Legal Building Background
Criminal Defense Is All We Do

When the Stakes Are This High, Experience Matters.

For more than 35 years, attorney Joseph A. Simon has defended Michigan residents against OWI, drug, assault, domestic violence, and criminal sexual conduct charges — with hundreds of criminal cases tried in courts across the state.

Michigan Super Lawyers Since 2007
5.0 Google Rating, 200+ Reviews
Hundreds of Cases Tried
24/7 Available
35+Years of Practice
100sof Criminal Cases Tried
2000Listed in Best Lawyers in America® Since
5.0Google Rating, 200+ Reviews
What We Defend

Criminal Defense Across Michigan

From minor charges to serious felonies, we appear in courts throughout the state and fight vigorously for every client.

DUI / OWI Defense

Michigan DUI and OWI charges carry severe penalties. We challenge breathalyzer calibration, field sobriety tests, and stop procedures to protect your license and freedom.

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Drug Crimes

Possession, delivery, manufacturing, and trafficking. We probe every search and seizure for constitutional violations that can lead to suppression or dismissal.

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Assault & Battery

Whether simple assault or felonious assault, we build a strong defense using witness testimony, evidence analysis, and self-defense arguments when appropriate.

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Domestic Violence

False accusations and heated situations can lead to unwarranted charges. We protect your rights, challenge the evidence, and work to minimize lasting consequences.

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College & Campus Crimes

A charge during your college years should not define your future. We handle criminal court AND university disciplinary proceedings to protect your academic career.

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Sex Crimes

Sensitive, strictly confidential defense for criminal sexual conduct and related allegations. We investigate every claim and challenge the prosecution at every turn.

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Computer Crimes

From hacking and identity theft to online fraud and unauthorized access, we defend complex digital crime cases with expertise in both the law and the technology.

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Expungements

A past conviction should not follow you forever. Michigan's Clean Slate Act expanded eligibility significantly. We evaluate your record and guide you through the process.

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Home Invasion

First and second-degree home invasion charges carry serious prison time. We examine intent, access, and evidence rigorously to pursue the strongest possible defense.

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Not sure if your charge is listed? We defend the full range of Michigan criminal offenses.

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Memberships & Recognitions

The Best Lawyers in America®

Criminal Defense, listed since 2000

Lawyer of the Year — Ann Arbor

Best Lawyers® Criminal Defense (2013, 2015, 2023, 2024, 2025)

AV Preeminent® Rated

Martindale-Hubbell Peer Review

Michigan Super Lawyers

Criminal Defense, selected since 2007

Avvo 10.0 Rating

Highest Rating + Clients' Choice Award

America's Top 100®

Criminal Defense Attorneys, since 2019

Joseph A. Simon, Ann Arbor criminal defense attorney

30+

Years Defending Michigan Residents

About the Firm

A Defense Built on 35 Years of Trial Work

For more than 35 years, Joseph A. Simon has tried hundreds of criminal cases throughout the state of Michigan, defending clients in Washtenaw, Wayne, Jackson, Lenawee, and Livingston counties in matters ranging from OWI and domestic assault to drug charges and homicide allegations.

That record has earned peer recognition including Martindale-Hubbell's AV Preeminent rating, a listing in The Best Lawyers in America® every year since 2000, and five selections as Ann Arbor's criminal defense Lawyer of the Year. Mr. Simon is a frequent contributor to the Institute of Continuing Legal Education and authored the Michigan Automated Sentencing Guidelines© software used by probation agents statewide.

Leading Lawyers

Criminal Defense, named since 2014

ICLE Contributor

Seminars and classes on nine criminal law subjects

Published Author

Michigan Automated Sentencing Guidelines©

5.0 Google Rating

200+ client reviews

Proudly Serving Washtenaw County

Our office is based in Ann Arbor, at the heart of Washtenaw County. We represent clients in every city and township across the county, from arraignment through trial.

Ann Arbor
Ypsilanti
Saline
Chelsea
Milan
Dexter
Manchester
Whitmore Lake
Tecumseh
Augusta Township
Bridgewater
Pittsfield Township

Available 24/7 for Washtenaw County emergencies.

Call (734) 887-6200

Washtenaw County, Michigan

As Seen In

Press Coverage & Notable Mentions

Our attorneys and case outcomes have been featured across Michigan's leading news outlets.

MLive

Michigan's Largest News Network

The Ann Arbor News

Washtenaw County Coverage

The Detroit News

Statewide Daily Newspaper

News-Herald

Downriver Coverage

— MLive

“Criminal charges dismissed against ex-Ann Arbor priest -- charges filed nearly 30 years after the alleged conduct were dismissed following a statute-of-limitations defense.”

— The Detroit News

“An Ann Arbor district judge dismissed charges against a former Diocese of Lansing priest after a statute of limitations argument by the defense.”

— News-Herald

“State drops felony charges against officers with Downriver ties in auto inspections case.”

Empty courtroom interior
Courtroom Results

Charges Dropped. Cases Won. Lives Changed.

Real outcomes from cases handled by the firm. Every case is different, and past results do not guarantee similar outcomes.

