1. JacksonWhite Law
Focus Area: Criminal defense with 40+ years combined experience and former prosecutor on staff
Practice Areas: DUI, drug crimes, domestic violence, theft, assault, violent crimes, sex crimes, federal crimes
Background: JacksonWhite Law’s criminal defense team has more than 40 years of combined experience aggressively defending the rights of clients in the Metro Phoenix area. The team is led by Jeremy Geigle, and former prosecutor John Dosdall has handled thousands of cases as a Deputy County Attorney for the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office. John Dosdall has been named one of the 10 Best Attorneys for the State of Arizona by the American Institute of Criminal Law Attorneys. The firm’s experience, resources, and familiarity with the Mesa court system provides tools needed to help clients get favorable outcomes.
Location: 40 N. Center St, Suite 200, Mesa, AZ 85201 (also offices in Scottsdale and Peoria)
Contact: (480) 467-4370 | https://www.jacksonwhitelaw.com/
Consultation: Free consultation available; 24/7 availability
2. MayesTelles PLLC
Focus Area: Criminal defense with former prosecutors on staff
Practice Areas: DUI, extreme DUI, super extreme DUI, violent crimes, drug crimes, domestic violence, theft, sex crimes
Background: MayesTelles PLLC has a staff of exceptional attorneys led by experienced lawyers J. Blake Mayes and David Telles. The firm offers 24/7 access to experienced attorneys who can explain rights and options. The team has former prosecutors on staff who understand both sides of criminal cases. Notable results include getting all DUI charges dropped after discovering inconsistencies in police reports. The firm pairs clients with the attorney most suited to handle their specific case and is committed to providing exceptional defense representation at affordable rates.
Location: Mesa, Arizona (serves Mesa and surrounding areas)
Contact: (602) 428-7104 | https://www.mayestelles.com/
Consultation: Free evaluation available 24/7
3. Naegle Law Firm, PLC
Focus Area: Criminal defense with former Superior Court judge pro tem
Practice Areas: DUI, domestic violence, disorderly conduct, violent crimes, drug crimes, assault
Background: Attorney Charlie Naegle brings over 16 years of experience to criminal defense. Having served as a judge pro tem for the Superior Court, Attorney Naegle has built a solid reputation with prosecutors from many jurisdictions. His experience allows him to understand the legal process from multiple angles and use that knowledge to aggressively represent clients. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Business from Western International University and earned his Juris Doctor in 2006 from Texas Southern University. After witnessing how clients were treated as just case numbers at large firms, he opened his own practice to do things differently.
Location: 3850 E. Baseline Rd., Mesa, Arizona (serves Gilbert, Scottsdale, and Tempe)
Contact: (480) 245-5550 | https://www.naeglelawfirm.com/
Consultation: Free, no-commitment consultation available
4. Law Office of James E. Novak
Focus Area: Criminal defense with 25+ years experience
Practice Areas: DUI, drug crimes, domestic violence, theft crimes, assault, weapons charges
Background: Attorney James E. Novak has more than 25 years of experience defending the rights of people who find themselves in difficult situations. He understands the stress and anxiety that come along with an arrest and works to ensure arrests have as little impact on clients’ futures as possible. Attorney Novak participates in several legal organizations including The Arizona Attorneys for Criminal Justice and The Association of Trial Lawyers of America. The firm provides customized representation based on each client’s unique needs and offers free consultations to all Mesa residents.
Location: Mesa, Arizona (population approximately 505,000)
Contact: (480) 413-1499 | https://www.novakazlaw.com/
Consultation: Free consultation available
5. Skousen & Reedy, PLC
Focus Area: Criminal defense with former prosecutor and 30+ years experience
Practice Areas: DUI, drug crimes, domestic violence, assault, theft, violent crimes, felonies, misdemeanors
Background: Skousen & Reedy, PLC has 30+ years of experience in a range of criminal cases. The firm treats every client with utmost dignity and respect, utilizing creative and aggressive defense strategies to help secure favorable outcomes. With a former prosecutor on the team, the firm understands how prosecutors present cases and can foresee strategies employed by the prosecution. This knowledge is used to create defenses that are persuasive to juries and can successfully challenge evidence. The firm has achieved not guilty verdicts for clients and proudly serves Mesa and surrounding areas including Apache Junction, Chandler, Gilbert, Queen Creek, Scottsdale, and Tempe.
Location: Mesa, Arizona (serves Apache Junction, Chandler, Gilbert, Queen Creek, Scottsdale, Tempe)
Contact: (480) 526-9955 | https://www.skousenreedy.com/
Consultation: Free consultation available
Criminal Defense Laws in Arizona
Felony Classifications
Arizona classifies felonies into six classes:
Class 1 Felony: First-degree murder and second-degree murder. Penalties include death, life imprisonment, or natural life imprisonment.
Class 2 Felony: Includes manslaughter, sexual assault, armed robbery, and certain drug trafficking offenses. Presumptive sentence of 5 years (range 3-12.5 years); aggravated dangerous offenses can be much higher.
Class 3 Felony: Includes aggravated assault causing serious injury, burglary in the second degree, and certain theft offenses. Presumptive sentence of 3.5 years (range 2-8.75 years).
