Top Best Criminal Defense Lawyers | 14601 Available

I am a dedicated criminal defense attorney at Nova Law Group, PLLC, committed to helping clients navigate the complexities of the legal system. My practice encompasses a wide range of criminal cases, from misdemeanors to high-level felonies. Throughout my career, I have remained focused on criminal defense, driven by a genuine commitment to protecting my clients' rights and futures.. Before joining Nova Law Group, I served as a deputy public defender with the Maricopa County Public Defender's Office. There, I honed my skills in legal advocacy and trial practice, gaining invaluable experience in defending individuals facing challenging circumstances.. At Nova Law Group, we understand the profound impact criminal charges can have on your life. I am dedicated to securing the best possible outcomes for my clients, standing by their side every step of the way. My goal is to provide compassionate, effective representation that empowers you to move forward with confidence.

Bard Weinstein is a seasoned criminal defense attorney with a reputation for providing strategic, results-driven representation. Raised in Northern California, Bard grew up with a strong legal foundation, learning from his father, a general law practitioner. This background shaped his commitment to justice and advocacy for those facing serious legal challenges.. Bard has built a distinguished career defending clients in a broad spectrum of criminal and federal cases. His comprehensive experience includes DUI, drug offenses, assault and domestic violence, fraud, and violent crimes. As both a skilled negotiator and trial attorney, Bard develops tailored defense strategies designed to protect his clients' rights and achieve the best possible results.. At the core of Bard’s practice is a deep dedication to his clients’ well-being. He recognizes the impact that criminal charges can have on a person’s life and provides unwavering support and legal guidance through every stage of the process. Whether in negotiations or the courtroom, Bard Weinstein is committed to securing justice for his clients.

Born in the small border town of Douglas, AZ, Ray Ybarra Maldonado is a Stanford educated attorney who took a two-year leave from his studies to directly intervene in the vigilante movement that was starting in Arizona. While working for the American Civil Liberties Union, Ybarra Maldonado was instrumental in starting a major civil rights lawsuit against one of the vigilantes and trained hundreds of volunteers and spent months following the Minutemen as they patrolled the U.S.-Mexico Border.. He co-wrote and co-produced the award winning documentary, Rights on the Line: Vigilantes at the Border and he has been quoted frequently in the national and international media on the topic of immigrants’ rights and the vigilantes.. Ybarra Maldonado is a noted public speaker who has given presentations at Harvard, the University of California at Berkeley, the Universidad Autonoma de Mexico, and dozens of other universities, colleges, and community groups across North America.. Ybarra Maldonado has testified in front of local and state government entities and is work has been profiled in the Intelligence Report, Stanford Lawyer, and in a documentary that premiered at the 2006 Sundance Film Festival, entitled “Crossing Arizona.”. As a trial attorney, in the anti-immigrant state of Arizona, he has attained not guilty verdict on felony charges for immigrants in both state and federal court. He has also won cases at the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals on behalf of migrants and currently remains in the trenches fighting to stop deportations in the Florence, Eloy, and Phoenix immigration courts and representing immigrants charged with both state and federal crimes. His recent victories include a not guilty verdict following a jury trial in one of Sheriff Joe Arpaio’s workplace raid cases.. Ybarra Maldonado attended Cochise Community College in Douglas, AZ on a baseball scholarship and graduated Summa Cum Laude from Arizona State University with a degree in Religious Studies. He previously volunteered at migrants centers in Agua Prieta, Sonora and Tapachula, Chiapas where he assisted with cleaning, preparing food, and conducting human rights discussions.. Ybarra Maldonado is currently a non-residential fellow at the Stanford Center for Internet and Society, a board member of Los Abogados, and the Litigation Liason for the Arizona Chapter of the American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA).. He lives with his wife and children, Ray Emerson and Stokely, in Phoenix, AZ. Prior to his marriage to his wife Dr. Angeles Maldonado he was “Ray Ybarra” and legally has changed his name to “Ray Ybarra Maldonado.” The family are avid fans of the Arizona State Sun Devils, Stanford Cardinal, and all things Arizona (minus the anti-immigrant politics).

