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Steven R. Simkins

also known as WEST MICHIGAN DEFENSE TEAM
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Avvo Rating10
  • Grand Rapids, MI
  • Licensed for 17 years
  • Free consultation
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About Steven

I am an attorney with over 16 years of experience in all West Michigan and Metro Detroit counties specializing in:

Criminal defense representation for all misdemeanor and felony charges, including:  Drunk Driving/OWI/OUID, Drug Crimes, Criminal Sexual Conduct, Armed/Unarmed Robbery, Assault and Battery, Assault with Intent to Commit Great Bodily Harm, Felonious Assault, Domestic Vioence, Larceny/Theft crimes, Home Invasion, Trespass, MIP, Creating a Disturbance, and Resisting/Obstructing Police.

Juvenile Neglect and Abuse Cases.

Juvenile Delinquency Cases.

Driver License representation:  all issues involving license restoration hearings before the Secretary of State, circuit court appeals, and Implied Consent hearings.

Seizure/Forfeiture cases.

Criminal Record Expungements.

We also provide referrals for all legal matters that we choose not to handle ourselves.

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Practice areas

DUI and DWICriminal defense
  1. Criminal defense: 50%

    I provide criminal defense representation for all misdemeanor and felony charges, including but not limited to: Drunk Driving, Drug Crimes, Assault and Battery, Home Invasion, Criminal Sexual Conduct, Juvenile Delinquency. I also specialize in traffic/license restoration cases, helping drivers regain their driving privileges.

  2. DUI and DWI: 50%

    Whether you are charged with your first drunk driving offense (misdemeanor) or a third offense (felony), you need a thorough, experienced and aggressive attorney who will examine every aspect of your case and keep you informed in a timely and professional manner. I will obtain all of your discovery materials (police reports, witness statements, in-car audio/video recordings, DataMaster records, and more) for you, and I will counsel you with respect to your best course of action.

Languages spoken

English

Photos and videos

760495 1540484811

Contact

77 Monroe Center Street NW
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Steven R. Simkins, Attorney at Law

77 Monroe Center Street NW
Suite 700
Grand Rapids, MI, 49503

    Resume

    License
    StateStatusAcquiredUpdated
    MIActive And In Good Standing200302/21/2021
    We have not found any instances of professional misconduct for this lawyer.
    Avvo Contributions
    Legal answers41
    Legal guides0
    Awards
    Award nameGrantorDate granted
    Top 100 Trial LawyersThe National Trial Lawyers2014
    Work Experience
    TitleCompany nameDuration
    Principal AttorneySimkins Law2006 - Present
    Intern - Drug House UnitWayne County Prosecutor's Office, Detroit, Mi2002 - 2002
    Student AttorneyFree Legal Aid Clinic2000 - 2000
    Direct Care Youth CounselorSt. John's Home1997 - 1999
    Associations
    Association namePosition nameDuration
    Grand Rapids Bar AssociationBoard Member2016 - Present
    Murray Lake AssociationBoard Member2012 - Present
    State Bar of Michigan, Criminal Law SectionMemberN/A
    State Bar of Michigan, General Practice SectionMemberN/A
    State Bar of Michigan, Family Law SectionMemberN/A
    State Bar of Michigan, Juvenile Law SectionMemberN/A
    State Bar of Michigan, Prisons and Corrections SectionN/AN/A
    Education
    School nameDegreeGraduated
    Michigan State UniversityBA - Bachelor of ArtsN/A
    Wayne State University Law SchoolJD - Juris DoctorN/A
    Speaking Engagements
    Conference nameTitleDate
    Divorce, Child Custody and Child Support at Western Michigan UniversityFamily Law2012
    BNIDrunk Driving - Overview of procedural and legal issues2011
    Legal cases
    Case nameOutcome
    People v TGArmed Robbery - Case Dismissed
    In the matter of [juvenile defendant]Nolle Pros

    Reviews

    (28)
    5 Star
    		93%
    4 Star
    		7%
    3 Star
    		0%
    2 Star
    		0%
    1 Star
    		0%
    Review Steven Simkins

    Great lawyer!

