James Warren Amberg

James Warren Amberg

4.8
Rating: 9.8

Licensed for 20 years

Federal crime Lawyer at Royal Oak, MI
Practice Areas: Federal Crime, Criminal Defense

32121 Woodward Ave, Suite PH, Royal Oak, MI

About James

Biography

Practice Areas

2

Practice Areas

Criminal Defense 50%

Concentrating in serious felony cases in southeast Michigan

50%
Federal Crime 50%

Highly Experienced in Complex Federal Cases in the Eastern District of Michigan

50%

Fees and Rates

Cost

Free Consultation

$0 first 60 minutes


Payment Methods

  • Cash
  • Check
  • Credit Card

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Licenses

Licensed in Michigan for 20 years

State: Michigan

Acquired: 2005

Active in Good Standing

No misconduct found

Location

James W Amberg

32121 Woodward Ave, Suite PH, Royal Oak, MI, 48073

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James Warren Amberg's Reviews

Avvo Review Score

4.8 /5.0

24 Client Reviews

5 star (23)
4 star (0)
3 star (0)
2 star (0)
1 star (1)

Posted by Allen | September 10, 2021 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

Literally Saved My Life

If I could, I would give a trillion stars to this man and his law firm. As one reviewer has already stated, I cannot say enough good things about Jim. I credit Mr. James Amberg with saving my life not only from a legal standpoint, but from a literal standpoint. When I was on probation, I was caving u...nder pressure, and I seriously considered suicide. Jim talked me away from the ledge and used his knowledge of the law to get me an astounding plea deal. I am an alcoholic, and I drank on three separate occasions in violation of my probation. Jim worked his legal magic to make sure I did not receive a harsh sentence. Because of this miracle worker, I will make sure I am sober and as healthy as I can be for the rest of my life on this earth. Jim is not only an excellent attorney and legal scholar, but a wonderful human being as well. He uses facts and hard evidence, he is extremely competent and ethical, and he will always be there for you. I love Jim Amberg with all my heart. He gave me a second chance at life, and I promise to never take that beautiful gift for granted. Thank you, Jim!

Posted by anonymous | February 5, 2020 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

Can't say enough good things

This review is long overdue. Jim offered me fair and reasonable representation, and exceeded every expectation that I had with regards to such. I offer him my highest recommendation.

Posted by Jennifer | February 15, 2018 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

Exactly what our family needed

Jim was referred to us by a friend because of his solid reputation. We needed support for our son's arrest. At a time that was full of unknowns for us, Jim stepped in and took care of everything we needed to get through the court process our son was facing. He was clearly experienced and knowledge...able of the law, but he was also excellent in preparing our son and supporting him through a very difficult time. We hire lawyers to represent us in court, that is their role, still Jim was intuitive to our family’s needs beyond the law. To our family we can’t imagine anyone better to represent us, and support us. Jim’s office is well run and extremely supportive as well. All inquiries were handled promptly and effectively.

Posted by anonymous | December 2, 2017 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

Friendly but poor professionalism

I hired Jim to represent me on a retail fraud case. Jim was very friendly over the initial consultation and he readily accepted my request to represent me on my case last minute. I appreciated Jim's amity however was very disappointed by his lack of attention to details and his poor professionalism. ...Jim had to accompany me to court 3 times and on all 3 dates he arrived more than an hour and a half late without any prior notice. Moreover, he never really studied the details of my case or bothered to followup in informing me of all my options. In the end I was stuck with a conviction on my record, jail time, and heavy fines. I consulted with another attorney after hiring Jim and was told that I got a very poor deal.... I tried following up with Jim multiple times after to ask questions about my case and he never picked up, checked emails, and dodged all contact attempts. Having paid 5 grand I am very disappointed by Jim's performance...

