The 10 Best DUI Lawyers in Phoenix, AZ
An honest guide to Phoenix’s top DUI defense attorneys, from Tamou Law Group, PLLC. Free, confidential consultations 24/7.
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Who is the best DUI lawyer in Phoenix?
The top Tamou Law Group ranked DUI lawyers in Phoenix are: 1. Michael Tamou (Tamou Law Group), 2. Jacob Faussette (Faussette & Faussette), 3. James Palestini (Palestini Law), 4. Stewart Salwin (Salwin Law Group), 5. Aaron M. Black, 6. J. Blake Mayes (MayesTelles), 7. David Michael Cantor (DM Cantor), 8. Daniel Hutto, 9. Craig Rosenstein (Rosenstein Law Group), and 10. John Phebus. Each profile below lists law school, year of Arizona admission, prior prosecutor or public defender experience, office location, and recognitions that can be checked against Super Lawyers and the State Bar of Arizona.
You searched for best DUI lawyers in Phoenix because you need reliable legal representation for your criminal charge, not a list of sponsored ads or vague ratings. While being featured in a paid directory can highlight a law firm’s resources, it doesn’t necessarily mean they deliver top-tier service.
This list offers a trusted look at the best Phoenix DUI lawyers, each with a proven track record and dedication to client defense. If you’re facing serious charges under Arizona’s tough DUI laws — or a parallel federal investigation — this guide will help you make an informed choice for the strong, experienced representation you need.
Who Are the Best DUI Lawyers in Phoenix, AZ?
Below are ten experienced Phoenix DUI and criminal defense attorneys, starting with our top recommendation.
- Michael Tamou – Tamou Law Group, PLLC
- Jacob Faussette – Faussette & Faussette PLLC
- James Palestini – Palestini Law
- Stewart Salwin – Salwin Law Group
- Aaron M. Black – Law Office of Aaron M. Black, PLLC
- J. Blake Mayes – MayesTelles PLLC
- David Michael Cantor – DM Cantor
- Daniel Hutto – Law Office of Daniel Hutto
- Craig Rosenstein – Rosenstein Law Group
- John Phebus – Law Offices of John Phebus
1. Michael Tamou – Tamou Law Group, PLLC
📍 2390 E Camelback Rd, Suite 130, Phoenix, AZ 85016
2. Jacob Faussette – Faussette & Faussette PLLC
📍 3800 N Central Ave, Suite 615, Phoenix, AZ 85012
3. James Palestini – Palestini Law
📍 1641 E Osborn Rd, Suite 8, Phoenix, AZ 85016
4. Stewart Salwin – Salwin Law Group
📍 7702 E Doubletree Ranch Rd, Suite 300, Scottsdale, AZ 85258
5. Aaron M. Black – Law Office of Aaron M. Black, PLLC
📍 4702 N 32nd St, Phoenix, AZ 85018
6. J. Blake Mayes – MayesTelles PLLC
📍 3636 N Central Ave, Suite 1000, Phoenix, AZ 85012
7. David Michael Cantor – DM Cantor
📍 40 N Central Ave, Suite 2300, Phoenix, AZ 85004
8. Daniel Hutto – Law Office of Daniel Hutto
📍 2201 E Camelback Rd, Suite 120, Phoenix, AZ 85016
9. Craig Rosenstein – Rosenstein Law Group
📍 8010 E McDowell Rd, Suite 111, Scottsdale, AZ 85257
10. John Phebus – Law Offices of John Phebus
📍 17505 N 79th Ave, #314, Glendale, AZ 85308
Types of DUI Charges in Phoenix, Arizona
Arizona DUIs range from Class 6 felonies to Class 2 felonies carrying mandatory prison, often with a parallel federal investigation. Statutes link to azleg.gov.
Driving Under the Influence – A.R.S. § 28-1381
Arizona’s baseline DUI statute reaches a driver with an alcohol concentration of 0.08 or more within two hours of driving, and separately reaches impairment “to the slightest degree” by alcohol, drugs or vapors. It is a class 1 misdemeanor, and a first offense carries a mandatory minimum of ten consecutive days in jail and a $250 fine, plus ignition interlock and traffic survival school.
Extreme DUI – A.R.S. § 28-1382
Extreme DUI applies at an alcohol concentration of 0.15 or more. It remains a class 1 misdemeanor, but the mandatory jail rises sharply: not less than thirty consecutive days at 0.15 to 0.20, and not less than forty-five consecutive days at 0.20 or above. A second offense within eighty-four months carries 120 or 180 days respectively.
Aggravated DUI – A.R.S. § 28-1383
A DUI becomes a felony under this section when it is committed on a suspended, cancelled or revoked license, as a third violation within eighty-four months, while under an ignition interlock order, or while driving the wrong way on a highway — each a class 4 felony carrying a minimum of four months in prison. A DUI with a passenger under fifteen is a class 6 felony.
