1. DM Cantor
Focus Area: Criminal defense with 25+ years experience, 5,000+ case victories, and two Board Certified Criminal Law Specialists
Practice Areas: DUI, drug crimes, sex crimes, fraud, theft, assault, violent crimes, vehicular crimes
Background: What are the factors to look for when you are deciding who to hire for criminal defense in Scottsdale, Arizona? Start by looking at the Defense Team’s overall experience, and who is the person that leads them. In the case of DM Cantor, the Firm was founded by David Michael Cantor, a Board-Certified Criminal Law Specialist since 1999. David began his career at the Phoenix City Prosecutor’s Office as a Trial Attorney. While there, he amassed a record of 30 Jury Trial convictions with 0 losses. He then left and worked for a private Criminal Defense Firm for approximately 3-1/2 years, where he conducted almost 80 Criminal Defense Jury Trials. DM Cantor has been servicing the State of Arizona for over 25 Years. The team of criminal defense lawyers has over 5,000 criminal case victories, including over 160 Complete Jury Trial Acquittals with “Not Guilty” verdicts on All Charges. The DM Cantor Defense Team features 2 Board Certified Criminal Law Specialists per the Arizona Board of Legal Specialization.
Location: Scottsdale, Arizona (serves all of Arizona)
Contact: (602) 307-0808 | https://dmcantor.com/
Consultation: Free consultation available, 24-hour hotline
2. Ramos Law Firm
Focus Area: Criminal defense with Board-Certified Specialist in Criminal Law designation
Practice Areas: DUI, drug crimes, assault, theft, violent crimes, sex crimes
Background: Attorney Paul A. Ramos is one of the few attorneys in the state to have earned the prestigious designation of Board-Certified Specialist in Criminal Law from the Arizona Board of Legal Specialization. Based in Scottsdale, Ramos Law Firm represents clients facing DUI and criminal charges throughout Arizona. Clients are treated with respect and care, guided through each step of the process with understanding and support. Practicing since 1992, Paul has handled hundreds of trials and thousands of cases across Arizona’s courts. Navigating the Arizona legal system is a complicated journey. Without an experienced and committed defender, you may face a powerful and often unyielding system. The firm’s focus is on creating defense strategies tailored to each client’s unique situation, whether the matter is straightforward or highly complex. Results include reduced charges, dismissals, and not guilty verdicts.
Location: Scottsdale, Arizona (serves all of Arizona)
Contact: (480) 470-2062 | https://www.ramosdefense.com/
Consultation: Free initial consultation available with phone, office, and virtual appointments
3. Law Office of James E. Novak
Focus Area: Criminal defense with passionate advocacy and comprehensive approach
Practice Areas: DUI, assault, shoplifting, drug crimes, burglary, robbery, sex crimes, weapons violations
Background: If you were recently arrested and charged with a crime in Scottsdale, Arizona, reach out to the Law Office of James E. Novak for immediate assistance. Attorney Novak is passionate about defending the rights of his clients and helping them move on with their lives after an arrest. The firm takes a comprehensive approach to every case handled, investigating every possible defense to ensure the case ends in the possible result. James E. Novak participates in several legal organizations including The Arizona Attorneys For Criminal Justice, The Association of Trial Lawyers of America, and others. The Scottsdale criminal defense attorney can help with evaluating the evidence, applying detailed knowledge of Arizona criminal laws and legal precedents, developing a tailored defense strategy, protecting rights, negotiating plea bargains, and representing clients in court hearings and at trial.
