1. DM Cantor
Practice Focus: DUI/DWI defense, drug crimes, sex offenses, vehicular crimes, homicide, white collar crimes, assault and violent crimes, property crimes
Case Types Handled: Felonies, misdemeanors, DUI/DWI (including extreme and aggravated DUI), drug offenses, sex crimes, vehicular crimes, homicide, theft crimes, assault, domestic violence, federal crimes
Legal Services: Trial defense, plea negotiations, motion practice, suppression hearings, jury trials, bench trials, bail hearings, probation violation defense, appeals, record sealing
Background: David Michael Cantor founded the firm and has practiced criminal defense since receiving his law license in 1989 from the State of Arizona. He is a Board Certified Criminal Law Specialist per the Arizona Board of Legal Specialization since 1999. J.D. from University of Arizona James E. Rogers College of Law (1988). Arizona State Bar Number: 014467. Former Assistant City Prosecutor for the City of Phoenix (1991-1993) where he achieved 30 consecutive jury trial convictions. The firm has four Board Certified Criminal Law Specialists on staff. AV Preeminent rated by Martindale-Hubbell. Listed in the Bar Register of Preeminent Lawyers, Criminal Law Section. Over 150 complete jury trial acquittals. Member of the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (lifetime member), Arizona Attorneys for Criminal Justice (lifetime member), and the American Bar Association.
Location: 40 N Central Ave, Suite 2300, Phoenix, AZ 85004
Contact: (602) 307-0808 | https://dmcantor.com
Consultation: Available around the clock, free initial consultation
2. Blumberg & Associates
Practice Focus: Criminal defense including homicide, violent crimes, drug crimes, sex crimes, white collar crimes, juvenile offenses, probation violations
Case Types Handled: Felonies, misdemeanors, murder and manslaughter, drug offenses, sex crimes, assault and violent crimes, theft, white collar crimes, federal crimes, juvenile matters, probation violations
Legal Services: Trial defense, jury and bench trials, death penalty defense (Maricopa County Court Appointed Counsel), plea negotiations, motion to suppress, bail reduction hearings, preliminary hearings, grand jury representation, appeals
Background: Bruce E. Blumberg is the founder and principal attorney with over 30 years of criminal defense experience in Arizona. Board Certified Criminal Law Specialist by the State Bar of Arizona since 1999. J.D. from Western Michigan University Thomas M. Cooley Law School (1979); LL.M. in Taxation from Wayne State University Law School (1982). Admitted to practice in Michigan (1979), Arizona (1986), U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan, and U.S. District Court of Arizona. Arizona State Bar Number: 011024. Has handled over 100 jury trials with acquittals in more than 25 serious felony cases, including not guilty verdicts in six first-degree murder trials. Member of the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers and National Trial Lawyers Association. AV Preeminent peer review rating from Martindale-Hubbell.
Location: 3600 North 19th Avenue, Phoenix, AZ 85015
Contact: (602) 277-6180 | Toll Free: (800) 652-1512 | https://www.azblumberglaw.com
Consultation: Free consultation available
3. Snader Law Group (Arizona Law Group)
Practice Focus: Criminal defense with emphasis on sex crimes, domestic violence, drug offenses, assault, DUI, white collar crimes, internet crimes
Case Types Handled: Felonies, misdemeanors, sex crimes (including child exploitation, internet pornography), domestic violence, assault, drug crimes, DUI/DWI, fraud, gun-related crimes, aggravated harassment
Legal Services: Trial defense, investigation assistance, suppression motions, plea negotiations, jury trials, bench trials, bail hearings, probation violation defense, post-conviction relief
Background: Howard A. Snader has practiced criminal defense in Arizona since 1990. Board Certified Criminal Law Specialist by the State Bar of Arizona Board of Legal Specialization since 1995 (renewed through 2020). J.D. from Lewis & Clark Law School (1987); B.S. in Psychology from Arizona State University (1984). Arizona State Bar Number: 013426. Admitted to Arizona State Bar in 1988 and United States District Court, 9th Circuit in 1991. Former prosecutor with the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office. Over 30 years of legal experience. Lead Counsel Award from LawInfo.com (2001). Attorney of the Month by Attorney at Law Magazine. Author of multiple publications including “Evidence Discovery in Internet Pornography Cases” and “Busted: Secrets Cops and Prosecutors Don’t Want You to Know.” Member of Arizona Attorneys for Criminal Justice, National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, and Maricopa County Bar Association.
