Aggressive CPS Defense Attorneys

Michael J. Cronkright

As a trial attorney, Mr. Cronkright focuses primarily on trial work in the areas of Children’s Protective Proceedings and criminal law, especially as it relates to the defense of complex child abuse cases. He is licensed to practice law in Michigan and Florida. Mr. Cronkright has a passion for defending the falsely accused and those treated unfairly by the authorities. He has served as lead trial attorney on numerous complex cases involving false allegations by children. He has developed substantial contacts with medical experts from around the United States that has been helpful to clients facing Shaken Baby Syndrome cases and infant fracture cases. He has successfully defended multiple medically complex homicide prosecutions. Mr. Cronkright has extensive training and experience in cross examination of children. He has both training from, and courtroom experience with, nationally prominent medical, psychological and scientific experts. His skillful knowledge and expertise helps break down the barrier of false accusations, misleading evidence, and suggestive child interviews by authorities. Mr. Cronkright has obtained “not guilty” verdicts throughout Michigan and has successfully litigated the reunification of families facing allegations by Children’s Protective Services. Mr. Cronkright is also a referral attorney for National Child Abuse Defense and Recource Center (NCADRC).

Mr. Cronkright received his Bachelor of Arts in Business from Spring Arbor College. He then obtained his Juris Doctor from Thomas M. Cooley Law School, where he graduated Cum Laude. He has been admitted to practice law in all Michigan state courts, as well as the United States District Court for the Western District of Michigan and the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan, he has defended clients in Children’s Protective Proceedings outside of Michigan as well, he has been admitted pro hac vice in Wyoming, Texas, and Wisconsin. More recently, he expanded his practice to include child neglect and abuse defense, as well as criminal defense, in the state of Florida.

Mr. Cronkright’s professional memberships have included the State Bar of Michigan (“Criminal Law” Section and “Children and the Law” Section), The Florida Bar (“Criminal” section) , The National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, Criminal Defense Attorneys of Michigan, and the American Association of Justice.

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Brandy J. Thompson

Ms. Thompson believes that in many circumstances Children’s Protective Services has overstepped their boundaries and wrongfully interfered with the fundamental right of fathers and mothers to parent their children. It is her personal goal to ensure that every family has the opportunity to be zealously represented and keep their family intact.

Ms. Thompson, originally from northern Michigan, graduated Magna Cum Laude with a Bachelor’s Degree in Pre-Law from Lake Superior State University. She then attended Michigan State University College of Law, where she graduated Cum Laude. While in law school, she became an editor for the prestigious MSU Law Review. Her memberships have included the Michigan Association for Justice, the State Bar of Michigan, as well as the Young Trial Lawyers Association. In addition to being licensed to practice in Michigan state courts, she is also licensed in the United States District Court for the Western District of Michigan, and the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan. Ms. Thompson has successfully litigated in both state and federal courts. She has handled a wide range of cases, including Children’s Protective Services, child abuse and neglect, and criminal defense.

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Charles M. Kronzek

Mr. Kronzek has extensive experience – both in and out of the courtoom – dealing with Children’s Protective Services and child abuse and neglect proceedings. He has excellent litigation skills and is a successful trial lawyer. He has worked extensively with parents throughout Michigan to prevent Children’s Protective Services (CPS) from terminating parental rights. His extensive training and experience as a trial attorney dealing with both divorce and criminal cases makes him uniquely qualified to deal with false allegations of child abuse arising as a result of a custody dispute. Mr. Kronzek has practiced in the area of child protective proceedings for approximately 15 years.

As an advocate for parents, Mr. Kronzek has aggressively defended families in Ingham, Eaton, Clinton, Oakland, and Jackson Counties and throughout Michigan. Mr. Kronzek’s numerous legal and professional associations have included the State Bar of Michigan, the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, Criminal Defense Attorneys of Michigan, and the American Association of Justice. He frequently participates in continuing legal education in order to keep himself updated as to the most current laws, techniques, areas of expertise, and court rulings that might affect our clients.

Mr. Kronzek received his Bachelor of Science in Human Resources Management from Geneva College in Pennsylvania. He then obtained his Juris Doctor from Thomas M. Cooley Law School, where he graduated Cum Laude. He has been admitted to practice law in all Michigan state courts, as well as the United States District Court for the Western District of Michigan, the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan, and the United States District Court for the Western District of Texas. He has been admitted pro hac vice in Texas, Wyoming, and Florida.

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John M. English

John M. English, originally raised on the shores of Lake Superior, has been a member of the State Bar of Michigan since 1999 and the New Hampshire Bar Association since 1985. He maintained a statewide OWI defense practice in New Hampshire for 14 years but now concentrates on all types of serious Michigan criminal cases. Mr. English has conducted hundreds of administrative hearings, bench trials, and jury trials. He is licensed to practice in Michigan courts as well as the United States District Court for the Western District of Michigan and the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan. His professional memberships have included the State Bar of Michigan, New Hampshire Bar Association, American Trial Lawyers Association, New Hampshire Trial Lawyers Association, New Hampshire Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, and Criminal Defense Attorneys of Michigan. Mr. English has successfully completed the NHTSA/IACP Standardized Field Sobriety Testing Practitioner Course and completed other numerous continuing legal educations courses.

Mr. English obtained his Bachelor of Arts Degree from Franconia College (N.H.) in 1977 and his Juris Doctor degree from the University of New Hampshire School of Law (formerly Franklin Pierce Law Center) in Concord, New Hampshire in 1984.

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Joseph A. Gammicchia

Mr. Gammicchia, born and raised in the Detroit metropolitan area, has a unique and extensive background in the field of criminal law. After obtaining his Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice from Wayne State University, Mr. Gammicchia worked 17 years as a police officer for the City of Warren Police Department. Since obtaining his law degree from Wayne State University, Mr. Gammicchia worked briefly in the private sector before spending 6 1/2 years as an Assistant Prosecuting Attorney with the Oakland County Prosecutor’s Office. As an Assistant Prosecutor, Mr. Gammicchia handled a wide range of felony and misdemeanor cases conducting both bench and jury trials. Additionally, he has handled many cases involving Child Protective Services.

In addition to being licensed to practice law in all Michigan state courts, Mr. Gammicchia is licensed in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan and is a member of the Illinois Bar.

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Stephanie M. Service

Ms. Service believes that, in most cases, family reunification should be the ultimate goal. Many times, Child Protective Services caseworkers interfere with a parent’s right to raise his or her children. This interference could do more harm than good. Ms. Service is passionate about protecting families.

Ms. Service graduated from Grand Valley State University with a Bachelor of Arts in Communications and a minor in Spanish. She then accepted an Honors Scholarship to attend Thomas M. Cooley Law School. During law school, Ms. Service earned a place on both the Dean’s List and Honor Roll every single semester and was a member of the Thomas M. Cooley Law Review. She graduated cum laude with an academic ranking of 20 out of 403 students.

Ms. Service is licensed to practice law in all Michigan state courts, as well as the United States District Courts for the Eastern and Western Districts of Michigan. She is a graduate of both the Hillman Advocacy Program and the Trial Skills College.

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