Criminal Defense & Appeals,
Federal District Court and all Michigan Circuit Court criminal cases
Experienced & Aggressive practitioner in appellate, federal and state criminal defense matters with emphasis on appeals, motion practice, plea negotiations, sentencing mitigation and trial practice
Appeal Victories
People v. Timothy John Otto, 2023 WL 5987017 (Mich. App. 2023); Conviction VACATED
United States v. Aaron Salter, 18 USC 2254/Wayne CIU (2019); Murder conviction VACATED
United States v. Wesley, 409 F.3d 315 (2005); Jury Guilty Verdict REVERSED
United States v. Gregory Jordan, 20 Fed. Appx. 319 (2001); Sentence VACATED
United States v. Kevin Link, 194 F.3d 13154 (1999); Jury Conviction for drugs REVERSED
United States v. Reginald Coleman, 188 F.3d 354 (1999); Sentence REVERSED
United States v. Sadie Mae Twitty, 44 F.3d 410 (1995); Conviction REVERSED
United States v. Lee Erwin Johnson, 22 F.3d 674 (1994); Conviction for firearm REVERSED
United States v. H. Newcomb, 6 F.3d 1129 (1993); Jury Guilty Verdict REVERSED
Bar & Legal Associations
Michigan Bar Association P-38101
Michigan Bar, Appellate & Criminal Law sections
State Appellate Defender Office (SADO) member
Criminal Defense Attorneys of Michigan (CDAM)
U.S. Court of Appeals for Sixth Circuit, panel member
National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (NACDL)
Recent Client Reviews
"Dear Jonathan,
I am writing to you today on the twentieth anniversary of my conviction of three counts of possession of a destructive device in federal Court... I am writing to let you know that I am still filled with gratitude for your skillful defense which led to Judge Edmonds sentencing me to probation instead of incarceration. I know there was a lot of pressure from the highest levels for her to sentence me at the guideline's maximum recommended sentence. Much has changed in my life since then. I continued working as a registered nurse in the ER and Critical Care and cared for my family. My children have grown. I have grown… My gratitude for the opportunity to raise my children, help others, and help myself is beyond any words I could use to express. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.
Sincerely,
David"
In an actual innocence habeas case, Mr. Aaron Salter was released following a wrongful conviction.Jonathan and his team at F.D.O. won Mr. Salter's release from custody who said "thanks for your love and support" and his motto now is "better not bitter."
Career & Experience
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Jonathan M. Epstein, PLLC
Private criminal defense practice at 30445 Northwestern Hwy, Suite 225 Farmington Hills, MI 48334
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Federal Defender Office, Detroit, MI
Represented appointed clients in the U.S. District Court for Eastern District of Michigan, D.C. District Court and the U.S. Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals.
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Private Practice, Evans & Luptak, Detroit, MI
Associate litigation attorney in commercial, civil litigation and white collar criminal defense principally in Wayne, Oakland and Macomb County Circuits and U.S. District Court.
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Michigan Court of Appeals, Judicial Clerk
Judicial Law Clerk to the Honorable Mark J. Cavanagh, Visiting Judges Unit and Research Attorney, Pre-Hearing Unit.
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