    Posted by

    I heard Steve last minute and he accepted the case. The outcome was even better than expected. My boyfriend was facing a good amount of time and he got him off with time served and even further than that. I will go back to him if I ever need help in the future and will recommend him to everyone I know.
    This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
    Hired attorney

    Great

    Posted by

    Took time to review and go through everything with us. Quick to get back with us with questions that came up through out the case. Did everything he could for us. Would use his assistance again if needed in the future.
    This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
    Hired attorney

    Best criminal lawyer in the business.

    Posted by

    Steven is an amazing lawyer. I was looking at prison time and walked away with alcohol tether. I highly recommended him for all your criminal needs. Very professional knows the court room and laws very well.
    This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
    Hired attorney

    We are so very grateful!

    Posted by

    Steve was dedicated to shielding my son from the pressures of the prosecutor to admit to something he did not do. He was patient and willing to delay things as needed, carefully planning his defense, while walking him through every step. Steve protected my son and pushed back when he knew the prosecution had overextended themselves, and was able to keep my son from serving any time in jail. My son was not innocent, but he was not guilty of what was being claimed. Steve was readily available, responding to questions himself rather than an assistant. We can’t put into words how much we appreciate the dedication that he had to defend our son. Sometimes, it felt like it was simply a delaying, kick the can down the road tactic, but as someone who isn’t a lawyer, I didn’t see the meaning behind the method, but he knew how the prosecution would respond each time. His insight lead to an unbelievable successful resolution of my son’s case.
    This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
    Hired attorney

    When in trouble get out of trouble.

    Posted by

    Steven was a big help in navigating my dui charge. He highlighted certain things I should get done between my first hearing and the sentencing. He always answered all emails and phone calls and was on-time and present at every hearing. In the end, I feel he greatly helped me and my case. Don't go alone into the court system. I would highly recommend his services to anyone.
    This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
    Hired attorney

    Great Service

    Posted by

    I was represented better than I could have ever imagined. My needs were put first and was treated as a friend rather than a number. My opinions were valued and my doubts were always reassured. My nerves were calmed and the process was always explained. Steven knows people and understand how system works. He went above and beyond and did everything he could to ensure a great outcome. I couldn't have asked for a better law firm or attorney. Thanks Steven!!!
    This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
    Hired attorney

    Criminal Defense -- Michigan, West side of state

    Posted by

    We hired Steve to help with a odd situation most people do not know about -- you can not lie to Police in MI even though the Police can mislead you, lie to you, and "bully" people into talking -- Steve understood all of the laws and had solid relationships with the judges and prosecutors at both the District & Circuit court level for the entire West side of MI. Steve helped us understand the laws as they related to our case, created a legal strategy collaboratively with us, and was able to successfully navigate the system to get a sentence that was fair and avoided jail time. Steve Simkins is a great lawyer and will get you the best possible representation & results. We highly recommend Steve Simkins if you have a criminal matter that needs a prompt & successful resolution.
    This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
    Hired attorney

    Probation Violation

    Posted by

    Steve helped represent a family member during a probation violation situation. We went to him kinda last minute and he was able to fit us in and make us feel like a top priority! Also he got us a great deal in court! 10/10 would recommend! Steve will be my go to for any future legal help i require! Thanks Steve!
    This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
    Hired attorney

    Steve provided me with everything I needed from an attorney, and comes highly recommended.

    Posted by

    As I was facing an accusation for a possible felony charge I knew I needed professional help, and fast. Never being in this position before I blindly picked a few local attorney's without recommendation. I honestly found Steve only because he responded quickly, and it turned out to be for the best. While I knew I did nothing wrong my innocence was going to have to be proven. What I am most grateful for is that Steve clearly explained my situation from all angles, and all probable outcomes. His swift action resulted in no charges being filed at all. I am happy to have met Steve and will always be grateful for his actions and personal communication with me throught the entire process.
    This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
    Hired attorney

    Hire this lawyer!!