James Amberg

Replied last February 14, 2018

I attempted to contact this Client to discuss this review prior to this posting, but she never responded to me. The client contacted me in an emergency situation as she had pled guilty to a retail fraud case and had received another retail fraud charge shortly before her sentencing on the original charge. Facing a certain lengthy jail sentence with multiple convictions on her record, I was able to discuss the case with the Judge and Prosecutor to stop the sentencing, and bond violation, which allowed us to adequately prepare for the cases. After reviewing the discovery, it was clear that because of the confession and other issues, there would be a low likelihood of success at trial. Nevertheless, I was able to speak again with the Judge and Prosecutor about resolving the case in a favorable way for my Client. I ultimately was able to obtain two options for the client, first that she could simply plead to the new charge and receive probation, but have both charges go on her record. The second option would be that she would have to do a limited time in jail, but her first retail fraud conviction would be taken under advisement. This was important because as a potential law student, having one of the charges taken under advisement would mean that the other charge would be eligible to be expunged, thus leaving the Client with a clean record. This was the Client's decision, and given the fact that she wanted to go to law school and become a lawyer, where having a criminal record of multiple convictions for crimes of dishonesty would be a very serious detriment, she chose to take the deal that required a short jail sentence and placed herself in a position to have no criminal history. Rather than the portrayal that I did nothing on the case, the reality is quite the opposite. As to what another lawyer advised her, this case involved the Novi District Court with the Oakland County Prosecutor's Office and a Client who had committed an egregious bond violation by accruing a new charge right before her sentencing on the first charge. Although there are plenty of unscrupulous lawyers out there who will tell you anything you want to hear, the reality of this particular situation is that the deal that the Client received was far better than what would have happened had I not appeared last second and stopped the Court from throwing her in jail. As to me showing up late, I did on the last court appearance only because I was unexpectedly forced to appear first in the Oakland County Circuit Court, which is extremely common for any lawyer who practices criminal defense in Oakland County. However, when I arrived, I convinced the Judge to successfully terminate the Client's probation and have her second case dismissed. As you can see from my other reviews, I take what I do very seriously and try and win more cases than just about anybody in Oakland County. But no matter how hard you try and produce better than expected results, there will always be people who are unhappy. But even though the Client may not be happy with the outcome, I know that her future is much brighter because she will not have the criminal history that can crush careers and ruin lives.

Posted by anonymous | July 28, 2017 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

My Savior

In February of this year I was charged with a felony for an incident that took place in July 2015. It has been a long and challenging time, the scariest of my life I could say. I contacted Mr. Jim Amberg and he was my attorney through this turbulent and frightening experience. Although my situation w...as very serious and stressful, from the day we met Mr. Amberg instilled in me the confidence that he can successfully navigate through this process. He took the time and explained everything that was going to happen and was always responsive to my questions and concerns. My fears were put to rest as he always made me feel that he had things under control and was on top of the case. He was a true professional at all times and knows his way around the court system. He went above and beyond what I expected. Mr Amberg did an excellent job, and today, July 28, 2017 he brought me the news that my case was DISMISSED! I am froze, numb with happiness! I am truly grateful, and I cannot thank Mr. Amberg enough! I could not have asked for more, or a better outcome in this matter. I offer the highest possible recommendation for Mr. Amberg to represent anyone that requires a criminal defense attorney!

See All Client Reviews

James Warren Amberg's Lawyer Endorsements

Endorse James
Randy Babi headshot
Randy Babi

Criminal defense lawyer | May 31

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"We worked on a felony chop shop charge that could have resulted in 10 years in prison for two wrongfully accused men and after 3 years of fighting, we won. Jim Amberg is a great guy, a phenomenal Attorney, and a mentor. I would not be the Attorney I am today without Jim."

David Drwencke headshot
David Drwencke

Criminal defense lawyer | Mar 30

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I had the pleasure to watch Jim's work as a former judicial clerk and I know that if a family member or friend needed attorney that I could trust that Jim would work tirelessly for the best possible outcome. Jim's ability on the record and before the jury is impeccable. If you are looking for an attorney who has personality and can "flip the script" on a prosecutor - look no further than James Amberg."

Andrew W. Kowalkowski headshot
Andrew Kowalkowski

DUI and DWI lawyer | Feb 01

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Jim gets his clients results. He tries the toughest cases in the toughest courts and gets the results that few attorneys can match."

Ryan Travis Ramsayer headshot
Ryan Ramsayer

DUI and DWI lawyer | May 13

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I emphatically endorse this lawyer. I have seen Jim work wonders in the courtroom. He is always prepared to advocate for his clients and not afraid to stand up to the judges on their behalf. He is a seasoned trial attorney and his successes have been numerous and impressive."

Jonathan Harris Maisel headshot
Jonathan Maisel

Criminal defense lawyer | Nov 20

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Edward Earl Duke II headshot
Edward Duke

DUI and DWI lawyer | Nov 15

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I enthusiastically endorse James Amberg. Mr. Amberg has an outstanding reputation in the legal community for his courtroom skills and substantive legal knowledge in the area of owi/dui defense. Jim takes on the difficult cases with ease and finesse. He is an exceptional advocate."