Julia Cassels provides an unparalleled level of representation. With over 17 years of experience, including over 80 felony jury trials, over 25 misdemeanor trials, and having seen thousands and thousands of cases to completion, Ms. Cassels has a level of experience that is exceptionally rare.  Ms. Cassels regularly represents high profile defendants and appears frequently in the national media.. Ms. Cassels is committed to providing excellent, personal service. Types of cases include homicides, sex crimes, drug offenses, weapons cases, and other felony representation.. Through an alliance with a well-respected immigration attorney, she will also provide comprehensive immigration representation so that if immigration is a concern, your rights are protected from the very first moment.. Ms. Cassels provides flat fees and affordable payment plans for your convenience. Visa, Mastercard, Discover, and American Express are accepted.

The law firm of Robert J. Campos & Associates, P.L.C., has been proudly serving the citizens of Arizona since 1996. The Firm specializes in the defense of clients who are accused of, or charged with, a criminal offense.. Robert J. Campos founded the Firm in 1996, after serving 7 years as a Maricopa County Prosecutor and 2 years as a La Paz County prosecutor. As a former prosecutor, Mr. Campos gained extensive training and experience handling very serious cases.. In addition to his extensive experience as a former prosecutor, Mr. Campos also has several years of experience as a city court judge. Robert J. Campos served as a pro-tem judge for the Scottsdale City Court for 4 years and as a pro-tem judge for the Glendale City Court for 2 years.. Robert J. Campos is a dedicated and knowledgeable defense attorney. Mr. Campos understands that good people make mistakes. Mr. Campos strives to expertly and aggressively defend the rights of his clients.. Because Mr. Campos served as a former sex crimes prosecutor for 5 years with the Maricopa County Attorney's Office, he developed expertise in the defense of sex crimes. Mr. Campos has been consulted as an expert by KFYI and KTAR radio stations, the Arizona Republic Newspaper, and U.S. News and World Report.

Thank you for reviewing my profile and considering me to represent you in your criminal defense, DUI/DWI, or personal injury case.. Choosing a lawyer is as important as picking a doctor, and I encourage you to take your time in making this potentially life altering decision.  I also encourage you to contact several attorneys before you contact me so you can see the difference between their hard-selling, used car dealer approach and my honest, straightforward, no-nonsense approach.  I take great pride in obtaining the best results possible for my clients.  I enjoy an excellent reputation throughout the legal community because of my legal intellect, personal integrity, professionalism, and unrelenting drive to protect my clients.. I represent clients in Tempe, Phoenix, Scottsdale, Mesa, Tempe, Maricopa County and throughout Arizona.  I also work with a network of attorneys covering many practice areas, so if I cannot personally represent you, I will help you find an attorney who can.. ADVERTISING SCAM NOTICE:  Many attorneys are now adding to their profiles and websites that they have been "chosen" or "selected" by organizations as being outstanding lawyers.  As an example, I've been offered membership in Best Law Firms of America, Best Attorney of America, Top 40 under 40 by the American Society of Legal Advocates, Top 40 under 40 by the National Trial Lawyers, Nation's Top One Percent by National Association of Distinquished Counsel, 10 Best Attorneys for the State of Arizona in Client Satisfaction in DUI Defense, and many, many more.  Membership in these organizations or acceptance of these "awards" is based solely on the payment of a fee.  Do not be misled by attorneys who use these organizations or awards in their advertisements or websites.  The only reputable attorney rating organizations are Super Lawyers and Martindale Hubbell.

