washtenaw county Criminal Defense Attorney Michigan Criminal Defense Lawyer
Michigan Criminal Defense Lawyer spacer washtenaw county Criminal Defense Attorney Ann Arbor Criminal Defense Attorney Profile washtenaw county Criminal Defense Attorney Firm Profile Ann Arbor Criminal Defense Attorney Cases Ann Arbor Criminal Defense Attorney Media washtenaw county Criminal Defense Attorney Contact
Michigan Criminal Defense Lawyer spacer spacer spacer
spacer Michigan Criminal Defense Lawyer spacer Michigan Criminal Defense Lawyer spacer
Michigan Criminal Defense Lawyer spacer Michigan Criminal Defense Lawyer spacer
Michigan Criminal Defense Lawyer spacer
  • Felonies
  • Misdemeanors
  • OWI - Drunk Driving
  • Sex Offenses
  • Domestic Violence
  • Drug Offenses
  • Weapons Offenses
  • Assault
  • Fraud/Theft
  • Robbery
  • Embezzlement
  • Breaking & Entering
  • Traffic Offenses
  • Homicide
  • Internet Crimes
  • Expungement of Records
Free Initial Consultation

On Call 24 Hours

Reasonable Rates

Law Offices of Joseph A. Simon,
Excellence in Criminal Defense

Joseph A. Simon is an experienced, trustworthy and respected criminal defense attorney. Recognized as "One of the Top Criminal Defense Attorneys in Ann Arbor" by his peers, Mr. Simon has been providing excellence in criminal defense for over 20 years.

FAQs

How do I select an attorney?
When selecting an attorney, there is no perfect formula. However, it is important to consider the attorney's experience, trustworthiness, and standing in his or her legal community. Does the attorney have the respect of the judges before whom he or she practices? Does the attorney actually litigate cases versus steering clients only toward guilty pleas? Does the attorney have a proven track record at trial? Does the attorney have the wisdom that years of experience bring in dealing with cases similar to your own?

I care deeply about my profession and my practice area. Criminal defense often takes a beating publicly. However, it is a vitally important part of our justice system. Those who find themselves in the unfortunate circumstance of having to defend themselves against an accusation of a crime understand the importance of excellence in representation from a criminal defense attorney. My practice is premised on the belief that very good people make mistakes and sometimes make bad decisions in an isolated moment in time. I also firmly believe that many people are wrongfully charged and many are over charged. I also believe that there is a growing class of attorneys undertaking criminal cases who do not possess the necessary knowledge and expertise to handle cases they accept. A strong and vital defense is compelled by these beliefs.

BACK TO TOP

Does local counsel matter?
Without question, a lawyer who is established and practices in a particular community has access to knowledge and persons involved in that community that an "outside attorney" does not have. One of the greatest sources of anxiety for a person who first enters the criminal justice system is lack of information. Relevant information is often peculiar to a jurisdiction, judge, or court. Moreover, judges, prosecutors, and police officers, will, over time, develop a respect and deference to counsel in their community who perform. My practice is primarily based in Washtenaw County. However, over the last 20 years, I have also established myself in Lenawee County, Livingston County, Jackson County, Oakland County, Monroe and Wayne counties. I will always be honest and candid with any prospective client in determining my ability to be effective in representation in a particular locality.

BACK TO TOP

Does experience matter?
Experience is perhaps the single most important consideration in retaining an attorney. Having to retain a criminal defense attorney is one of the most important and vulnerable times a person can encounter. It is comforting and reassuring to know that your attorney has handled many cases such as yours; has established himself/herself in the courts you are about to encounter; has accumulated the knowledge that can only come from doing; and, perhaps most importantly, is respected in his/her legal community.

For over 20 years, I have been practicing criminal law exclusively -only as a defense attorney and only in the state of Michigan. In that time, I have handled all aspects of criminal cases from traffic tickets to high profile/national news media homicide cases. A "career" in criminal defense is not defined by a few years' practice. Nor is a career in criminal defense established by working in civil cases or as a prosecutor for many years then making the switch to the other side. A career in criminal defense is built on years of knowing what it feels like to sit in the Defendant's seat in the courtroom; by believing in the importance of criminal defense and the importance of challenging those in positions of authority; and by a proven track record of success as defense attorney.

BACK TO TOP

If I retain a lawyer, will I win my case?
No lawyer should ever make a promise of an outcome in representation. If a lawyer you are consulting assures an outcome or boasts of a sure victory, beware. I can only promise hard and dedicated work and a pledge to keep my clients informed so that they may make knowledgeable decisions. Hard and dedicated work almost always produces positive results.

ann arbor criminal defense lawyer washtenaw county criminal defense lawyer