1. Jacobo Law Firm, PLLC
Focus Area: Criminal defense with 16+ years experience and former prosecutor insight
Practice Areas: Drug crimes, DUI, violent crimes, theft, domestic violence, federal crimes, sex crimes
Background: At Jacobo Law Firm, PLLC, the Chandler criminal defense lawyer, Manny A. Jacobo, has extensive experience protecting the rights of his clients. As a former prosecutor, he understands both sides of the criminal justice system. His unique insight into how the other side operates allows him to build powerful cases on behalf of the accused and work tirelessly to protect their rights throughout the entire legal process. Jacobo Law Firm, PLLC has over 16 years of experience and is dedicated to fighting for positive outcomes for criminal cases. The firm believes that experience matters and has the experience and legal knowledge to effectively advocate for clients and their rights. Se habla español.
Location: Chandler, Arizona (serves Maricopa County)
Contact: (480) 470-0823 | https://www.jacobolawfirm.com/
Consultation: Free and confidential consultation available
2. Law Office of James E. Novak
Focus Area: Criminal defense with 25+ years experience in Chandler Municipal Court and Maricopa County
Practice Areas: DUI, drug crimes, assault, theft, domestic violence, sex crimes, violent crimes
Background: At the Law Office of James E. Novak, the Chandler criminal defense lawyer has over 25 years of experience successfully resolving cases in Chandler Municipal Court as well as other courthouses throughout Maricopa County. The firm takes a comprehensive approach to every case handled, diligently listening to each client’s side of the story before working with them to develop a compelling defense to the charges they face. Facing criminal charges in Chandler can be an overwhelming experience, regardless of whether this is your first arrest or you’ve been through the process before. However, this is not a journey you need to embark upon on your own. Chandler police take an aggressive approach to investigating all potential criminal activity, making over 11,000 arrests per year.
Location: Chandler, Arizona (serves Maricopa County)
Contact: (480) 413-1499 | https://www.novakazlaw.com/
Consultation: Free consultation available
3. AZ Defenders
Focus Area: Criminal defense with two decades of combined experience and aggressive trial representation
Practice Areas: DUI, drug crimes, assault, theft, domestic violence, sex crimes, violent crimes, federal crimes
Background: When you or a loved one are facing serious criminal charges, turn to a criminal defense attorney with the trust of the Arizona legal community. AZ Defenders is ready to help. With more than two decades of combined legal experience in the criminal justice arena, the firm is ready to represent clients diligently in the courtroom. The Chandler criminal defense lawyers are considered some of the most aggressive in the United States. The firm does not simply settle for guilty pleas and has no problem taking cases to trial. A defense lawyer can start by investigating the case and differentiating fact from fiction. Once the lawyer has a good understanding of the case and the charges, he or she may try to negotiate a plea deal with the prosecution if the lawyer believes this is the client’s option.
Location: Chandler, Arizona
Contact: (480) 456-6400 | https://www.az-defenders.com/
Consultation: Free consultation available
4. Tobin Law Office
Focus Area: Criminal defense with former prosecutor experience and flat-rate fee structure
Practice Areas: DUI, drug crimes, assault, theft, domestic violence, misdemeanors, felonies
Background: Arizona Criminal Lawyer Timothy Tobin has practiced criminal law for several years providing his clients with quality and effective criminal defense services in Chandler, AZ. No matter what type of charges you are facing, or if you have been wrongly accused, the Chandler criminal defense lawyers at Tobin Law Office are qualified to defend your rights. As a five-star legal team, Tobin Law Office carries the experience necessary to offer expert guidance and successful representation through every aspect of your case. Mr. Tobin, a former prosecutor of two government agencies, previously prosecuted criminal cases referred from the Chandler Police Department. Tobin Law Office is familiar with Chandler Courts, Chandler Judges, Chandler Prosecutors, and Chandler Police. Mr. Tobin handles all aspects of the case personally. Clients won’t need to go through gatekeepers, secretaries, or paralegals to talk to their attorney.
Location: Near Chandler’s Courts (serves Chandler Municipal Court, Kyrene Justice Court, San Marcos Justice Court)
Contact: Available through website | https://tobinlawoffice.com/
Consultation: Flat-rate fees with no hidden costs
5. Trent R. Buckallew, Attorney at Law
Focus Area: Criminal defense with Board Certified Criminal Law Specialist designation and nearly 25 years of experience
Practice Areas: DUI, drug crimes, domestic violence, internet crimes, violent crimes, theft, sex crimes, child pornography, probation violations, juvenile crimes, white collar crimes
Background: If you or a loved one has been arrested and charged with a criminal offense in the City of Chandler, it is imperative that you contact an experienced Chandler criminal defense attorney to discuss your legal options. The Firm has nearly 25 years of experience in the Chandler community, handling all types of criminal charges, from DUI offenses to the most serious and complex felony charges. Attorney Trent Buckallew is a Board Certified Criminal Law Specialist, having been certified by the State Bar of Arizona. He has a proven record of success in the countless cases he has handled over past two decades. Mr. Buckallew takes pride in personally handling each case from start to finish. Mr. Buckallew has handled cases in every court in the City of Chandler, including Chandler Municipal Court and the Justice Courts located in the San Tan Regional Court Center.
Location: Chandler, Arizona (serves Maricopa County)
Contact: (602) 825-3300 | https://www.crim-law.info/
Consultation: Free initial consultation available
Criminal Defense Laws in Arizona
Felony Classifications
Arizona classifies felonies into six classes:
Class 1 Felony: Includes first-degree murder and second-degree murder. Penalty ranges from death penalty or life imprisonment to 25 years.
