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Jonathan Andrew Paul
About Jonathan
Biography
Our firm focuses on the client's journey—not merely the charges you face, but how you arrived at this crossroads. We operate in Human Mode, Always. We lead with empathy, dignity, and deep understanding because you are not a case number or a label; you are a good-hearted, caring individual who respects the law and wants to be held in high regard. We treat our clients as true partners, establishing a collaborative space where proactive defense and mutual trust can thrive.
As a criminologist and defense attorney, I research and study why good people make bad choices and sometimes end up on the wrong side of the law. This understanding directly informs the path forward. Together, we explore how you arrived at this moment, uncovering the triggers, pressures, and circumstances behind the situation. Armed with this insight, we apply a proactive approach and a growth mindset, helping you not only navigate the legal system but emerge from this disruption stronger, wiser, and fully prepared for what comes next.
While I am a former NYC and Michigan prosecutor with more than a decade of defense practice, I refuse to use the "criminal" label with my clients. You have nothing to hide; you are likely frightened, embarrassed, and exhausted by an uncertain future. It is natural to worry that an arrest created a terrible "first impression" with police, prosecutors, and the judge. Feeling stuck is gut-wrenching—you cannot change the past, and sitting in paralyzing anxiety only makes things worse.
My goal is to empower you to make your true impression. We equip you with the practical tools to show rather than merely tell who you are, what you have learned, and where you are going. Nothing is more rewarding in the courtroom than seeing a prosecutor and judge acknowledge a client for stepping up, taking accountability, and taking command of their own narrative.
To achieve this, we pair our empathetic foundation with strategic foresight. When facing the justice system, fear comes from the unknown. The foundational principle of foresight is simple: we cannot predict the future, but we can prepare for it.
Rather than relying on a rigid, traditional plan that cracks under pressure, we use scenario planning to ask the vital questions: "What if?" and "How might we respond?". By mapping out multiple plausible outcomes, we stress-test our defense strategies, uncover hidden risks, and capitalize on opportunities that standard planning overlooks. Foresight ensures that we never make panic-driven decisions, keeping you ahead of the prosecution's next move.
I view my role as both your attorney and your coach. Coaching is the art of facilitating another person's learning, development, well-being, and performance. Through coaching, we raise self-awareness, identify real choices, and close the gap between your current circumstances and your true potential. You develop the skills, confidence, and perspective needed to turn a daunting crisis into a period of meaningful reflection and growth.
You are not a resident of the criminal justice system—you are a mere visitor. Applying foresight to build the right exit strategy is the key to navigating the most challenging moment of your life and reclaiming your tomorrow. You only get to handle your case once—how do you want to approach it?
Practice Areas
2
Practice Areas
Fees and Rates
Licenses
Licensed in Michigan for 15 years
State: Michigan
Acquired: 2011
No misconduct found
Licensed in New York for 18 years
State: New York
Acquired: 2008
No misconduct found
Location
The Law Offices of Jonathan Paul, PLC
472 Starkweather Street, Plymouth, MI, 48170
Gallery
Jonathan Andrew Paul's Reviews
Avvo Review Score
341 Client Reviews
Filter Avvo Reviews (341)
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Practice Areas
Criminal Defense (222)
DUI & DWI (75)
Lawsuits & Disputes (35)
Expungement (32)
Juvenile (13)
Speeding & Traffic Ticket (12)
Drug Crime (5)
Car Accidents (3)
Immigration (3)
Litigation (2)
Violent Crime (2)
Administrative Law (1)
Divorce & Separation (1)
Family (1)
Sex Crime (1)
White Collar Crime (1)
What Clients Mention
Case Results (283)
Advocacy (161)
Recommendation (147)
Responsiveness (132)
Professionalism (101)
Communication Style (91)
Practice Area Knowledge (78)
Character & Conduct (61)
Compassion (52)
General Knowledge (52)
Trustworthiness (38)
Staff & Support (28)
Cost of Services (19)
Punctuality (8)
Free Consultations (1)
Payment Plans (1)
Showing 166 - 170 of 336 reviews | 5 stars
Posted by anonymous | October 03, 2019 | Hired Attorney
Proactive approach and great outcome
I got an OWI in Westland. It’s a long weekend, But Jonathan was available and guided me. I followed his proactive action plan. Even though it’s a lot of work. As he promised, all those efforts are well appreciated by the court and brought me least sentence as possible. He responded all my questions ...
