Find the Best Criminal Defense Attorneys in Phoenix

  • Phoenix Sex Crime Lawyer

     1100 E Washington St Suite 154
    Phoenix, Arizona 85034
    United States

    If you are facing a sex crime accusation, contact our experienced Phoenix sex crimes lawyers who will aggressively defend your rights and freedom. We have the expertise you need to defend against sexual assault charges, solicitation, false rape allegations, indecent exposure, and much more.

  • Arizona Felony Defense Lawyer

     3919 E Potter Dr
    Phoenix, Arizona 85050
    United States

    When you’re charged with a crime in Arizona, you should immediately seek legal counsel from an experienced criminal defense attorney. Consequences of a conviction can be devastating, including steep fines, imprisonment, and a lifetime blemish on your record. At Arizona Felony Defense Lawyer, we pride ourselves on our ability to provide our clients with the most comprehensive and thorough legal representation.

  • Phoenix Criminal Lawyer

     2375 East Camelback Road, Suite 600
    Phoenix, Arizona 85016
    United States

    Phoenix Criminal Lawyer is a prominent law firm located in Phoenix, Arizona, dedicated to defending clients across a range of criminal charges. Led by Jeremy Geigle, an experienced attorney recognized for his legal prowess, the firm handles cases involving DUI, drug crimes, federal crimes, white-collar crimes, and more. Known for their aggressive defense strategies, they strive to achieve the best outcomes for their clients. Visit: https://phoenixcriminallawyer.co/

  • Davidson Criminal Defense & DUI Law Firm

     11811 N Tatum Blvd UNIT 3031
    Phoenix, Arizona 85028
    United States

    There is no shortage of criminal defense firms in Phoenix with salespersons and attorneys who rarely see the inside of a courtroom and will treat you as a number and not a client. Call our Phoenix Criminal Defense Attorney today for a free consultation to protect your future and your freedom. Website: https://jdavidsonlaw.com/

  • My AZ Criminal Defense Lawyers

     3847 E Sophie Ln
    Phoenix, Arizona 85042
    United States

    My AZ Criminal Defense Lawyers provides comprehensive legal services across Arizona, with offices in Mesa, Phoenix, Scottsdale, and other key locations. Led by the accomplished Candace Kallen, our team is well-versed in representing clients across a spectrum of charges, from DUIs to drug possession, domestic violence, assault, theft, juvenile crimes and other felonies or misdemeanors.

  • The Law Offices of David A. Black

     Phoenix
    Phoenix, Arizona 85004
    United States

    If you have been charged with a crime in the greater Phoenix area, no matter if it’s a misdemeanor or a serious felony, you need an skilled criminal defense lawyer by your side. At the Law Offices of David A. Black, we represent clients accused with a wide scope of crimes, including DUI, drug crimes, domestic violence, assault, aggravated assault, homicide, and others.

  • Ryan Garvey Attorneys

     2111 E Highland Ave Suite 305
    Phoenix, Arizona 85016
    United States

    At Ryan Garvey Attorneys, our attorneys have over half a century’s worth of legal experience and are dedicated to protecting your rights and defending you against the criminal charges that you face. WEBSITE: https://www.ryangarveyattorneys.com/

  • Kolsrud Law Offices

     3101 N Central Ave, Suite 250
    Phoenix, Arizona 85012-2645
    United States

    Kolsrud Law Offices: Your beacon of hope in federal criminal defense. Led by attorney Josh Kolsrud, our team has honed their expertise in tackling charges like money laundering, fraud, and drug trafficking. With an unwavering dedication to our clients’ well-being, we’ll leave no stone unturned in building a strong defense strategy that protects your rights and fights for your freedom.

  • Your Arizona Lawyer

     1202 East Maryland Ave, Suite 2F
    Phoenix, Arizona 85014
    United States

    Your Arizona Lawyer, located in Phoenix, Arizona, focuses on Criminal Defense, Sex Crimes, Theft, Assault & Battery crimes, Domestic Violence and White-Collar Crimes. Always there to help you navigate the legal system in its entirety. A very dependable legal team, available 24 hours a day. || Website: https://www.yourarizonalawyers.com

  • Gurion Legal, PLLC

     4323 N 12th St suite 100
    Phoenix, Arizona 85014
    United States

    Gurion Legal is a boutique criminal defense law firm offering a modern approach to complex problems. Our Phoenix criminal defense lawyers provide outstanding representation to our clients through a modern, tech-forward approach that is focused on results. We represent our clients in a variety of situations, including but not limited to sex crimes, DUI, disorderly conduct, assault, and criminal damage.