Felonious Assault

Dismissed at Preliminary Examination

Client charged with Felonious Assault - Assault with a Dangerous Weapon (14B District Court/22nd Circuit Court). Result: Charges Dismissed at Preliminary Examination.

Dismissed
Criminal Sexual Conduct

All Charges Dismissed at Preliminary Examination

Client charged with Criminal Sexual Conduct, Third Degree, Assault with Intent to Do Great Bodily Harm Less Than Murder or By Strangulation, Domestic Violence (22nd Circuit Court). Result: All Charges Dismissed at Preliminary Examination.

Dismissed
DUI / OWI

Dismissed After Motion to Suppress

Client charged with Operating While Intoxicated (15th District Court). Result: Charges Dismissed following grant of Defense Motion to Suppress Evidence.

Dismissed
DUI / OWI

Reduced to a Civil Infraction

Client charged with Operating While Intoxicated (15th District Court). Result: Charges Reduced to Civil Infraction.

Charges Reduced
Domestic Violence

Not Guilty Verdict at Trial

Client charged with Domestic Violence (15th District Court). Result: Not Guilty Verdict at Trial.

Not Guilty
Operating While Impaired

Reduced to Careless Driving

Client charged with Operating While Impaired (14A-2 District Court). Result: Charges Reduced to Careless Driving.

Charges Reduced
Client Testimonials

What Our Clients Say

“Mr. Simon took the time to explain to me the entire situation on day one. He went through all details, explained all costs, and after calling 15 or more lawyers, his price was the best option! Everything with my case went exactly as Mr. Simon explained, and it ended with a better outcome than anticipated.”

Jason

Client Review

“I had never found myself in a situation where I needed an attorney. Through very unfortunate circumstances, I quickly needed a criminal defense attorney. Through friends in the public defenders office, they said Joe Simon was the best out there. I met with Joe for an initial phone call and then a more in-depth meeting.”

Lauren

Client Review

“Attorney Joe is truly an excellent lawyer. My case was unique and complex, but he showed unwavering confidence. He ultimately resolved it quickly and accurately, despite not being in the U.S. due to circumstances. We communicated seamlessly through phone calls and video meetings.”

Jaeho

Client Review

“I cannot express enough appreciation for Mr. Simon’s work on my case. When facing a grave allegation for something you did not do, as occurred in my situation, you need a dedicated attorney with meticulous attention to detail, deep expertise, and tested experience in the issues who will communicate their strategy to you so that you can...”

Anonymous Client

Client Review

“We were thrust into an unexpected case for a family member and Joe took our case and resolved the conflict quickly and with a better result than could have been expected. A true professional. If you ever need an advocate, hire this team.”

Mark

Client Review

“Joseph Simon is a fantastic attorney. I inadvertently landed in some trouble, and reached out to the law offices of Joseph Simon based on his high reviews. I spoke briefly with his paralegal, Victoria, before receiving a nearly immediate personal call back from Mr. Simon, who insisted I call him Joe.”

Nina

Client Review

Know Before You Call

If You've Been Arrested, Read This First

You have rights under the United States and Michigan Constitutions. Knowing them, and exercising them, can be the difference between a conviction and a dismissed case.

Available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week

(734) 887-6200

Speak to an Attorney Now
Do I have to answer police questions?
No. Under the Fifth Amendment, you have the absolute right to remain silent. In Michigan, you must provide your name and date of birth to law enforcement if they have reasonable suspicion you’ve committed a crime, but you are not required to answer any substantive questions. You should politely but firmly state: "I am exercising my right to remain silent and I want to speak to an attorney." Then stop talking.
Can police search my car or home without a warrant?
Generally, no. The Fourth Amendment protects you from unreasonable searches and seizures. Police need a warrant, your consent, or an applicable exception. Do not consent to any search. If a search happens without your permission and without a warrant, we may be able to have any evidence found suppressed.
What should I do if I’m arrested?
Stay calm. Do not resist or argue with the arresting officer, even if the arrest is unlawful. State clearly that you want an attorney. Exercise your right to silence. When you are permitted to make a phone call, contact the Law Offices of Joseph A. Simon immediately.
How quickly should I hire a defense attorney?
As soon as possible. The earlier we get involved, the more we can do. At the investigation stage, before charges are filed, there are often opportunities to provide evidence, shape the narrative, and sometimes prevent charges entirely.
Will my case go to trial?
Not necessarily. Many criminal cases are resolved through negotiation, motion practice, diversion programs, or dismissal. We evaluate every option and pursue the strategy that best serves your goals, whether that is a complete dismissal or a vigorous jury trial.
Am I eligible for expungement in Michigan?
Michigan’s Clean Slate Act, which took effect in 2021 and 2023, significantly expanded who qualifies for expungement. You may now be eligible to have multiple convictions set aside, including some felonies. Contact us for a free record review.
Confidential Consultation

Talk to a Defense Attorney Today

Your consultation is completely confidential and carries no obligation. Tell us what you're facing and we'll give you an honest assessment of your options. Available 24/7 for urgent matters.

Call Anytime

(734) 887-6200

Office Location

1310 South Main Street, Suite 11
Ann Arbor, MI 48104

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Strictly confidential. Attorney-client privilege applies.

1310 South Main Street, Suite 11, Ann Arbor, MI 48104

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