1. Grand Canyon Law Group
Practice Focus: Criminal defense including DUI/DWI, drug possession and distribution, assault, violent crimes, sexual offenses, and homicide cases.
Case Types Handled: Felonies, misdemeanors, DUI/DWI (including extreme and super extreme DUI), drug offenses, assault, domestic violence, sex crimes, murder, theft, weapons charges, and probation violations.
Legal Services: Trial defense, preliminary hearings, grand jury representation, motion practice, plea negotiations, DMV hearings, and appeals.
Background: Ryan McPhie is a former prosecutor who has dedicated his practice exclusively to criminal defense. He co-founded Grand Canyon Law Group with offices in Mesa, Gilbert, and Phoenix. He is admitted to practice before all Arizona state courts, including several Native American reservations, and the U.S. District Court District of Arizona. He received his J.D. from Arizona State University Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law and his B.S. in Finance and Entrepreneurship from Brigham Young University (2004). He has been selected to Super Lawyers for 2024-2025 and Rising Stars from 2017-2021. He has received the Avvo Clients’ Choice Award, National Trial Lawyers Association Top 40 Under 40 designation (2014-2016), and National Academy of Trial Attorneys Premier 100 (2014-2020).
Location: 1930 E Brown Road, Suite 102, Mesa, AZ 85203
Contact: (480) 535-8495 | https://www.grandcanyonlawgroup.com
Consultation: Free consultation available. Virtual appointments offered.
2. Law Office of Robert P. Jarvis
Practice Focus: Criminal defense representation for clients in Mesa, Gilbert, Chandler, and surrounding areas in the Phoenix metropolitan region.
Case Types Handled: Felonies, misdemeanors, DUI/DWI, drug possession and trafficking, violent crimes, assault and battery, domestic violence, theft crimes, weapons offenses, and traffic violations.
Legal Services: Trial defense, evidence examination, motion practice, plea negotiations, sentencing advocacy, and post-conviction representation.
Background: Robert P. Jarvis has more than 22 years of experience serving the Mesa community as a criminal defense attorney. He handles a wide range of criminal cases and provides personalized attention to each client. His practice focuses on challenging evidence such as breathalyzer results and field sobriety tests in DUI cases.
Location: Mesa, AZ (serves Mesa, Gilbert, and Chandler areas)
Contact: (480) 632-1200 | https://rpjarvislaw.com
Consultation: Free consultation available.
3. The Harding Firm
Practice Focus: Criminal defense and family law with attorneys who are former deputy county attorneys bringing prosecution experience to defense work.
Case Types Handled: Felonies, misdemeanors, DUI/DWI (including underage DUI), drug offenses, assault and battery, domestic violence, theft, property crimes, juvenile offenses, and traffic violations.
Legal Services: Trial defense, preliminary hearings, arraignment representation, motion practice, plea negotiations, alternative sentencing advocacy, and family law matters related to criminal cases.
Background: The Harding Firm provides criminal defense representation in Mesa and throughout the Phoenix metropolitan area. Some attorneys at the firm are former deputy county attorneys, providing insight into prosecution tactics and procedures. Kina Harding is a criminal law and family law attorney who focuses on defending individual rights while also handling divorce, custody, parenting time, child support, and grandparent rights matters.
Location: Mesa, AZ
Contact: https://www.hardingfirm.com
Consultation: Contact office for consultation availability.
4. MayesTelles PLLC
Practice Focus: Criminal defense with attorneys who are former prosecutors providing 24/7 access for clients facing criminal charges.
Case Types Handled: Felonies, misdemeanors, DUI/DWI (including extreme DUI and super extreme DUI), violent crimes, property crimes, drug crimes, domestic violence, white collar crimes, and juvenile offenses.
Legal Services: Trial defense, arraignment representation, pre-trial hearings, motion practice including motions to dismiss or reduce charges, discovery review, plea negotiations, and constitutional rights defense.
Background: MayesTelles PLLC has attorneys with prosecution experience who now represent defendants. The firm provides 24/7 access to experienced attorneys and guides clients through all phases of the criminal process from arraignment through trial. The firm has achieved dismissal of DUI charges by identifying inconsistencies in police reports and presenting these issues to prosecutors.
Location: Mesa, AZ (serves Maricopa County)
Contact: (602) 428-7104 | https://www.mayestelles.com
Consultation: Free evaluation available 24/7.
5. Canyon State Law
Practice Focus: Criminal defense and personal injury representation for clients in Mesa and throughout the Phoenix metropolitan area.
Case Types Handled: Felonies, misdemeanors, DUI/DWI (including aggravated DUI and extreme DUI), domestic violence, drug possession and distribution, assault (simple and aggravated), criminal speeding, disorderly conduct, theft, and property crimes.
Legal Services: Trial defense, evidence review, motion practice, plea negotiations, alternative sentencing advocacy, and personal injury representation.
Background: Canyon State Law provides criminal defense and personal injury representation in Mesa. The firm handles a range of criminal charges from misdemeanor traffic offenses to serious felonies. Their attorneys investigate each case thoroughly, reviewing evidence and challenging prosecution assertions.
Location: Mesa, AZ
Contact: https://canyonstatelaw.com
Consultation: Free consultation available.
Criminal Defense Regulations in Arizona
Arizona attorneys must be admitted to the State Bar of Arizona to practice law. The Arizona Bar Exam is administered twice annually. Applicants must pass the bar examination and undergo a character and fitness evaluation through the Committee on Character and Fitness.
The State Bar of Arizona recognizes eight areas of legal specialization, including Criminal Law. To become a certified specialist in criminal law, attorneys must demonstrate substantial experience, pass a written examination, and receive favorable evaluations from attorneys and judges. Specialists must complete at least 12 hours of substantive advanced-level CLE in their specialty area annually, plus 3 hours of professional responsibility.