Cara Dames is a licensed Arizona and California* attorney. She began her legal career as an attorney at the Maricopa County Public Defender’s Office in Phoenix, Arizona. She has significant experience representing clients facing felony charges in Maricopa County Superior Court proceedings, such as initial appearances, status conferences, oral arguments, motion hearings, and sentencings. She focuses her practice on tenacious negotiations and strong advocacy, with an emphasis on client communications.Cara graduated cum laude from Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law and completed the law school’s Trial Advocacy Certification. While in law school, she completed multiple externships, internships, and clinics in criminal defense, trial advocacy, and family law. Notably, she worked as a Summer Fellow at Harvard Law School in the Harvard Legal Aid Bureau. During the Fellowship, she directly represented indigent clients in family law cases and successfully won a contested guardianship removal trial that reunited a single mother with her child.. Cara received numerous awards for her academic achievements including CALI Awards in Legal Advocacy and the Public Defender Clinic, William H. Pedrick Scholar Awards, the Maricopa County Bar Foundation Justice Michael D. Ryan Diversity Award, the Sun Devil Giving Day Scholar Award, the Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law Alumni Association Scholarship Award, the State Bar Criminal Justice Section Future Practitioner Award, and the Paul Holloway Trial Advocacy Graduation Award. She also served as the Vice Chair of Internal Affairs for the Asian Pacific American Law Student Association and as the Director of Victory Place for the Homeless Legal Assistance Project. Through all of these organizations, she volunteered more than 580 hours of pro bono service and received the Highest Pro Bono Distinction.. Prior to law school, Cara obtained her Bachelor’s Degree in Sociology, with a concentration in Crime, Justice, Law, and Society, from the University of San Diego, graduating with Departmental Honors. She also previously worked as a legal secretary and law clerk for multiple years in both California and Arizona. She is a first-generation college student, who was born and raised on the Island of Guam.. *CA Bar Admission Currently Pending

Practicing criminal defense law for over ten years. Experienced in all areas of criminal defense including DUI and related charges.  Extensive experience representing clients charged with domestic violence offenses.  Known as a fierce trial attorney.

Knowledge of the law and confidence in Court is what you need in a criminal defense attorney. This knowledge and confidence is what Christine Whalin projects during every client meeting, settlement negotiation, pretrial hearing, and jury trial. Christine became an attorney in 2006 and joined DM Cantor in 2010, becoming partner in 2018. She is one of only 12 female criminal defense attorneys in the state of Arizona who are Board Certified Specialists in Criminal Law per the State Bar of Arizona, Board of Legal Specialization.. Christine is a trial lawyer practicing for over 15 years in the area of criminal defense. She focuses on representing individuals in all types of criminal cases ranging from state and federal felony and misdemeanor matters, along with school discipline and Title IX litigation. Throughout her career, Christine has represented countless clients on their criminal cases, achieving successful results in the form of dismissals, reduced sentences and complete acquittals after jury trial. Christine represents people in any type of criminal matter, and is particularly skilled in handling major felony cases involving sexual misconduct, sexual assault and other serious “life-in-prison” allegations. In addition, she is extremely successful in handling pre-charge matters and having those investigations closed and not filed.Christine has been listed in the Top 50 Most Influential Women in Arizona Business for 2023.. Representative Cases

Chad Pajerski is a highly qualified and experienced attorney who specializes in criminal defense cases.  He has been licensed by the State Bar of Arizona since 1999.  In private practice since April 2004, Mr. Pajerski delivers excellent service to his clients by taking a personal, vested interest in each individual case.  Pajerski Law does not employ junior attorneys or associates, thereby ensuring that all aspects of each case are handled exclusively by Mr. Pajerski himself.  Unlike large firms that handle a high volume of cases, Pajerski Law limits the number of active cases to fewer than 20.  By doing this, Mr. Pajerski can ensure that each case receives the same individual attention and that all the needs of his clients are met.. Mr. Pajerski has been designated a Board Certified Specialist in Criminal Law by the State Bar of Arizona. In order to qualify for such distinction, an attorney must demonstrate the highest of standards in experience, judgment, effectiveness, professionalism and ethics. As a Specialist, Mr. Pajerski has exhibited to his peers the highest degree of competence in the practice of criminal law. There are currently less than 70 Criminal Law Specialists practicing in Maricopa County.

