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Joseph A. Lavigne
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About Joseph
Biography
I believe that aggressive and zealous advocacy on behalf of each client is essential to provide outstanding legal services and am dedicated to the highest level of customer service in order to achieve the best results possible. There is no substitute for experience or hard work. I have been a prosecutor and a defense attorney; a civil litigator on both sides; and I bring those experiences to the benefit of every client I represent.
Experienced, Aggressive, Result Oriented. Former prosecutor. Reasonable rates. Free consultation.
Experienced, Aggressive, Result Oriented. Reasonable rates. Free consultation.
Experienced, Aggressive, Result Oriented. Former prosecutor. Reasonable rates. Free consultation.
Experienced, Aggressive, Result Oriented. Former prosecutor. Reasonable rates. Free consultation.
Experienced, Aggressive, Result Oriented. Former prosecutor. Reasonable rates. Free consultation.
Experienced, Aggressive, Result Oriented. Thousands of hours of courtroom experience.
Practice Areas
5
Practice Areas
Criminal Defense
25%
29 years
DUI and DWI
25%
29 years
Business
20%
25 years
Litigation
20%
29 years
Fees and Rates
Cost
Payment Methods
- Cash
- Check
- Credit Card
Awards
2018
2015
Licenses
Licensed in Michigan for 29 years
State: Michigan
Acquired: 1996
No misconduct found
Location
Law Offices of Joseph A. Lavigne
(248) 539-3144
Fax
38285 West 12 Mile Road, Farmington Hills, MI, 48331
www.lavignelawoffices.comGallery
Joseph A. Lavigne's Reviews
Avvo Review Score
24 Client Reviews
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Practice Areas
What Clients Mention
Showing 1 - 5 of 6 reviews | Communication Style
Posted by Naja | March 13, 2026 | Hired Attorney
Exceptional attorney
Joseph Lavigne is an exceptional attorney who truly goes above and beyond for his clients. During our case, he guided our family through an incredibly difficult time with professionalism, patience, and genuine compassion. He clearly explained every step of the process, kept us informed, and developed...
Posted by Brandon | December 13, 2018 | Hired Attorney | DUI & DWI
Highly Recommended!
Arrested for an OWI and was recommended to contact Mr. Lavigne by a family member whom was also a former colleague of his. During the initial meeting, Mr. Lavigne detailed what I could be facing and was very straightforward as to how a case of my nature could end. He was very honest and seemed to...
Posted by anonymous | November 09, 2018 | Hired Attorney | DUI & DWI
Helped me out of a bad situation.
I hired Joseph after a drunk driving incident. An old family friend had amazing results with him and referred me to him. In our initial meeting he made it very clear of what I could be facing legally and was very realistic with how these cases usually end. I totally respect Joseph for not trying to s...
Posted by Andrew | May 11, 2018 | Hired Attorney | Lawsuits & Disputes
This lawyer is a miracle worker.
I hired joe a few months ago because I needed a good lawyer to help my case and I was referred to him a few years back from a family friend . Its nice to see someone who actually is always there and you can call him and talk to him about your case anytime of the day. He knows what he’s doing and he’s...
Posted by John | May 01, 2018 | Hired Attorney | Lawsuits & Disputes
Outstanding Attorney!
Joe (and his staff) were an absolute pleasure to deal with from start to finish. He was knowledgeable, explained my position and possible options/outcomes, while communicating the process I should expect. I took his advice, followed his lead and had a stunningly favorable outcome to my case. I strong...
Joseph A. Lavigne's Lawyer Endorsements
"I endorse this lawyer. Joe is top notch in all respects. A great attorney and a great guy! If I needed to hire an attorney to help me with a criminal matter, I would certainly call Joe."
"Mr. Lavigne cares about his clients - that is clearly evident when you see him in the Courtroom. I endorse this attorney."
"Joe is always quick to respond to my clients who need help with a criminal or civil litigation matter. He is always pleasant and available for my questions."
