Karl P. Numinen
Top rated Criminal Defense attorney in Marquette, Michigan
Numinen, DeForge & Toutant, PC
Practice areas: Criminal Defense, Personal Injury; view more
Licensed in Michigan since: 1992
Education: The Thomas M. Cooley Law School
Selected to Super Lawyers: 2011 - 2025 Call today:
906-464-6977
Numinen, DeForge & Toutant, PC
105 Meeske AvenueMarquette, MI 49855 Visit website
Details
Karl Numinen of Numinen, DeForge & Toutant, PC, is a dedicated trial attorney with over 25 years of experience handling complex litigation in state and federal courts. He aggressively represents people accused of serious crimes, going through difficult divorces, or who have been severely injured.
His outstanding trial court record includes several recent high-profile criminal case victories: "Not Guilty" verdicts in two separate trials for college athletes charged with rape; "Not Guilty" verdict for a mother charged with murder and child abuse of an infant in her care; "Not Guilty" verdict for a man charged with criminal sexual assault of his daughter; "Not Guilty" verdict for a client charged in federal court with illegal possession and transportation of explosives; "Not Guilty" verdict for a client charged in state court with felony criminal sexual assault; and "Not Guilty" verdict for a prisoner charged with felony possession of a weapon.
In 2018, Karl obtained a $2.5 million jury verdict on behalf of his client who was severely injured when a defective propane tank exploded. This case is the largest jury verdict in Marquette County history.
In a recent "bet-your-company" high-stakes civil case, he prevailed at trial on behalf of a Grand Rapids business in a collective action federal Fair Labor Standards Act claim. When the losing plaintiffs appealed, he defended and won the appeal in the 6th Circuit federal Court of Appeals. Mr. Numinen recently won a major victory representing a corrections officer in a disability claim resulting in a published opinion of the Michigan Court of Appeals which was affirmed by the Michigan Supreme Court. These victories join a long list of past successes, including a precedent-setting 1998 stepparent adoption case.
His reputation as a skilled family law attorney led him to publish numerous articles in Grand Rapids Parenting magazine and receive the honor of being twice elected to the Family Law Council for the State Bar of Michigan. Mr. Numinen currently serves as the President on the board of the Criminal Defense Attorneys of Michigan, the largest state-wide association of criminal defense lawyers in Michigan. He is a frequent presenter for CDAM and contributor for the Institute of Continuing Legal Education.
In addition to being a partner at Numinen, DeForge & Toutant, PC, he is also "Of Counsel" to the Barone Defense Firm, Michigan's premiere DUI defense attorneys. Karl Numinen practices in Marquette, Michigan and the surrounding area.
Practice areas
Criminal Defense, Personal Injury - General: PlaintiffFocus areas
Animal Bites, Arrest & Arraignment, Assault, Brain Injury, Construction Accident, Criminal Law, Drug & Alcohol Violations, Expungement, Felony, Misdemeanor, Motor Vehicle Accidents, Motor Vehicle Offenses, Murder, Personal Injury - Plaintiff, Premises Liability - Plaintiff, Sex Offenses, Slip and Fall, Theft, Traffic Violations, Trucking Accidents, Wrongful Death
- 70% Criminal Defense
- 30% Personal Injury - General: Plaintiff
First Admitted: 1992
Professional Webpage: https://www.numinenlaw.com/attorney/karl-p-numinen/
Bar/Professional Activity:
- President, Criminal Defense Attorneys of Michigan, 2020
- Fellow, American College of Trial Lawyers, 2020
- Elected Member, Marijuana Law Section Council, State Bar of Michigan, 2016
- Admitted, U.S. District Court Western District of Michigan, 1992
- Arbitrator for the American Arbitration Association (2000 - present)
- Member, CJA Panel, United States District Court for the Western District of Michigan
- State Bar of Michigan, 1992
- Adjunct Professor, Northern Michigan University; taught Criminal Law and Judicial Function
- Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians Tribal Court
- Chairperson, Family Law Council PAC, State Bar of Michigan (1997-1998)
- Member, National Association of Criminal Defense Attorneys (2009 - Present)
- Elected Member, Family Law Council of the State Bar of Michigan (1995 - 2000)
- U.S. Court of Appeals 6th Circuit
- Member, State Bar of Michigan, Criminal & Family Law Sections
Verdicts/Settlements (Case Results):