"The Best Lawyers in America" has recognized Robert as one of the best lawyers in the United States for Criminal Defense (2023). Robert is also a former Criminal Prosecutor, who used to prosecute dangerous gangs as a Deputy Maricopa County Attorney.. Robert is a seasoned, long time Partner at Snell & Wilmer, established in 1938, and one of the largest firms in the West.  He is a well respected, experienced and effective trial lawyer.  Robert has received the highest rating through the peer review process of Martindale Hubbell in both legal ability and ethics.  Historically recognized by "Ranking Arizona" and "Arizona's Finest Lawyers", Robert understands both the legal and emotional needs of those accused of criminal offenses and offers practical and elegant solutions to challenging situations.. Robert has numerous publications and presentations, including a chapter in a leading book put out by the American Bar Association (2015), titled:  "From the Trenches:  Strategies and Tips from 21 of the Nation's Top Trial Lawyers".. Having represented high level executies, professional athletes, and those who may otherwise be subject to media exposure, Robert is adept at navigating the complexities associated with today's evolving legal landscape.

“True success can only be accomplished by succeeding at something you are passionate about.”. Chris Doran’s passion is in the courtroom and speaking up for those who need a voice. To date, every one of his jury trials have resulted in directed verdict dismissals, full acquittals, hung juries, or guilty verdicts with the same or lesser sentence than the plea that was offered. The one case that resulted in a guilty conviction for his client was later overturned and completely dismissed for egregious discovery violations by the police and the prosecution. In addition to success at trial, Mr. Doran has also achieved many victories in the pre-trial phase of cases, including: negotiating hundreds of deviated plea offers, helping to significantly reduce people’s bonds to allow them to be out of custody while they fight their case, receiving numerous case dismissals, obtaining significantly mitigated sentences from judges, handling various kinds of evidentiary hearings that have resulted in the suppression of crucial evidence, fighting injunctions harassment and orders of protections on both sides, reuniting parents with their children in contentious child custody matters, and assisting injured clients with receiving large monetary settlements. While Mr. Doran is still early in his career, he has already represented professional athletes, lawyers, doctors, police officers, and various high-profile cases that have gained national media attention. He has appeared on local news stations multiple times, and he was featured on CNBC’s show “American Greed”. In just two short years, he rose from an associate attorney at DuMond Law to a named partnering attorney of the DuMond & Doran Law Firm. Before he was 30-years-old, Mr. Doran started his own law firm in 2019: Doran Justice.. Mr. Doran’s primary experience is with criminal defense (over 800 cases) and personal injury civil litigation. He has also represented clients on contract disputes, landlord tenant issues, bond forfeiture hearings, juvenile delinquency matters, and family law cases. He represents people all over the State of Arizona in city courts, justice courts, municipal courts, superior courts, federal courts, and at the Court of Appeals. He has defended clients on small traffic offenses, DUIs, drug offenses, domestic violence offenses, violent offenses, sex offenses, white collar crimes, and even on charges of manslaughter and first degree murder.. Mr. Doran traces the groundwork of his many successes back to his participation in collegiate undergraduate mock trial with Sun Devil Mock Trial at his alma mater, Arizona State University. Mr. Doran was a captain and a leader in the program, earning individual lawyer awards, witness awards, team awards, and awards for professionalism and integrity (SPAMTA). More importantly, undergraduate mock trial taught him effective trial advocacy techniques; it took his public speaking to new levels; and it gave him a strong grasp of the Rules of Evidence used at trial. These skills serve as some of his greatest advantages over his opponents in the courtroom. Anyone that faces Mr. Doran in the courtroom can attest to his trial advocacy skills and his public speaking abilities.. After he graduated with two bachelor’s degrees and a 4.0 grade point average from ASU, he continued straight to law school with the Sun Devils at ASU’s Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law. During his time in law school, Mr. Doran continued to compete in internal and external moot court, mediation, and mock trial competitions. Mr. Doran graduated from law school in 2015 with various 1st place victories, as a member of the exclusive Order of the Barristers, as a top moot court / mock trial law student of his graduating class by receiving the Janet S. Mueller Oral Advocacy Award, and with many other accolades. He was also President of the Executive Moot Court Board during his final year.Despite his busy schedule and his successes, Chris has always found time to improve the community and the world. During his undergraduate years, he jointly started the first collegiate chapter of New Global Citizens, a non-profit, grassroots organization that helped indigenous, third-world countries to meet Millennium Development Goals. In law school, he was a homeless shelter director for the Homeless Legal Assistance Project (HLAP) at the East Valley Men’s Center, and he served as President of the Pro Bono Board for two consecutive years. Chris set, and still holds, the record for the most pro bono hours ever recorded by an ASU law student during law school with more than 2,000 logged pro bono volunteer hours. Chris still regularly attends the East Valley Men’s Center to provide free legal advice to the homeless. Additionally, Chris currently serves as co-head coach for ASU’s undergraduate mock trial team. This is his 12th year coaching the Sun Devils. During these twelve years, he has been coaching undergraduate students to guide and train future lawyers, and to give back to them what he was given in college. In these twelve years, the program has advanced beyond Regionals all but once, has consistently sent two teams to the Opening Round Championship Series (ORCS), has competed at Nationals, and in 2023 advanced all 5 of ASU’s teams out of Regionals – making it only the second time in history that a program has done that.. As previously mentioned, Mr. Doran’s success is rooted in his participation in undergraduate mock trial, but what he, his clients, his friends, his family, and his colleagues attribute most of his success to is his passion for his clients. Mr. Doran is hard-working, dedicated, and passionate about each and every one of his clients. He does not stop in his pursuit for fairness, rehabilitation, second chances, and justice. By all accounts, Chris Doran truly cares about all clients that he represents in a unique and individual capacity. To him, this is more than just a career, it is his purpose.

