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2024

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Best Criminal Defense Attorneys in Scottsdale

Our Recommended Top 20

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Our goal is to connect people with the best local professionals. We scored Scottsdale Criminal Defense Attorneys on more than 25 variables across five categories, and analyzed the results to give you a hand-picked list of the best.

189Reviewed

121Curated

20Top Picks

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Providers

featured provider = Featured Provider

11111 North Scottsdale Road, Suite 225, Scottsdale, AZ 85254
Website

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Avvo
4.6 (55)
FindLaw
4.5 (25)
Google
5.0 (17)

Why choose this provider?

Rideout Law Group has offices in Scottsdale and Lake Havasu City. Its attorneys provide legal services to people facing implications with the criminal court, whether due to DUIs, theft crimes, or drug-related offenses. They also represent individuals who have been charged with or are being investigated for white-collar and violent crimes. Brad Rideout, the lead attorney, worked as a deputy county attorney at the Mohave County Attorney’s Office, where he gained a deep understanding of drug and gang cultures.

  • Theft & Burglary
  • Drug Crimes
  • DWI/DUI

2151 East Broadway Road Ste. 107, Scottsdale, AZ 85282
Website

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
4.8 (468)
Yelp
4.0 (48)
Facebook
5.0 (27)

Why choose this provider?

Matthew Lopez Law, PLLC, provides its services to criminal defendants in the Scottsdale area. Its team handles misdemeanor and felony charges ranging from assault, shoplifting, and resisting arrest to armed robbery, indecent exposure, and manslaughter. The firm also represents people arrested for DUIs and traffic offenses and those seeking motor vehicle accident claims. Managing attorney Matthew L. Lopez is a member of the Arizona Association for Criminal Justice. His firm has been around since 2010.

  • Endangerment
  • Aggravated assault
  • Domestic Violence

Attorney Information

Attorney NameBar StatusExperience
Matthew Lopez - Managing AttorneyActive14 yrs

8010 E McDowell Rd Ste 111, Scottsdale, AZ 85257

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
4.8 (126)
Yelp
5.0 (33)
Avvo
4.9 (33)

Why choose this provider?

Rosenstein Law Group is a criminal defense law firm in Scottsdale, with a focus on DUI/DWI-related offenses. It employs two board-certified DUI specialists, with practice areas including aggravated DUI, prescription drug DUI, hit-and-run DUI offenses, drug charges, and ignition interlock offenses. Lead attorney Craig J. Rosenstein has acted as lead counsel in over 100 cases, and he is a member of the Arizona State Bar Association and the National College for DUI Defense.

Attorney Information

Attorney NameBar StatusExperience
David Maletta - Senior AttorneyActive25 yrs
Craig Rosenstein - Owner/FounderActive18 yrs
Jonathan Goebel - Senior AttorneyActive19 yrs
Sophie CarneyActive2 yrs
James David SmithActive15 yrs
Vicki LopezActive39 yrs
Howard DwormanActive8 yrs
Steven ScharboneauActive4 yrs

7322 E Thomas Rd, Scottsdale, AZ 85251

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
4.9 (158)
Avvo
5.0 (107)
Facebook
4.6 (48)

Why choose this provider?

Owens & Perkins has provided legal services in the Scottsdale metro area for over 50 years. Its attorneys represent individuals charged with misdemeanors and felonies, including assault, drug offenses, weapons charges, and white-collar crimes. Owens & Perkins's other practice areas include family and probate law, in addition to assisting clients with estate planning. The firm's attorneys have received Martindale Hubbell's AV Premier rating by a peer-reviewed panel for legal ability and ethical standards.

Attorney Information

Attorney NameBar StatusExperience
Max Hanson - Senior AttorneyActive27 yrs
Michelle Perkins - Managing Partner / FounderActive30 yrs

6424 E Greenway Pkwy Ste 100, Scottsdale, AZ 85254

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
5.0 (24)
Facebook
5.0 (3)
Yelp
5.0 (3)

Why choose this provider?