Matthew Carl Shepard headshot
Matthew Shepard

DUI and DWI lawyer | Nov 13

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I've known Jim for a long time, he is fierce in the courtroom and a great guy outside of it. I would recommend Jim."

Mani Khavajian headshot
Mani Khavajian

Criminal defense lawyer | Sep 08

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse Attorney Amberg, he is an extremely aggressive and knowledgeable criminal defense attorney. I have recommended Jim to my own family members. If you want a great attorney who will fight for you, then retain Mr. Amberg."

Philip Vera headshot
Philip Vera

Criminal defense lawyer | May 14

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"I endorse this lawyer. Outstanding criminal defense lawyer!"

Deanna L. Kelley headshot
Deanna Kelley

Criminal defense lawyer | Feb 13

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Jim has extensive knowledge in defending all crimes, but especially drunk driving cases. He is honest, hard-working and obtains outstanding results for his clients. I endorse this lawyer."

Jonathan Andrew Paul headshot
Jonathan Paul

Criminal defense lawyer | Jul 03

Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

"Jim Amberg is an excellent attorney who fights for his clients. I recently watched him spend twenty minutes advocating on behalf of his client at sentencing."

Shannon Marie Smith headshot
Shannon Smith

DUI and DWI lawyer | Dec 31

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse Jim Amberg as a DUI attorney and generally for criminal defense as well! There are few attorneys that I think do an excellent job for their clients, but Jim is really one of the best. He cares about his clients and works hard to get the best results. He is easy to talk to and very genuine. I have no hesitation in referring clients to Jim Amberg!"

Aaron Jeffrey Boria headshot
Aaron Boria

DUI and DWI lawyer | Nov 21

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Jim is an amazing attorney. Anyone would be luck to have him on their side. Jim is the attorney that others attorneys look to for guidance on criminal defense, DUI, and other matters. I endorse this lawyer."

Rhonda B. Ives headshot
Rhonda Ives

Criminal defense lawyer | Jan 22

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Jim Amberg has passionately defended his clients from wrongful accusations and aggressive Prosecutors. He is committed to his clients and finding Justice for each case. I have seen his trial preparation and Court demeanor and each time, he was a true warrior for justice."

Christian K. Lassen II headshot
Christian Lassen

Criminal defense lawyer | Dec 28

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Very smart lawyer."

Marc J. Shefman headshot
Marc Shefman

Criminal defense lawyer | Dec 23

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Without a doubt, Jim Amberg is the go to criminal attorney in the state of Michigan. Over the past several years I have referred numerous clients to Mr Amberg, from simple matters to more serious crimes, and he NEVER disappoints. More importantly, Mr. Amberg gives the same enthusiasm and energy on all his cases, no matter the charge(s). If you don't believe me, go to " http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LPNOW5mGxeM" and decide for yourself. Without hesitation, any call that comes to my office regarding a criminal matter, I refer to Jim Amberg."

Brian Joseph Prain headshot
Brian Prain

Criminal defense lawyer | Nov 20

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Go to youtube.com and type in this man's name...Within minutes, you will understand that advocacy simply does not get much better than what Jim Amberg has to offer! Jim Amberg knows how to make the winning argument, and he is an expert trial lawyer who understands the hidden dynamics of courtroom strategy. It's no secret that other lawyers struggle to keep up with Jim's combination of energy, sharpness, toughness, and charismatic delivery that leaves the opposition stumbling over their own words. Without a doubt, Jim belongs in the ranks of the high-profile lawyers of our time - period (yes, he's that good). If your case is important to you, then you would be doing yourself a disservice by not getting in touch with him."

Keeley D. Blanchard headshot
Keeley Blanchard

Criminal defense lawyer | Nov 01

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Jim is an attorney who anyone would want advocating for them in the courtroom. He has no fear, and will fight for his clients. Most importantly, Jim's tenacity in the courtroom produces great results. I would recommend Jim to anyone who is charged with a criminal offense."

Chad David Engelhardt headshot
Chad Engelhardt

Criminal defense lawyer | Aug 06

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"When the power of the criminal justice system is aimed at you, you need a fearless and aggressive advocate like Jim Amberg. His advanced motion practice, deep understanding of police procedures, and common sense paired with his charisma and court room skills make him a great criminal defense lawyer. He is not afraid to stand up to the system and will fight for those falsely accused or overcharged."

