1. Law Offices of Trent R. Buckallew, PC
Practice Focus: Criminal defense, DUI/DWI defense, felonies, misdemeanors, assault, domestic violence, drug crimes
Case Types Handled: Felonies, misdemeanors, DUI/DWI, extreme DUI, super extreme DUI, aggravated DUI, drug possession, drug trafficking, domestic violence, assault, aggravated assault, theft crimes, sex crimes, juvenile crimes, homicide
Legal Services: Trial defense, jury trials, plea negotiations, motions practice, expungement (set aside), DMV hearings, administrative license hearings
Background: Attorney Trent R. Buckallew earned his J.D. from California Western School of Law in 1999, where he ranked in the top third of his first-year class and received the American Jurisprudence Award in Juvenile Justice Law. He also holds a Master of Forensic Science (M.F.S.) degree from National University, with academic focus on psychology, psychiatry, law, and crime scene investigation. He is a Board Certified Criminal Law Specialist as certified by the State Bar of Arizona, a distinction held by fewer than 100 attorneys statewide. He is an Associate Member of the American Academy of Forensic Sciences. With over 25 years of experience, he has handled cases in every county in Arizona. Member of the National College for DUI Defense and National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers. Admitted to the State Bar of Arizona in 1999 and U.S. District Court, District of Arizona.
Location: 1414 E. Osborn Road, Suite 100, Phoenix, AZ 85014 (serves Glendale)
Contact: (602) 825-3300 | https://www.crim-law.info/
Consultation: Free consultation on pending criminal cases during regular business hours
2. DM Cantor
Practice Focus: Criminal defense, DUI defense, drug crimes, sex crimes, assault and violent crimes, theft and fraud, white collar crimes
Case Types Handled: Felonies, misdemeanors, DUI/DWI, extreme DUI, super extreme DUI, aggravated DUI, drug crimes, sex crimes, assault, aggravated assault, homicide, theft, fraud, white collar crimes, juvenile crimes, federal crimes
Legal Services: Trial defense, jury trials, appeals, motions practice, set aside (expungement), post-conviction relief, sentence modifications, probation violations
Background: Attorney David Michael Cantor is the founding partner and has been a practicing lawyer since 1989. He earned his J.D. from the University of Arizona James E. Rogers College of Law. He is a Certified Criminal Law Specialist per the Arizona Board of Legal Specialization since 1999. Former Trial Attorney at the Phoenix City Prosecutor’s Office where he achieved 30 jury trial convictions with no losses. The firm has achieved over 170 complete jury trial acquittals (not guilty on all charges), the most in Arizona history by a single law firm. The firm holds an AV Preeminent rating from Martindale-Hubbell and is listed in the Bar Register of Preeminent Lawyers, Criminal Law Section. DM Cantor has 3 Board Certified Criminal Law Specialists on staff, more than any other firm in Arizona. Voted Best Criminal Defense Law Firm by Ranking Arizona from 2020 through 2026.
Location: 40 N Central Avenue, Suite 2300, Phoenix, AZ 85004 (serves Glendale)
Contact: (602) 307-0808 | https://dmcantor.com/
Consultation: Free consultation available, open 24 hours
3. Shah Law Firm PLLC
Practice Focus: DUI defense, criminal defense, drug offenses, domestic violence, sex crimes, assault
Case Types Handled: Misdemeanor DUI, extreme DUI, super extreme DUI, felony aggravated DUI, drug offenses, prescription drug DUI, marijuana DUI, domestic violence, sex crimes, assault, battery
Legal Services: Trial defense, jury trials, plea negotiations, DMV hearings, license reinstatement, motions to suppress
Background: Attorney Arja Shah has defended over 3,000 clients since beginning her career in 2008. She has extensive knowledge of Arizona DUI laws and has a documented record of success in having DUI charges reduced or dismissed. She maintains a practice focused on criminal defense matters with particular concentration on DUI cases. The firm provides representation in Glendale City Court as well as Maricopa County Superior Court. Available 24/7 for consultations.
Location: 2 N Central Avenue, Suite 1800, Phoenix, AZ 85004 (serves Glendale)
Contact: (602) 353-7889 | https://arjashahlaw.com/
Consultation: Free consultation available
4. Law Offices of Gary L. Rohlwing
Practice Focus: Criminal defense, DUI defense, domestic violence, drug crimes, juvenile defense
Case Types Handled: Felonies, misdemeanors, DUI/DWI, domestic violence, drug possession, drug sales, theft crimes, theft of means, aggravated assault, sex crimes, weapons charges, disorderly conduct
Legal Services: Trial defense, plea negotiations, motions practice, probation violation hearings
Background: Attorney Gary L. Rohlwing is a former Phoenix and Peoria Prosecutor who now limits his practice exclusively to criminal defense. He has personally handled over 3,500 criminal cases throughout his career. He provides personal attention to each client, handling cases himself rather than delegating to associates. He handles cases in City Courts, Justice Courts, and Superior Courts throughout Maricopa County and surrounding areas.
