Joseph Simon is a very respectful and helpful lawyer, would recommend!
Cesar Rodriguez
02/15/2023
Joseph Simon is a very respectful and helpful lawyer, would recommend!
Joe is one of the best criminal defense attorney in town. Always professional and trustworthy. Great lawyer!
Just Trust Mr Simon, he will get the job done. Thanks
When searching for a DUI attorney in Washtenaw County, you’ll likely encounter lawyers advertising themselves as the “Best Drunk Driving Defense Attorney,” “Top DUI/OWI Attorney,” or “#1 DUI/OWI Attorney.” While these claims are common in legal marketing, it’s important to understand what they actually mean—and what they don’t.
Michigan’s Rules of Professional Conduct are clear on this point: attorneys cannot compare their services with other lawyers’ services unless the comparison can be factually substantiated. Claims of being “the best” or “#1” cannot be verified against every peer in the field, which means these declarations often violate professional ethics standards. Attorneys making such boasts may prioritize marketing over substance.
At the Law Offices of Joseph A. Simon, we take a different approach. Rather than making unsubstantiated claims, we let our credentials, case results, peer reviews, and client feedback speak for themselves. We’ve earned our reputation through decades of dedicated criminal defense work and consistent recognition from respected legal organizations—not through marketing rhetoric.
When evaluating any attorney, third-party assessments carry far more weight than self-proclaimed titles. These independent evaluations reflect objective standards and professional consensus rather than marketing claims.
Joseph A. Simon has earned recognition from leading legal organizations for over two decades:
These recognitions are based on peer review and professional assessment—not on marketing budgets or self-promotion. They represent objective measures of competence, ethics, and standing within the legal community.
As you evaluate DUI attorneys in Washtenaw County or surrounding areas, look beyond the advertising claims. Consider these essential factors:
Examine an attorney’s actual credentials, years of practice, and case results. These tangible factors provide genuine insight into an attorney’s capabilities and track record. An attorney with 38+ years of criminal defense experience brings a depth of knowledge and courtroom presence that simply cannot be replicated by newer practitioners, regardless of their marketing claims.
An attorney’s standing among peers—judges, prosecutors, and fellow defense lawyers—often reflects their competence and professionalism more accurately than any advertisement. Look for recognition from established legal organizations and peer-reviewed ratings that assess both legal ability and ethical standards.
Reviews from both legal peers and former clients provide valuable insights into an attorney’s performance, communication style, and effectiveness. Independent review platforms and rating systems offer a window into real-world client experiences and professional reputation.
Verify that your attorney is actually located in and regularly practices in the jurisdiction where they claim to offer services. Local knowledge of courts, prosecutors, judges, and procedural nuances can be essential in building an effective defense strategy. An attorney who practices primarily in your county understands the local legal landscape in ways that out-of-area practitioners simply cannot.
Ethical standards ensure that an attorney practices law with integrity and professionalism. Look for attorneys who do not compromise their ethics to attract clients and who rely on their experience, reputation, and peer-reviewed ratings. An attorney’s ethical foundation influences how they handle your case and represent your interests throughout the legal process.
Criminal defense is a specialized field that requires dedicated expertise. Attorneys who focus exclusively on criminal law—from DUI/OWI cases to more serious felonies—develop the tactical knowledge and courtroom experience necessary to protect your rights effectively.
Michigan’s Rules of Professional Conduct prohibit attorneys from making comparative claims about their services unless those claims can be factually substantiated. Since no objective measure can definitively prove one attorney is “the best” among all peers, such claims are often unethical and should be viewed with suspicion. These marketing tactics may signal an attorney who prioritizes advertising over delivering real results.
Look for an attorney’s years of experience, case results, reputation within the legal community, and peer-reviewed ratings. It’s also crucial to verify whether the attorney is licensed to practice in your jurisdiction and regularly appears in local courts. Check for recognition from respected legal organizations—not just any organization, but those with rigorous vetting processes like The Best Lawyers in America®, Martindale-Hubbell, Michigan Super Lawyers, and AVVO.
Trust and reliability are foundational to the attorney-client relationship. Check for peer-reviewed ratings such as Martindale-Hubbell’s AV-Preeminent rating, AVVO’s highest ratings, and recognition in established lists like The Best Lawyers in America® and Michigan Super Lawyers. Read client reviews on independent platforms. These third-party assessments provide objective measures of an attorney’s standing in the legal community and with clients.
Meaningful recognition includes being listed in The Best Lawyers in America® over an extended period (indicating consistent recognition, not a one-time honor), achieving peer-reviewed ratings like Martindale-Hubbell’s AV-Preeminent designation, being selected as a state Super Lawyer, and earning inclusion in selective lists like America’s Top 100 Criminal Defense Attorneys®. These recognitions are based on peer review and professional assessment rather than self-promotion or marketing spend.
An attorney’s ethical standards directly impact how they handle your case and represent your interests. Attorneys who maintain the highest ethical standards are more likely to provide honest counsel, protect your rights rigorously, and navigate the criminal justice system with integrity. Your attorney’s ethical foundation can influence everything from how they negotiate with prosecutors to how they prepare your defense strategy.
If you’re facing DUI/OWI charges in Washtenaw County, the Law Offices of Joseph A. Simon provides experienced representation throughout the region, including Ann Arbor, Ypsilanti, Chelsea, Saline, Dexter, and surrounding communities. We also serve Wayne, Jackson, Livingston, and Lenawee counties.
With over 38 years of dedicated criminal defense experience, we understand the stakes involved in a DUI charge and the potential consequences for your future. A conviction can affect employment, education, housing, and professional licensing—which is why skilled, ethical representation is so critical.
Choosing the right DUI attorney is one of the most important decisions you’ll make during this challenging time. Rather than being swayed by marketing claims of being “#1” or “the best,” evaluate attorneys based on verifiable credentials, peer recognition, case results, and ethical standards.
At the Law Offices of Joseph A. Simon, we’ve built our reputation over nearly four decades through consistent excellence, unwavering advocacy, and genuine commitment to protecting our clients’ rights and futures. Our clients, peers, and case results speak for themselves.
If you’re facing DUI charges in Washtenaw County or surrounding areas, contact us today for a free, confidential consultation. Call (734) 887-6200 to speak with an experienced criminal defense attorney who will fight for your rights.
We’re available 24/7/365 to discuss your case and explain how we can help protect your future.