Alcock & Associates attorney Elizabeth Maupin defends clients throughout the valley with a wealth of knowledge and experience in the criminal justice system. She is a former county felony prosecutor and former city misdemeanor prosecutor. She understands the criminal justice system and how to secure favorable results. She also cares about her clients and holds genuine compassion for them. She  always puts their interests first. She has built an excellent reputation as an attorney for her ability to secure outstanding results and due to her numerous positive relationships with prosecutors, judges and criminal defense attorneys.

David V. Telles is a partner at MayesTelles PLLC. An experienced criminal defense lawyer with a background in law enforcement, Mr. Telles formerly worked for the Secret Service, the DEA (Narcotics Interdiction Task Force), and the Anti-Terrorist Unit of the U.S. Air Force. Throughout his career, he has handled all types of misdemeanor and felony cases, and takes pride in protecting the rights of accused individuals. Mr. Telles earned his legal degree from the University of Arizona College of Law. He is included in the National Trial Lawyers “Top 100 Trial Lawyers” list.

Originally from Evanston, Wyoming, I received my Bachelor of Fine Arts in lighting design and lighting technology from the University of Wyoming in 2003. After working in the lighting field for several years, I relocated to Phoenix, Arizona to pursue my goal of becoming a lawyer. I attended the Phoenix School of Law where I earned my Juris Doctor degree, graduating in the top 3% of my class. While attending law school I served as an intern in the Office of the Governor Jan Brewer and the Office of the Arizona Solicitor General. I also interned with the City of Mesa Economic Development Department where I assisted in the negotiation of several developments. In my final semester of law school, I interned at the law firm of Kimerer & Derrick, P.C.. After licensing, I was hired by Kimerer & Derrick, P.C. where I remained through 2020. In 2021, I founded Law Offices of Rhonda Neff, PLLC where I practice almost exclusively in criminal defense and criminal appeals. I have experience in a wide range of criminal cases from the highest felonies down to the lowest misdemeanors and petty offenses. I believe that every client's case is unique and carries with it unique challenges. No two case are ever the same and each defendant has a different background and life experience. It is important to have a lawyer that will look at the case and legal issues while at the same time taking the time to get to know the client as a person. I pride myself on being client focused.. I serve on the executive board of the Arizona Attorneys for Criminal Justice. I have served on its governing board for many years, in addition to serving on the legislative and amicus committees. I am a member of the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers and the Women's White Collar Defense Association. I have been named as a Super Lawyer Rising Star consecutively since 2016.I am admitted to practice law in the State of Arizona, State of Colorado (inactive), the Federal District Court for the District of Arizona, the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals, and the Supreme Court of the United States.

