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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.
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Free Consultation
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State: Michigan
Acquired: 2005
No misconduct found
Mobile
3000 Town Center, Suite 1330, Southfield, MI, 48075
notafraidtowin.com
26 Client Reviews
AI-summarized from Avvo client reviews
Showing 1 - 5 of 22 reviews | Criminal Defense
Posted by David | October 04, 2026 | Hired Attorney
An Ace of Law. During a time of chaos, he calms with winds of creativity
The scariest moment in my life was calmed and smoothed by the professionalism and expertise of the following. Jim Amberg is somebody who proved to be not just an expert in his field, but a professional who feels and expresses those feelings and concerns in his actions. Having the need to find a lawye...
Posted by Allen | September 10, 2021 | Hired 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...
Posted by Jennifer | February 16, 2018 | Hired 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...
Posted by anonymous | July 28, 2017 | Hired 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...
Posted by A. Collin | July 04, 2017 | Hired Attorney
The number one
I hired Jim as my attorney for a owi defense in Clarkston court. He did a fantastic job and got a result I wanted. He wrote multiple motions and worked long hours on my case. Jim told me throughout the whole process I was innocent, and was fighting it all the way. He managed to get the whole case di...
"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 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."
"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."
"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."
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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
2005 - Present
Member, Amberg & Amberg, PLLC
2009 - Present
Michigan Association For Justice
Not Guilty
Case Dismissed
All Charges Dismissed
Not Responsible
Not Guilty
Client's criminal OWI charge dismissed
Resented from 30-life to 10 years
Case Dismissed
Not Guilty of Great Bodily Harm less than Murder
2005
JD - Juris Doctor
2002
BS - Bachelor of Science
N/A
How to be a Lawyer
2010
2010
2009
2009
2009
N/A
English
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