Criminal Defense Attorneys in Tempe, AZ

A DUI, underage drinking, or assault charge in Tempe is filed in Maricopa County and can follow a student or worker for years. A licensed Arizona criminal defense attorney in Tempe will review your case for free.

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How we match your Tempe criminal defense case

When you submit a Tempe 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 Tempe

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Tempe’s bar district near campus, large student population, and major freeways generate heavy volumes of DUI, underage drinking, drug possession, assault, and disorderly conduct charges, as well as more serious felonies across the city. Cases are prosecuted in Tempe’s municipal court or Maricopa County court depending on the charge. Students face added consequences at school, and early choices about statements and pleas matter enormously. DearLegal matches you with an Arizona-licensed attorney who handles criminal defense cases in Tempe, with a free initial review.

Misdemeanors from Tempe arrests often go to city court; felonies are prosecuted in Maricopa County court.
Campus-area nightlife produces a high volume of DUI, underage drinking, and fake ID cases.
Students charged in Tempe may also face university discipline, which a defense attorney can address.

Arizona criminal defense rules at a glance

Tempe 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 Tempe 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

Tempe criminal defense questions, answered

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

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Arizona has some of the strictest DUI laws in the country, with mandatory penalties even for first offenses and separate license consequences with short deadlines to contest. A Tempe defense attorney will examine the stop, testing, and procedures, and work to reduce charges or penalties wherever possible.

Possibly. Certain charges can trigger university conduct processes separate from the criminal case, and the outcomes can affect housing, scholarships, and enrollment. An attorney experienced with Tempe student cases can defend you in court and advise on how to handle any school proceedings.

It is wise. Even misdemeanors can carry jail time, fines, and a lasting record that affects jobs and housing. A local defense attorney knows how Tempe prosecutors handle common cases and can often secure diversion, reduced charges, or dismissal that you would struggle to get on your own.

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.