Shannon M. Smith

Bar / Professional Activity

• Member, State Bar of Michigan, Criminal & Family Law Sections
• National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
• United States District Court - Eastern District of Michigan
• Member, Macomb County Bar Association
• Criminal Defense Attorneys of Michigan
• Michigan
• Member, Oakland County Bar Association
• Member, Professional Advisory Board for a Useful Sex Offender Registry
• Michigan State Bar Association

Verdicts / Settlements (Case Results)

• Client found NOT GUILTY by a jury of 11 counts of criminal sexual conduct. The case involved false allegations by a family member of alleged abuse over several years. A horrific custody case proved to be the motive for the false claims., 2024
• A jury found our client NOT GUILTY on charges of criminal sexual conduct made by 3 alleged victims in one trial. The motivation in the case was complicated with immigration related issues., 2025
• A father accused of criminal sexual conduct by his daughter was found NOT GUILTY on 20 counts of criminal sexual conduct in Huron County, Michigan. Our client faced years of investigations by CPS beforehand that were critical to present at trial so the jury understood the history of attempts at false claims., 2025

Educational Background

• University of Michigan, Bachelor of Arts, 2001
• Graduate of Gerry Spence's Trial Lawyers College
• Graduate of the Criminal Defense Attorneys of Michigan Trial College
• Graduate of the National Criminal Defense College

Honors

• Nation's Top One Percent, The National Association of Distinguished Counsel, 2024

“Shannon was proven a Rising Star before and continues to shine! Through her dedication and intelligence, she has been able to achieve remarkable results for her clients. I have watched her in court and know that she possesses amazing litigation skills and professionalism. She is the most impressive young lawyer I know and have witnessed in action.”

“Probably the best, hardest-working, and most successful young criminal defense attorney that I know. Shannon concentrates on what studies show to be the most difficult cases to defend (Criminal Sexual Conduct charges), never cuts corners, and wins with consistency. It seems like I'm always hearing about a Not Guilty or a dismissal that Shannon won in a tough case. If Shannon is not a Rising Star in criminal defense, then no one is.”

“This lawyer is always willing to share her knowledge about sexual criminal conduct cases with other lawyers and promotes an atmosphere of civility amongst our peers. She is dedicated to continued education and constantly strives to improve her knowledge in criminal defense.”

“Shannon is the attorney whom inspired me to open my own practice. From the start she has championed for me, referred cases to me and been in my corner. I have more respect for her and the work she does and the results she achieves. Her cases are so important to her and you can see the hard work and dedication she puts into each and every one.”

“Shannon is very good at mentoring younger attorneys and giving them advice when needed. She is a great speaker about sex crimes and always willing to share what she knows with others. She fights for her clients zealously and is a great advocate.”

“Shannon is an amazing attorney who zealously defends her clients”

“As good as it gets. She is caring, conscientious, and concerned.”

“Shannon Smith is an extremely talented attorney who continues to excel, particularly in the area of the defense of sex crimes. She has worked very hard to continue to improve her trial skills, attending the Spence Trial Lawyer's College in Wyoming for three weeks in September of 2011, and doing other significant CLEs and training throughout the year.”

“Shannon Smith is, above, all else, a human being first and foremost - that is what makes her an outstanding criminal defense lawyer. Shannon does not file motions to compel production; Shannon sees the rules and laws as her tools for making the truth come out. As a graduate of both the CDAM Trial College and Gerry Spence's Trial Lawyers College, Shannon uses her training and experience to dedicate her career to defending CSC cases - undoubtedly the most fact-intensive and difficult criminal cases out there, and she wins. There is no other attorney more deserving of the title "Super Lawyer" than Shannon Smith.”

“Shannon is a superb trial lawyer who also has a great knowledge of the law.”