Joe Sims, Criminal Defense Attorney in Washington, District of Columbia
Over 56 years of legal practice · focused on Criminal Defense, General, and Health Care · 5.0/5 rating from 1 verified client review
Of CounselatJones Day
Washington, DC
Practicing criminal defense in Washington since 1970.
- 56+
- Years practicing
- 5.0 ★
- 1 client review
- 2
- Bar admissions
Practices in
Are you Joe Sims?
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Quick answer
Joe Sims is an of counsel based in Washington, DC. The practice focuses on Criminal Defense, General, and Health Care. Joe has over 56 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Jones Day. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.
- Based in
- Washington, DC
- Experience
- over 56 years
- Known for
- Criminal Defense · General · Health Care
- Handles Criminal Defense, General, and Health Care matters from Washington, DC.
- Over 56 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
- Recognized with AV Preeminent.
About Joe Sims: Joe Sims is an of counsel based in Washington, DC. The practice focuses on Criminal Defense, General, and Health Care. Joe has over 56 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Jones Day. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.
Areas of practice
Legal matters Joe takes on
Joe concentrates on criminal defense, general, health care, litigation, and m&a. Each area below outlines the kind of case Joe handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Criminal Defense
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General
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Health Care
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Litigation
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M&A
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Criminal Defense cases in Washington, District of Columbia
Joe takes criminal defense matters in Washington, District of Columbia. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Joe agrees to represent you.
General cases in Washington, District of Columbia
Joe takes general matters in Washington, District of Columbia. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Joe agrees to represent you.
Health Care cases in Washington, District of Columbia
Joe takes health care matters in Washington, District of Columbia. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Joe agrees to represent you.
Litigation cases in Washington, District of Columbia
Joe takes litigation matters in Washington, District of Columbia. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Joe agrees to represent you.
M&A cases in Washington, District of Columbia
Joe takes m&a matters in Washington, District of Columbia. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Joe agrees to represent you.
Biography
Meet Joe Sims — criminal defense lawyer in Washington
Joe Sims is an of counsel based in Washington, DC. The practice focuses on Criminal Defense, General, and Health Care. Joe has over 56 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Jones Day. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.
Joe Sims is a lawyer practicing antitrust & competition law, health care, antitrust mergers & joint ventures and 2 other areas of law. Joe received a B.S. degree from Arizona State University in 1967, and has been licensed for 56 years. Joe practices at Jones Day in Washington, DC.
Working with Joe on a criminal defense matter
Joe Sims is a lawyer practicing antitrust & competition law, health care, antitrust mergers & joint ventures and 2 other areas of law. Joe received a B.S. degree from Arizona State University in 1967, and has been licensed for 56 years. Joe practices at Jones Day in Washington, DC.
Who Joe represents
Joe reviews new inquiries case-by-case for criminal defense, general, and health care matters in Washington and the surrounding District of Columbia area.
Credentials
Education, bar admissions, and languages
Arizona State University
J.D. Comment · 1970
Arizona State University
B.S. Comment · 1967
Jurisdictions
Joe's state bar admissions
District of Columbia
1978 · ACTIVE
Arizona
1970 · ACTIVE
Joe studied at J.D. Comment in Arizona State University and B.S. Comment in Arizona State University.
Law school and academic background
Joe completed J.D. Comment in Arizona State University and B.S. Comment in Arizona State University. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Joe runs in District of Columbia is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Recognition
Recognition and thought leadership
Joe has received 1 formal recognition from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.
AV Preeminent
Legal awards and honors
AV Preeminent.
Locations
Joe Sims's office in Washington
Joe's primary office is at 51 Louisiana Avenue, N.W., Washington, DC, 20001-2113. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Client feedback
Client reviews of Joe Sims — 5.0/5 rating from 1 verified client review
Every review below is from a verified client of Joe. Reviews cover communication, case outcome, and value — the three signals that matter most when comparing criminal defense attorneys in Washington.
5.0
1 client review
Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once Joe Sims claims this profile.
Read all reviewsHiring guide
How to hire Joe Sims — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new criminal defense attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with Joe usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.
Consultation formats and pricing
Joe charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Joe's office.
What to bring to your first meeting
Bring any documents you already have — police reports, medical records, filed pleadings, correspondence from an insurer, a copy of the contract at issue. If you're not sure, err on the side of bringing everything; Joe will tell you what matters and what doesn't.
Questions to ask a criminal defense attorney in Washington, District of Columbia
A short list to run through before you commit: How many criminal defense matters have you handled in the last year? What's your fee structure? Who else in the office will work on this? What's your realistic estimate of timeline and range of outcomes? How do I reach you between meetings?
Fees & payment
Fees, payment methods, and consultation options for Joe
Joe discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in criminal defense practice — ask which fits.
Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options
Every criminal defense matter is priced differently. Simple document review might be a flat fee. Injury litigation is often contingency. Complex commercial disputes usually run hourly with a retainer. Joe confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.
Payment methods and payment plans
Joe's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many criminal defense practices work with clients on structured schedules.
Frequently asked
Frequently asked questions about Joe Sims
How much does it cost to hire Joe for a criminal defense case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Joe walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does Joe offer a free consultation?
Joe charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Joe's office. Some criminal defense attorneys offer free consults — check Joe's current terms during booking.
How long do criminal defense cases in District of Columbia typically take?
Simple criminal defense matters can wrap in a few weeks; disputed cases can run 6–18 months from intake to resolution, longer if the matter goes to trial. Joe gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can Joe take my case if I'm outside Washington?
Joe is licensed in District of Columbia. Matters governed by District of Columbia law are the natural fit. Out-of-state matters are handled case-by-case, sometimes with local co-counsel. Ask during intake — Joe will tell you if the case is a fit or refer you to someone closer to your court.
What should I bring to my first meeting with Joe?
Bring every document that touches the dispute: contracts, correspondence, police or medical reports, filed pleadings, invoices, photographs, insurance letters. Also bring a written timeline of what happened, in your own words. Joe will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is Joe accepting new criminal defense clients right now?
Joe's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.
Areas served
Criminal Defense attorneys serving Washington and Belize City in District of Columbia
Joe handles criminal defense matters throughout District of Columbia. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified criminal defense attorneys in that community.
More counsel
Other top-rated criminal defense attorneys in District of Columbia
If Joe's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these criminal defense attorneys in Washington handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.

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