  • Younglove Law Firm

     3101 N Central Ave
    Phoenix, Arizona 85012
    United States

    We limit our practice to representing the rights of the wrongfully accused. The Innocent. People who are over-charged. We represent those who are NOT GUILTY as charged. This is our mission for probation revocation and criminal defense.

  • Colburn Hintze Maletta PLLC

     2150 E Highland Ave, Suite 212
    Phoenix, Arizona 85016
    United States

    True grit, aggressiveness, and experience needed to WIN your case. At Colburn Hintze Maletta PLLC, our attorneys have real courtroom trial experience and are dedicated to our client’s well-being and best interests. We understand that any legal matter can be an overwhelming situation. We’re here to take the weight off your shoulders. Whether you are starting a contested divorce, establishing child custody, or facing criminal charges such as an Extreme DUI, or felony crime, we will help.

  • Lane, Hupp, & Crowley

     111 W Monroe St Ste. 1216
    Phoenix, Arizona 85003
    United States

    Facing criminal charges can be an intimidating, overwhelming process. Your future can seem uncertain, and the consequences you face can be severe. You may be unsure whether you need an attorney or if the verdict against you is already essentially decided. At Lane, Hupp, & Crowley, PLC, our attorneys have almost 40 years of combined experience representing individuals across Arizona against various criminal charges.

  • Gaxiola Law Group

     2 N Central Ave
    Phoenix, Arizona 85004
    United States

    At Gaxiola Law Group, you are hiring criminal attorneys in Phoenix, Arizona, who have the tenacity, attitude, skills and trial experience to give you the best possible legal defense in the courts. We know the law and use it to protect and defend you!

  • Shah Law Firm, PLLC

     2 N Central Ave, Ste. #1926
    Phoenix, Arizona 85004
    United States

    The Shah Law Firm, PLLC is a leading Criminal Defense and DUI law firm in Phoenix. With over 13 years of experience successfully defending over 2,500 clients from charges ranging from first offense DUI to attempted murder charges, the Shah Law Firm will aggressively defend you in court while vigorously protecting your constitutional rights.

  • Snader Law Group

     702 E Osborn Rd Ste. 150
    Phoenix, Arizona 85014
    United States

    Howard A. Snader is a former prosecutor, and for more than 30 years he has fought for the rights of others. If you are facing criminal charges, call a criminal attorney Phoenix AZ at the Law Office of Howard A. Snader, LLC today at 602-825-3031.

What does a Criminal Defense Attorney do?

So what does a criminal defense attorney actually do? Many people’s conceptions about the job of a defense attorney come from what they see in movies, TV and what they read in fiction-based novels.

How much of popular media’s depiction of criminal defense work is accurate? Well that all depends. Some media outlets do a good job of replicating some of the aspects of the profession, but what you often don’t see are the more “boring” or mundane aspects of the job. Do defense attorneys make brilliant speeches at the ends of trials during their closing arguments? Yes, some attorneys adopt a more bombastic style, but that’s a rarer occurrence than movies like to let on. The truth usually is that there is no closing statement because the case settles way before a trial comes close to occurring.

Criminal defense attorneys deal mostly with the prosecutor that will be trying a case. When a person is arrested by police, it is the area’s prosecutor that decides what charges will be filed against the criminal defendant, or whether that defendant will be charged at all in the first place.  Most cases begin with some form an investigation of an allegation against criminal defendant wherein the authorities speak to witnesses and gather evidence. There are multiple directions a case can go after this preliminary investigation. The authorities can decide they need more time and continue to search for evidence or they can seek an indictment.

The initial step in a criminal investigation is often the most crucial. Most cases are made and broken at this stage. It is imperative to have adequate representation from the beginning. That’s where a criminal defense attorney’s duties kick in. Usually, a criminal defendant won’t know that they are under investigation until they are spoken to by police or actually indicted unless there was an arrest made shortly after a crime was alleged.

