$ 400-600 per hour
Shannon Marie Smith
also known as Shannon M. Smith, Shannon Smith
About Shannon
Biography
Shannon has a hard-earned reputation for defending some of the most challenging criminal cases brought over the last two decades. She defends innocent clients accused of criminal sexual conduct crimes. Her success also brings many high-profile clients charged with other, equally serious crimes, in both state and federal courts.
Shannon speaks to local and national audiences frequently about defending the most despised and hated people accused of crimes. She teaches at seminars for other lawyers, both in Michigan and in other states, about how to defend difficult sex crimes cases.
She is constantly writing, and has had several legal articles published in national publications throughout the country. She is nearly finished with her first book about defending difficult cases and soon after that, will be releasing a second book about her incredible career and path.
During a particularly contentious high-profile trial, Shannon earned and embraced the nickname as the "Unhinged Lawyer." She is absolutely unhinged - about justice, fairness, and the law. She is known for passionately defending her clients and not caring about the complaints of those who criticize her work, but understand nothing about Shannon as a person, her clients, or the facts of her cases. She believes her work as a constitutional warrior is more important than the opinions of clueless critics.
At home, Shannon is also the very busy mom to 4 awesome kids and finds herself to excel as their chauffeur. She's a proud marching band mom, volleyball mom, basketball mom, and swim mom, to name a few of her favorite roles. Her 120-pound Bernadoodle, Henry, is frequently seen and pictured with Shannon, as he's the love of her life. Shannon has also been married to her husband, Randy, for almost 20 years. When she has time, Shannon also enjoys writing, painting, drawing, and traveling.
Practice Areas
2
Practice Areas
Sex Crime
75%
20 years
Criminal Defense
25%
20 years
Fees and Rates
Cost
Hourly Rates
Payment Methods
- Cash
- Check
- Credit Card
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Chat withLicenses
Licensed in Michigan for 20 years
State: Michigan
Acquired: 2005
No misconduct found
Location
The Law Offices of Shannon M. Smith
2510 South Telegraph Road, Suite L-290, Bloomfield Hills, MI, 48302
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Shannon Marie Smith's Reviews
Showing 1 - 5 of 26 client reviews from Avvo
Posted by anonymous | April 9, 2024 | Consulted Attorney
This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.
Bad public speaking.
I watched the who Crimbley trial and for an attorney you really need to memorize your facts better when dealing with such a high profile case. How can you sit there and talk about gun locks with no evidence supporting your claims? Do you nor realize how silly you looked and sounded. And why did you n...
Posted by anonymous | February 2, 2024 | Consulted Attorney
This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.
Shannon for President
Shannon is amazing. Not sure how Jennifer Crumbley retained her as she turns away 90-95% of all who seek her. At first, she annoyed me with all her objections but I came to realize a woman's life and freedom is on the line and Shannon is just actively fighting for her client. She is supportive, wise,...
Posted by anonymous | November 25, 2017 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Active Defense
Shannon is great and helped me through a time of sheer panic. Her knowledge, strategy, raport with the police, solid communication skills, and strong organization was a critical factor in me not even being charged. I would strongly recommend Shannon to anyone in a similar situation.
Posted by anonymous | December 10, 2015 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Best of the Best in so Many Regards
Shannon was truly a blessing in my family’s most tremulous time. I was falsely accused of sexual assault through both local police and my university. Being in a state of complete distress, suffering from PTSD (police removal), and the weight of what was at stake – Shannon was able to calm not onl...
Posted by Dean | November 9, 2015 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
She's awesome
Hands down the best.. The day i contacted shannon and told her my case she told me she that she would protect me and thats exactly what she did everything was dropped before it even went to court. She's very easy to talk too. If your being accused of a sex crime dont wait call her you wont regret it!...
Shannon Marie Smith's Lawyer Endorsements
"I endorse this lawyer. Working for Shannon taught me more than I ever thought it would. I use many of the skills and knowledge that I learned from her in my own practice today. She truly cares for her clients!"
"Attorney Smith is one of the best attorneys I’ve ever communicated with on a matter. Another attorney advised me to speak with her several months before the largest trial of my career. She took the time to brainstorm issues with me to help me prevail on the matter. She has both a legal mind and work ethic that are second to none."
"What a pleasure to work with! Excellent attorney and an asset to our community. This attorney's passion transcends the courtroom and anyone who retains her will have a prize fighter in their corner."
"Shannon Smith is an excellent lawyer who leads the field in CSC defense. She is highly skilled and motivated and will work diligently to ensure the best possible outcome for her clients. I strongly recommend Shannon Smith as one of Michigan's premier defense attorneys!"
"Shannon is an attorney who refer clients to without hesitation. She gets great results for her clients."
"Shannon has hit the ground running and quickly become a "go-to" attorney on sex related offenses. She is an astute and fearless advocate, and I am very comfortable referring cases to her."
"As a general practice lawyer, I find that sometimes I need to tap the expertise of an attorney with more specialized knowledge in a particular area of law. In difficult CSC cases, Ms. Smith is a fountain of information and always willing to help. From my conversations with her, I can tell that she cares about her clients' cases and works hard to help them achieve favorable results."
"Shannon is a dedicated advocate for her clients. She has an excellent reputation in the legal community. I personally think very highly of Shannon and without a doubt would refer my own family to her if they found themselves in need of a criminal defense attorney. Her practice area is her passion and that shows through her work. Shannon has raised the bar for the rest of us."