- Six-figure Settlement, Wrongful termination age discrimination suit brought on behalf of 55-year-old nurse after she was fired from long-term employment (Case No. confidential)
- Karl obtained a $2.5 million jury verdict for his client who was severely injured when a defective propane tank exploded. This is the largest jury verdict in Marquette County history., 2018
- Drug Charges Dismissed. AK is a college student. The campus police searched his dorm room and found marijuana. AK had applied for, but not yet received, his medical marijuana card. Karl filed a motion to dismiss the charges based on the pending application. After hearing Karl's argument, the court dismissed the charges., 2010
- "Not Guilty" verdict for a mother charged with murder and felony child abuse when an infant in her care died as a result of injuries. Kar'ls thorough understanding of "Shaken Baby Syndrome" theory enabled him to take apart the prosecutor's case through the cross examination of the government's doctors and expert witnesses., 2016
- Confidential Settlement, Wrongful death action brought against county Sheriff and jail in United States District Court on behalf of estate of inmate who committed suicide while incarcerated (2:05-cv-263)
- Felony Fraud Charges Dismissed. RB was charged with multiple felony fraud counts arising out of a real estate development project. After conducting a thorough preliminary examination, Karl convinced the prosecutor to dismiss all charges., 2009
- Not Guilty verdict (4 of 5 counts) in a federal trial of a man charged with multiple felony counts of criminal sexual abuse of a minor (Case No 2:08-cr-50)
- Confidential Settlement in federal civil rights action brought on behalf of client against local police department and officers for illegal entry without a search warrant (Case No. 2:09-cv-61)
- Another "Not Guilty" Verdict -- Karl obtained a full acquittal after a jury trial in federal court for his client charged in a multi-count indictment for illegal possession and transportation of explosive materials. The other co-defendant was convicted. , 2012
- Not Guilty verdict in the federal trial of a man charged with felony conspiracy to distribute ecstasy (Case No 2:03-cr-24)
- Successful Appeal, Won appellate reversal of a trial court's granting summary disposition in favor of defendant township in this zoning ordinance dispute. Won my clients' right to put a petition rescinding a zoning ordinance on the ballot for an vote of the residents (Case No. 287425, 11-24-09)
- "Not Guilty" -- Karl's cross examination of the Government's expert witnesses and his skillful questioning of the child's mother was the key to obtaining the Not Guilty verdict in this federal felony criminal assault trial., 2013
- Dismissed Charges, Federal criminal charges dismissed on defense motion to suppress based on illegal search and seizure (Case No 2:08-mj-02)
- Mathews vs Mussman, Upfront & Co, won this employment wrongful termination trial and received a jury verdict in the amount of $76,773.00, the total amount of the contract damages and the exact amount we requested at trial (Case No. 00-37296-CK)
- Paternity Case Victory -- In one of the first trials conducted pursuant to Michigan's new paternity law, Karl obtained a victory for his client, the mother of the child, who objected to the alleged father's claim to paternity., 2013
- License reinstated, Circuit court reinstated liquor license on successful appeal of Liquor Control Commission revocation of liquor license
- Nason vs. State Employee Retirement Board, In December, 2011, the Michigan Supreme Court affirmed Karl's victory before the Michigan Court of Appeals, published opinion (No. 290431), released 10-28-10. Karl prevailed in this published opinion winning for his client non-duty disability retirement benefits which had previously been denied by the Michigan Department of Corrections., 2011
- "Not Guilty" -- Karl was asked to be local counsel for a Texas law firm specializing in criminal tax cases to form a highly effective defense team that obtained a full acquittal of all charges for our client accused of federal criminal tax evasion. The jury trial was conducted in federal court in Marquette, Michigan., 2015
- Confidential Settlement, Sexual abuse by clergy suit brought against Catholic Church on behalf of parishioner sexually assaulted by priest (Case No. 09-46539-CZ)
- Drunk Driving Charges Dismissed. TH charged with DUI after being found passed out in the driver's seat of his truck while the engine was running. At a pre-trial hearing, Karl argued TH was not "operating" the vehicle. The Court granted Karl's motion., 2010