Location: 202 East Earll Drive, Suite 160, Phoenix, AZ 85012
Contact: (602) 957-3300 | https://www.arizonalawgroup.com
Consultation: Free consultation available, available around the clock
4. Davis Miles McGuire Gardner, PLLC (Russell Richelsoph)
Practice Focus: Criminal defense, DUI defense, white collar criminal defense, probate litigation, civil litigation
Case Types Handled: Felonies, misdemeanors, DUI/DWI, drug offenses, white collar crimes, technology crimes, assault, theft, federal crimes
Legal Services: Trial defense, jury trials, plea negotiations, motion practice, suppression hearings, administrative hearings related to criminal defense, criminal appeals, expungement
Background: Russell B. Richelsoph has practiced as an Arizona criminal defense attorney since passing the Arizona Bar in 1999. J.D. from Arizona State University College of Law. AV Preeminent rated by Martindale-Hubbell. Phoenix Magazine Top Attorney 2022. Arizona State Bar Number: 019618. Former United States Marine Corps Reserve (1991-1997), achieving rank of Sergeant. Author of multiple articles on criminal law topics and Continuing Legal Education instructor for attorneys. Member of Arizona Attorneys for Criminal Justice. Frequently interviewed by local and national news media for legal analysis on criminal cases.
Location: 40 E Rio Salado Pkwy, Suite 425, Tempe, AZ 85281
Contact: (480) 344-0933 | https://www.davismiles.com
Consultation: Free case evaluation available
5. Law Office of James Novak
Practice Focus: Criminal defense and DUI defense throughout the Phoenix metro area including Tempe, Mesa, Scottsdale, Gilbert, and Chandler
Case Types Handled: Felonies, misdemeanors, DUI/DWI (including first offense, extreme, and aggravated), drug crimes, assault, theft, domestic violence, traffic offenses
Legal Services: Trial defense, jury and bench trials, plea negotiations, suppression motions, license suspension hearings (MVD), bail hearings, probation violation defense
Background: James Novak is a criminal defense attorney with experience as a former prosecutor in Maricopa County. J.D. from law school with subsequent experience at the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office. Arizona State Bar member in good standing. Author of three books on criminal and DUI defense strategies: “Winning Defense Strategies,” “101 DUI Defenses,” and “Your First 24 Hour DUI Defense-Action Plan.” Provides flat fee representation for criminal defense matters.
Location: 4500 S Lakeshore Drive, Suite 300, Tempe, AZ 85282
Contact: (480) 413-1499 | https://www.arizonacriminaldefenselawyer.com
Consultation: Free initial consultation available
Criminal Defense Regulations in Arizona
Arizona criminal defense practice operates under the jurisdiction of the Arizona Supreme Court and the State Bar of Arizona.
Bar Admission Requirements: Attorneys must pass the Arizona Uniform Bar Examination (UBE) with a minimum score of 270 (as of July 2023) or transfer a qualifying UBE score from another jurisdiction. Applicants must hold a J.D. from an ABA-approved law school, pass the Multistate Professional Responsibility Examination (MPRE) with a scaled score of 85 or higher, complete a course on Arizona law, and satisfy character and fitness requirements. Arizona permits admission on motion for attorneys licensed in reciprocal jurisdictions with at least five years of active practice in the preceding seven years.
Public Defender System: Arizona provides public defender services through county public defender offices for indigent defendants. In Maricopa County, the Office of the Public Defender represents qualified individuals who cannot afford private counsel. Eligibility is determined based on federal poverty guidelines and the defendant’s financial circumstances.
Specialty Certifications: The Arizona Board of Legal Specialization offers Board Certification in Criminal Law. To earn this designation, attorneys must demonstrate substantial involvement in criminal law practice (at least 50% of full-time practice), handle a wide variety of criminal cases including jury trials to verdict, pass a written examination, complete continuing legal education requirements, and receive favorable evaluations from attorneys, judges, and colleagues.
Attorney Advertising Rules: Arizona Rules of Professional Conduct govern attorney advertising. Attorneys may advertise services but cannot make false or misleading statements. All advertisements must include the name and office address of at least one lawyer responsible for the content.
Attorney-Client Privilege: Arizona recognizes broad attorney-client privilege protections under A.R.S. Section 12-2234 and Arizona Rules of Evidence Rule 501. Communications between attorney and client made for the purpose of legal representation are protected from disclosure.
Continuing Legal Education: Arizona requires attorneys to complete 15 hours of Mandatory Continuing Legal Education (MCLE) credits annually, including 3 hours of ethics/professionalism training. Additionally, all attorneys admitted after 2012 must complete a mandatory professionalism course.
Arraignment and Speedy Trial: In Arizona, felony defendants must be brought before a magistrate within 24 hours of arrest. Arizona Rule of Criminal Procedure 8 establishes speedy trial requirements: 150 days for defendants in custody on felony charges and 180 days for released defendants. Misdemeanor trials must commence within 60 days if in custody or 90 days if released.
Bail and Pretrial Release: Arizona Constitution Article II, Section 22 establishes the right to bail except for capital offenses and certain felonies when proof is evident. Arizona Revised Statutes Section 13-3961 governs bail determination, considering factors such as danger to community and flight risk. Proposition 100 (2006) eliminated bail for serious felony offenses involving illegal immigrants.
