The Best Scottsdale DUI Lawyers
An honest guide to Scottsdale’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 Scottsdale?
Michael Tamou of Tamou Law Group is widely regarded as one of the best DUI lawyers in Scottsdale, operating from the firm’s Scottsdale office at 9375 E Shea Blvd and leading a team of former prosecutors and law enforcement with more than 1,000 case wins. Other highly rated Scottsdale DUI attorneys include Brian Sloan, Arja Shah, Craig Rosenstein, and Lawrence Koplow. The best choice is a lawyer with real Scottsdale City Court experience who will attack the stop, the breath and blood testing, and the field sobriety tests rather than push a quick plea.
When you search for “best DUI lawyers in Scottsdale,” you are not looking for a paid directory listing, you are looking for a lawyer who can actually beat your charge. Directories such as Avvo, Justia, and Expertise rank attorneys by who pays the most, and none of the people who run them have ever defended a DUI in Scottsdale City Court.
My name is Michael Tamou, and I am the founder of Tamou Law Group, PLLC in Scottsdale. My team and I defend people accused of DUI in Scottsdale City Court, Maricopa County Superior Court, and courts across the Phoenix metro every week, and we have achieved more than 1,000 individual case wins. I am writing this guide because I want you to beat your DUI charge, even if that means recommending one of my competitors.
This is an unbiased list, no attorney can pay to appear on it. It ranks lawyers by courtroom experience, peer reputation, and real client outcomes, so you can choose your Scottsdale DUI defense on merit rather than marketing.
DUI Charges You Can Face in Scottsdale, Arizona
Arizona imposes some of the harshest DUI penalties in the country under A.R.S. § 28-1381 through § 28-1383. The charge you face depends on your BAC, your record, and the circumstances of the stop:
- Standard DUI, A.R.S. § 28-1381: BAC of .08 or impairment to the slightest degree, with a minimum of 1–10 days in jail and a 90-day license suspension.
- Extreme DUI, A.R.S. § 28-1382: BAC of .15 or higher, carrying 30 consecutive days in jail and 18 months of ignition interlock.
- Super Extreme DUI: BAC of .20 or higher, with 45 consecutive days in jail and the longest interlock requirement of any misdemeanor DUI.
- Aggravated (Felony) DUI, A.R.S. § 28-1383: A Class 4 felony charged on a third DUI within 84 months, driving on a suspended license, or with a child under 15 in the car.
- Drug & Marijuana DUI, A.R.S. § 28-1381(A)(3): Driving with any drug or its metabolite in your body, including prescription medication.
Who are the Best DUI Lawyers in Scottsdale, AZ?
The best DUI lawyers in Scottsdale, AZ are: 1) Michael Tamou – Tamou Law Group; 2) Brian Sloan – 602 DUI Team; 3) Arja Shah – Shah Law Firm; 4) Craig Rosenstein – Rosenstein Law Group; 5) Lawrence Koplow – The Koplow Law Firm; 6) Aaron M. Black; 7) Stewart Salwin – Salwin Law Group; 8) Joshua Davidson; 9) Jeremy Geigle; and 10) John Phebus. Each offers a free consultation and has a proven record defending DUI charges in Scottsdale and across Maricopa County.
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If you have been arrested for DUI in Scottsdale, the first days matter, especially the 15-day deadline to protect your license with the MVD. Our Scottsdale office offers free, confidential consultations 24/7. You should not go up against Arizona’s DUI laws alone.
1. Michael Tamou – Tamou Law Group, PLLC
Michael Tamou founded Tamou Law Group and defends DUI charges from the firm’s Scottsdale office at 9375 E Shea Blvd, Suite 100. He leads a team that includes former prosecutors and law enforcement officers, and he personally handles every case from arraignment through resolution, with no contract attorneys. Recognized by Elite Lawyer, Super Lawyers, and the Top 40 Under 40 National Trial Lawyers, and a member of the NCDD and DUIDLA, Michael has secured more than 1,000 individual case wins. He serves Scottsdale’s most heavily prosecuted DUI corridor, from Old Town through the Loop 101 to DC Ranch, and is available 24/7.
