Criminal Defense Attorneys in Phoenix, AZ

Arrests in Phoenix lead to charges in Maricopa County, one of the busiest court systems in the country, with stakes touching every part of life. A licensed Arizona criminal defense attorney in Phoenix will review your case free.

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How we match your Phoenix criminal defense case

When you submit a Phoenix 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 Phoenix

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Arrests in Phoenix range from DUI stops near the nightlife districts and stadium events to drug, theft, and assault charges spread across a city of 1.67 million. Misdemeanors often begin in municipal court, while felonies go to Maricopa County Superior Court, one of the busiest criminal dockets in the nation, where prosecutors move quickly and plea offers come early. Having counsel before the first hearing can change the trajectory of a case. DearLegal matches you with an Arizona-licensed attorney who handles criminal defense cases in Phoenix, with a free review.

Felony charges from Phoenix are prosecuted in Maricopa County Superior Court, one of the nation’s largest criminal dockets.
DUI enforcement is heavy near entertainment districts, sports venues, and major freeways in and around Phoenix.
Many misdemeanor cases start in Phoenix Municipal Court before any county involvement.

Arizona criminal defense rules at a glance

Phoenix 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 Phoenix 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

Phoenix criminal defense questions, answered

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It depends on the charge. Many misdemeanors, including some DUI and assault charges, are heard in city court, while felonies go to Maricopa County Superior Court. The venue affects timelines, diversion options, and procedures. An attorney can tell you where your case stands and what to expect at the first appearance.

Yes. Arizona DUI penalties are among the strictest in the country even for first offenses, with mandatory consequences that affect your license and record. A defense attorney can challenge the stop, testing, and procedures, and negotiate for reduced outcomes. The free review will help you understand the realistic range of results.

Quickly at first. Initial appearances happen within a day or so, and early decisions about release conditions and plea offers can shape everything that follows. Contacting an attorney immediately after an arrest in Phoenix, ideally before speaking to police, gives you the best chance to protect your rights and options.

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.