Felony Classification System: Arizona classifies felonies from Class 1 (most serious) to Class 6 (least serious). Class 1 felonies include first-degree and second-degree murder only. Sentencing ranges include mitigated, minimum, presumptive, maximum, and aggravated terms. First-time offenders convicted of non-dangerous felonies may be eligible for probation. Dangerous felonies (involving deadly weapons or serious physical injury) carry enhanced mandatory prison sentences.
Death Penalty: Arizona is a death penalty state. Capital punishment is authorized for first-degree murder with aggravating factors. Capital defense attorneys must meet specific qualifications established by the Arizona Supreme Court, including substantial experience in criminal defense and completion of specialized training.
Expungement and Record Sealing: As of January 1, 2023, Arizona allows sealing of criminal records under A.R.S. Section 13-911. Eligible individuals may petition to seal records after completing their sentence and waiting periods: 10 years for Class 2 and 3 felonies, 5 years for Class 4, 5, and 6 felonies, 3 years for Class 1 misdemeanors, and 2 years for Class 2 and 3 misdemeanors. Certain violent crimes, sex offenses, crimes against children, and Class 1 felonies are ineligible for sealing. Arizona also offers “set aside” relief under A.R.S. Section 13-905, which vacates the judgment of guilt but does not seal the record from public view. Expungement (complete erasure) is available only for pre-legalization marijuana offenses under Proposition 207.
Mandatory Minimum Sentencing: Arizona imposes mandatory minimum sentences for various offenses, particularly dangerous crimes. Repeat offenders face enhanced sentencing under A.R.S. Sections 13-703 and 13-704.
Habitual Offender Laws: Under A.R.S. Section 13-703, defendants with prior felony convictions face significantly enhanced sentences. Category 2 offenders (one historical prior felony) and Category 3 offenders (two or more historical prior felonies) face mandatory prison terms with no probation eligibility for most offenses.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens at an arraignment in Maricopa County Superior Court?
At an arraignment in Maricopa County Superior Court, the court formally advises the defendant of the felony charges contained in the indictment or information. The defendant enters a plea of not guilty (standard practice at this stage), and the court sets future court dates including pretrial conferences and trial dates. The judge reviews release conditions and may modify bail. Defendants who appear without counsel will be advised of their right to an attorney, and if indigent, counsel may be appointed. Arizona Rule of Criminal Procedure 14 governs arraignment procedures, requiring that defendants receive copies of the charging documents and understand the nature of the accusations.
How does the bail system work in Maricopa County, and what are typical bond amounts?
In Maricopa County, bail is set at the initial appearance, typically within 24 hours of arrest. Judicial officers refer to standardized bail schedules that provide recommended amounts based on offense severity, but judges have discretion to deviate based on factors including criminal history, ties to the community, employment status, and risk of flight or danger. For serious felonies, bail can range from $10,000 to over $1,000,000 for capital offenses. Defendants may secure release through cash bond (full amount), surety bond (typically 10% paid to a bail bond company), or release on recognizance for less serious offenses. Under Arizona’s Proposition 100, undocumented immigrants charged with Class 1, 2, 3, or 4 felonies are ineligible for bail.
What are the penalties for a first-time DUI offense in Phoenix?
A first-time standard DUI in Phoenix (BAC between 0.08% and 0.149%) is a Class 1 misdemeanor. Penalties include a minimum of 10 days in jail (with 9 days typically suspended upon completion of alcohol screening), fines and fees totaling approximately $1,500 or more, 90-day driver’s license suspension, mandatory installation of an ignition interlock device for 12 months, alcohol or drug screening and treatment classes, and probation. For Extreme DUI (BAC 0.15% to 0.199%), minimum jail increases to 30 days with potential for work release. Super Extreme DUI (BAC 0.20% or higher) carries a minimum 45-day jail sentence.
Does Arizona have drug diversion programs for first-time offenders?
Yes, Arizona offers several diversion and alternative sentencing options for qualifying drug offenders. Under Proposition 200 (approved in 1996) and subsequent legislation, first and second-time offenders convicted of personal possession or use of controlled substances (excluding methamphetamine) are mandated to receive probation with drug treatment rather than incarceration. Maricopa County operates Drug Court programs providing intensive supervision, treatment, and case management for qualifying participants. TASC (Treatment Assessment Screening Center) provides assessment and referral services. Successful completion may result in charges being dismissed or reduced, depending on the specific program and circumstances.
How can I get my criminal record sealed in Arizona, and what offenses are ineligible?
To petition for record sealing in Arizona under A.R.S. Section 13-911, you must complete all terms of your sentence including probation, pay all fines, fees, and restitution, and wait the required period (2 to 10 years depending on offense class). You then file a petition with the court where you were convicted, and a judge determines whether sealing serves the interests of justice. Offenses ineligible for sealing include Class 1 felonies (murder), dangerous offenses involving deadly weapons or serious physical injury, sexual offenses requiring registration, offenses involving victims under 15 years old, and certain domestic violence offenses. The Arizona Judicial Branch provides petition forms on its website. If granted, sealed records are hidden from most background checks, though law enforcement and courts retain access for subsequent criminal proceedings.