Excellent attorney. Highly recommend
Shalin _
02/15/2026
Excellent attorney. Highly recommend
Very helpful guyDidn’t need to hire him but was still very helpful and guided us
While I have not used his services directly, I have referred several clients. All have been very pleased with his services. He is talented, well-connected and caring. He gets great results.
A misdemeanor charge may seem less serious than a felony, but the consequences can still profoundly impact your life, career, and future opportunities. At Law Offices of Joseph A. Simon, PLLC, we understand that misdemeanor convictions create barriers to employment, housing, professional licensing, and educational opportunities. That’s why we bring the same aggressive, strategic defense to misdemeanor cases that we apply to our most serious felony matters.
In Michigan, misdemeanor offenses are criminal charges that carry potential jail sentences of up to one year and fines. Common misdemeanor charges include simple assault and battery, disorderly conduct, retail fraud, minor drug possession, operating while impaired (first offense), malicious destruction of property, and various traffic violations. While misdemeanors occupy a lower tier in the criminal hierarchy than felonies, they are still serious matters that warrant immediate legal attention and skilled representation.
Many people mistakenly believe they can handle misdemeanor cases on their own or that a public defender’s generic approach is sufficient. This assumption often leads to preventable convictions that haunt individuals for years. Having an experienced criminal defense attorney in your corner from the earliest stages can mean the difference between conviction and acquittal, or between jail time and probation.
With over 35 years of experience and hundreds of criminal trials under his belt, Joseph A. Simon applies meticulous attention to every misdemeanor case. We begin by conducting a thorough investigation of the charges, examining police reports, witness statements, and evidence with a critical eye. We look for procedural errors, constitutional violations, weak prosecution evidence, and inconsistencies in the state’s case.
Our comprehensive strategy includes negotiating with prosecutors for reduced charges or dismissed counts when appropriate, preparing for trial with the same rigor we would apply to a felony case, and protecting your constitutional rights at every stage. We understand that misdemeanor cases often offer opportunities for resolution that protects your interests—whether that means negotiating a plea to a lesser charge, securing probation instead of jail time, or taking your case to trial and fighting for acquittal.
The decisions you make immediately following a misdemeanor arrest can significantly impact your case’s outcome. Speaking with police without an attorney, accepting the first plea offer, or missing court deadlines can all harm your defense. When you retain our firm, we handle all communication with law enforcement and prosecutors, ensure you meet all procedural requirements, and develop a defense strategy tailored to your specific circumstances.
We also work to minimize collateral consequences. A misdemeanor conviction can result in a permanent criminal record visible to employers, landlords, and educational institutions. We explore every available option for record relief, including expungement when eligible, to help protect your future opportunities.
Your case begins with a free confidential consultation where we listen to your account, review all available documentation, and explain your legal options in clear, understandable terms. We keep you informed throughout the process, ensuring you understand each step and participate meaningfully in decisions about your defense.
Whether your misdemeanor case resolves through negotiation or proceeds to trial, we provide aggressive, intelligent advocacy grounded in decades of criminal defense experience. You’ll benefit from Joseph A. Simon’s proven track record, extensive courtroom experience, and recognition as one of Michigan’s top criminal defense attorneys.
If you’re facing misdemeanor charges in Michigan, don’t wait. The sooner you secure experienced legal representation, the better positioned you are to protect your rights and minimize the impact on your life. Contact Law Offices of Joseph A. Simon, PLLC for your free confidential consultation today.
Contact Law Offices of Joseph A. Simon, PLLC for a confidential consultation. Call us at (734) 887-6200 to discuss your misdemeanor charges and legal options.
A misdemeanor is a criminal offense punishable by up to 93 days in jail and/or a fine up to $500 for a first offense. Common misdemeanors include disorderly conduct, simple assault, retail fraud, and DUI. Unlike felonies, misdemeanors are less serious but still carry significant consequences for your record and future.
Yes. Depending on the circumstances, evidence, and prosecution’s case, misdemeanors may be dismissed through motions, negotiated down to a lesser charge, or resolved through diversion programs. Our experienced attorney evaluates every option to minimize or eliminate charges when possible.
A misdemeanor conviction can negatively impact employment, housing, professional licenses, and background checks. This is why aggressive defense is critical. We work to avoid conviction when possible, explore expungement eligibility, and protect your future opportunities.