Class 4 Felony: Includes aggravated DUI, forgery, and theft over $4,000. Presumptive sentence of 2.5 years (range 1.5-3.75 years).
Class 5 Felony: Includes criminal damage over $2,000 and stalking. Presumptive sentence of 1.5 years (range 0.75-2.5 years).
Class 6 Felony: The least serious felony (sometimes called a “wobbler”), including possession of drug paraphernalia and theft under $4,000. Presumptive sentence of 1 year (range 0.5-1.5 years). Class 6 felonies can sometimes be designated as misdemeanors.
Misdemeanor Classifications
Class 1 Misdemeanor: The most serious misdemeanor, including DUI, domestic violence assault, and shoplifting. Maximum penalty of 6 months in jail and $2,500 fine.
Class 2 Misdemeanor: Includes reckless driving and criminal speeding. Maximum penalty of 4 months in jail and $750 fine.
Class 3 Misdemeanor: The least serious misdemeanor, including assault (minor injury) and loitering. Maximum penalty of 30 days in jail and $500 fine.
Record Clearing Options (Set Aside and Sealing)
Arizona offers record set-aside and sealing:
Set-Aside: After completing your sentence, you can petition to have the conviction set aside. This does not erase the conviction but shows it was set aside. Most convictions are eligible except for certain serious offenses. There is no waiting period after completing the sentence.
Record Sealing (ARS 13-911): Arizona now allows sealing of certain criminal records. Eligible offenses can be sealed after waiting periods (1-10 years depending on offense). Once sealed, records are not accessible to the public. Arrests not resulting in conviction can be sealed immediately. Certain offenses remain ineligible.
DUI Laws
Arizona DUI applies to driving with BAC of .08% or higher (.04% commercial, .00% under 21). Arizona has three levels: Standard DUI (.08%-.149%), Extreme DUI (.15%-.199%), and Super Extreme DUI (.20% or higher). First offense standard DUI carries minimum 10 days jail (9 suspended with treatment), $1,250 fines, and ignition interlock device. Arizona has implied consent; refusal results in 1-year license suspension.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between Mesa Municipal Court and Maricopa County Superior Court?
Mesa Municipal Court handles misdemeanor offenses that occur within Mesa city limits, including DUI, domestic violence misdemeanors, theft under certain amounts, and city ordinance violations. Maricopa County Superior Court handles all felony cases, regardless of where in the county they occurred, as well as appeals from municipal court. If you are charged with a misdemeanor in Mesa, your case will typically start and conclude in Mesa Municipal Court. If you are charged with a felony, your case will be handled by Superior Court. The court where your case is heard affects procedures, judges, and potential outcomes. A Mesa criminal defense attorney familiar with both courts can provide valuable insight into how to approach your specific case.
What happens if I am arrested for DUI in Mesa?
After a DUI arrest in Mesa, you will typically be taken to the Mesa Police Department for booking. You will be asked to submit to a breath or blood test. Arizona has implied consent, meaning refusing the test results in automatic license suspension (typically 1 year). Within 15 days, you must request a hearing with the MVD to contest the license suspension, or it becomes automatic. You will receive a court date for Mesa Municipal Court (misdemeanor DUI) or be summoned to Superior Court (aggravated/felony DUI). Arizona has some of the strictest DUI penalties in the nation, including mandatory jail time even for first offenses. A Mesa DUI attorney can challenge the stop, the field sobriety tests, and the chemical test results.
Can I get my Class 6 felony reduced to a misdemeanor in Arizona?
Yes, Arizona Class 6 felonies are often called “wobblers” because they can be designated as misdemeanors under certain circumstances. If you are convicted of a Class 6 felony and placed on probation, you can petition the court to designate the offense as a misdemeanor upon successful completion of probation. Some Class 6 felonies may be designated as misdemeanors at sentencing if certain conditions are met. Additionally, prosecutors sometimes agree to reduce a Class 6 felony to a misdemeanor as part of a plea agreement. Having the felony designated as a misdemeanor can restore certain rights and reduce collateral consequences. A Mesa criminal defense attorney can advise on whether your case is eligible for reduction.
What are the penalties for domestic violence charges in Mesa?
In Arizona, domestic violence is not a separate crime but rather a designation added to certain offenses when they occur between family or household members. The underlying offense determines the penalties. For example, domestic violence assault (Class 1 misdemeanor) carries up to 6 months jail, while aggravated domestic violence assault (felony) carries prison time. Arizona requires completion of a domestic violence offender treatment program for most convictions. A domestic violence conviction triggers firearm prohibitions under both state and federal law. Third domestic violence offense within 84 months is automatically a Class 5 felony. Protective orders may be issued. A Mesa domestic violence attorney can evaluate defenses and minimize consequences.
How do I get a copy of my Mesa police report?
To obtain a copy of your Mesa police report, you can request it from the Mesa Police Department Records Division. You can submit a request online, by mail, or in person at the Mesa Police Headquarters (130 N. Robson, Mesa, AZ 85201). There is typically a fee for copies. If your case is pending, your attorney can obtain the police report through the discovery process. The police report is important because it contains the officer’s narrative of events, witness statements, and evidence collected. Reviewing the report early allows your Mesa criminal defense attorney to identify inconsistencies, constitutional violations, and potential defenses before your case progresses.