locations
Terrence F Cavanaugh's office in Lansing
Terrence's primary office is at 3301 Tecumseh River Rd, Lansing, MI, 48906-3558. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Client feedback
Client reviews of Terrence F Cavanaugh — 4.4/5 rating from 1 verified client review
Every review below is from a verified client of Terrence. Reviews cover communication, case outcome, and value — the three signals that matter most when comparing criminal defense attorneys in Lansing.
4.4
1 client review
Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once Terrence F Cavanaugh claims this profile.
Read all reviewsHiring guide
How to hire Terrence F Cavanaugh — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new criminal defense attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with Terrence usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.
Consultation formats and pricing
Terrence charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Terrence's office.
What to bring to your first meeting
Bring any documents you already have — police reports, medical records, filed pleadings, correspondence from an insurer, a copy of the contract at issue. If you're not sure, err on the side of bringing everything; Terrence will tell you what matters and what doesn't.
Questions to ask a criminal defense attorney in Lansing, Michigan
A short list to run through before you commit: How many criminal defense matters have you handled in the last year? What's your fee structure? Who else in the office will work on this? What's your realistic estimate of timeline and range of outcomes? How do I reach you between meetings?
Fees & payment
Fees, payment methods, and consultation options for Terrence
Terrence discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in criminal defense practice — ask which fits.
Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options
Every criminal defense matter is priced differently. Simple document review might be a flat fee. Injury litigation is often contingency. Complex commercial disputes usually run hourly with a retainer. Terrence confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.
Payment methods and payment plans
Terrence's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many criminal defense practices work with clients on structured schedules.
Frequently asked
Frequently asked questions about Terrence F Cavanaugh
How much does it cost to hire Terrence for a criminal defense case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Terrence walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does Terrence offer a free consultation?
Terrence charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Terrence's office. Some criminal defense attorneys offer free consults — check Terrence's current terms during booking.
How long do criminal defense cases in Michigan typically take?
Simple criminal defense matters can wrap in a few weeks; disputed cases can run 6–18 months from intake to resolution, longer if the matter goes to trial. Terrence gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can Terrence take my case if I'm outside Lansing?
Terrence is licensed in Michigan. Matters governed by Michigan law are the natural fit. Out-of-state matters are handled case-by-case, sometimes with local co-counsel. Ask during intake — Terrence will tell you if the case is a fit or refer you to someone closer to your court.
What should I bring to my first meeting with Terrence?
Bring every document that touches the dispute: contracts, correspondence, police or medical reports, filed pleadings, invoices, photographs, insurance letters. Also bring a written timeline of what happened, in your own words. Terrence will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is Terrence accepting new criminal defense clients right now?
Terrence's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.
Areas served
Criminal Defense attorneys serving Lansing, Detroit and Grand Rapids in Michigan
Terrence handles criminal defense matters throughout Michigan. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified criminal defense attorneys in that community.
More counsel
Other top-rated criminal defense attorneys in Michigan
If Terrence's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these criminal defense attorneys in Lansing handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.