Jacie is an aggressive advocate whose hobbies even reflect that. Jacie teaches hand to hand combat and makes her own knives in her spare time. She also enjoys auto racing. Jacie is a Type A personality who uses that drive to help her clients.

Davis Law Firm, PLLC offers legal representation in Criminal Defense, Commercial and Non-commercial Traffic, and specific family law litigation. Attorney Ariel Davis prides themself on providing superior representation, cost-effective solutions to your legal issues, and professionalism to each case.. Attorney Ariel Davis was raised in San Diego, CA. Ariel completed their undergraduate degrees in Public Relations and Electronic Media, & Film at Northern Arizona University. There, they clerked at the Harris & Winger, PLC law firm in Flagstaff, AZ.. During law school, Ariel served as a judicial extern for The Honorable Susana Pineda in the Maricopa County Superior Court. Ariel spent time as a Certified Limited Practice Student pursuant to Rule 38(d) Student at the Maricopa County Public Defender's Office where they worked on felony criminal matters. Ariel participated in the 11th Annual Williams Institute Moot Court Competition. Ariel participated in several student organizations that focused primarily on student diversity and inclusion. Lastly, Ariel served as the Technology Editor for ASU's Sports & Entertainment Law Journal.. In Ariel's legal practice, they began their career as a Deputy Public Defender at the Maricopa County’s Office of the Public Defender. Ariel has assisted numerous clients related to felony and misdemeanor criminal matters. After leaving the Maricopa County’s Office of the Public Defender, Ariel's private practice includes criminal defense, traffic defense, and specific family litigation.. Admitted: Arizona (Active); Oregon (Inactive)Law School: Arizona State University College of Law, J.D.Undergraduate: Northern Arizona University, B.S. Public Relations, B.S. Electronic Media & Film

After graduating Mrs. Ortega was immediately hired by the Maricopa County Attorney's Office in part due to her accolades and also due to the extensive trial experience she developed through the Trumann Young Fellowship. By the end of her last year of law school she had first-chaired numerous serious felony trials and dozens of misdemeanor trials. Alane worked as a Deputy County Attorney in the Major Crimes Fraud and Identity Theft Bureau for six years focusing on large scale white collar crime including violations of RICO statutes, Criminal Enterprise, Criminal Syndicate, Fraudulent Schemes and Artifices and Securities Fraud.. Alane eventually left the Maricopa County Attorney's Office and went on to found her own law practice, The Law Office of Alane M. Ortega, PLLC. Clients are continually impressed by Alane Ortega's results-driven legal service, as well as the respectful candor she uses when conversing with her valued clients. She speaks both Spanish and English.. Practice Areas. For years Alane Ortega has handled complicated criminal cases, including everything from seemingly minor misdemeanor allegations to serious felony charges. Regardless of the extent of her clients' criminal charges, Alane always provides fast, aggressive representation.. Although she is best known for her work in criminal law, Alane Ortega's practice focus has shifted to a variety of general practice areas with a focus on her in court oral advocacy and vast trial experience. This includes criminal forfeiture, civil trial work, family law matters, juvenile court matters, and dependency matters. Alane's focus is on believing in her client's cause.. Alane's clients speak highly of her compassionate approach, as well as her ability to create a spirit of cooperation, even in the most contentious of legal situations. Family matters handled at the Law Offices of Alane M. Ortega, PLLC include child custody, child support, property settlements, guardianship, and adoption, among others.. The Law Offices of Alane M. Ortega, PLLC is also a litigation firm. As a civil litigator, Alane Ortega utilizes the same aggressive approach that has served her well in criminal law. Due to her diverse background, she is especially well suited to cases involving the overlap of criminal and civil law.. Many Arizona residents find it difficult to find high-quality medical marijuana representation. These individuals are encouraged to seek counsel from the Law Offices of Alane M. Ortega, PLLC, which handles complicated cases involving medical marijuana investment and board member disputes as well as dispensary licensing matters. Alane Ortega is willing to handle cases involving both the criminal and civil aspects of medical marijuana law.. Practice AreasCriminal LawFamily LawMedical Marijuana Law