Class 2 Felony: Includes manslaughter, sexual assault, and armed robbery. Penalty is 3-12.5 years (presumptive 5 years) for first offense.
Class 3 Felony: Includes aggravated assault, burglary in the second degree, and certain drug offenses. Penalty is 2-8.75 years (presumptive 3.5 years) for first offense.
Class 4 Felony: Includes theft over $4,000, forgery, and certain drug offenses. Penalty is 1-3.75 years (presumptive 2.5 years) for first offense.
Class 5 Felony: Includes credit card fraud, criminal damage, and certain drug possession. Penalty is 0.5-2.5 years (presumptive 1.5 years) for first offense.
Class 6 Felony: Includes theft $1,000-$2,000, certain assault, and possession of drug paraphernalia. Penalty is 0.33-2 years (presumptive 1 year) for first offense. May be designated as a misdemeanor.
Misdemeanor Classifications
Class 1 Misdemeanor: Includes DUI, shoplifting under $1,000, and assault. Maximum 6 months in jail and $2,500 fine.
Class 2 Misdemeanor: Includes reckless driving and criminal speeding. Maximum 4 months in jail and $750 fine.
Class 3 Misdemeanor: Includes loitering and assault (minor). Maximum 30 days in jail and $500 fine.
Set Aside (Expungement Alternative)
Arizona does not have traditional expungement. Instead, Arizona offers “set aside” of conviction:
Eligibility: Available after completing sentence, probation, and paying all fines. Not available for certain offenses including sexual offenses involving minors, dangerous offenses, and offenses requiring sex offender registration.
Effect: The conviction remains on record but is marked as “set aside.” It can still be seen but shows that the court set aside the conviction. Civil rights (voting, jury service) are restored upon completion of sentence.
Marijuana Expungement: Arizona now allows expungement of certain marijuana-related offenses following legalization.
DUI Laws
Arizona DUI applies to driving with BAC of .08% or higher (.04% commercial, any amount for under 21). Arizona has some of the strictest DUI laws in the nation. First offense carries minimum 10 days jail (9 suspended), $1,250+ in fines, and 90-day to 1-year license suspension. Extreme DUI (.15%-.19% BAC) carries minimum 30 days jail and $2,500+ in fines. Super Extreme DUI (.20%+ BAC) carries minimum 45 days jail and $3,250+ in fines. Arizona has implied consent; refusal results in 12-month license suspension.
Frequently Asked Questions
What courts handle criminal cases in Chandler?
Criminal cases in Chandler are heard in multiple courts depending on the offense. Chandler Municipal Court handles Class 1-3 misdemeanors and petty offenses that occur within Chandler city limits. If you were charged by Chandler Police, you’ll be in Chandler’s Municipal Court located at 200 E. Chicago Street. If you were cited by Arizona’s Department of Public Safety or the Sheriff’s Office, you’ll be in one of Chandler’s Justice Courts (Kyrene Justice Court or San Marcos Justice Court) located at 201 E. Chicago Street. Felony cases are heard in Maricopa County Superior Court. Federal cases are handled in the U.S. District Court for the District of Arizona.
What is a “dangerous offense” in Arizona?
Arizona law designates certain crimes as “dangerous offenses” when they involve the use or threatening exhibition of a deadly weapon or dangerous instrument, or the intentional or knowing infliction of serious physical injury. Dangerous offense designation significantly increases sentencing ranges and eliminates eligibility for probation, suspended sentence, or early release for many offenses. For example, a Class 2 dangerous felony carries 7-21 years instead of 3-12.5 years. A Chandler criminal defense attorney can evaluate whether your charges include dangerous offense allegations and develop strategies to challenge this designation.
What are the consequences of a felony conviction in Arizona?
A felony conviction in Arizona carries consequences beyond incarceration and fines. You lose the right to possess firearms (may be restored for certain offenses after completion of sentence). You lose the right to vote while incarcerated and on probation/parole (automatically restored upon completion of sentence for first felony, requires restoration application for subsequent felonies). You may be ineligible for certain professional licenses and may face difficulty finding employment and housing. For non-citizens, felony convictions can result in deportation and inadmissibility. Arizona allows set aside of many convictions after completion of sentence, which restores civil rights and notes on the record that the conviction was set aside.
What diversion programs are available in Chandler?
Maricopa County offers several diversion programs that allow eligible defendants to avoid conviction. TASC (Treatment Assessment Screening Center) Diversion is available for first-time drug offenders and involves assessment, treatment, and supervision. Deferred Prosecution allows the prosecutor to suspend prosecution while the defendant completes conditions. Domestic Violence Diversion may be available for certain first-time domestic violence offenses. Drug Court, Mental Health Court, and Veterans Court are available for defendants with substance abuse, mental health, or military service issues. Successful completion of these programs results in dismissal of charges. A Chandler criminal defense attorney can evaluate eligibility and negotiate for diversion.
What is the statute of limitations for criminal offenses in Arizona?
Arizona has different statutes of limitations depending on the offense. There is no statute of limitations for murder, violent sexual assault, or misuse of public monies. Class 2-6 felonies generally have a 7-year statute of limitations. Misdemeanors generally have a 1-year statute of limitations. Petty offenses have a 6-month statute of limitations. The statute of limitations is “tolled” (paused) while the defendant is absent from the state or during prosecution. A Chandler criminal defense attorney can evaluate whether the statute of limitations has expired in your case.