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Best Criminal Defense Attorneys in Phoenix, Arizona

After an arrest, Phoenix criminal defense lawyers take over before the first court date. They handle DUI stops, drug and assault charges, domestic violence and white-collar cases. A good attorney reviews police reports, challenges weak evidence, and negotiates with prosecutors. The lawyers below defend clients in Phoenix city courts and Maricopa County Superior Court.

Listed Phoenix Criminal Defense Lawyers are ranked by one score, applied the same way to every firm. It draws on public signals, including:

  • Client satisfaction and overall online reputation
  • The volume and consistency of client feedback
  • How established the firm is
  • Peer recognition within the legal community and across the web

Rankings are calculated independently from public data. Paid placements don't change a listing's score.

Leading Phoenix Criminal Lawyers for DUI, Felony & Federal Cases

Screenshot of the The Law Offices Of Alcock & Associates P.C. Website

Alcock & Associates is a Phoenix law firm with former Maricopa County prosecutors on its team. It handles criminal defense, DUI, immigration, family law, and injury cases.

The attorneys bring over 150 years of combined experience and have won more than 1,400 cases. Clients can reach their attorney directly, and the staff speaks Spanish. A Northern Virginia office handles immigration matters nationwide.

Screenshot of the Lerner & Rowe Law Group Website
2777 E Camelback Rd Ste 375, Phoenix, AZ 85016, USA

Lerner & Rowe Law Group defends DUI and criminal charges across Arizona from offices in Phoenix and Tucson. Founded by Glen Lerner and Kevin Rowe, the firm also files Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 bankruptcy.

Separate teams handle only criminal defense or only bankruptcy. Board-certified criminal law specialist Bruce Blumberg is part of the defense team. The group does not take personal injury cases.

Screenshot of the VS Criminal Defense Attorneys Website
1845 S Dobson Rd UNIT 202, Mesa, AZ 85202, USA

VS Criminal Defense Attorneys focuses on sex crime defense from its main office in Mesa, AZ. The National Trial Lawyers named lead attorney Michelle Villanueva Skura a Top 40 Under 40 defense lawyer.

The firm takes sexual assault, molestation, child exploitation, and sex sting cases. It also steps in before charges are filed. A network of forensic experts supports the defense. Offices in Mesa, Phoenix and Gilbert are open 24/7, and the team speaks Spanish.

Screenshot of the CIMA Law Group Website
350 E Virginia Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85004, USA

CIMA Law Group has handled more than 2,300 cases across Arizona since 2013. The bilingual Phoenix law firm practices immigration, criminal defense, and personal injury law.

Attorney Ayensa Millan leads the team, and staff speaks English and Spanish. The firm represents individuals, businesses and nonprofits.

Screenshot of the Gaxiola & Litwak Law Group Website
2 N Central Ave 19th Floor, Phoenix, AZ 85004, USA

Gaxiola & Litwak Law Group is a Phoenix criminal defense firm with over 20 years of trial experience. It takes cases in all 15 Arizona counties, from its office in One Renaissance Tower downtown.

The attorneys defend serious felonies, including homicide, aggravated assault, drug trafficking and gang allegations. Richard Gaxiola's cases have drawn coverage from local and national media. The office answers calls 24 hours a day.

Screenshot of the Belen Law Firm, PLLC Website

Belen Law Firm, PLLC handles criminal defense only, from its office in downtown Phoenix. Managing attorney Maria "Belén" Olmedo Guerra has handled hundreds of felony cases, including homicides.

Seth Apfel joins the team as a criminal appeals lawyer. The firm is available 24/7, serves Spanish-speaking clients and welcomes the LGBTQIA+ community.

Screenshot of the Ybarra Maldonado Law Group Website
3300 N Central Ave Floor 26, Phoenix, AZ 85012, USA
Screenshot of the Doran Justice, PLLC Website
3550 N Central Ave Suite 1006, Phoenix, AZ 85012, USA

Doran Justice, PLLC is a Phoenix criminal law firm led by attorney Chris Doran. It also handles post-conviction relief and personal injury claims.

The firm publishes its trial outcomes, criminal case results and injury settlements online. It takes cases in Maricopa, Pinal and Pima counties, and in other Arizona counties case by case.

Screenshot of the Palestini Law Website
1641 E Osborn Rd Suite 8, Phoenix, AZ 85016, USA

Palestini Law is the Phoenix criminal defense practice of James Palestini, who has conducted more than 300 trials. He spent seven years at the boutique defense firm Kimerer & Derrick before opening his own office.

The firm handles DUI, domestic violence, felony and misdemeanor cases. Clients speak with James directly, not an assistant. He has been named a Super Lawyers Rising Star and listed in The Best Lawyers in America.

Screenshot of the The Weingart Firm Website
4500 S Lakeshore Dr, Tempe, AZ 85282, USA

The Weingart Firm defends DUI and criminal cases from offices in Tempe and Phoenix. Attorney Mark Weingart is a certified criminal law specialist and a former Tempe judge.

