Joseph A. Simon
Criminal Defense Attorney
Ann Arbor, Michigan
Ann Arbor, Michigan
35+ Years Experience
35+
Years in Criminal Defense
100s
of Criminal Cases Tried
2000
Listed in Best Lawyers in America® Since
24/7
Available for Urgent Calls
A Lifelong Commitment to the Accused
Throughout his career, spanning more than 35 years, Mr. Simon has tried hundreds of criminal cases throughout the state of Michigan. He has established a reputation for providing vigorous and successful defenses to individuals throughout Washtenaw, Wayne, Jackson, Lenawee and Livingston counties in a wide range of criminal defense cases, including those involving OWI and DUI charges, domestic assault, assault & battery, theft offenses, traffic offenses, computer crimes, homicide allegations and alleged drug crimes.
Mr. Simon's ethics and thorough approach have garnered him several accolades, including Martindale-Hubbell's AV-Preeminent peer-reviewed rating for the highest standards in ethics and legal ability; a listing in The Best Lawyers in America ® since 2000 under the specialty of criminal defense, with five selections as Ann Arbor's criminal defense Lawyer of the Year; AVVO's highest "10.0" rating; selection as a Michigan Super Lawyer in criminal defense since 2007; recognition as a criminal defense Leading Lawyer since 2014; and selection as one of America's Top 100 Criminal Defense Attorneys® since 2019.
A frequent contributor to the Institute of Continuing Legal Education in Ann Arbor, Mr. Simon has delivered seminars and taught classes on nine different criminal law-related subjects, ranging from misdemeanor defense to handling felony assault cases. He also authored Michigan Automated Sentencing Guidelines©, a computer program for scoring the state's sentencing guidelines that is used by probation agents throughout the state. He practices before all Michigan state courts and is admitted to the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan.
Practice Focus
- › Criminal defense only — a full-service firm handling exclusively criminal matters
- › OWI/DUI, assault, domestic violence, drug charges, computer crimes, theft, homicide allegations
- › Washtenaw, Wayne, Jackson, Lenawee & Livingston counties
Bar Admissions
- › All Michigan state courts
- › U.S. District Court, Eastern District of Michigan
Recognition
- › The Best Lawyers in America®, Criminal Defense (since 2000)
- › Lawyer of the Year, Ann Arbor Criminal Defense — Best Lawyers® (2013, 2015, 2023, 2024, 2025)
- › AV Preeminent® Rating, Martindale-Hubbell
- › Michigan Super Lawyers, Criminal Defense (since 2007)
- › Avvo 10.0 Rating + Clients' Choice Award
- › Leading Lawyers (since 2014) · America's Top 100® (since 2019)
Of Counsel — Stephen Adams
- › Of counsel to the firm since March 2024
- › Over thirty years practicing criminal law as both prosecutor and defense attorney
- › Federal and state courts throughout southeastern Michigan, with trial experience in homicide, criminal sexual conduct, robbery, domestic violence and drunk driving cases
Teaching & Publications
- › Frequent contributor, Institute of Continuing Legal Education (ICLE), Ann Arbor
- › Seminars and classes taught on nine criminal law subjects
- › Author, Michigan Automated Sentencing Guidelines© — used by probation agents statewide
Defense Starts Before the Courtroom
Case Dissection
Every police report, body camera video, lab result, and witness statement is reviewed for legal vulnerabilities before a strategy is set. The evidence the prosecution relies on is rarely as solid as it first appears.
Transparent Strategy
Clients are never kept in the dark. Mr. Simon explains every option, every risk, and every likely outcome so decisions are always informed and deliberate.
Prepared to Try the Case
Mr. Simon has tried hundreds of criminal cases in courts across Michigan. Preparing every case as if it will be tried strengthens the client's position at every stage — whether the right path is negotiation, motion practice, or a jury verdict.
Selected Outcomes
Recent results from cases handled by the firm. Every case is different, and past outcomes do not guarantee future results.
Criminal Sexual Conduct 3rd Degree
All Charges Dismissed
Felony charges of third-degree criminal sexual conduct and assault with intent were dismissed in their entirety at the preliminary examination (22nd Circuit Court matter).
Operating While Intoxicated
Dismissed
Charges dismissed following the grant of a defense motion to suppress evidence (15th District Court).
Domestic Violence
Not Guilty
Not guilty verdict returned at trial (15th District Court).
Felonious Assault
Dismissed
Assault with a dangerous weapon charge dismissed at the preliminary examination (14B District Court / 22nd Circuit Court).
Operating While Intoxicated
Reduced to Civil Infraction
OWI charge resolved as a civil infraction — no criminal conviction (15th District Court).
Operating While Impaired
Reduced to Careless Driving
Impaired driving charge reduced to careless driving, a civil infraction (14A-2 District Court).
Results vary based on the specific facts and legal issues of each case. Past results are not a guarantee of future outcomes.
"I cannot express enough appreciation for Mr. Simon's work on my case. When facing a grave allegation for something you did not do, you need a dedicated attorney with meticulous attention to detail, deep expertise, and tested experience. That is exactly what I found."
Client Review
Talk to Mr. Simon Directly
When you call the Law Offices of Joseph A. Simon, your consultation is confidential and your case is handled personally. A direct conversation about your situation and your options.
Available 24/7 for urgent criminal matters