One of the Top Ten Criminal Defense Attorneys in the State of Michigan Leading Lawyers Magazine 2020 peer review survey

“Miracle Worker...Satisfied is an Understatement” - Client

Simon is One of the Top Criminal Defense Attorneys in Ann Arbor, Say His Peers - Ann Arbor Observer

“His cross-examination is unreal. His ability to see two steps ahead is magical to watch.” - Client’s parent

AG Drops Charges Against Northfield Township Police Lieutenant MLive

“He was a mastermind of how to bring about the truth… He was able to protect my child’s reputation.” - Client’s parent

Criminal Charges Dismissed Against Ex-Ann Arbor Priest MLive

“Mr. Simon proved to be an outstanding attorney who has a clear grasp of the law as well as the court system.” - Client’s husband

“Joe went above and beyond our expectations as a counselor. He was instrumental in protecting my son's reputation both in and outside the courthouse.” - Client’s parent

“Joe Simon is AMAZING. As a parent of a son who was facing the scariest time in his life, Joe came highly recommended and exceeded all expectations.” - Client’s parent

“Mr. Simon and his office resources will do everything in the power of the law to take your case on and offer the best possible outcome.” - Past client

America's Top 100 Criminal Defense Attorneys

Determining Washtenaw County's Best DUI Attorney

When searching for an attorney for a DUI charge arising in Washtenaw County, you may encounter attorneys who advertise themselves as the "Best Drunk Driving Defense Attorney in Washtenaw County," "Best DUI Attorney in Washtenaw County," "Top DUI/OWI Attorney," or "#1 DUI/OWI Attorney." While these claims are regularly made and advertised by attorneys, it's important to understand that the Rules of Professional Conduct clearly state that when advertising, an attorney cannot "compare the lawyer's services with other lawyers' services, unless the comparison can be factually substantiated."^[1] Accordingly, lawyers should not be making claims of being "The Best" or "#1" or the "Top Attorney," as these claims cannot be factually substantiated against their peers.

At the Law Offices of Joseph A. Simon, we won't compromise our ethics to entice clients by making such boasts and instead rely on our experience, reputation, and peer-reviewed ratings for the highest levels of legal ability and ethical standards. Despite having the accolades and case results to support making such claims, we let our clients, peers, and case results speak for themselves.

Recognition Based on Peer Review and Professional Standards

Joseph A. Simon has been listed in The Best Lawyers in America®since 2001, under the specialty of criminal defense, having been selected as Ann Arbor's criminal defenseLawyer of the Yearfive times (2013, 2015, 2023, 2024, 2025).^[2] He has achieved Martindale-Hubbell's AV-Preeminent^[4] peer-reviewed rating for the highest standards in ethics and legal ability;has achieved AVVO's highest "10.0" rating; has been selected as a Michigan Super Lawyerin the specialty of criminal defense since 2007; has been named a criminal defenseLeading Lawyersince 2014; and has been selected as one ofAmerica's Top 100 Criminal Defense Attorneys®since 2019.^[5]

If you're facing DUI charges in Washtenaw, Wayne, Jackson, Livingston, or Lenawee County, contact the Law Offices of Joseph A. Simon at 734-887-6200 for a free consultation. With over 38 years of experience in criminal defense, we provide knowledgeable representation while maintaining the highest ethical standards.

What to Look for When Choosing a DUI Attorney

When deciding what advertising you can trust, ask yourself why an attorney is making claims of being "the best" in the first place. Also, look behind the curtain at the lawyer's actual credentials, years of experience, case results, reputation in the legal community, peer and client reviews, and determine if the attorney is actually located in the jurisdiction in which they say they practice.^[3] Trust and reliability are the heart of any attorney-client relationship.

When evaluating a DUI attorney, consider the following factors:

Credentials and Experience: Examine the attorney's actual credentials, years of experience, and case results.
Reputation in the Legal Community: An attorney's standing among peers often reflects their competence and professionalism.
Peer and Client Reviews: Reviews from both legal peers and former clients can provide valuable insights.
Location and Jurisdiction: Verify that the attorney is actually located in and practices regularly in the jurisdiction where they claim to offer services.
Ethical Standards: Ethical standards help ensure that an attorney practices law with integrity and professionalism.

Frequently Asked Questions About Choosing a DUI Attorney in Washtenaw County

Why should I be cautious of attorneys claiming to be the "best" or "#1"?

The Rules of Professional Conduct state that attorneys cannot compare their services with others unless the comparison can be factually substantiated.^[1] Claims of being the "best" or "#1" are often not factually substantiated and should be viewed with skepticism.

What should I look for in a DUI attorney's credentials?

Look for an attorney's actual credentials, years of experience, case results, reputation in the legal community, and peer and client reviews.^[3] It's also important to verify if the attorney is located in the jurisdiction where they claim to practice.

How can I verify an attorney's reputation and reliability?

Trust and reliability are crucial in an attorney-client relationship. Check for peer-reviewed ratings, such as Martindale-Hubbell's AV-Preeminent rating, AVVO's highest "10.0" rating, and recognition in reputable lists like The Best Lawyers in America® and Michigan Super Lawyers.^{[2, 4, 5]}

What are some of the accolades and recognitions that indicate a reputable DUI attorney?

Some notable accolades include being listed in The Best Lawyers in America® since 2001,^[2]achieving Martindale-Hubbell's AV-Preeminent rating^[4], being selected as a Michigan Super Lawyer since 2007, and being named one of America's Top 100 Criminal Defense Attorneys® since 2019.^[5]

Why is it important to consider an attorney's ethical standards?

Ethical standards help ensure that an attorney practices law with integrity and professionalism. Look for attorneys who do not compromise their ethics to entice clients.

Choosing the right DUI attorney is an important decision. At the Law Offices of Joseph A. Simon, we let our clients, peers, and case results speak for themselves. Contact us at 734-887-6200. We serve clients throughout Washtenaw County, including Ann Arbor, Ypsilanti, Chelsea, Saline, Dexter, Chelsea, and surrounding communities.

Footnotes

Michigan Rules of Professional Conduct, Rule 7.1(c).
The Best Lawyers in America®
These factors represent important considerations when evaluating any attorney's qualifications.
Martindale-Hubbell® is the facilitator of a peer review rating process.
Only the top 100 qualifying attorneys in each state receive this honor.

Contact us for a Free Confidential Consultation

Located in Ann Arbor, Michigan, the Law Offices of Joseph A. Simon handles all criminal defense matters primarily in Washtenaw County but also service all surrounding counties. Contact us to receive a free, confidential consultation with one of our attorneys at 734-887-6200 or email Mr. Simon at joe@simoncriminaldefense.com.

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