He has defended DUI and criminal cases in Arizona for more than 50 years. He also served as an Arizona Assistant Attorney General. His free guide explains how to handle a DUI charge in Arizona. The firm offers 24/7 emergency service.

Screenshot of the Orent Law Offices, PLC Website
11811 N Tatum Blvd unit 3031 15b, Phoenix, AZ 85028, United States

Orent Law Offices, PLC is a Phoenix defense firm founded by Craig Orent. He is a State Bar of Arizona-certified criminal law specialist with over three decades of trial experience.

He previously worked at the Maricopa County Legal Defender's Office and the Federal Public Defender's Office. The firm handles state, city and federal cases, from traffic tickets to capital murder. Calls are answered 24/7.

Screenshot of the Robert J. Campos & Associates, P.L.C. Website

Robert J. Campos & Associates, P.L.C. has defended clients as a Phoenix criminal defense firm since 1996. Robert J. Campos has been a State Bar certified criminal law specialist since 1995.

He is a former Maricopa County prosecutor who worked in the sex crimes, gang and drug units. He has also served as a judge pro tem in Scottsdale and Glendale city courts. The firm handles sex crimes, DUI, probation violations and Rule 32 petitions. The office serves Spanish-speaking clients.

Screenshot of the Long & Simmons Law Website
2999 N 44th St Suite 516, Phoenix, AZ 85018, USA

Long & Simmons Law brings over 50 years of combined experience to criminal defense and injury cases in Phoenix. Both partners are former major felony prosecutors.

Jefferson Simmons is a board-certified criminal law specialist. Matthew Long is a former Major Felony Bureau Chief who is qualified to lead death penalty cases. The firm handles DUI, sex crimes, vehicular crimes and pre-charge investigations. It also takes car and motorcycle accident claims.

Screenshot of the Blumberg & Associates Website
2701 E Camelback Rd #185, Phoenix, AZ 85016, USA

Blumberg & Associates is a Phoenix criminal defense and family law firm led by Bruce Blumberg. He has been a board-certified criminal law specialist since 1999.

Bruce Blumberg has practiced in Arizona since 1986 and has tried about 100 jury trials. He has won acquittals in more than 25 serious felony cases, including first-degree murder trials. He has also joined Lerner & Rowe Law Group.

Screenshot of the Your Arizona Lawyer Website

Your Arizona Lawyer operates offices in Tucson and Scottsdale for people facing criminal charges. The Tucson criminal defense firm has handled thousands of cases, including DUI, drug crimes and felonies.

Clients work directly with the attorney they hire. Staff answer calls 24/7, and the firm has received an Avvo Clients' Choice award.

Screenshot of the DuMond Law Firm, PLLC Website
340 E Palm Ln Suite A100, Phoenix, AZ 85004, USA

DuMond Law Firm, PLLC covers criminal defense, family law, personal injury and probate from its Phoenix office. Samantha DuMond leads the legal team.

On the criminal side, the firm handles probation violations, post-conviction relief and bail bond forfeiture hearings. It also drafts trusts and estate plans. The team takes cases in Maricopa, Pinal, Pima and Yavapai counties.

Screenshot of the Ballecer & Segal Website
1095 E Indian School Rd #600, Phoenix, AZ 85014, USA

Ballecer & Segal handles criminal defense and immigration law from its Phoenix office. Dan Ballecer and Natalee Segal opened the practice in 1998 after working as prosecutors for the City of Phoenix.

The firm takes "crimmigration" cases, where a criminal charge affects a client's immigration status. It defends felony and misdemeanor cases across Arizona and handles criminal appeals. Natalee Segal is recognized as an expert on motions in major felony and death penalty cases.

Screenshot of the Garcia Law Firm, PLC Website
827 N 5th Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85003, USA

Garcia Law Firm, PLC focuses on criminal defense for people with mental illness, developmental delays or substance dependence. Bernardo Garcia has practiced criminal defense in Phoenix since 1991.

He handles guilty except insane defenses, Rule 11 competency hearings and court-ordered treatment petitions. He is a former president of Mental Health America of Arizona. Clients work with him directly, and he offers jail visits in Maricopa County. He also serves Spanish-speaking clients.

Screenshot of the AZ Defenders Website
67 E Weldon Ave # 317, Phoenix, AZ 85012, USA

AZ Defenders has two Arizona-certified DUI specialists, including founder Craig Rosenstein. Three other attorneys are board-certified criminal law specialists.

The Phoenix criminal defense firm handles DUI, drug crimes, domestic violence, sex crimes and white-collar cases. Craig Rosenstein is a former president of Arizona Attorneys for Criminal Justice. Offices in Phoenix, Tempe and Show Low serve clients statewide, 24/7.

Screenshot of the Suzuki Law Offices LLC Website

Suzuki Law Offices is led by RJ Suzuki, a former Assistant U.S. Attorney and Deputy Maricopa County Attorney. The Phoenix criminal defense firm takes both state and federal charges.

