PROFILES

Jonathan A Simms, Esq. — Senior Partner

Jonathan Simms profile

Attorney Jonathan A. Simms is the managing partner of The Simms Firm, PLC. Attorney Simms began his legal career as a prosecutor with the District Attorney’s Office in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. As a prosecutor in one of the nation’s largest cities he worked on cases involving narcotics, firearms, sexual assaults, attempted murder, white-collar crimes, and D.U.I. As a prosecutor, Attorney Simms quickly gained the respect of his colleagues and judges. He is known for being extremely prepared, professional, and tenacious. While a prosecutor in Philadelphia, Attorney Simms worked in the Major Trials unit. Following his departure from the Philadelphia District Attorney’s office, Attorney Simms was recruited by the Office of the Attorney General for the District of Columbia. As a prosecutor with the Office of the Attorney General he litigated felony cases.

After many years as a prosecutor in Philadelphia and Washington D.C., Attorney Simms began working as a criminal defense attorney. He has been commended for his fierce cross examination of witnesses and ability to effectively communicate to members of a jury. Attorney Simms has worked on several large scale state and federal narcotic cases. He has also represented individuals charged with sexual crimes. This representation includes advising clients who are under investigation by state or federal law enforcement.

Attorney Simms has defended clients in some of the largest white-collar criminal investigations in the Northern Virginia and Washington D.C. Metropolitan area. This includes clients accused of wire fraud, embezzlement and securities fraud. His cases have been covered by the New York Times, Washington Post, Wall Street Journal and various other national media outlets.

Attorney Simms has been recognized as a “rising star” by SuperLawyers Magazine. The National Trial Lawyers Association named him as a “Top 100” trial attorney. In 2014, Northern Virginia Magazine and Richmond Magazine recognized Attorney Simms as a “Top Attorney” in the area of criminal defense. He was also awarded the Client Distinction Award by Martindale Hubbell in 2015. He has served as a guest speaker at both Georgetown University and Howard University Schools of Law. He has also recently served on a judicial selection committee.

Melanie C. Wright, Esq. — Associate Attorney

melanie linkedinAttorney Melanie C. Wright is an associate attorney with the Simms Firm. She earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology and Criminology, Law and Society from George Mason University. She earned her J.D. from Liberty University, School of Law.

During Attorney Wright’s academic tenure, she gained extensive experience at the Commonwealth Attorney’s Office in both Newport News and Hampton, Virginia. In addition, she actively litigated cases at the Public Defender’s Office in Lynchburg, Virginia. As a member of Liberty University’s Trial Team, she earned the prestigious Virginia Trial Advocacy Award, which recognizes excellence in litigation skill and technique.

Attorney Wright has also worked with the National African American Drug Policy (NAADPC) as an outreach coordinator where she focused on national drug prevention by briefing and educating Washington D.C.’s youth on drug prevention and affects. The NAADPC gave Attorney Wright great insight on the legal issues faced by our clients.
Attorney Wright currently specializes in Federal and State Criminal Defense cases with an emphasis on White Collar Criminal defense matters. Attorney Wright is a relentless and aggressive advocate for the firm’s clients.

Stephanie L. Duran, Esq. — Associate Attorney

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Stephanie L. Duran joined the Simms Firm, PLC as an associate attorney in October of 2016. Attorney Duran earned juris doctors in both the United States and Canada as part of a select dual degree program between the University of Windsor and University of Detroit-Mercy.

While in law school, Attorney Duran volunteered as a student attorney for the University of Detroit-Mercy’s Urban Law Clinic, providing legal services to Detroit’s elder community. She also worked briefly for legal aid of Windsor, Ontario, providing valuable services to the Windsor community.

Following graduation from law school in 2011, Attorney Duran returned to Northern Virginia where she began her career as a general practice, civil litigation attorney. Attorney Duran has handled matters including divorce and domestic relations, real estate transactions, real estate litigation, landlord/tenant law, foreclosures, business law, personal injury law, contract law, traffic law, estate planning, probate administration, medical malpractice, guardianship, employment law, and criminal law.

Attorney Duran’s practice with the firm includes civil and criminal matters.

Matthew A. Crist, Esq. — Associate Attorney

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Matthew Crist joined The Simms Firm, PLC as an Associate Attorney in October of 2016. His practice areas include personal injury, medical malpractice, professional malpractice, contract drafting, and contract enforcement.

Attorney Crist served in the United States Army from 2001 to 2005. After his service, he attended Wayne State University and earned two Bachelors of Arts, one in Political Science and another in Philosophy. Matthew graduated from the University Of Detroit Mercy School of Law and was admitted to practice law in the Commonwealth of Virginia in 2013.

Attorney Crist has volunteered to assist veterans with their disability claims and also to assist the ill and elderly with wills, trusts, and advance medical directives.

Bar Admissions:
Virginia, 2013
District of Columbia, 2015

Publications:
You Have the Right to Remain Vigilant, 91 U. Det. Mercy L. Rev. 77 (2014).

Court Admissions:
US District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia, 2014
US District Court for the District of Columbia, 2016