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Jonathan Andrew Paul
About Jonathan
Biography
Our firm focuses on the client's journey and understanding how they find themselves on the wrong side of the law. We lead with empathy and understanding, recognizing that our clients are not criminals but good-hearted, caring individuals who respect the law and want to be seen in high regard. We work with a diverse pool of clients, treating them as partners, and together, we take a proactive approach to every case.
In addition to my experience as a former NYC and Michigan prosecutor and more than a decade of practicing criminal defense, I bring a unique perspective as a doctorate researcher on the question, *“Why do good people do bad things?”* My research, combined with an Executive MBA from a top business school, enables me to approach each case not only from a legal standpoint but also with a strategic understanding of human behavior, decision-making, and personal growth. This allows me to help my clients turn their moment of crisis into an opportunity for transformation.
I don’t like using the label "criminal" for my clients. My clients typically have nothing to hide; instead, they are often frightened, embarrassed, and overwhelmed by an uncertain future. They’re concerned about the “first impression” they’ve made with law enforcement, prosecutors, judges, and the court system. It can feel gut-wrenching to be “stuck,” unable to change what has happened, and feeling powerless in the face of worry and regret.
My goal is to empower every client to take control of their narrative, make a *true impression*, and demonstrate through actions—not just words—how they ended up on the wrong side of the law and, more importantly, how they’re moving forward. Nothing is more rewarding as an attorney than hearing prosecutors and judges praise my clients for taking ownership of their circumstances and showing genuine growth.
I view my role as both an attorney and a coach. Coaching is the art of facilitating another person's learning, development, and performance, and in my practice, my clients are at the center of this process. Coaching raises self-awareness and identifies choices. Through this approach, my clients uncover their own solutions, develop their skills, and change their attitudes and behaviors, turning a challenging moment in life into an opportunity for personal growth.
The goal of coaching is to close the gap between a person’s potential and their current state, and for my clients, their case becomes a moment of reflection and transformation. My clients thrive in the criminal justice system because they are mere visitors, and having the right exit strategy is the key to navigating one of the most challenging moments of their lives.
You only get one chance to handle your case. How do you want to approach it?
Practice Areas
2
Practice Areas
Fees and Rates
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Chat withLicenses
Licensed in Michigan for 14 years
State: Michigan
Acquired: 2011
No misconduct found
Licensed in New York for 17 years
State: New York
Acquired: 2008
No misconduct found
Location
The Law Offices of Jonathan Paul, PLC
472 Starkweather Street, Plymouth, MI, 48170
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Jonathan Andrew Paul's Reviews
Avvo Review Score
324 Client Reviews
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Practice Areas
Criminal Defense (218)
DUI & DWI (74)
Lawsuits & Disputes (35)
Expungement (29)
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 (275)
Advocacy (157)
Recommendation (140)
Responsiveness (130)
Professionalism (99)
Communication Style (89)
Practice Area Knowledge (78)
Character & Conduct (59)
General Knowledge (52)
Compassion (49)
Trustworthiness (37)
Staff & Support (28)
Cost of Services (19)
Punctuality (8)
Free Consultations (1)
Payment Plans (1)
Showing 236 - 240 of 324 reviews
Posted by anonymous | January 05, 2016 | Hired Attorney | Speeding & Traffic Ticket
Very Satisfied
Thank you Jonathan Paul for handling my case with such professionalism from beginning to end. I only recently moved to the state of Michigan and it was stressful to receive a ticket in Ann Arbor without knowing any lawyers or people to contact in the area. I'm really glad I found Jonathan. Using h...
Jonathan Paul
Replied last January 05, 2016It was a pleasure working with you, and I was glad to help you earn such a fantastic result. We are happy to have someone like you in Michigan. Keep up the good work, and please let me know if there is anything I can do for you in the future. I am always here for you.
Posted by Ken | January 05, 2016 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense
Help me keep my record clean
Mr paul was very responsive and quick to get back to me. He even took time out of his vacation time with his family to answer my questions. It was important to keep a clean record because of my profession, and we were able to do so. His program works, and I would highly recommend him to anyone in...
Jonathan Paul
Replied last January 05, 2016Cheers to you! It was no problem at all talking during my vacation time. I know that both current and prospective clients need instant feedback and direction, and I am always happy to assist. You worked hard, and earned a great result!
Posted by anonymous | January 04, 2016 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense
Best result I could ask for...
I made a bad choice and got myself into a big trouble of second degree retail fraud. I talked to two lawyers before speaking with Mr. Paul. They both told me that jail time is inevitable because of the high value of the merchandise. Mr. Paul had a different idea. He told me that if I follow his inst...
Jonathan Paul
Replied last January 04, 2016It was a pleasure working with you, and I was glad to get you this outstanding result. You followed my plan from day one, believed in the process, and knocked it out of the park. If you need anything going forward, or have any follow-up questions, I will always be here for you.
Posted by anonymous | January 04, 2016 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense
The MIP Savior
John knows exactly the right steps to take with an MIP case. It takes a decent amount of work on your end, but the result is no MIP on your record, period. He saved me from a world of hurt, he can save you too.
Jonathan Paul
Replied last January 04, 2016It was a pleasure working with you. Glad we were able to accomplish our goals together. You worked hard and earned this awesome outcome. Let me know if you have any follow-up questions, and I wish you the best of luck.
Posted by Marcus L | January 04, 2016 | Hired Attorney | DUI & DWI
Hired for DUI case
I hired Mr. Paul to help me with a DUI case as I have to drive to work on a daily basis and fly around the country, and even outside the country. I had a prior record and was very worried about what would happen with my case in terms of jail and my driver's license. Mr. Paul put me on a proacti...
Jonathan Paul
Replied last January 04, 2016It was a pleasure to help you with your case. We certainly had an uphill battle, but we put an advanced plan in place, took some extra steps and knocked it out of the park. You should be very proud of yourself!
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