Law Office of Edward J. Sternisha, PLLC

08/20/2026

Ed Sternisha is honored to announce the endorsement of Belding resident Brian Crouse. Brian Crouse says As a Police Officer, Ed Sternisha arrested me but treated me fairly the whole time. I think he will make a great judge!" Although Ed has been endorsed by judges, lawyers, and other prominent figures, the fact that someone who was arrested by Ed Sternisha thinks he will make a great judge says exactly what the public wants to know: How will he be as a judge?

Ed will be fair and just to all who come before him. "I just want the law to work the way it should and I'm going to do everything I can to make sure that happens." - Ed Sternisha "Honestly, I am honored and humbled by the endorsements I have been receiving but the best endorsements are from the voters of these two great counties - Montcalm and Ionia."

No one does what Ed Sternisha does. He is a defense attorney and a police officer, and he works hard to make the law work for everyone. To see more endorsements, go to: https://vote4edinstead.com/endorsements

Remember, in November, for Circuit Court Judge, “Vote for Ed Instead!”

(Paid for by Committee to Elect Ed Sternisha, PO Box 222, Belding, MI 48809)

08/19/2026

ED WON…tickets on the radio. But he still needs your help to win this election. If you want to help with parades or other campaign activities, or if you want a sign in your yard, respond to this post or email us at [email protected]
Thank you!

07/28/2026

REMEMBER: The election for 8th Circuit Court Judge is in November. It is not on the August Primary.

Vote for Ed Instead!

(A.I. generated video paid for by Committee to Elect Ed Sternisha, PO Box 222, Belding, MI 48809)

07/23/2026

I LOVE IT when clients take the time to post to the world what they think of my representation. Thank you, Erik, for leaving this wonderful review:

Grand Rapids, MI attorney Edward Jacob Sternisha - read reviews from former clients

07/17/2026

CASE DISMISSED – ANOTHER WIN! If you are not honest, we do not need you in this business!

People ask how I can defend people I know are guilty. Well, remember, you are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

A few months ago, I had a client call me because he was charged with OWI-2nd (drunk driving), as well as Driving on a Revoked License. The more I dug into his case, the more I discovered that the prosecutor likely would not be able to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. Why? Because the police officer had made, “untruthful statements regarding a substantive issue…during an internal investigation that may be relevant regarding his credibility and honesty.” (This was from a required letter sent to me by the prosecutor.)

Just because an officer lied about something important before does not mean he was dishonest this time. We all make mistakes and hopefully we work to become better. Well, unfortunately this officer did not. The more I investigated, the more I found that the officer had made more false statements. Some false things the officer wrote in his police report were minor issues, but some were more serious. You would think that if you were caught lying by your police agency and presumably disciplined, you would be more careful and simply tell the truth moving forward. ESPECIALLY if you wear a body-camera! NOPE!

I cannot understand why this officer felt the need to write untruthful statements in his police report that would be easily found on his own video recordings – but he did. This is why it is important to call a good attorney if you get arrested. I thoroughly investigate my cases. And my client had both criminal charges dismissed and will simply pay a small fine for a traffic violation instead.

I was a guest speaker the other day in a law school class on wrongful convictions. I told them not to trust the police report – but not because I think most police lie. I don’t think that. It is important, however, that lawyers do their own investigations (or hire someone good enough to do it). Our system of justice depends on it. Judges, lawyers, and police MUST be honest or get out of this business. That is all we have that sets us apart. People come to court seeking truth. We must make sure we are doing our best to make sure they find it.

I am a criminal defense attorney and a police officer. I work hard to do both jobs the best I can. And today, it paid off. Case Dismissed! Client Happy!

If you drink…call a cab.
If arrested, “Call Ed Instead.”®
(616) 233-2255

06/27/2026

Had a great time at the Lake Odessa parade yesterday! Wonderful town and so thankful to the many residents who are supporting this campaign by placing signs in their yards.
“Vote for Ed Instead!” for 8th Circuit Court Judge in Montcalm and Ionia Counties.

05/28/2026

CASE DISMISSED! Client was pulled over for crossing over the painted lines on the freeway and subsequently arrested for operating while impaired. After several pretrial conference meetings with the prosecutor, I was able to negotiate the most appropriate resolution for the case. My client paid a fine for careless driving (a civil infraction) and the criminal case was dismissed.

If you celebrated Memorial Day a little too much and were arrested, call (616) 233-2255 today.

Remember, drunk driving is dangerous.
If you drink, call a cab.
If arrested, Call Ed Instead!
(616) 233-CALL-ED
(616) 233-2255.

04/20/2026

WE DID IT! We have had tremendous support, and our team is going to keep pushing forward until our VICTORY in Ionia and Montcalm counties on election day. Thank you to everyone who made this happen! Vote for Ed Instead.

03/29/2026

MAJOR ANNOUNCEMENT:

It is official! I am running for judge of the 8th Circuit Court in Ionia and Montcalm Counties. The 8th Circuit Court has two judges and there will now be a vacancy. As such, I am running for the open, non-incumbent seat. But I need your help!

Over the last 38 years, I have worked off and on in various capacities in the legal system. I have been a public safety officer (Police-Fire-EMS), bail bondsman, private investigator, and more.

In 2012, I opened my own law firm and have been dedicated to fighting for the rights of those accused. But, what makes me unique is that I also went back to police work. I am the only criminal defense attorney who also works as a police officer. It is the best way that I can make sure the law works the way it is supposed to.

There have been days when I have fought in court for a client and got a case dismissed, then went home, changed out of the 3-piece suit and put on a police uniform and worked an overnight 12-hour shift to protect my community.

No one else will bring to the bench what I have to offer. I literally have worked on both sides, doing my best to make the law work. This is what I do everyday.

Throughout the last decade and a half, I have taught law students as an adjunct law professor, written books, presented at legal seminars, and donated hundreds of hours to my community. Now I need your support.

If you are a registered voter in Ionia or Montcalm counties, I need your signature on a Nominating Petition. If you don’t live here, please get ahold of me so you can help me get those signatures. I can’t do it without you, and I don’t have much time.

Please email me directly at [email protected] or text me at (616) 291-0039 if you can help me this week or next.

Thank you for your support. I look forward to serving the community as the next Judge of the 8th Circuit Court.

Vote for Ed Instead!

03/28/2026

RECEIVED A FANTASTIC 5-Star Client review today! So thankful for clients like this...

Posted by Adam | March 27, 2026 | Hired attorney
Highly Recommend!!!!
I retained Ed Sternisha of the Law Office of Ed Sternisha PLLC following a tragic traffic incident in which I was wrongly accused of committing a moving violation resulting in a fatality. Despite my immediate cooperation with law enforcement including providing biological samples and consenting to extensive searches I was ultimately charged. Mr. Sternisha, working alongside co-counsel Aida Spahic, conducted a thorough and meticulous investigation that spanned more than a year. His analytical approach, preparation, and dedication ensured that critical facts and evidence were clearly presented to the jury. During an exhausting two-day trial, Mr. Sternisha demonstrated exceptional professionalism, courtroom skill, and unwavering advocacy. The jury ultimately returned a verdict of Not Guilty, restoring both my reputation and peace of mind. Beyond his legal ability, Mr. Sternisha consistently treated my family and I with dignity, transparency, and compassion during an extremely difficult period in our lives. I recommend him without hesitation to anyone seeking experienced, ethical, and highly capable legal representation.

Grand Rapids, MI attorney Edward Jacob Sternisha - read reviews from former clients