2. Brian Sloan – 602 DUI Team
Brian Sloan is board certified in DUI defense by the National College for DUI Defense, a credential only a handful of Arizona attorneys hold. With more than 19 years of experience and over 4,200 DUI cases handled, his practice focuses almost exclusively on DUI, and he is known for high case volume, aggressive pricing, and direct attorney access.
3. Arja Shah – Shah Law Firm, PLLC
Arja Shah has personally defended more than 2,700 clients over 20 years of practice. A member of the DUI Defense Lawyers Association and recognized among the National Top 100 Trial Lawyers, she is known for one-on-one service, strong client communication, and aggressive representation.
4. Craig Rosenstein – Rosenstein Law Group, PLLC
The Rosenstein Law Group houses two of only five board-certified DUI attorneys in Maricopa County and has been Scottsdale-based since 2006. The firm offers white-glove, full-service defense with payment plans and 24/7 availability, backed by more than 100 combined years of experience.
5. Lawrence Koplow – The Koplow Law Firm
A former DUI prosecutor with more than 25 years of experience, Lawrence Koplow now trains other DUI attorneys nationally and is known for the forensic dismantling of the State’s breath and blood evidence. He has been named to Arizona Super Lawyers every year from 2019 through 2025.
6. Aaron M. Black – Law Office of Aaron M. Black, PLLC
Aaron M. Black is a Board Certified Criminal Law Specialist and, at the time of writing, the only DUI Super Lawyer in Phoenix. With two decades of DUI-focused practice, he handles everything from first-offense misdemeanors through aggravated felony DUI.
7. Stewart Salwin – Salwin Law Group
Stewart Salwin is a Harvard Law graduate and former DUI prosecutor, one of the few Arizona DUI attorneys who is both. He tried more than 70 cases at the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office and is known for transparent client education and a prosecutor’s insight into how DUI cases are built.
8. Joshua Davidson – Davidson Criminal Defense
A former Major Crimes Division prosecutor with more than 100 jury trials, Joshua Davidson holds an AV Preeminent rating, the highest peer rating for legal ability and ethics. His Scottsdale office handles DUI defense 24/7.
9. Jeremy Geigle – Scottsdale Criminal Lawyer
Jeremy Geigle leads a Scottsdale team that includes former deputy county attorneys and prosecutors. With more than 15 years of experience and a background in Arizona State Bar leadership, he brings broad criminal-defense expertise to DUI cases.
10. John Phebus – Law Offices of John Phebus
John Phebus is a criminal defense and personal injury lawyer known for strong five-star reviews, appellate-level skill, and hundreds of dismissals. His firm offers flexible fee arrangements, including no upfront costs in qualifying matters.