The Law Office of William Morris, P.L.L.C., helps individuals in the Scottsdale metro protect their freedom and rights. The firm represents its clients involved in criminal cases such as theft, assault, traffic violation, misdemeanor, domestic violence, and negligent homicide. It performs an investigation to create a legal defense focusing on achieving the possible result for the case. William Morris, the primary attorney, is a volunteer of the Veteran's Stand Down. His firm also provides legal assistance to U.S veterans.

17470 N Pacesetter Way, Scottsdale, AZ 85255

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
5.0 (132)
Yelp
5.0 (2)

Why choose this provider?

Liberty Law is located in Scottsdale and provides legal representation in criminal cases for clients throughout the Phoenix metro area. The firm works with dangerous and non-dangerous felony charges as well as assault, criminal property damage, and domestic violence cases. It also handles cases involving dangerous crimes against children. In addition, attorney Damon Petrehn represents clients for misdemeanor and felony traffic and DUI charges.

Attorney Information

Attorney NameBar StatusExperience
Damon Petrehn - Principal AttorneyActive13 yrs

11811 North Tatum Boulevard Suite 3031, Phoenix, AZ 85028
Website

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
5.0 (98)
Avvo
5.0 (88)
Yelp
5.0 (3)

Why choose this provider?

Davidson Criminal Defense & DUI Law Firm PLC has been representing Scottsdale residents since 2005. It protects the rights of individuals facing accusations related to weapons violations, sex crimes, and computer offenses. Additionally, the practice handles record expungement petitions for those who have completed probation terms or received court discharge. Founding attorney Joshua S. Davidson uses his experience as a prosecutor to anticipate and counter the prosecution's moves. He has been practicing law since 1998.

7047 E Greenway Pkwy Ste 250, Scottsdale, AZ 85254

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Avvo
5.0 (4)

Why choose this provider?

Wesbrooks Law Firm has provided legal counsel in the greater Scottsdale area since 2000. It represents individuals charged with crimes at the state and federal levels. Cases the firm's attorneys handle include driving under the influence, hit and run, shoplifting, drug crimes, terrorist threats, internet crimes, wire and mail fraud, and homicide. Wesbrooks' other practice areas include bankruptcy, personal injury, business, and family law as well as asset protection and estate planning.

Attorney Information

Attorney NameBar StatusExperience
Mark Wesbrooks - Managing AttorneyActive34 yrs

4500 S Lakeshore Dr #352, Tempe, AZ 85282
Website

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
4.9 (128)
Avvo
4.9 (29)
Facebook
4.8 (14)

Why choose this provider?

The Law Office of James E. Novak exclusively represents Scottsdale individuals facing criminal charges, such as theft, domestic violence, drug possession, and assault. The practice assists accused clients by analyzing every aspect of their cases, protecting their constitutional rights, and providing them with better options for defense. It is led by James E. Novak, a criminal defense lawyer for over 17 years and a former prosecutor. Novak has been named one of National Trial Lawyers' Top 100 Lawyers.

14500 N. Northsight Blvd, Suite 229, Scottsdale, AZ 85260
Website

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
4.5 (56)
Avvo
3.2 (9)
Facebook
4.7 (8)

Why choose this provider?

Ramos Law Firm PLLC has been providing aggressive representation and legal advice to individuals in Scottsdale charged with criminal defense lawsuits for almost 30 years. It covers a range of offenses, from probation violations and property damage to drug abuse and violent crimes. Its legal strategy includes obtaining relevant evidence and witness statements, handling pre-trial investigations and legal motions, and submitting grounds for appeal. Founding partner Paul Ramos is a specialist in criminal law, certified by the Arizona Board of Legal Specialization. 

222 S Mill Ave Suite 800, Tempe, AZ 85281

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
5.0 (31)

Why choose this provider?

PHX Criminal Defense serves clients in Scottsdale and nearby locations. Michael Munoz, the firm’s attorney and founder, provides representation to people who have been charged with computer crimes, drug possession, kidnapping, shoplifting, forgery, and disorderly conduct. He defends clients’ rights in accusations of domestic violence, rape, and sex crimes. Munoz also helps individuals avoid the penalties of fines, mandatory jail, and ignition interlock in cases of DUI. Munoz is formerly a prosecutor at the attorney’s office of Maricopa County.

2929 E. Camelback Road, Suite 224, Phoenix, AZ 85016
Website

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
4.7 (463)
Facebook
4.9 (88)
Avvo
5.0 (88)

Why choose this provider?