Driving on a Suspended License – A.R.S. § 28-3473
Driving while your privilege to drive is suspended, revoked, cancelled or refused is a class 1 misdemeanor in its own right. It matters in DUI cases because it is also one of the circumstances that elevates a DUI to an aggravated felony charge under A.R.S. 28-1383.
Reckless Driving – A.R.S. § 28-693
Driving in reckless disregard for the safety of persons or property is a class 2 misdemeanor, and a class 1 misdemeanor with a qualifying prior within twenty-four months — which then carries a mandatory minimum of twenty days in jail and a one-year license suspension. It is a common negotiated alternative to a DUI plea, which is why it belongs on this page.
Our Team Has SeenBoth Sides
Former Prosecutors · Law Enforcement · Public Defenders
When you call Tamou Law Group, you reach a firm that handles criminal defense exclusively, including first-offense DUI, extreme DUI, aggravated DUI, and driving on a suspended license cases across Arizona. Our team includes former prosecutors and law enforcement officers, so we know how the State builds a DUI case — how the stop is justified, how field sobriety tests are scored, and how breath and blood results are generated and where they break down.
At many large firms, the name on the building is a marketing figurehead, you will rarely get them on the phone and your case is handed to a junior associate. When you hire Tamou Law Group, your case is handled by a full team of attorneys, not associates, including Michael Tamou. Call 623-321-4699 for a free, confidential consultation, 24/7.
Phoenix DUI Lawyer FAQs
Answers to the questions we hear most about hiring a DUI defense lawyer in Phoenix.
When should you hire a DUI lawyer?
Hire a DUI lawyer before your first court date, not after. Arizona sets a short window to challenge the administrative license suspension, and evidence such as calibration records and body-worn footage can be requested early. An attorney brought in at the start can preserve those issues while they are still available.
Is a first DUI a felony in Arizona?
No. A first DUI under A.R.S. 28-1381 is a class 1 misdemeanor. It becomes a felony only under A.R.S. 28-1383 — if you were on a suspended license, it is a third offense within eighty-four months, you were under an interlock order, you drove the wrong way, or a passenger under fifteen was in the vehicle.
How much jail time does a first DUI carry?
A first DUI under A.R.S. 28-1381 carries a mandatory minimum of ten consecutive days in jail and a $250 fine. Extreme DUI raises that to thirty consecutive days at 0.15, and forty-five at 0.20 or above, under A.R.S. 28-1382.
What counts as an Extreme DUI?
Extreme DUI applies at an alcohol concentration of 0.15 or more within two hours of driving. A.R.S. 28-1382 splits it into two tiers — 0.15 to 0.20, and 0.20 or above — with thirty and forty-five day mandatory minimums for a first offense.
What makes a DUI “aggravated”?
A.R.S. 28-1383 lists the triggers: driving on a suspended, cancelled or revoked license; a third violation within eighty-four months; driving while under an ignition interlock requirement; driving the wrong way on a highway; or a passenger under fifteen in the vehicle. The first four are class 4 felonies with a four-month prison minimum.
How much does a Phoenix DUI lawyer cost?
Arizona criminal defense attorneys usually quote a flat fee, and the range depends on whether the charge is a misdemeanor or an aggravated felony, whether blood or breath evidence will be challenged, and whether the case is likely to go to trial. Ask for the fee structure in writing during the free consultation.
Do you need to hire a DUI lawyer near you?
Not strictly, but you want someone who regularly appears in the court hearing your case. Phoenix Municipal Court and Maricopa County Superior Court have their own practices, and familiarity with the prosecutors and judges there is worth more than proximity to your home.
What are the most common Phoenix DUI charges Tamou Law defends?
Most cases fall under A.R.S. 28-1381 or the extreme tiers of 28-1382. The felony work is generally A.R.S. 28-1383 — usually a DUI on a suspended license or a third offense within eighty-four months — often alongside a charge under A.R.S. 28-3473.
What Clients Say About Tamou Law
Real Google reviews from clients we have defended across Phoenix and Maricopa County. Every review is from a criminal defense client, never padded with non-legal work.
Two Arizona Offices, One Team
We serve all of Maricopa County and the surrounding area, with free, confidential consultations 24/7 by phone and in-person meetings at either office by appointment.
Case Results Disclaimer: The results described on this page are based on specific facts and circumstances and do not guarantee or predict a similar outcome in any future case. Every case is different. Past results do not guarantee future results. No attorney-client relationship is formed by viewing this page or submitting a contact form until a written fee agreement has been signed. Tamou Law Group, PLLC is licensed to practice law in the State of Arizona. This website is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.