- "Not Guilty" verdict. Karl's client was charged with criminal sexual conduct 1st degree and 2nd degree. A conviction would result in a 25-year minimum prison term. The client rejected all plea offers from the prosecutor, fired his original attorney, and hired Karl to take the case to trial. Karl obtained a full acquittal on all charges., 2017
- Karl has an unprecedented record of "Not Guilty" verdicts in the United States District Court for the Western District of Michigan, including:
- Million Dollar Alimony Award obtained, in addition to favorable division of marital assets, in divorce settlement (Case No. confidential)
- Civil Forfeiture Case Dismissed -- Karl obtained a complete dismissal of a civil forfeiture case brought against his client and with this win recovered tens of thousands of dollars of his client's property., 2012
- Not Guilty verdict in the federal trial of a man charged with multiple counts of felony criminal sexual assault (Case No 2:04-cr-38)
- Confidential Settlement, Successfully brought a claim against a local school district when a football coach assaulted a player causing torn ligaments in the player's ankle. After the Court of Appeals reversed the trial court's granting of the defense motion for summary disposition, the case was settled. (Case No. 262826, 5-20-05)
- "Not Guilty" -- Karl won another not guilty verdict representing a prisoner charged with felony possession of a weapon. Karl's thorough investigation and his scorching cross examination of the corrections officers demonstrated to the jury that the allegations were untrue. Karl's client was facing up to life in prison if convicted. , 2012
- No Cause verdict, Defense of fraud and undue influence suit in probate estate trial (Case No 07-310351-ML)
- Successful Appeal, Representing the adoptive parents, Karl successfully defended this claim through appeal when the biological mother sought to rescind the termination of parental rights (Case No. 202747, 1-13-98)
- Successful Divorce Appeal -- After the trial judge issued a lopsided divorce ruling, Karl successfully appealed to the Court of Appeals obtaining a ruling reversing the trial judge's decision and ordering the trial judge to modify his ruling., 2013
- Charges Dismissed, Court granted defense motion to suppress drugs found in illegal search of client's baggage at airport resulting in all criminal charges dismissed (Case No. M08-1973-SM)
- Felony DUI Charges Dismissed. BT was charged with DUI 3rd offense, a felony. BT was involved in a serious accident and was hospitalized. The police obtained a blood sample taken at the ER which showed presence of alcohol. Karl filed a motion and brief arguing the evidence should be suppressed. Based on the arguments made in Karl's brief, the prosecutor conceded and dismissed all charges., 2010
- "Not Guilty" verdict. After an extensive jury trial, Karl obtained a full acquittal for his client, a former police officer who was accused of sexually assaulting a developmentally disabled woman., 2014
- Six-figure Settlement, Violation of sales commission statute civil action brought on behalf of mortgage broker after wrongful termination (Case No. M07-45227-CZ)
- Felony B&E and Assault Charges Dismissed. RS was charged with 1st Degree Home Invasion and Felonious Assault for allegedly breaking into a woman's home and assaulting her with a butcher knife. Karl obtained cell phone tower data and discovered that the police had secretly installed a GPS on RS's car two days before the alleged incident. Discovering this evidence and getting the court to compel the police and prosecutor to turn it over was the key to the pretrial investigation. The evidence showed RS was not in the area at the time and the prosecutor dismissed the charges., 2010
- "Not Guilty" verdict for a client charged with multiple counts of felony first degree criminal sexual conduct. Karl's cross examination of the government's witnesses revealed the accusations were fabricated in order to win custody of the child., 2016
- Not Guilty By Reason of Insanity verdict in attempted murder case rendered after issue of temporary insanity was successfully argued before the trial court (Case No. 05-6423-FC)
- Federal Civil Trial Victory -- In a precedent-setting case, Karl achieved a significant victory in the U.S. District Court in Grand Rapids when he won a jury trial on behalf of his client, an international entertainment agency who was sued by several former workers under the federal Fair Labor Standards Act., 2011