Arizona requires all active attorneys to complete 15 hours of Minimum Continuing Legal Education (MCLE) each educational year (July 1 through June 30). At least 3 hours must be in professional responsibility and ethics. Affidavits must be filed by September 15 annually. Failure to complete requirements by December 15 may result in summary suspension from practice.
Arizona public defender services are provided through county public defender offices and contract attorneys for defendants who qualify based on financial need. The Maricopa County Public Defender’s Office serves Mesa and surrounding Maricopa County communities.
Attorney advertising in Arizona is governed by the Arizona Rules of Professional Conduct. Communications concerning services must not be false or misleading.
Arizona maintains attorney-client privilege under Arizona Revised Statutes and the Arizona Rules of Evidence, protecting confidential communications between attorney and client.
Arizona classifies felonies into six categories: Class 1 (most serious, including first-degree murder, punishable by death or life imprisonment), Class 2 (punishable by 3 to 12.5 years), Class 3 (punishable by 2 to 8.75 years), Class 4 (punishable by 1 to 3.75 years), Class 5 (punishable by 6 months to 2.5 years), and Class 6 (least serious felony, punishable by 4 months to 2 years). Misdemeanors are classified as Class 1 (up to 6 months jail), Class 2 (up to 4 months jail), and Class 3 (up to 30 days jail).
Arizona has the death penalty for first-degree murder with aggravating circumstances. Capital cases require specialized defense attorneys who meet certification requirements.
Arizona allows set-aside of criminal convictions under A.R.S. Section 13-905. After completing a sentence, a person may apply to have their conviction set aside. The court considers the nature of the offense, compliance with probation, and any victim input. A set-aside does not seal or expunge the record but notes that the conviction was set aside. Arizona also allows record sealing under A.R.S. Section 13-911 for certain marijuana-related offenses.
Arizona has mandatory minimum sentencing for various offenses, including certain drug crimes and crimes involving dangerous instruments. Arizona also has repeat offender enhancement statutes that increase penalties for subsequent felony convictions. Dangerous or repetitive offenders face substantially increased prison terms under A.R.S. Section 13-704.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I expect at my arraignment in Mesa Municipal Court or Maricopa County Superior Court?
At arraignment, the judge will formally read the charges against you, advise you of your constitutional rights (including the right to an attorney, the right to remain silent, and the right to a jury trial), and ask you to enter a plea. For misdemeanors in Mesa Municipal Court, arraignment typically occurs within days of arrest. For felony cases in Maricopa County Superior Court (Southeast Facility in Mesa), a preliminary hearing must be held within 10 days if you are in custody or 20 days if released. You have the right to request a court-appointed attorney if you cannot afford one. It is generally advisable to enter a not guilty plea at arraignment to preserve your options.
How does bail work in Maricopa County for Mesa arrests?
Arizona has moved toward a more individualized bail determination system. Following arrest, a judicial officer will conduct an initial appearance within 24 hours where bail is set. Factors considered include the nature and circumstances of the offense, weight of evidence, ties to the community, employment history, financial resources, character and mental condition, prior criminal record, history of appearing for court dates, and whether release poses a danger to others. Arizona law allows for release on personal recognizance, supervised release, or secured bond. For some serious violent offenses, Arizona law allows the court to deny bail if proof of guilt is evident and there is danger to the community.
What are the penalties for a first-time DUI in Arizona?
Arizona has some of the strictest DUI penalties in the nation. A first-time DUI (BAC 0.08% to 0.149%) is a Class 1 misdemeanor punishable by 10 days in jail (9 days may be suspended with completion of alcohol screening), fines and fees totaling approximately $1,250 to $2,500, alcohol screening and treatment or education, installation of an ignition interlock device for 12 months, and 90-day driver’s license suspension. Extreme DUI (BAC 0.15% to 0.199%) carries a minimum 30 days in jail, and Super Extreme DUI (BAC 0.20% or higher) carries a minimum 45 days in jail. Aggravated DUI (third offense within 84 months, DUI with suspended license, or DUI with a child under 15 in the vehicle) is a Class 4 felony carrying 4 months to 2.5 years in prison.
Does Arizona offer diversion programs for criminal charges?
Arizona offers several diversion programs. Maricopa County Adult Diversion Program (MCADP) is available for certain first-time, non-violent offenders and allows charges to be dismissed upon successful completion. The Veteran’s Court program provides specialized treatment for veterans with qualifying conditions. Drug Court provides intensive supervision and treatment for drug-related offenses. Mental Health Court serves defendants with diagnosed mental health conditions. DUI Court is available for repeat DUI offenders as an alternative to incarceration. Eligibility varies by program and depends on the offense, criminal history, and other factors. Successful completion typically results in dismissal of charges.
Can I get my criminal record set aside or sealed in Arizona?
Arizona allows eligible individuals to apply to have their convictions set aside under A.R.S. Section 13-905. To be eligible, you must have completed all terms of your sentence, including probation, fines, and restitution. The court will consider the nature of the offense, time elapsed, age at the time of conviction, and any subsequent criminal history. A set-aside releases you from all penalties and disabilities resulting from the conviction, but the record still exists and shows the conviction was set aside. This differs from expungement, as the record is not destroyed. Certain offenses are not eligible for set-aside, including dangerous offenses, sexual offenses involving minors, offenses requiring sex offender registration, and offenses involving a victim under 15 years old. In 2022, Arizona enacted a limited record sealing law (A.R.S. Section 13-911) for certain marijuana-related offenses that have been decriminalized.