"Joe is one of the most brilliant strategists I have ever encountered. He works tirelessly to obtain optimal results for every client. His experience as both a prosecutor and defense attorney serves his clients well!"
"I highly recommend Joe. I've been referring criminal defense matters to him for nearly a decade an he never disappoints. Joe is personable, knowledgeable, diligent, and attentive. He is a pleasure to work with. I am always pleased to have an opportunity to refer clients to him because of the excellent representation he provides."
"Joe is pragmatic in his approach, yet understanding of circumstances. He is mindful to understand all circumstances relating to a matter. His grasp of the law is superb. I would recommend Joe to any of my clients, friends and family."
"I enthusiastic endorse this lawyer. Joe is the consummate professional. A class act who is extremely knowledge, quick on his feet and dedicated to his clients. I would definitely encourage my closest friends and family to go to Joe if necessary."
"I'll make this simple: I have referred clients to Joe for over a decade and will continue to do so. Joe is a great lawyer that confidently and competently helps his clients navigate the court systems, while ensuring that their rights are not overlooked. You will appreciate his assistance and guidance."
"Joseph Lavigne is a highly respected attorney and well spoken advocate on behalf of his clients. He will never be "out prepared" by his opposition nor will he take short-cuts that compromise the rights of those he represents. I endorse him unconditionally."
"When I need an answer to a complicated issue of criminal defense, I've turned to Joe Lavigne over the past few years. He has the pulse of serious criminal defense and constitutional legal issues. I happen to know, first hand, of his expertise and feel that he is one of the best investments available if you have your liberty threatened by a serious criminal charge. Without hesitation, I would recommend Joe for any criminal defense, federal or state-related."
"I enthusiastically endorse Joe Lavigne as a consummate advocate and professional. He does not take shortcuts and his sound advice is based on years of experience and zealous advocacy for his clients. He is the kind of attorney other attorney's call for advice."
"I've had the pleasure of working with Joe on a number of cases over the years. Joe is one of the most well-respected attorneys in Metro Detroit. His breadth of knowledge, trial experience and stellar reputation make him a great choice for matters ranging from corporate litigation to criminal defense."
"Joe Lavigne is a true professional of the highest caliber -- a tireless worker and effective advocate who delivers results for his clients with clarity and compassion."
"I endorse this attorney without hesitation. He is knowledgeable and well regarded by both clients and his peers."
"Joe is an outstanding attorney. He is exceptionally knowledgeable and well-prepared. I enthusiastically endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"When you, or a loved one, finds yourself in need of a criminal defense attorney it is important to retain an experienced, knowledgeable and competent lawyer. Mr. Lavigne is respected in the legal community for those reasons."
"I endorse this lawyer. Joe works extremely hard on behalf of his clients. I have watched Joe first hand displaying his extremely strong legal skills and that he genuinely cares about his clients. I highly endorse Joseph Lavigne"
"Joe is a fantastic criminal defense lawyer. I have referred a number of complicated criminal matters pending in Oakland County and Wayne County to Joe because he has the ability to defend them with an intelligent approach. I worked with Joe at the Oakland County Prosecutors Office over a decade ago and he was well respected and approachable."
"Joe is a fine attorney who is dedicated to his clients and works tirelessly for successful results. I have no hesitation when endorsing him."
