
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.
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.
Learn More →Drug Crimes
Possession, delivery, manufacturing, and trafficking. We probe every search and seizure for constitutional violations that can lead to suppression or dismissal.
Learn More →Assault & Battery
Whether simple assault or felonious assault, we build a strong defense using witness testimony, evidence analysis, and self-defense arguments when appropriate.
Learn More →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.
Learn More →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.
Learn More →Sex Crimes
Sensitive, strictly confidential defense for criminal sexual conduct and related allegations. We investigate every claim and challenge the prosecution at every turn.
Learn More →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.
Learn More →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.
Learn More →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.
Learn More →Not sure if your charge is listed? We defend the full range of Michigan criminal offenses.
Discuss Your Case NowThe 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

30+
Years Defending Michigan Residents
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.
Available 24/7 for Washtenaw County emergencies.
Call (734) 887-6200
Washtenaw County, Michigan
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.”

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.
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.
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 After Motion to Suppress
Client charged with Operating While Intoxicated (15th District Court). Result: Charges Dismissed following grant of Defense Motion to Suppress Evidence.
Reduced to a Civil Infraction
Client charged with Operating While Intoxicated (15th District Court). Result: Charges Reduced to Civil Infraction.
Not Guilty Verdict at Trial
Client charged with Domestic Violence (15th District Court). Result: Not Guilty Verdict at Trial.
Reduced to Careless Driving
Client charged with Operating While Impaired (14A-2 District Court). Result: Charges Reduced to Careless Driving.
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
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
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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.
1310 South Main Street, Suite 11, Ann Arbor, MI 48104
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