Free Consultation
$0 first 60 minutes
PRO
James "Jim" Warren Amberg
Virtual Consultation Available
Free Consultation
About James "Jim"
Biography
James “Jim” Amberg is a veteran criminal defense trial attorney who focuses his practice on complex federal prosecutions and serious felony cases. Since 2005, Jim has defended clients in high-stakes criminal cases involving federal conspiracy and racketeering charges, healthcare fraud, drug trafficking, white-collar crimes, firearms offenses, violent crimes, and other major felony allegations.
Jim has extensive jury trial experience in both state and federal courts. He has secured acquittals and dismissals in complex cases involving federal kidnapping conspiracy, wire fraud, drug conspiracy, firearms charges, and other serious offenses. He has also handled lengthy federal RICO and conspiracy trials involving substantial discovery, electronic evidence, cooperating witnesses, and complicated evidentiary issues.
Jim approaches every case with intensive preparation and investigation. He uses pretrial motions, independent investigation, electronic evidence, and courtroom technology to expose weaknesses in the prosecution’s case and present a clear, persuasive defense at trial. His practice reflects a simple philosophy: prepare every serious case as though a jury will decide it.
Jim earned his undergraduate degree from Eastern Michigan University and his Juris Doctor from Thomas M. Cooley Law School. His professional recognition includes selections by Super Lawyers, The National Trial Lawyers, and DBusiness. He is also a graduate of the Criminal Defense Attorneys of Michigan Trial College.
Federal and Michigan criminal defense. Licensed since 2005, with federal jury trial experience in the Eastern District of Michigan and appeals in the Sixth Circuit and U.S. Supreme Court. When you call, you talk to me, and I tell you plainly where your case stands and what your options are.
Facing a serious felony in Michigan state or federal court? Licensed since 2005, I try criminal cases to juries and defend criminal sexual conduct, firearm, drug and fraud charges. You get a straight assessment of the evidence and your options, directly from me.
Practice Areas
4
Practice Areas
Criminal Defense
25%
DUI and DWI
25%
Sexual Harassment
25%
White Collar Crime
25%
Fees and Rates
Cost
Payment Methods
- Cash
- Check
- Credit Card
Awards
Licenses
Licensed in Michigan for 20 years
State: Michigan
Acquired: 2005
No misconduct found
Location
Dickstein & Amberg, P.L.L.C.
(248) 281-4722
Mobile
3000 Town Center, Suite 1330, Southfield, MI, 48075
notafraidtowin.comGallery
James "Jim" Warren Amberg's Reviews
Avvo Review Score
26 Client Reviews
Client Insights
Avvo uses AI to summarize reviews left for lawyers, providing a helpful overview of overall sentiment. Each summary is based on up to 500 of the most recent reviews and is refreshed upon submission of each new review. The number of reviews used may be displayed.
AI-summarized from Avvo client reviews
Filter Avvo Reviews (26)
Refine reviews to match your needs. Use the filters to quickly surface reviews that align with your case or priorities.
Practice Areas
What Clients Mention
Showing 6 - 9 of 9 reviews | Communication Style
Posted by Debbie | September 21, 2014
The Best Crimal Lawyer in the State of Michigan..not one the best...THE BEST!!!
Oh my Goodness....Jim Amberg saved our son from wrongful felony charges from a so called friend. The police never investigated the charges as it turns out but Jim Amberg being the 'tracking dog' like attorney that he is...he worked and worked to 'sniff' out the real truth!!! That truth literally sav...
Posted by Roger | May 06, 2014
Review for Jim Amberg
Excellent defense attorney. Jim defended me in a drinking & driving case and we won. He is very experienced in this area of law. He explained every issue and every step along the way through my case. He responded promptly when I called with questions and met with me regularly to prepare me and my cas...
Posted by Adam | February 05, 2014
Best lawyer in Oakland County
Jim is the best defense attorney in the state of Michigan. When I was charged in Oakland County for a misdemeanor during the month of October, I retained Jim after my previous lawyer told me after a month that my case he would not be able to fight my case. As a 22 year old, a misdemeanor is a very ...
Posted by anonymous | June 20, 2018 | Hired 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. ...
James "Jim" Amberg
Replied last February 14, 2018I 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.
James "Jim" Warren Amberg's Lawyer Endorsements
"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."
"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."
"Jim gets his clients results. He tries the toughest cases in the toughest courts and gets the results that few attorneys can match."
"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."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"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."
"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."
"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."
"I endorse this lawyer. Outstanding criminal defense lawyer!"
"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."
"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."
"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!"
"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."
"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."
"Very smart lawyer."
"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."
"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."
"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."
"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."
"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."
Michael Woodyard
Personal injury lawyer
David Rudoi
Criminal defense lawyer
Ryan Ramsayer
DUI and DWI lawyer
Jonathan Maisel
Entertainment lawyer
Edward Duke
DUI and DWI lawyer
Deanna Kelley
Criminal defense lawyer
Mani Khavajian
Immigration lawyer
Jonathan Paul
Criminal defense lawyer
Aaron Boria
Criminal defense lawyer
Barton Morris
Criminal defense lawyer
Rhonda Ives
Criminal defense lawyer
Marc Shefman
Car accident lawyer
Brian Prain
Criminal defense lawyer
Keeley Blanchard
Criminal defense lawyer
Chad Engelhardt
Personal injury lawyer
Robert Whims
Criminal defense lawyer
Jason Jenkinson
Foreclosure lawyer
Thomas Loeb
Civil rights lawyer
Joshua Blanchard
Criminal defense lawyer
Andrew Hubbs
Real estate lawyer
Experience
Honors
2026
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2025
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2024
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2023
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2022
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2021
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2020
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2019
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2018
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2017
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2016
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2015
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2014
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2013
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2012
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2012
Top 40 Under 40, The National Trial Lawyers
2011
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2011
Rising Star, SuperLawyers
2011
Top Lawyers in Michigan, DBusiness
2009
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2009
Trial College Graduate, Criminal Defense Attorneys of Michigan
2009
Rising Star, Super Lawyers
2008
Rising Star, Super Lawyers
2008
Super Lawyer, 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
Education
2005
Oakland University
JD - Juris Doctor
2002
Eastern Michigan University
BS - Bachelor of Science
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
Legal Answers
Legal Guides