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Experience
Honors
2025
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2024
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2023
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2022
Super Lawyer - Top 100 Attorneys in Michigan, SuperLawyers
2022
Super Lawyer, SuperLawyers
2021
Top One Percent, National Association of Distinguished Counsel
2021
Super Lawyer - Top 100 Attorneys in Michigan, SuperLawyers
2021
Super Lawyer, SuperLawyers
2020
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2020
Top One Percent, National Association of Distinguished Counsel
2020
Top Lawyer, dbusiness
2020
Super Lawyer - Top 100 Attorneys in Michigan, SuperLawyers
2019
Super Lawyer, SuperLawyers
2019
Top Lawyer, dbusiness
2019
Top One Percent, National Association of Distinguished Counsel
2018
Top Lawyer, dbusiness
2018
Super Lawyer, SuperLawyers
2018
Top One Percent, National Association of Distinguished Counsel
2017
Super Lawyer, SuperLawyers
2017
Top One Percent, National Association of Distinguished Counsel
2016
Super Lawyer, SuperLawyers
2016
Top One Percent, National Association of Distinguished Counsel
2015
Super Lawyer, SuperLawyers
2015
Top One Percent, National Association of Distinguished Counsel
2015
AV Preeminent 5.0 out of 5 Peer Review Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
2014
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers Magazine
2000
Distinguished Service Award, Oakland County Prosecuting Attorney
Work Experience
2003 - 2020
Principal, Law Offices of Joseph A. Lavigne
2001 - 2003
Partner, Lavigne & Sawicky, PLLC
2000 - 2001
Commercial Litigation Attorney, Maddin, Hauser, Wartell, Roth, Heller & Pesses, P.C.
1996 - 2000
Assistant Prosecuting Attorney, Oakland County Prosecuting Attorney
Associations
2014 - Present
Oakland County Bar Association American Inn of CourtMaster
2010 - Present
Oakland County Bar FoundationLife Fellow
1996 - Present
Oakland County Bar Association
Oakland County Bar Association, Criminal Law Committee
Past Chair
Michigan State University Alumni Association
Life Member
Criminal Defense Attorneys of Michigan
National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
Sample of Legal Cases
People v Mathews, 324 Mich App 416 (2018), lv denied, 505 Mich 111 (2020), cert denied, ___ US ___; 141 S Ct 466 (2021)
Two statements suppressed in murder case, affirmed on appeal.
People v Reginald
Defendant avoided premeditated murder conviction
People v Timothy
Client blew 0.24 but drunk driving case was dismissed.
P v [non-public disposition]
Defendant caught with 20 individually wrapped baggies of marijuana charged with possession with intent to deliver but convicted by jury of only possession; charge then taken under advisement at sentencing.
People v Lynn
Dismissal of felony OWI-III charges against client who had her kids in the car at the time
Education
1996
University of Detroit Mercy School of Law
JD - Juris Doctor, cum laude
1993
Michigan State University
BA - Bachelor of Arts
Speaking Engagements
N/A
Oakland County Police Academy
Past Legal Instructor
N/A
Multiple Seminars--Oakland County Bar Association
Various Criminal Law topics
N/A
Michigan Judicial Institute/Michigan Judges' School
Domestic Violence
Publications
2000
Detroit College of Law at Michigan State University Law Review
A Misapplication of the Exclusionary Rule to Voluntary Confessions: The Fallacy that Knowingly and Intelligently Made Statements are Constitutional Prerequisites to Admissibility
2000
Laches (OCBA)
Concealing the Truth from the Jury: The Irreconcilable Differences of Voluntary Confessions and the Exclusionary Rule
1999
Laches (OCBA)
The Ever-changing Evidentiary Law of OUIL Cases: Standards for the Admissibility of Blood Alcohol Test Results
1997
Wayne Law Review
Michigan Criminal Law: 1996-97 Survey
1996
University of Detroit Mercy Law Review
For Limited Times? Making Rich Kids Richer Via the Copyright Term Extension Act of 1996
1995
Michigan Business Law Journal
A Business Lawyer's Guide to Empowerment Zones: What's in it for You?
Languages
English
Activity
Legal Answers
Top Contributor
Joseph earned significant contribution points in 2015.
Legal Answers
Q&A
I refused the chemical test for an owi
17 Jan 2026
Q&A
Is there more than one way to get my drivers license restored ?
18 Aug 2025
Q&A
Son got a 10% provision added toa $25,000 grand bond. what does that mean?
02 Aug 2025