Posted by anonymous | September 30, 2019 | Hired Attorney
Knowledgeable, Dedicated and Just a Great Person
We had a unique situation that required Jonathan to go beyond what would normally be done in similar situations. Jonathan was very creative and figured out a way to work with us, the prosecutor and the judge to come to a resolution that was the best possible outcome. We could not be happier plus he w...
Posted by anonymous | August 22, 2019 | Hired Attorney
Amazed and thankful!
If you are looking for more than just to win your case and you are looking to TRULEY soul search and grow as a person, than this is the attorney for you. Not only does Jonathon Paul pay close attention to the details on your case, he pays close attention to what you need as a person to allow your l...
Posted by anonymous | July 18, 2019 | Hired Attorney
Simply amazing
Let me tell you, hiring Jonathan is well worth the cost! He saved me so much time, money, and definitely kept me out of jail! Being charged with 3 separate retail frauds, not only have I reduced my punishment by following Jonathan's plan, but I'm working on making myself a better person too. He helpe...
Posted by DW | July 18, 2019 | Hired Attorney
Wonderful decision to hire Jonathan
Hired him for my DUI in Oakland county and we got proactive from day one. We had a comprehensive plan, and we set strong goals. With his help I was able to get my life back on track, and achieve a great result in court.
Jonathan Andrew Paul's Lawyer Endorsements
"Jonathan Paul is a hard working and dedicated attorney. I have had the pleasure of working with Mr. Paul on a number of matters as opposing counsel. Mr. Paul is driven, fair, honest, and aggressive. I endorse this lawyer."
"When I first met John, he was beating me up as a prosecutor. When I heard John became a defense attorney, I was elated for two reasons, first that I wouldn't have to go against him any more, and two, that anybody charged with a crime an Ann Arbor and Washtenaw County have an exceptional criminal defense attorney who gets the job done. As a defense attorney, John uses his extensive experience to craft solutions to tough cases. As a fellow defense lawyer, I rely on John's advice in my own cases. If you are in Ann Arbor and are in trouble, call John, he will help you."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"Jonathan Paul has a significant amount of experience in the realm of criminal law. Mr. Paul was first a prosecutor and now focuses his attention in criminal defense. This knowledge of both sides of litigation is advantageous. Mr. Paul is an excellent attorney always putting his clients first. I endorse this lawyer."
"Jonathan and I recently had a case with one another, and my experience working with him was overwhelmingly positive. He adeptly struck that all-important balance between zealously advocating for his client and maintaining professionalism with the opposing side. Jonathan was level-headed, rational, pragmatic, and creative, and these qualities were instrumental in reaching a settlement for our clients that they were both happy with. I can honestly say I look forward to the next time I have the opportunity to work with him, and I would refer a friend or family member to him without hesitation."
"Jonathan Paul Has a tremendous amount of relevant trial experience based on his experience as a prosecutor in a very busy jurisdiction. He now uses the skill and expertise to successfully defend clients charged with criminal and serious traffic matters."
"I endorse this lawyer. Attorney Paul is an accomplished and experienced DUI attorney. He is clearly the "go to" guy if you are in need of top tier legal representation."
"I had the opportunity of observing Jonathan represent a co-defendant in a difficult 3 count felony drug case. Through Jonathan's efforts all 3 felony counts were dismissed and client pled to a simple misdemeanor possession charge; a truly fantastic result for the client. I would without hesitation recommend Jonathan on a criminal matter."