- Not Guilty verdict in the federal trial of a woman indicted for felony aggravated assault with a vehicle (Case No 2:04-cr-02)
- Adoption, Successful appeal of the trial court's denial of foster parents' adoption petition resulting in reversal of the trial court's order placing adoptive child with grandparent (Court of Appeals No. 244877, 2003)
- Another "Not Guilty" Verdict -- Karl won another criminal sexual assault case after a hard-fought jury trial in state court for his client charged with assault with intent to commit sexual penetraion. Karl's cross examination of the accuser was critical to expose the many inconsistencies in her story thus destroying her credibility. Karl's client was facing up to 10 years in prison and listing on the Sex Offender Registry, if convicted. , 2012
- Numerous verdicts, judgments, and settlements (some in excess of $1 million) on behalf of his clients in civil suits brought in state and federal courts
- Successful Appeal, Won appellate reversal of the trial court's grant of summary disposition in favor of defendant bank in this claim brought on behalf of the beneficiaries of an estate mishandled by the trust department of the defendant bank. The case settled after the appellate victory (Case No. 257880, 9-13-04)
- Change of Domicile Granted -- After a highly contested trial, Karl obtained a court order allowing his client to move to the State of Wisconsin with the minor child even though the Friend of the Court strongly recommended the request be denied. , 2013
- In Re: Caldwell, 225 Mich App 801; 571 NW2d 218 (1997), rev'd 228 Mich App 116 (1998), cert denied 457 Mich 865 (1998). Karl represented adoptive parents and prevailed at trial in terminating the parental rights of the biological father. On appeal, a "super panel" of the appellate court affirmed the trial court's decision and issued this published opinion clarifying the legal status of incarcerated parents
- Domestic Violence Charges Dismissed. Karl represented a college student charged with Domestic Violence and Interference With a Telephone Emergency Call. Karl conducted a thorough investigation obtaining phone records, physical evidence, witness statements, police reports, dispatcher logs and notes, and physical evidence from the scene of the alleged crime that the police overlooked. The prosecutor dismissed the charges the day before trial., 2011
- Million Dollar Settlement. Karl represented the family of a motorcyclist who was killed on the highway when a commerical delivery vehicle pulled into an intersection and failed to yield to the motorcyclist. The insurance company initially refused to pay because the motorcyclist had the presence of THC in his blood at the time of the accident., 2014
Representative Clients:
- Karl represents people who have been accused of serious crimes, going through difficult divorces, or who have been severely injured. Karl is a Fellow of the American College of Trial Lawyers., 2020
Special Licenses/Certifications:
- Certified Adoption Attorney (Karl received certification in the very first class in 1994)
- Fellow, American College of Trial Lawyers, 2020
- Trial College, Criminal Defense Attorneys of Michigan, (July 2010)
- Arbitrator for the American Arbitration Association, Construction Law panel
Pro bono/Community Service:
- Regularly accepts pro bono assignments from the United States District Court for the Western District of Michigan to handle civil cases on behalf of indigent litigants
- "Pro Bono Honor Roll," State Bar of Michigan
- Settlement Facilitator, Michigan Court of Appeals Domestic Relations Settlement Program (2003-present)
- Edwina Nowlin, Represented this indigent mother of an incarcerated child when she was found in contempt of court and thrown in jail for being too poor to pay the county the cost of her son's incarceration. After successfully arguing for her release from custody, the case was favorably referenced in an editorial by "The New York Times" (4-6-09). This pro bono case was taken as an assignment from the ACLU
- Host and Lecturer, Pence & Numinen, PC, in conjunction with Northern Michigan University and the Michigan Assoc. for Justice, developed the curriculum and hosted The People's Law School. Karl taught the classes on Criminal Law, Federal Practice, and Family Law (2009-present)
- Mediator, United States District Court for the Western District of Michigan