    Posted by

    I contacted Steve after receiving a controlled substance charge (prescription drugs) while driving. My case was a very complex case and involved a ton of leg work to prove my case was an accident. it took us 11 months to agree to a plea deal. with Steve’s constant effort and not settling he was able to get me amazing results and let me continue to drive and work With no restrictions!! He truly cares and fights for his clients best interest
    This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
    Hired attorney
    See all reviews

    Attorney endorsements

    (20)
    Are you an attorney? Endorse this lawyer

    Justin Wilson, Criminal defense Attorney on Jun 15, 2017
    Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

    I have had the pleasure of seeing Mr. Simkins advocating for his clients in court and endorse him without reservation.

    Ali Ebrahimzadeh

    I endorse this lawyer.

    Mark Clay, Family Attorney on Oct 16, 2015
    Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

    I highly endorse Mr. Simkins. Truly exceptional and caring attorney who achieves great results in representing clients! I want all people to contact him for help first.

    Alexandra Gonzalez-Waddington, Criminal defense Attorney on Oct 13, 2015
    Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

    I endorse this lawyer.

    Judd Nemiro

    I endorse this lawyer.

    Ryan Fishman, Criminal defense Attorney on Jan 13, 2015
    Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

    I endorse this lawyer.

    Colin McCallin

    I endorse this lawyer.

    Joseph Torri

    I endorse this lawyer.

    Peter VanGelderen

    I endorse this lawyer. I have had the opportunity to watch Steve effectively represent clients in courtrooms throughout Kent County.

    Richard Rosenstein

    I endorse this lawyer. Mr. Simkins is a skilled and respected member of the legal community. He is a zealous advocate for the rights and interests of his clients.

    Michael Waddington, Criminal defense Attorney on Jun 4, 2014
    Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

    I endorse Steven. He is a highly skilled attorney that is well respected in the legal community.

    Jeffrey Kortes, Criminal defense Attorney on Nov 19, 2013
    Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

    I have had the opportunity to work with Steve on several cases where we have represented co-defendants. Working with Steve I know he is a smart, hard working attorney that fights for his clients. I highly endorse Steve Simkins.

    Myra Jabaay, Criminal defense Attorney on Nov 1, 2013
    Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

    I endorse this lawyer. He is competent, thorough, knowledgeable, prompt, responsible, and a pleasure to work with. He has substituted for me several times when I had a conflict in my schedule and I am always confident that he will professionally represent my client's best interests.

    Phillip Slot, Criminal defense Attorney on Jul 29, 2013
    Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

    Steve is a talented attorney for criminal defense and family law matters and a great advocate for his clients. I strongly recommend him.

    Gerald Stahl, DUI and DWI Attorney on Jun 10, 2013
    Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

    I endorse this lawyer. Steve has covered several court cases for me when I have a conflict. My client's have always said he did a good job. Recently, I called him on a last minute important case and he handled it with no problem. Steve is very ethical and I will continue to work with him.

    Mark Hunting, Criminal defense Attorney on May 7, 2013
    Relationship: Worked together on matter

    Steve is a very capable and skilled criminal defense and OWI attorney. Steve is the type of attorney who is willing to go the extra mile for his client. Steve knows the law and understands what it takes to get the job done. I would highly recommend Steve if your looking for a great lawyer.

    Gerald Lykins, DUI and DWI Attorney on Jun 28, 2012
    Relationship: Worked together on matter

    I endorse this lawyer. Steve is a very fine, ethical and hardworking attorney. Steve appreciates his client's situations and he is focused on providing honest and fair results.

    Jason Jansma, Criminal defense Attorney on Jun 22, 2012
    Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

    Steve is an honest attorney whith the knowledge and committment necessary to make a big difference in the outcome of his client's cases.

    Jacob Sartz, General practice Attorney on Jun 24, 2011
    Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

    I have known Mr. Simkins for years. He is a tireless advocate for his clients and provides great value for his services. I would recommend him to anyone.

    Jason Barrix, Criminal defense Attorney on Feb 26, 2009
    Relationship: Supervised lawyer

    I endorse this lawyer's work. Steve is a hard working intelligent lawyer. He is very concerned about the client and their needs. He has handled complex criminal, civil, police misconduct cases and family law. He is aggressive, professional and still does contract work for office even thugh he is no longer an employee. High highly recommend Steve.

    Cost

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      • Free Consultation Some lawyers offer a free consultation to help determine whether their services are right for your legal needs45 minutes