At this initial stage, not much information other than basic allegations will be made available to the accused which is to say that the criminal defendant may not know how much evidence there is or what witnesses may be saying. This is not to say all criminal defendants need to worry about what a witness might say or that there would be any wrongdoing or guilt assumed, just that a criminal defendant needs to be in the position to understand what is happening as they are unlikely to be the subject of a criminal investigation for no reason.

At this initial stage and throughout the criminal justice process, a criminal defendant needs guidance to know what they should and should not do. Going back to an earlier concept, most people’s knowledge of the criminal justice system is based on what they see on TV. After all, most people are aware that they should not be very talkative at any stage of this process. You may ask yourself why that is?

The simple answer is that everything you say will be scrutinized and if you happen to slightly alter your account of events in any way it may look like you are being misleading or dishonest. It could totally not be the case, people misspeak all the time and say things they do not intend or really mean, so how are you supposed to know what should be said versus what should not be? That’s were having a good attorney comes into play. The attorney is likely to tell you not to talk about the situation and all and will help you fully understand what needs to be said and done if and when you need to speak about the matter.

When would l need a Criminal Defense Attorney?

You will almost definitely know when you need a criminal defense attorney. If you have been arrested or charged with a crime you need an attorney. If police would like to speak to you about some incident, you most likely should speak to an attorney before answering any questions they may have.

The requirement of a criminal defense attorney does not stop at simple crimes. Do you have a business that is heavily regulated by the local or national government such as waste management or chemicals? If you are in a position of authority and have run afoul of certain regulations you may need to seek out a criminal attorney. Do you own a bar or establishment that serves alcohol? Are you keeping up with licensing requirements? If you are not sure, you likely need to speak with an attorney

Even if you haven’t been accused or arrested, be vigilant and discuss borderline situations with an attorney as soon as you possibly can. Whether it be a legal services clinic, the public defender, help hotline or a private criminal defense attorney, feel free to reach out to a criminal defense attorney if the need arises.

Signs you need to speak to a Criminal Defense Attorney

  • You have been arrested
  • Police are requesting to speak with you about a criminal incident
  • You had a criminal record at an early age and what to see if the conviction record is eligible for expungement (record clearing).

How do you choose a Criminal Defense Attorney?

The first thing you need to do is understand the process and determine your means. Often people ask a very crucial question about the ability to pay large amounts for an attorney. People wonder if they need to do this in order to secure successful results. Does the money you spend matter?

This is a complicated matter and depends on many factors including the severity of the charges and your ability to pay. After all, every person’s budget is not the same and all attorneys do not charge the same amounts for their services. However, the stakes of criminal charges often warrant the expense. If you have a major felony allegation on your hands it would only make sense to find the most experienced criminal defense attorney you can find. On the other hand, if you’re dealing with a parking ticket, you may have more options available.

Determine Your Needs

As mentioned above you need to determine what the stakes are. Felony charges come with possibly significant jail time. Misdemeanor charges can also result in jail time , so keep that in mind.  Moreover, you will want to find a criminal defense attorney that has dealt with your type of situation before. You need to know what cases the attorney has taken and what the results they have obtained.

Research Online

Start researching a few local attorneys to see which ones have the most experience in criminal defense.  You should also takes steps to see what local criminal defense attorneys think about your selected attorney. Sites like martindale.com and avvo.com provide peer review resources as well as lawyer directories to help narrow your search.

Check the State Bar Association’s Website for any Disciplinary History

Every state bar association has a disciplinary board that keeps track of all disciplinary actions taken against an attorney in their jurisdiction. These disciplinary actions stem from unethical acts taken by attorney such as misappropriating client funds or unethical practices during their practice of law. While it’s true that there are some attorneys that run afoul of the rules, most do not. You should free to look up the names of any attorneys that you are considering consulting with to see if and what disciplinary actions have been taken against them.

Schedule an Appointment with a Criminal Defense Attorney

Finally, the easiest step, you need to make an appointment to speak with an attorney as soon as possible. If you have already been arrested you may need assistance in a search. You will get appointed a public defender in the meantime, which is not a problem. They will handle your case appropriately and can later be replaced by one of your choosing.

If you are free to search for an attorney or anticipate an imminent criminal issue, you need to conduct your search quickly. As was discussed earlier, the earlier you can have an attorney with you the better. The defense attorney will be able to explain the process and help you understand what can be a frightening and tense situation.