Robert S. Whims headshot
Robert Whims

Criminal defense lawyer | Jul 28

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Jim Amberg is a fireball in the court room and a great guy outside of it. He has focused his practice on criminal defense matters, including cases ranging from OUIL to Murder. He brings passion, considerable legal knowledge and a sense of humor to the court room. I had the enjoyable activity of consulting with Jim on a recent high-profile murder case and his enthusiasm and preparedness were exceptional. He did an outstanding job for his client and was tireless in the pursuit of that client's rights, ultimately gaining an equally outstanding resolution of the case."

View All Endorsements
Michael Thomas Woodyard headshot
Michael Woodyard

Personal injury lawyer

David Adam Rudoi headshot
David Rudoi

Criminal defense lawyer

Ryan Travis Ramsayer headshot
Ryan Ramsayer

DUI and DWI lawyer

Jonathan Harris Maisel headshot
Jonathan Maisel

Entertainment lawyer

Edward Earl Duke II headshot
Edward Duke

DUI and DWI lawyer

Deanna L. Kelley headshot
Deanna Kelley

Criminal defense lawyer

Mani Khavajian headshot
Mani Khavajian

Immigration lawyer

Jonathan Andrew Paul headshot
Jonathan Paul

Criminal defense lawyer

Aaron Jeffrey Boria headshot
Aaron Boria

Criminal defense lawyer

Barton W. Morris Jr. headshot
Barton Morris

Criminal defense lawyer

Rhonda B. Ives headshot
Rhonda Ives

Criminal defense lawyer

Marc J. Shefman headshot
Marc Shefman

Car accident lawyer

Brian Joseph Prain headshot
Brian Prain

Criminal defense lawyer

Keeley D. Blanchard headshot
Keeley Blanchard

Criminal defense lawyer

Chad David Engelhardt headshot
Chad Engelhardt

Personal injury lawyer

Robert S. Whims headshot
Robert Whims

Criminal defense lawyer

Jason Douglas Jenkinson headshot
Jason Jenkinson

Foreclosure lawyer

Thomas M. Loeb headshot
Thomas Loeb

Civil rights lawyer

Joshua Blanchard headshot
Joshua Blanchard

Criminal defense lawyer

Andrew John Hubbs headshot
Andrew Hubbs

Real estate lawyer

Experience

Rating:  9.8 (Superb)

Honors

2012

Top 40 Under 40, The National Trial Lawyers

2011

Top Lawyers in Michigan, DBusiness

2011

Rising Star, SuperLawyers

2009

Rising Star, Super Lawyers

2009

Trial College Graduate, Criminal Defense Attorneys of Michigan

2008

Rising Star, Super Lawyers

2008

Great Grad, Thomas M. Cooley Law School

Work Experience

2005 - Present

Member, Amberg & Amberg, PLLC

Associations

2009 - Present

Michigan Association For Justice

Oakland County Bar Association

Michigan Bar Association

Criminal Defense Attorneys of Michigan (CDAM)

American Bar Association

Michigan State Appellate Defender Office

National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers

Federal Bar Association (Eastern District of Michigan chapter)

Wayne County Criminal Defense Bar Association

Sample of Legal Cases

People v ......

Not Guilty

People v xxxxx

Case Dismissed

People of the City of Beverly Hills v. X.....

All Charges Dismissed

People of the City of Pontiac v Latsch

Not Responsible

People v K......

Not Guilty

Rochester Hills v Wade

Client's criminal OWI charge dismissed

United States vs Presley

Resented from 30-life to 10 years

People v Vandenberg

Case Dismissed

People v Doung

Not Guilty of Great Bodily Harm less than Murder

See More Legal Cases

Education

N/A

Eastern Michigan University

Bachelors

Speaking Engagements

N/A

Cooley Law School

How to be a Lawyer

Publications

2010

Criminal Defense Attorneys of Michigan publication Circuit Court Opinion of the Month

2010

Criminal Defense Attorneys of Michigan publication Trial Court Successes

2009

Criminal Defense Attorneys of Michigan publication Trial Court Successes - Spring 2009

2009

Michigan State Appellate Defender Office Sentencing Law, the Year in Review

2009

Michigan State Appellate Defender Office Trial Court Successes - Late Winter 2009

N/A

6th Circuit Court of Appeals United States vs Presley

Languages

English

Activity

Avvo Rating

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