Location: 14050 N. 83rd Avenue, Suite 290, Peoria, AZ 85381 (serves Glendale)
Contact: (623) 878-3781 | https://www.criminal-duiattorney.com/
Consultation: Free consultation available
5. Colburn Hintze Maletta, PLLC
Practice Focus: Criminal defense, DUI defense, drug crimes, domestic violence, sex crimes, violent crimes
Case Types Handled: Felonies, misdemeanors, DUI/DWI, extreme DUI, super extreme DUI, aggravated DUI, drug crimes, domestic violence, assault, kidnapping, child endangerment, sex crimes, theft crimes, disorderly conduct
Legal Services: Trial defense, jury trials, plea negotiations, motions practice, record sealing, expungement assistance
Background: Colburn Hintze Maletta is a criminal defense firm with experienced attorneys who have backgrounds in both prosecution and defense. The firm handles cases ranging from DUI to serious felonies throughout Arizona, including Glendale City Court and Maricopa County Superior Court. Attorneys have years of experience defending clients against all types of criminal charges.
Location: 4015 S. McClintock Drive, Suite 111, Tempe, AZ 85282 (serves Glendale)
Contact: (602) 825-2500 | https://www.chmlaw.com/
Consultation: Consultation available
Criminal Defense Regulations in Arizona
Bar Admission Requirements: Attorneys must pass the Arizona Bar Examination or qualify for admission by motion if licensed in a reciprocal jurisdiction. Applicants must demonstrate good moral character and fitness to practice law. The Arizona Supreme Court governs attorney admissions through the Committee on Character and Fitness.
Public Defender System Structure: Maricopa County has the Office of the Public Defender which provides representation to indigent defendants in criminal cases. Eligibility is determined by financial screening based on income and assets. The Glendale City Court may appoint counsel for defendants who cannot afford private representation in cases involving potential incarceration.
Specialty Certifications: The State Bar of Arizona Board of Legal Specialization certifies attorneys as Criminal Law Specialists. Certification requires devotion of at least 50% of practice to criminal law, substantial involvement in criminal defense for at least 4 of the preceding 6 years, favorable peer review from attorneys and judges, handling a specific number of criminal cases, and demonstration of integrity and competence.
Attorney Advertising Rules: Governed by Arizona Rules of Professional Conduct ER 7.1 through 7.5. Advertising must not be false or misleading. Attorneys must include their name and office address. Claims of specialization must be limited to those certified by the State Bar of Arizona Board of Legal Specialization.
Attorney-Client Privilege: Protected under Arizona law and the Arizona Rules of Evidence. Communications made between attorney and client for the purpose of legal advice are privileged and cannot be disclosed without client consent.
Mandatory Continuing Legal Education: Arizona attorneys must complete 15 hours of CLE annually, including 3 hours of legal ethics. Criminal law specialists may have additional requirements for maintaining certification.
Arraignment Timelines: Defendants must be brought before a magistrate within 24 hours of arrest, or the next judicial day if arrested on a weekend or holiday. At initial appearance, the court advises the defendant of charges, constitutional rights, and sets conditions of release.
Discovery Rules: Governed by Arizona Rules of Criminal Procedure Rule 15. The state must disclose witness lists, statements, physical evidence, expert opinions, and any evidence favorable to the defendant. Disclosure must occur in a timely manner to allow adequate trial preparation.
Speedy Trial Requirements: Arizona Rule of Criminal Procedure 8.2 requires trial to commence within specific timeframes. For defendants in custody, trial must begin within 150 days for felonies and 60 days for misdemeanors. For defendants out of custody, trial must begin within 180 days for felonies and 90 days for misdemeanors.
Bail and Pretrial Release: Governed by Arizona Rules of Criminal Procedure Rule 7. The court considers public safety, flight risk, and nature of the offense. Release options include own recognizance, supervised release, and secured or unsecured bond. For certain serious offenses, the state may request denial of bail.