Location: Scottsdale, Arizona (serves Maricopa County)
Contact: (480) 413-1499 | https://www.novakazlaw.com/
Consultation: Free consultation available
4. Shah Law Firm PLLC
Focus Area: Criminal defense with 3,000+ successfully defended clients
Practice Areas: DUI (misdemeanor, extreme, super extreme, felony, underage, prescription drug, marijuana), assault and battery, disorderly conduct, drug possession, shoplifting, theft
Background: Scottsdale criminal defense lawyer Arja Shah can offer valuable insight into your legal issues. A criminal charge in Arizona is not the same as it would be in another state, so it makes sense to research local laws and protections before beginning. An experienced DUI or criminal defense lawyer in Scottsdale knows what questions to ask. They know their way around Maricopa county courts, prosecutors, and local police. Arja Shah is a Criminal Defense Attorney serving all corners of the Phoenix Metro Area and surrounding cities. As of 2021, attorney Arja Shah has successfully defended over 3,000 clients facing life-altering charges. The Shah Law Firm has a proven track record of success. Arja Shah is passionate about the law and protecting the rights of her clients. She is driven to preserve and protect the constitutional rights of anyone who’s charged with a crime.
Location: Scottsdale, Arizona (serves Phoenix Metro Area)
Contact: (602) 560-7408 | https://arjashahlaw.com/
Consultation: Available for consultation
5. JacksonWhite Attorneys at Law
Focus Area: Criminal defense with personal service and hands-on approach since 1983
Practice Areas: DUI, assault, criminal negligence, traffic offenses, theft, drug crimes, sex crimes
Background: The Scottsdale criminal law attorneys provide personal service and compassionate advocacy in many areas of criminal law. The legal team understands that when their clients are struggling with complex legal matters, they need exceptional legal advice and representation from someone skilled in the area of Arizona criminal law. At JacksonWhite, the attorneys take the time to get to know clients personally and take a hands-on approach to every case. Being convicted of a crime, even if the crime is as minor as a traffic offense, can have a direct impact on your emotional state. In some cases, convictions such as assaults, criminal negligence, and DWIs, can result in hefty fines and even jail time. JacksonWhite has provided Scottsdale and the surrounding areas with legal services since 1983. The firm has grown to include three locations, 22 experienced law attorneys, and dozens of compassionate staff members ready to assist with your case.
Location: 5635 N. Scottsdale Rd, Suite 170, Scottsdale, AZ 85250
Contact: (480) 467-4370 | https://www.jacksonwhitelaw.com/
Consultation: Free case evaluation 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 Scottsdale?
Criminal cases in Scottsdale are heard in multiple courts depending on the offense. Scottsdale City Court handles Class 1-3 misdemeanors and petty offenses that occur within Scottsdale city limits. Felony cases are heard in Maricopa County Superior Court. Federal cases are handled in the U.S. District Court for the District of Arizona. The Scottsdale Police Department specifically targets crimes including motor vehicle theft, aggravated assault, weapons violations and sex crimes. Having a Scottsdale criminal defense attorney familiar with these court systems, judges, and prosecutors provides an advantage in navigating your case.
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 Scottsdale 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 DUI conviction in Scottsdale?
Arizona has some of the strictest DUI laws in the nation, and Scottsdale aggressively enforces them. Even a first-offense DUI carries mandatory minimum 10 days jail (though 9 are typically suspended), $1,250+ in fines, 90-day to 1-year license suspension, required ignition interlock device, and mandatory alcohol screening/treatment. Extreme DUI (.15%-.19% BAC) carries minimum 30 days jail and Super Extreme DUI (.20%+ BAC) carries minimum 45 days jail. Multiple DUIs can result in felony charges. A DUI conviction also results in increased insurance rates and can affect employment opportunities. A Scottsdale criminal defense attorney can challenge the traffic stop, field sobriety tests, and breath/blood test results.
What are the statutes of limitations for criminal offenses in Arizona?
Arizona’s criminal justice system runs on strict time limits called statutes of limitations. The State may prosecute people for certain crimes regardless of how long ago the incident occurred, including murder, violent sexual assault, and misuse of public money or public records. Other types of felonies come with a general seven-year statute of limitations. The State has one year after the crime to file misdemeanor charges and six months for petty offenses. Federal statutes of limitations apply to federal crimes; the typical time limit for federal felony charges is five years after the date of the alleged crime. The courts will likely dismiss a case if the prosecution fails to meet the statute of limitations.
What diversion programs are available in Maricopa County?
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 Scottsdale criminal defense attorney can evaluate eligibility and negotiate for diversion.