Suzuki Law Offices is a criminal defense firm composed of former prosecutors helping clients in Scottsdale. It represents individuals facing state and federal offenses, including violent crimes, drug abuse, Prop 27 convictions, and probation violations. The firm protects the interests of its clients from pre-trial hearings and plea negotiations to appeals. The company's founding attorney, Richard J. Suzuki, is a member of the Million Dollar Advocates Forum and The National Trial Lawyers: Top 40 under 40.

7702 E Doubletree Ranch Road, Scottsdale, AZ 85258

Expertise.com Rating

Why choose this provider?

Criminal Lawyers of Scottsdale is a criminal defense law firm representing individuals in the metro. Its team members bring over 35 years of combined expertise handling various cases, including DUI, drug offenses, fraud, and white-collar crimes. They also take on federal crimes, including distributing and transporting narcotics, human trafficking, and bank fraud. Its lawyers fight for the right of defendants to reduce their penalties and are available to communicate with clients 24/7. The firm also caters to clients looking to restore their civil liberties.

  • Juvenile Crimes
  • Expungement
  • Drug Crimes

7310 N 16th St #330A, Phoenix, AZ 85020

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
5.0 (3)

Why choose this provider?

DwaneCates.Com is a criminal defense firm that caters to clients in Scottsdale and nearby areas. It defends individuals facing state and federal criminal charges, including ones related to homicide, sex crimes, child pornography, drug crimes, and conspiracy. The firm works on cases that involve mental health and addiction issues using the insanity defense if a client has been impaired by mental illness or disease. Its attorney, Dwane Cates, has over 25 years of legal experience and is a board-certified specialist in criminal law by the State Bar of Arizona.

  • Federal Crime
  • Domestic Violence

11111 N Scottsdale Rd #205-V, Scottsdale, AZ 85254

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
4.7 (23)

Why choose this provider?

Scottsdale Criminal Lawyer offers legal services to clients in the metro. One of its associates, Jeremy Geigle, has been defending adults and juveniles dealing with serious felonies and misdemeanors for over 17 years. He works with defendants to limit their penalties, reduce their charges, and protect their rights. Geigle has been selected as one of the Nation’s Top One Percent of Attorneys by the National Association of Distinguished Counsel. He and his associates have experience handling DUI, domestic violence, probation violations, expungement, and drug crimes.

7150 East Camelback Road, Suite 444, Scottsdale, AZ 85251
Website

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
5.0 (11)

Why choose this provider?

The Law Office of Zach Murphy, PLLC, focuses on defending wrongfully accused individuals in Scottsdale. The firm protects the rights of clients facing a wide variety of criminal offenses, such as DUI, drug possession, misdemeanors, theft, violent crimes, and probation violations. Founder Zach Murphy used to work as a prosecutor for over seven years, which gave him skills in negotiating with prosecutors on clients' behalf and defending them at trial. He has been dedicating his private practice to representing criminal cases since 2009.

  • Drug Crimes
  • DWI/DUI

180 S. Ash Ave Suite A, Tempe, AZ 85281
Website

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Avvo
4.6 (20)
Google
5.0 (13)
Facebook
5.0 (5)

Why choose this provider?

The Law Office of Kyle T. Green PLLC defends the rights of accused individuals facing criminal charges in Scottsdale. It covers various cases, such as assaults, threats and intimidation, property offenses, sex charges, and violent crimes. It also takes on misdemeanors and DUIs, reviewing legal options with clients and aggressively pursuing a course that would provide favorable results. Principal Kyle Green has been practicing law since 2008. He uses his background as a prosecutor in performing legal research, case analysis, negotiation, and litigation. 

  • Theft & Burglary
  • Drug Crimes
  • Domestic Violence

16853 E Palisades Blvd Suite 201, Fountain Hills, AZ 85268
Website

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
4.2 (9)
Avvo
4.5 (6)
Facebook
4.2 (5)

Why choose this provider?