Felony Classification System: Arizona classifies felonies as Class 1 through Class 6. Class 1 felonies (first-degree murder) carry the most severe penalties including life imprisonment or death. Class 6 felonies (such as aggravated assault without serious injury) carry the least severe penalties with presumptive sentences of 1 to 1.75 years. Some Class 6 felonies are designated offenses that can be reduced to misdemeanors.
Death Penalty Status: Arizona has the death penalty for first-degree murder with at least one aggravating factor. Capital defense attorneys must meet specific qualification requirements.
Set Aside (Expungement) Eligibility: Under A.R.S. Section 13-905, most convictions can be set aside upon completion of sentence. The court considers the nature of the offense, compliance with sentence, criminal history, victim input, restitution payment, and age at time of offense. Set aside does not seal the record but releases the person from penalties and disabilities. Certain offenses cannot be set aside, including crimes involving a deadly weapon, serious physical injury, victims under 15, and sex offenses requiring registration.
Record Sealing: Under A.R.S. Section 13-911 (effective January 1, 2023), eligible individuals can petition to seal criminal records. Waiting periods are 10 years for Class 2 or 3 felonies, 5 years for Class 4, 5, or 6 felonies, 3 years for Class 1 misdemeanors, and 2 years for Class 2 or 3 misdemeanors. Prior felony convictions add 5 years to the waiting period.
Marijuana Expungement: Under Proposition 207 (A.R.S. Section 36-2862), certain marijuana-related offenses can be expunged, including possession of 2.5 ounces or less, cultivation of 6 or fewer plants at a private residence, and possession of paraphernalia.
Habitual Offender Laws: Arizona has enhanced sentencing for repeat felony offenders. Defendants with prior felony convictions face increased presumptive sentences and mandatory prison terms for subsequent felonies.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How does the Glendale criminal court process work after an arrest?
A: Misdemeanor offenses committed within Glendale city limits are typically handled in Glendale City Court, located at 5829 W. Palmaire Avenue. After arrest, you will receive a court date for initial appearance or arraignment. Felony charges are filed in Maricopa County Superior Court. You will first have an initial appearance where the court advises you of charges and sets release conditions. A preliminary hearing is held to determine probable cause, after which the case proceeds to Superior Court for arraignment, pretrial conferences, and trial if necessary.
Q: What are the penalties for DUI in Glendale, Arizona?
A: Arizona has some of the strictest DUI penalties in the nation. A first offense standard DUI (BAC 0.08% to 0.149%) carries a minimum of 10 days in jail (9 days can be suspended with completion of alcohol screening), fines of approximately $1,500, license suspension for 90 to 360 days, installation of an ignition interlock device, and alcohol screening and treatment. Extreme DUI (BAC 0.15% to 0.199%) carries a minimum 30 days in jail. Super Extreme DUI (BAC 0.20% or higher) carries a minimum 45 days in jail. A third DUI within 7 years or DUI with a suspended license becomes a Class 4 Felony Aggravated DUI with mandatory prison time.
Q: How does bail work in Maricopa County for Glendale arrests?
A: After arrest, you will have an initial appearance where a judge or commissioner sets bail conditions. For misdemeanors in Glendale City Court, release conditions may include own recognizance release, cash bond, or surety bond through a bail bondsman (typically 10% of bond amount as a non-refundable fee). For felonies, the Maricopa County Superior Court sets bail. Arizona allows pretrial detention without bail for certain serious offenses if the prosecution proves by clear and convincing evidence that no release conditions will reasonably assure public safety.
Q: Does Arizona have diversion programs for first-time offenders in the Glendale area?
A: Maricopa County offers several diversion and alternative sentencing options. The Maricopa County Adult Diversion Program (MCADP) offers pre-plea diversion for certain non-violent first-time offenders. Drug Court provides treatment-focused alternatives for defendants with substance abuse issues. Veterans Court serves eligible veterans with treatment and supervision alternatives. The Glendale City Prosecutor may offer diversion programs for certain misdemeanor offenses. Completion of diversion typically results in dismissal of charges. Eligibility depends on the offense charged, criminal history, and victim input.
Q: How do I get my criminal record set aside or sealed in Arizona?
A: For a set aside under A.R.S. Section 13-905, you must complete all terms of your sentence including probation, fines, and restitution. You then file an application with the court where you were convicted. The court considers factors including the nature of the offense, your compliance with sentence, criminal history, and victim input. There is no mandatory waiting period for set asides, but certain offenses are ineligible. For record sealing under A.R.S. Section 13-911, you must wait the applicable period after completing your sentence (2 to 10 years depending on offense class). Sealed records are hidden from most background checks but remain accessible to law enforcement and certain licensing agencies. The filing fee is $50 for set aside petitions.