"I endorse this lawyer. Shannon is a truly amazing lawyer, friend, mother and wife to her husband. She does it all and she exceeds at everything she does. When she takes on a case, she treats her client as if they were family. She is a dedicated and tenacious lawyer in and out of the courtroom."
"Shannon Smith is a warrior and known for handling some of the most challenging cases. Where other lawyers might back down, Shannon takes her cases to trial. She believes in justice and will fight every step of the way. I have seen Shannon give some of the most compelling arguments regarding cases. Her advocacy skills are second to none. She is a natural and has amazing talents."
"I highly endorse this lawyer. I have practiced criminal defense law with Shannon in the same courts for many years. She is a highly skilled professional who get the best deals possible for her clients. She also possesses extremely strong trial skills and is very easy to talk with. I would NOT hesitate to refer or recommend Shannon to be your lawyer if you ever encounter a legal problem."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"Ms. Smith provides insightful, helpful and accurate advice. Her knowledge and experience are clearly evident. I endorse this lawyer."
"Shannon is an amazing trial lawyer and gets great results. If you need someone to fight for you on a criminal matter, look no further."
"I endorse this lawyer. Shannon is an excellent litigator and highly successful attorney. She is well respected in the legal community, not only by other attorneys, but by the judges, court clerks, and court staff. I highly endorse this attorney."
"Shannon gets results! She is a zealous advocate for her clients and is well respected by fellow attorneys and judges."
"Intellegence and caring are traits that set Shannon apart from the rest. Her knowledge and understanding of sexual assault crimes is amazing. I highly recommend her."
"I not only endorse Shannon, but I also respect her drive to fight for those accused individuals that face a tough uphill battle because of the nature of the accused crimes. Shannon has the motivation every person should seek in their attorney."
"I endorse this lawyer. She provides detailed and insightful analysis to questions posed by AVVO subscribers. The detailed responses and thorough explanations provided here display a vast knowledge of the law. She is an asset to the legal community."
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Experience
Honors
2013
Rising Star, SuperLawyers
2013
Top 100 Trial Lawyers, National Trial Lawyers
2012
Graduate-Advanced Track, Criminal Defense Attorneys of Michigan
2011
Graduate of Trial Lawyers College -- F Warrior, Gerry Spence Trial Lawyers College
2010
Graduate -- Advanced Track, Criminal Defense Attorneys of Michigan
2008
Trial College Graduate, Criminal Defense Attorneys of Michigan
2007
Trial College Graduate, Criminal Defense Attorneys of Michigan
2005
Book Award -- Mediation, Michigan State College of Law
Work Experience
2005 - Present
Attorney, Shannon Smith Law, PC
2003 - 2005
Law Clerk, The Law Offices of Angelo A. Plakas & Assoc.
Associations
2011 - Present
Gerry Spence Trial Lawyers CollegeF Warrior
2011 - Present
Professional Advisory Board for a Useful Sex Offender RegistryBoard Member
2009 - Present
National Association of Criminal Defense LawyersMember
2006 - Present
Criminal Defense Attorneys of MichiganMember
2006 - Present
State Appellate Defenders Defense ForumMember
Sample of Legal Cases
People v Sun
NOT GUILTY on 11 counts of criminal sexual conduct
People v E
Case dropped
People v C
Case dismissed
People v B
Case dismissed
People v C
Plea to non-sex misdemeanor
People v S
Acquittal
People v. D
Acquittal
People v. P
Dismissal
People v. F
Misdemeanor plea
People v. S
Acquittal
People v Brown
Client found NOT GUILTY on 20 counts of criminal sexual conduct
People v Carlos
Client found NOT GUILTY despite charges based on THREE complainants at trial.
People v Adnan
Client found NOT GUILTY of criminal sexual trial by jury
People v TT
Case resolved allowing client out of prison and permanently released for first time in 8 years after a new trial was ordered
Education
2005
Michigan State University
Juris Doctor
2002
University of Michigan
BA - Bachelor of Arts
Speaking Engagements
2013
Criminal Defense Attorneys of Michigan Traverse City Conference
Expert Testimony in Sex Cases
Publications
2013
January 2013 Newsletter
Gerry Spence Trial Lawyers College
2012
Super Lawyers
Rising Stars Spotlight Shannon Smith's Calling
2011
The Law Offices of Shannon M. Smith, PC
A False Sense of Security Created by the Michigan Sex Offender Registry
2011
The Law Offices of Shannon M. Smith
Mandated Reporters and Sex Crimes
2011
The Law Offices of Shannon M. Smith
Innocent Until Proven Guilty
2011
The Law Offices of Shannon M. Smith
Important Trial Material Missed by Other Lawyers
2011
The Law Offices of Shannon M. Smith
Confessions of Sex Crimes Should be Tape Recorded
2011
Detroit Free Press
Garden City teacher gets 3-15 years for having sex with teen
2010
Other
The Difference Trying Sex Cases
2010
Detroit Free Press
Ex-teacher gets 10 years for sex assault
Languages
English
Activity
Legal Answers
Legal Answers
Q&A
Can my son's probation officer make him move out of my house? I don't do drugs and have never been in trouble with the law!
14 Jan 2012
Q&A
When charged with a csc charge, how hard is it to appeal after sentencing? Is it hard to prove your innocents?
05 Jan 2012
Q&A
What can i do if a police officer lied in a report and under oath to secure a conviction
01 Jan 2012