The Law Offices of Randall J. Craig, Attorney at Law, represents clients throughout the Scottsdale metro and the surrounding cities. It defends clients facing assault, restraining orders, domestic violence, sex crimes, and drug possession charges to help protect their rights and reduce their legal consequences. It also handles criminal cases involving suspended licenses, disorderly conduct, fraud, theft, and DUI. Its team is also available to handle gang-related offenses. Founding attorney Randall J. Craig is a former prosecutor.

  • Theft & Burglary
  • Juvenile Crimes
  • Federal Crime

17470 N. Pacesetter Way, Scottsdale, AZ 85255
Website

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
4.6 (100)
Yelp
3.8 (50)
Facebook
5.0 (22)

Why choose this provider?

Corso Law Group advocates for the freedom of clients who have been charged with crimes. It serves individuals in and around Scottsdale. Its attorney, Christopher Corso, is a former prosecutor who educates clients on their rights and employs defense methods to help them fight criminal charges. Typical cases that the firm handles include traffic violations, aggravated assault, drug crimes, driving under the influence, and theft. Corso has been in practice since 2003 and is a member of the Association of Trial Lawyers of America.

7702 E Doubletree Ranch Road #300, Scottsdale, AZ 85258
Website

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Avvo
5.0 (11)
Yelp
5.0 (1)

Why choose this provider?

Salwin Law Group is a Scottsdale-based criminal defense law firm. Stewart Salwin has handled thousands of criminal cases, including drug crimes, DUI charges, and serious felonies. He has won over 75 trials and is a graduate of Harvard Law School and a former felony prosecutor. Stewart takes a personalized approach to each client’s case and carefully explains the law so that clients understand what is at stake and the options they have. He then aggressively advocates for his clients to produce optimal results. Salwin Law Group offers flat-fee options and free consultations on criminal cases.

  • Domestic Violence
  • Assault
  • Drug Crimes

Attorney Information

Attorney NameBar StatusExperience
Stewart Salwin - PrincipalActive15 yrs

Disclaimer:  Consumers utilizing Expertise.com are free to communicate and contract with any lawyer they choose. Expertise.com is not involved in the confidential attorney-client relationship. Featured lawyers pay a reasonable advertising cost to market their legal services with Expertise.com and must meet similar selection criteria as other lawyers. All cases are different. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.

FAQs

  • What is the non-emergency contact number for the local police station in Scottsdale, Arizona?

    For non-emergency matters, you can reach the Scottsdale Police Department at 480-312-5000.

  • What should you do if the police want to search your home or car in Scottsdale without a warrant?

    You have the right to refuse a search if law enforcement officers appear at your door. It would be wise of you to never consent to a search, especially if the police do not have a warrant. Let them know that they first need a warrant to search your home or car. If they insist on searching on the basis of probable cause, be polite and wait, then immediately get in touch with a criminal defense attorney.

  • Should you talk to the police if they think you committed a crime in Scottsdale and want to get your side of the story?

    You can refuse to talk with the police in Scottsdale if they suspect you of committing a crime. That said, it would be best not to talk to them under such circumstances, as they could use what you say against you. While some law enforcement officers may seem friendly, they are actually gathering evidence to build their case against you. Instead, consult with a criminal defense attorney before giving any kind of statement to the police.

  • How will a criminal defense lawyer help your case in Scottsdale?

    If you hire a Scottsdale criminal defense lawyer to help you, they will handle every aspect of your case, which includes taking over any communication with prosecutors and law enforcement officials. They also conduct an independent investigation into your charges and engage in good faith negotiations to discuss the possibility of reducing charges or even the dismissal of charges if the evidence they gathered points in that direction.

  • Will your criminal case in Scottsdale go to trial?

    Not necessarily. Most criminal cases in Scottsdale do not go to trial, as they are resolved well before they reach the courtroom. However, it would be advisable to choose a criminal defense lawyer, who will prepare your case as though it were going to trial. This strategy ensures that your defense is not left to chance. It also gives you and your legal team more leverage with the prosecution.

  • What is the difference between a misdemeanor and a felony in Scottsdale?

    In Scottsdale, and anywhere else, a misdemeanor is a category of less severe crimes than felonies. In theory, the more seriously a crime is classified, the worse the sentencing penalty will be. In terms of sentences, a misdemeanor sentence is less than one year, while felonies have sentences ranging from one year to life imprisonment, depending on the class.