Side-by-Side Comparison (2026)
| # | Attorney | Firm | Experience | Free Consult | Standout |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Michael Tamou | Tamou Law Group | Team incl. former prosecutors & LEOs | Yes, 24/7 | 1,000+ wins; Super Lawyers; every case handled personally |
| 2 | Brian Sloan | 602 DUI Team | 19+ yrs, 4,200+ DUI cases | Yes | Board certified DUI (NCDD); highest DUI volume in AZ |
| 3 | Arja Shah | Shah Law Firm | 20 yrs, 2,700+ clients | Yes | National Top 100 Trial Lawyers |
| 4 | Craig Rosenstein | Rosenstein Law Group | 100+ yrs combined, since 2006 | Yes, 24/7 | 2 of 5 board-certified DUI attorneys in the county |
| 5 | Lawrence Koplow | The Koplow Law Firm | 25+ yrs, former DUI prosecutor | Yes | Trains DUI attorneys nationally |
| 6 | Aaron M. Black | Law Office of Aaron M. Black | 20 yrs, board certified | Yes | Only DUI Super Lawyer® in Phoenix |
| 7 | Stewart Salwin | Salwin Law Group | 14+ yrs, 70+ prosecutor trials | Yes | Harvard Law; former DUI prosecutor |
| 8 | Joshua Davidson | Davidson Criminal Defense | 20+ yrs, 100+ jury trials | Yes, 24/7 | Former Major Crimes prosecutor; AV Preeminent |
| 9 | Jeremy Geigle | Scottsdale Criminal Lawyer | 15+ yrs | Yes | State Bar leadership; diverse defense team |
| 10 | John Phebus | Law Offices of John Phebus | 15+ yrs | Yes | Great reviews; appellate experience |
Why Scottsdale Is Arizona’s Toughest DUI Jurisdiction
Old Town’s entertainment district generates more DUI arrests than any other in Arizona. Scottsdale PD runs task-force operations with the Governor’s Office of Highway Safety, Arizona DPS, and neighboring agencies, and seasonal events like the Waste Management Phoenix Open, Barrett-Jackson, and the Arabian Horse Show create peak enforcement, including additional DUI checkpoints. A Scottsdale DUI arrest also triggers an immediate license suspension unless you request an MVD hearing within 15 calendar days, so acting quickly is critical. Most Scottsdale DUI cases are heard in Scottsdale City Court, with felony matters going to Maricopa County Superior Court.
Related Reading:
- Scottsdale DUI Lawyer: Charges, Penalties & Defense
- Scottsdale Extreme DUI (.15+ BAC)
- Aggravated DUI in Arizona: A.R.S. 28-1383
- Scottsdale City Court: What to Expect
Frequently Asked Questions About DUI Lawyers in Scottsdale, AZ
Choosing the right Scottsdale DUI lawyer can be the difference between a conviction that reshapes your life and a second chance to move forward. Call at least three attorneys on this list, ask about their Scottsdale City Court and trial experience, confirm who will actually handle your case, and get the fees in writing. If you or a loved one is facing a DUI in Scottsdale, act quickly, your 15-day MVD deadline is already running.
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, with serious experience defending DUI, Extreme DUI, Aggravated DUI, and DUI causing death cases across Arizona. Our team includes former prosecutors and DUI investigators, so we know how the State builds these cases, how breath and blood evidence is collected and tested, and where those cases 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.
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is the best DUI lawyer in Scottsdale?
Top-rated Scottsdale DUI attorneys include Michael Tamou (Tamou Law Group), Brian Sloan (602 DUI Team), Arja Shah (Shah Law Firm), Craig Rosenstein (Rosenstein Law Group), and Lawrence Koplow (The Koplow Law Firm). Every one of them offers a free consultation.
How much does a DUI lawyer cost in Scottsdale?
A Scottsdale DUI lawyer typically costs $2,500 to $10,000 or more for a first-offense misdemeanor, depending on the complexity of the case and whether it goes to trial. Most firms offer payment plans, and some handle qualifying matters with no upfront cost.
Can a DUI be dismissed in Scottsdale?
Yes. A Scottsdale DUI can be dismissed or reduced through constitutional violations, procedural errors in breath or blood testing, chain-of-custody problems, right-to-counsel violations, or insufficient evidence of impairment.
What happens with an Old Town Scottsdale DUI?
An Old Town DUI is typically processed at the Scottsdale City Jail and filed in Scottsdale City Court for misdemeanors, or Superior Court for felonies. You still have 15 days to request an MVD hearing, and checkpoint arrests can create additional defense options.
Should I refuse the breathalyzer in Arizona?
Refusing a chemical test triggers an automatic 12-month license suspension under Arizona’s implied consent law, and police can still obtain a warrant for your blood. Call a DUI attorney immediately after arrest, before making testing decisions.
Do I need a lawyer for a first-offense DUI in Scottsdale?
Yes. Even a first-offense DUI carries mandatory jail, thousands in fines, a license suspension, an ignition interlock requirement, and a permanent record. A lawyer almost always costs less than the long-term impact of a conviction.
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.