Honors/Awards:
- Fellow, American College of Trial Lawyers, Fellow, American College of Trial Lawyers, 2020
- "The Best Lawyers in America" 2012 - present, Named, U.S. News and World Report, 2020
- Karl is rated "Superb" (10 out of 10 points) by Avvo.com based on his background, client references, and lawyer endorsements. 2011 - present, Superb Rating, Avvo.com, 2020
- Highest class score, American Jurisprudence Award -- Family Law, Thomas M. Cooley Law School, 1992
- Karl received the prestigious "AV" Preeminent rating from Martindale - Hubbell. This is a peer review rating given to only the top attorneys in the country., Rated "AV" Preeminent, Martindale-Hubbell, 2014
- Top trial advocate, American Jurisprudence Award -- Trial Workshop, Thomas M. Cooley Law School, 1992
- Dean's List, Thomas M. Cooley Law School, 1992
Educational Background:
- Michigan State University, Bachelor of Arts, 1988
Scholarly Lectures/Writings:
- "Property Holdings In Second Marriages," published in a special edition the Michigan Family Law Journal titled, "2nd Marriages", February, 1999, Author
- A detailed analysis of federal computer search warrant issues including defense strategies and resources, Presenter, "Computer Search Warrants: 4th Amendment Issues and Litigation Strategies", Administrative Office of the United States Courts, Office of Defender Services, Complex Litigation Seminar -- Atlanta Georgia, 2006
- Karl accepted the invitation to write this published "How To" manual on challenging illegal searches and seizures, "How To Attack Illegal Searches and Seizures", Author, Michigan Institute of Continuing Legal Education, 2011
- Karl accepted the invitation to contribute two complaints, one on Civil Rights and one on Age Discrimination, both of which were published in the current manual "Starting The Case - Michigan Complaint Manual", Contributor, Michigan Association for Justice, 2010
- Karl accepted the invitation to write this "How To" manual on preparing clients to testify, published by the Michigan Institute for Continuing Legal Education, Author, "How To Prepare Your Client To Testify", Michigan Insitute of Continuing Legal Education, 2012, Author
- Karl appeared before the Michigan Court of Appeals as Amicus Curiae counsel on behalf of the Criminal Defense Attorneys of Michigan in People vs. Yanna, COA No. 304293. The appellate court issued a published opinion finding that the prohibition on stun guns is unconstitutional., Author, Amicus Curiae, 2012
- Karl and Detroit attorney Steve Fishman presented, "Master Class: How to Cross Examine Snitches, Rats, and Government Informants,", Presenter, CDAM Advanced Criminal Defense Seminar, 2012
- Karl and attorney Tom Cranmer taught the "CDAM Master Class: How to Prepare Your Client to Testify at Trial," Advanced Skills Seminar, Traverse City, Presenter, Criminal Defense Attorneys Of Michigan, 2012
- Karl and Dr. Richard Ofshe taught the "Master Class: How to Handle a False Confession," at the CDAM Advanced Skills Seminar, Troy, Presenter, Criminal Defense Attorneys Of Michigan, 2013
- Karl and Detroit attorney Marty Crandall presented "Master Class: How to Conduct a 30-Minute Voir Dire" at the CDAM Advanced Skills Seminar, Traverse City, Presenter, Criminal Defense Attorneys Of Michigan, 2013
- Karl and attorney Ashish Joshi were invited to present the Keynote Address to the Criminal Defense Attorneys of Michigan Spring Conference in Troy, Michigan. The title of their presentation is "The Use of Expert Witnesses in Criminal Sexual Conduct Trials.", Keynote Speaker, Criminal Defense Attorneys Of Michigan, 2015
- Karl was invited by the State Bar of Michigan to present the Medical Marijuana Legal Update at the 2015 Upper Michigan Legal Institute at the Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island, Presenter, Medical Marijuana Legal Update, State Bar Of Michigan, 2015
Other Outstanding Achievements:
- Karl received the prestigious "AV" rating from Martindale - Hubbell. This is the highest possible rating in both legal standards and professional ethics and is only awarded to the very top percent of attorneys in the nation. 2014 - present, 2020
- Karl received a "Superb" rating (10 out of 10 points) from Avvo.com based on his background, client references, and lawyer endorsements every year since 2011., 2020
- Karl has been selected by his peers for inclusion in "The Best Lawyers in America" and has been listed every year since 2012., 2020
Selections
15 Years Super Lawyers
- Super Lawyers: 2011 - 2025