Former law enforcement investigators work on the defense team. Cases include DUI, drug trafficking, sex crimes, violent crimes and white-collar offenses. The firm also handles car and truck accident claims. Offices are in Phoenix, Tucson and Goodyear.

Screenshot of the Law Offices Michael E. Ziton P.C. Website
16427 N Scottsdale Rd Suite 410, Scottsdale, AZ 85254, USA

Law Offices Michael E. Ziton P.C. represents clients across Arizona from a Scottsdale office. Michael E. Ziton is a former prosecutor and has been licensed in Arizona since 1992.

He defends DUI, drug, assault, sex crime and probation violation cases, as well as border checkpoint arrests. The National Trial Lawyers named him a Top 100 Trial Lawyer in 2024. He is available 24 hours a day.

Screenshot of the Ted Law | DUI & Criminal Defense Lawyer in Phoenix Website

Ted Law is the Tempe practice of DUI and criminal defense attorney Ted Agnick. He has decades of experience in Arizona courts.

Ted Agnick limits his caseload and handles each case personally. He takes DUI, drug, sex crime and juvenile cases across the East Valley, including Mesa and Chandler. The firm charges flat fees and offers payment plans.

Screenshot of the Steven George Law Website
645 N 4th Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85003, USA

Steven George Law is the criminal defense firm of Steven Scharboneau, a Phoenix DUI attorney. He chose defense work from the start and has never been a prosecutor.

He also works at the Arizona Legislature on criminal justice reform and has helped write laws he now practices. The firm has offices in Phoenix and Anthem. It serves the Valley and northern Arizona, including Prescott and Flagstaff. The team is available 24/7.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a criminal defense lawyer cost in Phoenix?

Most charge a flat fee or an hourly rate. Cost depends on the charge, the court and whether the case goes to trial. Arizona ethics rules do not allow contingency fees in criminal cases. Many firms offer payment plans.

How long does Arizona have to file criminal charges?

Seven years for most felonies. Under A.R.S. § 13-107, misdemeanors must be filed within one year and petty offenses within six months. Homicide and some serious sex offenses have no time limit.

What happens after a DUI arrest in Phoenix?

Two cases start at once. The criminal case runs in court, while the Arizona MVD handles your license separately. The window to request an MVD hearing is short, so check the date on your paperwork right away. A first DUI carries at least 10 days in jail. A judge can suspend nine after alcohol screening or treatment.

Can a felony be reduced to a misdemeanor in Arizona?

Sometimes. A judge can leave a class 6 felony undesignated and later treat it as a misdemeanor after probation ends. A defense lawyer may also negotiate a plea to a lesser charge.

Can a criminal record be cleared in Arizona?

Often, yes. A conviction can be set aside, which lifts most penalties but keeps the record public. Under A.R.S. § 13-911, eligible people can petition to seal records, including arrests that never led to charges. Some marijuana convictions can be expunged under Prop 207.

Do I need a private lawyer if I qualify for a public defender?

Not always. The Maricopa County Public Defender's Office represents people who cannot afford counsel. Public defenders often carry heavy caseloads, though. A private attorney may have more time for investigation, witness interviews and motions.

Types of Criminal Cases in Phoenix

DUI and Extreme DUI. Arizona treats a 0.15 BAC as extreme DUI and 0.20 as super extreme. Aggravated DUI, such as driving drunk on a suspended license, is a felony.

Drug Crimes. Charges include possession, sale and trafficking. Penalties depend on the drug, the amount and any intent to sell.

Assault and Domestic Violence. Domestic violence is a label added to crimes like assault or criminal damage. It can bring no-contact orders and affect gun rights.

Sex Crimes. These cases often turn on forensic evidence and witness credibility. A conviction can require sex offender registration.

White-Collar Crimes. Fraud, embezzlement and identity theft cases rely on financial records. Many follow long investigations before any arrest.

Federal Charges. Federal cases go to the U.S. District Court for the District of Arizona in downtown Phoenix. They follow federal sentencing guidelines and different procedures.

How to Choose a Criminal Defense Lawyer in Phoenix

Match the lawyer to the charge. A DUI defense differs from a federal fraud case. Ask how many cases like yours the attorney has handled.

Check for board certification. The State Bar of Arizona certifies criminal law specialists who meet trial and exam requirements. You can confirm a lawyer's status on the State Bar website.

Ask about local court experience. Felonies go to Maricopa County Superior Court. Misdemeanors usually stay in Phoenix Municipal Court or a justice court.

Find out who handles your case. Some firms pass cases to associates. Ask who will appear in court and return your calls.

Get the fee in writing. Confirm what the flat fee covers, such as a trial or expert witnesses.

What Affects the Outcome of a Criminal Case in Phoenix?

Possible outcomes include dismissal, diversion, a plea deal, or a trial verdict. The strength of the evidence matters most, along with how police gathered it. Prior convictions can raise sentences under Arizona's repeat-offender rules. First-time offenders may qualify for diversion, which can end in a dismissal.

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