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

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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 defense Lawyer of the Year five 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 Lawyer in the specialty of criminal defense since 2007; has been named a criminal defense Leading Lawyer since 2014; and has been selected as one of America'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:

1. Credentials and Experience: Examine the attorney's actual credentials, years of experience, and case results. These tangible factors provide insight into an attorney's capabilities and track record.
2. Reputation in the Legal Community: An attorney's standing among peers often reflects their competence and professionalism. Look for recognition from legal organizations and peer-reviewed ratings that assess both legal ability and ethical standards.
3. Peer and Client Reviews: Reviews from both legal peers and former clients can provide valuable insights into an attorney's performance, communication style, and effectiveness.
4. Location and Jurisdiction: Verify that the attorney is actually located in and practices regularly in the jurisdiction where they claim to offer services. Local knowledge of courts, prosecutors, and procedures can be essential in building an effective defense strategy.
5. 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 and who rely on their experience, reputation, and peer-reviewed ratings.

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 [1] and should be viewed with skepticism. These marketing tactics may signal an attorney who prioritizes advertising over substance.

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. Substantive credentials from respected legal organizations carry more weight than self-proclaimed titles.

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] These third-party assessments provide objective measures of an attorney's standing in the legal community.

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] These recognitions are based on peer review and professional assessment rather than self-promotion.

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 and who rely on their experience, reputation, and peer-reviewed ratings.  An attorney's ethical foundation may influence how they handle your case and represent your interests throughout the legal process.

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

[1] Michigan Rules of Professional Conduct, Rule 7.1(c).

[2] The Best Lawyers in America®

[3] These factors represent important considerations when evaluating any attorney's qualifications and suitability for your case. Each case presents unique circumstances, and selecting an attorney should be based on careful evaluation of their credentials, experience, and fit with your specific needs.

[4] 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.

[5} 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).