Criminal Defense Attorneys in Chandler, AZ

An arrest in Chandler for DUI, drug possession, or assault leads to Maricopa County court and stakes that touch your job and freedom. A licensed Arizona criminal defense attorney in Chandler will review your case for free.

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How we match your Chandler criminal defense case

When you submit a Chandler criminal defense matter, we route it through a national network of independent partner firms and put it in front of the one that fits best — based on the kind of case it is, what it is likely to involve, where it has to be handled, and who has capacity to take it on now.

Case type

A criminal defense matter needs someone who handles criminal defense work day to day, not a generalist. Practice area is the first filter.

Size and complexity

Some firms are built for catastrophic injury and multi-party litigation; others resolve straightforward claims quickly. We weigh what your matter is likely to involve against how each firm actually works.

Jurisdiction and licensing

Your matter is decided under Arizona law, so it goes to an attorney licensed in Arizona who regularly appears where your case would be heard.

Capacity and fit

Availability, conflicts of interest and language all matter. If the best-fit firm cannot take your case, we route it to the next one that can — or tell you plainly when no one in the network is the right answer.

Every partner reviews your case for free. Injury and workers’ compensation matters are handled on contingency — no fee unless you win. Other matters are quoted upfront, before you commit to anything.

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DearLegal provides marketing and matching services and is not a law firm. Submitting a case does not create an attorney-client relationship. Matches depend on case type, jurisdiction and firm availability.

Criminal Defense cases in Chandler

More about legal help in Chandler →

Criminal cases in Chandler often begin with DUI stops on the freeways and arterials, drug possession, domestic disputes, and shoplifting at the city’s retail centers. Charges are prosecuted in Maricopa County or in Chandler’s municipal system, and Arizona’s DUI penalties are among the strictest in the country. A conviction can affect professional licenses and immigration status. DearLegal matches you with an Arizona-licensed attorney who handles criminal defense cases in Chandler, and the first review of your charges is free.

Chandler charges are prosecuted in Maricopa County or the city’s municipal court, depending on severity.
DUI stops on Loop 101, Loop 202, and I-10 generate many local arrests.
Tech workers in Chandler often face employment and clearance consequences from a conviction.

Arizona criminal defense rules at a glance

Chandler cases run under Arizona law. The full walkthrough — timeline, when to call, case types, and what a recovery can include — is on the Arizona page.

Read the full Arizona criminal defense guide →

Felony Statute of Limitations: No limit
No limit for Class 1 felonies (homicide); 7 years for most other felonies (A.R.S. § 13-107)
Misdemeanor Statute of Limitations: 1 year
1 year for most misdemeanors (A.R.S. § 13-107(B)(2))
Sentencing Structure: Presumptive sentencing
Presumptive sentencing under A.R.S. § 13-701 et seq. — mitigated/minimum/presumptive/maximum/aggravated terms for each felony class; mandatory enhancements for priors and dangerous offenses
Expungement / Record Sealing: Record sealing
Record sealing under A.R.S. § 13-911 (effective 2023) and set-aside of conviction under A.R.S. § 13-905. Marijuana expungement under A.R.S. § 36-2862 (Prop 207).
Bail / Pretrial Release: Bail set
Bail set under Ariz. R. Crim. P. 7; constitutional right to bail (Ariz. Const. Art. II, § 22) with enumerated exceptions for capital offenses and certain felonies
Typical attorney fee: Hourly
Hourly / Flat Fee

Exhibit D

How much do Chandler criminal defense attorneys cost?

Typical fee schedule

Arizona · Criminal Defense

Fee modelHourly / Flat Fee

Feequoted per petition or matter

Filing costsitemized upfront

Case reviewFree

Illustrative only. Your fee terms are set in a written agreement with your attorney and may include costs and expenses regardless of outcome.

Criminal Defense matters in Arizona are usually a flat fee per filing — quoted before you commit, not billed by the hour.

Criminal defense attorneys in Arizona work on hourly or flat-fee retainers — contingency fees are prohibited in criminal cases under ER 1.5(d) of the Arizona Rules of Professional Conduct and ABA Model Rule 1.5(d). Flat fees are typical for misdemeanors and many felonies; complex cases (homicide, capital, federal, multi-count) usually use hourly billing with a retainer. Many attorneys offer payment plans. The Maricopa County and Pima County public defender offices represent indigent defendants.

A good attorney walks through every number at your free consultation — before you sign anything.

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Exhibit F

Chandler criminal defense questions, answered

Still unsure? Tell us what happened and a Arizona attorney will review it for free.

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Misdemeanors often go through Chandler’s municipal court, while felonies are handled in Maricopa County. The two systems have different procedures and prosecutors. An attorney will explain which applies to your case, what the first hearing involves, and whether a reduction or diversion is realistic.

Arizona imposes mandatory jail time, fines, and ignition interlock requirements even for a first DUI, and the license consequences start quickly. An attorney can examine the stop, the testing, and the procedures used, and pursue reductions or dismissals where the evidence supports it.

It can, especially for roles requiring background checks or security clearances. Even a pending charge may need to be disclosed. A defense attorney can work to resolve the case in a way that minimizes long-term effects and can advise on what to tell your employer.

No. Politely decline and ask for an attorney. Arizona police — especially Phoenix PD, Tucson PD, and DPS — use sophisticated interrogation tactics including pre-Miranda “casual” conversations that are fully admissible. Invoke your Fifth Amendment right to silence and your right to counsel under Miranda. Don’t try to “explain” your way out.

Yes. Arizona Class 1 misdemeanors carry up to 6 months in jail and $2,500 fines under A.R.S. § 13-707. Many misdemeanor convictions (DUI, DV, theft) trigger collateral consequences — license suspension, immigration impact, federal firearm bans, employment issues. Diversion (TASC, deferred prosecution) is often available but only if negotiated before plea.