Criminal Defense Lawyers in Maricopa County, Arizona

Lawyer Legion connects people with attorneys who are best-suited to solve their legal problems. We have curated a list of over 1,200 criminal defense lawyers currently practicing in Maricopa County, Arizona. We scored each lawyer based on purely objective criteria such as: specialty certifications, distinguished fellowships, professional involvement, community leadership, speaking engagements, and other merit-based criteria.

If you or a loved one has been arrested and charged with a crime, consider using Lawyer Legion to discover and connect with criminal defense lawyers in Phoenix, Maricopa County, Arizona who are ready to help.

Law Firms Practicing Criminal Defense in Maricopa County, AZ

The Schreck Law Firm

Directory of Criminal Defense Lawyers in Maricopa County, AZ

Best Criminal Defense Attorneys in Phoenix
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Maricopa County, AZ Legal Resources
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Specialty Certifications in Criminal Defense
Maricopa County Government and Court Resources

Best Criminal Defense Attorneys in Phoenix

Lawyer Legion Top Picks for 2026

Lawyer Legion created this list of the top picks in 2026 for the best criminal defense attorneys in Phoenix, Maricopa County, Arizona. To rank the top criminal defense attorneys and other lawyers in Maricopa County, AZ, we used both objective and subjective criteria.

The top criminal defense attorneys were selected based on their career accomplishments, success in high profile cases, professional involvement, community leadership, and board certification.

This list represents some of the most highly accomplished criminal defense lawyers currently practicing in Maricopa County, Arizona. When reviewing this list, please be aware of each of the following:

Lawyers cannot pay to be included in this list.
Only lawyers who are active on Lawyer Legion were selected.
No online directory can accurately determine a list of attorneys who are actually “the best” at practicing criminal defense (but our list comes close).

Showing attorneys 1–12 out of 250

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Maricopa County, AZ Criminal Defense Legal Resources

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Specialty Certifications in Criminal Defense
Maricopa County Government and Court Resources

Criminal Defense Bar Associations and Legal Organizations

Arizona Attorneys for Criminal Justice (AACJ) - Formed in 1986, The Arizona Attorneys for Criminal Justice (AACJ) is an organization supporting the practice of both private criminal defense attorneys and public defenders throughout the Grand Canyon State. The AACJ seeks to improve the practice of Arizona criminal defense lawyers by providing training and networking opportunities. The AACJ also serves as an advocate for a positive criminal justice reform.

National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (NACDL) - Founded in 1958, NACDL is the largest organization for criminal defense lawyers fighting to preserve fairness within America's criminal justice system. The organization has more than 10,000 direct members including criminal defense attorneys in private practice, public defenders in state or federal court, U.S. military defense counsel, law professors and judges.

Specialty Certifications in Criminal Defense

Criminal Law - To become a certified specialist in criminal law, the Arizona attorney must show that during a specified period, the attorney devoted at least have of his or her time spent in the full-time practice of law to "matters in which issues of criminal law are significant factors." The Arizona Board of Legal Specialization ("BLS") was granted authority to set the standards for certification in criminal law in accordance with the Rules and Regulations of the BLS established by the Arizona Board of Governors.

Criminal Trial Law - The specialty area of Criminal Trial Law is offered by the National Board of Trial Advocacy (NBTA) to lawyers. To earn NBTA board certification, the criminal defense attorney must show substantial involvement in at least 45 days of trial, must have served as lead counsel in jury cases through verdict; conducted direct examinations and cross-examinations, and conducted a specified number of voir dire, opening statements and closing arguments.

DUI Defense Law - The National College for DUI Defense, Inc. (NCDD) is an organization that grants specialty or board certification for DUI Defense Law. The ABA has recognized the NCDD as an organization that is accredited to award certification in this specialty area of the law. The purpose of granting board certification in DUI Defense Law is to recognize DUI and DWI lawyers who focus their practice on representing men and women accused of drunk and impaired driving offenses. In order to qualify for board certification in "DUI Defense Law," the attorney must meet specific qualifications and apply for board certification with NCDD.

Maricopa County Government and Court Resources

Maricopa County District Attorney's Office
Maricopa County Public Defender's Office
Maricopa County Superior Court
Maricopa County Departments
Federal Courts in Maricopa County, AZ

Maricopa County District Attorney's Office

Maricopa County District Attorney's Office - The Maricopa County District Attorney's Office, located in Arizona, is responsible for prosecuting criminal cases within the county. The office handles a wide range of criminal matters, from misdemeanors to serious felonies, and works to ensure justice is served in the community. The office also provides support services for crime victims, guiding them through the legal process and offering necessary resources. Additionally, it engages in community outreach programs to educate the public on crime prevention and legal rights.

Maricopa County District Attorney's Office
225 West Madison Street
Phoenix, AZ 85003
Phone: 602-506-3411

Maricopa County Public Defender's Office

Maricopa County Public Defender's Office - The Maricopa County Public Defender's Office provides legal representation to individuals in Maricopa County, Arizona, who cannot afford private counsel. The office handles various cases, including criminal defense, juvenile defense, and mental health cases, as well as appeals. Public defenders work to protect their clients' rights throughout the legal process, offering skilled advocacy and support.

Maricopa County Public Defender's Office
Phone: 602-506-3011

Maricopa County Superior Court

Maricopa County Superior Court - The Maricopa County Superior Court is the primary trial court in Maricopa County, Arizona, handling a wide range of civil and criminal cases. It is one of the largest superior courts in the United States by caseload. The court's jurisdiction includes matters such as family law, probate, juvenile, criminal, and civil cases exceeding a certain monetary threshold. The Maricopa County Superior Court aims to administer justice fairly and efficiently, serving the community by resolving disputes and upholding the rule of law.

Maricopa County Superior Court
201 W. Jefferson Street
Phoenix, AZ 85003
Phone: 602-506-3204

Maricopa County Departments

Maricopa County Departments - Maricopa County government agencies provide essential services including public safety, healthcare, transportation, and community services. Guided by the Maricopa County Board of Supervisors, these agencies work to improve residents' quality of life and ensure effective service delivery.

Federal Courts in Maricopa County, AZ

U.S. District Court - District of Arizona - The U.S. District Court for the District of Arizona, created in 1910, encompasses the entire state and has locations in Phoenix, Tucson, Flagstaff, Prescott, and Yuma. It is one of the nation's busiest federal courts due to its proximity to the U.S.-Mexico border, hearing cases related to immigration, drug trafficking, land use, tribal law, and environmental regulation. The court's broad jurisdiction and diverse docket reflect Arizona's dynamic legal landscape.

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Criminal Defense Lawyers in Phoenix, Maricopa County, Arizona

Law Firms Practicing Criminal Defense in Maricopa County, AZ

The Schreck Law Firm

Directory of Criminal Defense Lawyers in Maricopa County, AZ

Best Criminal Defense Attorneys in Phoenix

Dwane Cates

Omer Ramiro Gurion

Howard A Snader

Marc J Victor

Cindy Castillo

Trent R Buckallew

Slade A Lawson

David Michael Cantor

Craig S Orent

Craig C Gillespie

Robert J Campos

Jerald J Schreck