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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?
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Chat withState: Michigan
Acquired: 2011
No misconduct found
State: New York
Acquired: 2008
No misconduct found
472 Starkweather Street, Plymouth, MI, 48170
324 Client Reviews
Showing 1 - 5 of 8 reviews | Punctuality
Posted by AO | May 27, 2025 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense
From Panic to Purpose: Jonathan Paul Fought for My Second Chance
Jonathan Paul is the attorney you want in your corner when everything feels stacked against you. From our first call he tackled my retail fraud case head-on, treating it with the urgency and focus you’d expect for a far bigger matter. Jonathan’s close relationship with the county prosecutor earned me...
Posted by Jacob | December 08, 2023 | Hired Attorney | DUI & DWI
Put your trust in this guy- it pays off
I am so lucky to have found Mr. Paul. The first week between my OWI incident and arraignment was a highly stressful period trying to figure out what was coming and how best to prepare for it. As soon as I contacted Jonathan I felt relief - even though he was in the middle of other work he was still a...
Posted by Joe | January 18, 2023 | Hired Attorney | DUI & DWI
Incredible legal advice and support
My experience with Jonathan Paul was outstanding. He provided me with very manageable and achievable proactive steps that changed perceptions within the court on my DUI case. He was very responsive and answered all my questions leading up to my court date. At court, he was on time and provided me wit...
Posted by Michael | June 20, 2020 | Hired Attorney | DUI & DWI
Dedicated to your case - Not dedicated to win
I should have ran when I originally called his office when I was facing a pending DUI charge. Jonathan and his partner Stephanie are indeed very professional but they lack transparency and if you want updates you have to reach out to them, they don't really prioritize you even when you are spending i...
I am responding to your review in the same way that I tell every one of my clients. We turn a negative situation into a positive moment in time. Clients come to me during one of the worst moments of their life; when a case is over and we're no longer working together, I hope that each day the client has learned something from their case, and go forward more informed and knowledgeable about making good choices in the future. It has been a year since we worked together, I hope you're in a better place now; I am glad as you say you will never get another criminal charge again. Also, glad you believed I was dedicated to your case as you put in your headline. There is no easy button for a criminal charge. It takes many layers and steps to work toward our goals. We achieved our goals together; did it take longer in some instances? Of course, but we do not control timelines of courts and the Secretary of State. When there is an update, we inform clients within minutes; when there is no update, clients are free to double-check. It was certainly frustrating to wait for the Secretary of State to act on the motion we won. As for you showing up at the wrong court for the hardship appeal, the court sends notices to all parties with the address. If a client is unsure or doesn’t receive something in the mail, they usually ask where to go; I have never had a client show up at the wrong court for this same hearing; did you being a few minutes late have any impact on the outcome? No, our motion was granted. Was it frustrating for you to go to one place and have to drive to another? Absolutely! and I’ve made it a point to remind clients of the address ever since that happened in case they don’t receive the court notice. I am not perfect, just ask my wife and kids! - but we learn from situations. I am sorry about that confusion you had and told you so that day how sorry I was that day. Nobody thinks you're a "low life" now or in the past as you put in your review - you demonstrated that what happened in your case is not a reflection of who you are - you changed the perception of your case with the police, prosecutor, judge and circuit court judge; you did a fantastic job, and I am very proud of you! We took a bad situation that you created and we developed an approach to give you a bridge and opportunity to show something outside of the four corners of the police report and criminal complaint. You did that, you changed your case in the eyes of all the key players. You were a rock star! An attorney should be straightforward and honest with a client on the facts of the case and the charges; sometimes those words are not easy to hear, but ultimately a client grows and prospers by learning from their actions and honesty from their attorney and themselves. Does the circuit court take a long time to set hearings for hardships? Yes! Does the Secretary of State take longer than they should to process that order? Absolutely! Is that extremely frustrating for a client who needs to drive? Very frustrating! Is that timetable and series of delays within my control? No I was as frustrated as you in following up with them over and over again, but my staff worked day after day to follow up and eventually made that happen. It did happen, you received a hardship license due to our victory. But I do understand it was frustrating to wait and wait during that process. We also don’t get to pick our judge, prosecutor and probation officer, but you also received a reduction in charges, and a very reasonable sentence from a tough judge. I am invested in you as a former client, and always here for you. You're entitled to giving me any review you want, and I embrace the opportunity to improve each day myself. Always here to help in anyway you need me. Jonathan
Posted by anonymous | July 10, 2018 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense
Proactive, knowledgable, experienced and frank. (retail fraud third degree dropped down to disorderly conduct)
I was caught on the weekend and I had to travel abroad for 15 days for a work trip on the following Monday morning. I was freaking out because I had no clue what to do and I was afraid I would have to cancel my trip. I reached out to Jonathan on Sunday and he got back to me within an hour. He assured...
"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."
"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."
"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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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
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
2017 - Present
The Institute of Continuing Legal EducationContributor/Presenter
2011 - Present
Oakland County Bar Association
2008 - Present
New York State Bar Association
Co-chair
100 percent conviction rate
100 percent conviction rate
2024
Executive Performance Coach
2022
Executive MBA
2007
Juris Doctorate
N/A
Doctorate of Business Administration (DBA in Strategy)
2012
Trial Advocacy
2012
2010
Trial Advocacy
2017
2017
2016
2015
2015
2015
2014
2013
2012
2011
English
Legal Answers
Legal Guides
1st DUI and 1st Driving with no license in Michigan
15 Mar 2021
What happens when I get my third oui?
19 Aug 2018
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
Charged with Retail Fraud Livingston County - Howell - Brighton - 53rd District Court
11 Feb 2024
What is Retail Fraud - Clarkston Michigan 52-2 District Court - Shoplifting
11 Feb 2024
What is Retail Fraud Troy Michigan - Clawson - 52- District Court Oakland County
10 Feb 2024