Experienced criminal defense in Ann Arbor.
For more than 40 years, Ann Arbor attorney Joseph A. Simon has defended clients against OWI, drug, assault, domestic violence, and criminal sexual conduct charges in the district and circuit courts of Southeast Michigan.
RECOGNIZED BY THIRD-PARTY RATING ORGANIZATIONS
Criminal defense in Southeast Michigan.
From misdemeanors to serious felonies, we appear in the district and circuit courts of Southeast Michigan and examine every element of the prosecution's case.
DUI / OWI Defense
Operating while intoxicated is charged under MCL 257.625, and a conviction carries both criminal penalties and Secretary of State license sanctions. We examine the traffic stop, the field sobriety procedures, and the chemical test -- including instrument calibration and maintenance records.
Drug Crimes
Possession under MCL 333.7403 and manufacture, delivery, or possession with intent under MCL 333.7401, where the penalty turns on the substance and its weight. We examine every search and seizure for constitutional violations that may support a motion to suppress.
Assault & Battery
Simple assault and assault and battery under MCL 750.81 are misdemeanors carrying up to 93 days and a $500 fine; felonious assault under MCL 750.82 is a felony carrying up to 4 years and a $2,000 fine. We examine witness testimony, physical evidence, and self-defense where it applies.
Domestic Violence
Domestic assault under MCL 750.81(2) is a misdemeanor carrying up to 93 days and a $500 fine, with no mandatory minimum jail. For a first offense, deferral under MCL 769.4a can allow a case to end without a conviction entering. We examine the evidence, the witnesses, and the circumstances of the arrest.
Criminal Sexual Conduct
CSC is charged under MCL 750.520b–520e, ranging from fourth-degree CSC -- a misdemeanor carrying up to 2 years -- to first-degree CSC, punishable by life or any term of years. Representation is strictly confidential and begins with a thorough investigation of the allegation.
College & Campus Crimes
A charge during your college years should not define your future. We handle criminal court and university disciplinary proceedings, including youthful trainee status under HYTA, MCL 762.11–762.15, where a client qualifies.
Computer Crimes
From unauthorized access and identity theft to online fraud allegations, we defend digital cases with the technical understanding they demand.
Expungements
Michigan's set-aside law, MCL 780.621 et seq., was broadened by the 2020 Clean Slate package, and first-offense OWI became eligible separately under 2021 PA 78. A set-aside is never automatic for an assaultive crime or a serious misdemeanor -- it requires an application, a hearing, and the court's discretion.
Home Invasion
All three degrees of home invasion under MCL 750.110a are felonies -- 20 years for first degree, 15 for second, and 5 for third. We examine intent, access, and the evidence behind the prosecution's case.
Theft Offenses
Larceny, retail fraud, embezzlement, and receiving stolen property -- charged by dollar value, from misdemeanors to serious felonies. We scrutinize intent, value, and the evidence behind every count.
Malicious Destruction of Property
MDOP charges rise and fall on the alleged dollar amount of damage. We examine intent, valuation, and identity in every case.
Homicide
First-degree murder under MCL 750.316 carries a mandatory sentence of life without parole; second-degree murder under MCL 750.317 is punishable by life or any term of years; manslaughter under MCL 750.321 carries up to 15 years. We examine intent, causation, forensics, and every element the prosecution must prove.
Police Investigations
Being investigated is not the same as being charged. When police make contact before charges are filed, counsel can advise you on your rights during questioning and communicate with investigators on your behalf.
Joseph A. Simon
Criminal Defense Attorney · Ann Arbor, MI
A defense built on 40 years of criminal practice.
The Law Offices of Joseph A. Simon is a full-service law firm handling only criminal defense matters, misdemeanor and felony, from traffic offenses to homicide cases. For Joseph A. Simon, criminal defense has been a lifelong focus -- a craft he has seasoned over a 40-plus year career. Mr. Simon has vigorously defended clients throughout Southeast Michigan, in district and circuit courts alike.
Mr. Simon's concentrated experience and knowledge of the criminal law have earned him a number of professional recognitions: Listed in The Best Lawyers in America ® since 2001, in the area of criminal defense, having five times been selected as Ann Arbor's criminal defense Lawyer of the Year (2013, 2015, 2023, 2024, 2025); Martindale-Hubbell's AV Preeminent* peer-reviewed rating for legal ability and ethical standards; AVVO's "10.0" rating; Selected as a Michigan Super Lawyer in the area of criminal defense since 2007; Named a criminal defense Leading Lawyer since 2014; and Selected as one of America's Top 100 Criminal Defense Attorneys ®** since 2019.