"Jonathan is an extremely bright and talanted criminal defense lawyer. His years of experience as a prosecuting attorney in New York and Michigan has already made him a top practitioner in his field. I happily endorse Jonathan Paul."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"Without hesitation or reservation do I highly endorse Andrew Paul."
"Mr. Paul is an aggressive, intelligent and effective prosecutor. He is also honest and a man of integrity. Although my case with Mr. Paul could have easily resulted in a trial, his quick thinking and fair mindedness resulted in equitable plea bargain. It was a pleasure working with him."
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Experience
Honors
2018
Rising Star, Michigan Super Lawyers
2017
Rising Star, Michigan Super Lawyers
2016
Rising Star, Michigan Super Lawyers
2015
Rising Star, Michigan Super Lawyers
2014
Rising Star, Michigan Super Lawyers
2013
Rising Star, Michigan Super Lawyers
2007
Fred L. Leckie Law Scholarship, University of Michigan Law School
2007
Odette Whipple Scholarship, University of Michigan Law School
Work Experience
2018 - 2018
Owner, The Law Offices of Jonathan Paul P.L.C
2013 - 2018
Criminal Law Attorney, Kelly & Kelly, P.C.
2012 - 2013
Attorney, Simon & Geherin
2011 - 2012
Assistant Prosecuting Attorney, Oakland County Prosecutor's Office
2010 - 2011
Assistant District Attorney, Kings County (Brooklyn) District Attorney
2008 - 2009
Professor, Kingsborough Community College
Associations
2017 - Present
The Institute of Continuing Legal EducationContributor/Presenter
2011 - Present
Oakland County Bar Association
2008 - Present
New York State Bar Association
Washtenaw County Bar Assoiation
Co-chair
State Bar of Michigan
Sample of Legal Cases
Oakland County Assistant Prosecutor
100 percent conviction rate
Kings County Assistant District Attorney
100 percent conviction rate
Education
2024
Northwestern University
Executive Performance Coach
2022
University of Michigan, Ann Arbor
Executive MBA
2007
University of Michigan Law School
Juris Doctorate
N/A
University of Michigan
Doctorate of Business Administration (DBA in Strategy)
Speaking Engagements
2012
Oakland County Prosecuting Attorney Training
Trial Advocacy
2012
Henry M. Campbell Moot Court Competition
Moot Court Competition Judge
2010
Kings County District Attorney's Office
Trial Advocacy
Publications
2017
Institute of Continuing Legal Education (Michigan)
Breakfast Basics: Handle Your First DUI Case (Seminar)
2017
Thomson Reuters
Michigan Super Lawyers
2016
Thomson Reuters
Super Lawyers Magazine
2015
MLaw Publishing
Ann Arbor Criminal Defense Playbook
2015
2015
Thomson Reuters
Super Lawyers Magazine
2014
Thomson Reuters
Super Lawyers Magazine
2013
Thomson Reuters
Super Lawyers Magazine
2012
Institute of Continuing Legal Education (Michigan)
Representing High School- & College-Age Criminal Defendants
2011
New York Law Journal
People v Messina
Languages
English
Activity
Legal Answers
Legal Guides
Legal Answers
Q&A
1st DUI and 1st Driving with no license in Michigan
15 Mar 2021
Q&A
What happens when I get my third oui?
19 Aug 2018
Q&A
Retail fraud 3rd degree. do i need to call in for a public defender before i go in for my court date?
16 Jul 2013
Legal Guides
Video Legal Guide
Charged with Retail Fraud Livingston County - Howell - Brighton - 53rd District Court
11 Feb 2024
Video Legal Guide
What is Retail Fraud - Clarkston Michigan 52-2 District Court - Shoplifting
11 Feb 2024
Video Legal Guide
What is Retail Fraud Troy Michigan - Clawson - 52- District Court Oakland County
10 Feb 2024