* Martindale-Hubbell® is the facilitator of a peer review rating process. Ratings reflect the anonymous opinions of members of the bar and the judiciary. Martindale-Hubbell® Peer Review Ratings™ fall into two categories -- legal ability and general ethical standards.
** Only the top 100 qualifying attorneys in each state receive this honor and are selected for membership among America's Top 100 Criminal Defense Attorneys.® Less than one-half percent (0.5%) of active attorneys in the United States receive this honor.
Proudly serving Washtenaw County.
Our office sits on South Main Street in the heart of Ann Arbor. We represent clients in every city and township across Washtenaw County and throughout Southeast Michigan.
Available for urgent criminal matters and arrests.
Law Offices of Joseph A. Simon
1310 South Main Street, Suite 11
Ann Arbor, MI 48104
Representative case results.
Real outcomes from cases handled by the firm. Every case is different, and past results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
All charges dismissed at preliminary examination
Client charged with CSC Third Degree, Assault with Intent to Do Great Bodily Harm Less Than Murder, and Domestic Violence (22nd Circuit Court).
Dismissed after motion to suppress
Client charged with Operating While Intoxicated (15th District Court). Charges dismissed following the grant of a defense motion to suppress evidence.
Not guilty verdict at trial
Client charged with Domestic Violence (15th District Court). Result: a not-guilty verdict returned at trial.
Dismissed at preliminary examination
Client charged with Felonious Assault -- Assault with a Dangerous Weapon (14B District Court / 22nd Circuit Court).
Reduced to a civil infraction
Client charged with Operating While Intoxicated (15th District Court). Result: charges reduced to a civil infraction.
Reduced to careless driving
Client charged with Operating While Impaired (14A-2 District Court). Result: charges reduced to careless driving.
Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Each case depends on its own facts and circumstances.
What our clients say.
Real, verified Google reviews from clients and their families. Read all client reviews →
"I have known Joe for years now and he has always been polite, professional, and in my experience really cares about those he serves. If you need a criminal defense attorney or dui lawyer in the Ann Arbor area, Joe is your guy!"
"We went through a very stressful court process and Joe took time for us, shared knowledge, gave advice, and went out of his way to help beyond expectations or the norm. Thank you Joe!"
"I called Joe at 8 pm on a Wednesday hoping to get a call the next day. He personally called back within 10 minutes, after hours, got to work and was able to get the entire case dismissed. 10/10 trustworthy and honest! Thanks Joe"
"Great lawyer. If you need someone in Ann Arbor or anywhere else for that matter he is the guy!"
"Fantastic attorney! He's knowledgeable, helpful, and very responsive to clients. I couldn't be happier with the results he got me."
"The attorney handled everything very quickly, worked hard to achieve the best outcome, and delivered a result I was fully satisfied with. Cannot recommend enough."
"Joe has helped me twice now & has done amazing work. He's extremely kind & does his very best to help you. Highly recommend."
"Joe was a guiding, effective light during a difficult and awkward time. His experience, expertise and agility achieved our desired result. We would recommend Joe Simon again and again."
"Absolutely first rate representation. Phenomenal listening and first rate strategy. Success on every metric."
"So Joe Simon is the attorney you need to continue your life as it was prior. I highly recommend get him as soon as possible he's amazing. Also two people I personally know recommend me to him and had only good news."
"Joe is a straight shooter always kept me updated and did exactly what he said he would do. I would highly recommend joe if you need a good lawyer."
"Mr. Simon shepherded us through a difficult time, patiently explaining the process and instilling confidence. He was able to resolve the issue without setting foot in the courtroom. I recommend him to anyone needing representation."
"Fantastic lawyer and even better human being! He really cares about his clients. Can't recommend highly enough!"
"Joe Simon has treated me with respect and did a great job understanding my case. He was excellent in the courtroom and with follow up after court proceedings. I highly recommend Joe Simon for representation of your case."
If you've been arrested, read this first.
You have rights under the United States and Michigan Constitutions. Knowing them -- and exercising them -- can protect you long before you ever reach a courtroom.
Available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for urgent matters.
Request a Confidential ConsultationDo I have to answer police questions?
Can police search my car or home without a warrant?
What should I do if I'm arrested?
How quickly should I hire a defense attorney?
Will my case go to trial?
Am I eligible for expungement in Michigan?
Years defending clients in Southeast Michigan
Available for urgent criminal matters
Listed in Best Lawyers in America® since
Google rating across 179 client reviews
Talk to a defense attorney today.
Your consultation is confidential. Tell us what you're facing and we'll explain how Michigan law applies to it -- and how the firm can help.
1310 South Main Street, Suite 11
Ann Arbor, MI 48104
24/7 for urgent matters
Office: Mon–Fri, 8am–6pm
Request a confidential consultation
Tell us what you're facing -- we respond quickly, usually the same day.