The Best Tempe Criminal Defense Lawyers
An honest guide to Tempe’s top criminal defense attorneys, from Tamou Law Group, PLLC. Free, confidential consultations 24/7.
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Who is the best criminal defense lawyer in Tempe?
Michael Tamou of Tamou Law Group is widely regarded as one of the best criminal defense lawyers serving Tempe, leading a team of former prosecutors and law enforcement with more than 1,000 case wins. Other highly rated Tempe criminal defense attorneys include Derek Oliverson, Jeremy Huss, James Novak, and David Michael Cantor. The best choice is a lawyer with real Tempe Municipal Court and Maricopa County Superior Court experience who will attack the evidence and the procedure rather than push a quick plea.
When you search for “best criminal defense lawyers in Tempe,” 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, not by who wins in Tempe Municipal Court.
My name is Michael Tamou, founder of Tamou Law Group, PLLC. My team and I defend people accused of DUI, drug, assault, domestic violence, and other crimes in Tempe Municipal Court and Maricopa County Superior Court 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 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.
Criminal Charges We Defend in Tempe, Arizona
Whatever you are charged with in Tempe, an experienced defense lawyer can help. The most common cases include:
- DUI & DWI: From a first-offense .08 DUI to extreme and aggravated (felony) DUI under A.R.S. § 28-1381 through 28-1383.
- Drug Crimes: Possession, paraphernalia, and sale or trafficking charges, many of which qualify for Proposition 200 or diversion.
- Assault & Violent Crimes: Misdemeanor assault through aggravated assault under A.R.S. § 13-1203 and 13-1204.
- Domestic Violence: DV-designated offenses under A.R.S. § 13-3601 that carry no-contact orders and firearm restrictions.
- Disorderly Conduct and other misdemeanors heard in Tempe Municipal Court.
Who are the Best Criminal Defense Lawyers in Tempe, AZ?
The best criminal defense lawyers serving Tempe, AZ are: 1) Michael Tamou – Tamou Law Group; 2) Derek Oliverson – Oliverson Law; 3) Jeremy Huss – Huss Law; 4) James Novak – Law Office of James Novak; 5) Matthew Lopez – Matthew Lopez Law; 6) David Michael Cantor – DM Cantor; 7) Stewart Salwin – Salwin Law Group; 8) Richard Suzuki – Suzuki Law Offices; 9) Aaron M. Black; and 10) Slade Lawson – Lawson Law Office. Each offers a free consultation and has a proven record in Maricopa County.
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1. Michael Tamou – Tamou Law Group, PLLC
Michael Tamou leads a team that includes former prosecutors and law enforcement officers and personally handles every case from arraignment through resolution, with no contract attorneys and no hand-offs. Recognized by Elite Lawyer, Super Lawyers, and the Top 40 Under 40 National Trial Lawyers, he has secured more than 1,000 individual case wins and serves Tempe clients across every major charge, available 24/7.
2. Derek Oliverson – Oliverson Law DUI & Criminal Defense
Derek Oliverson brings a rare triple perspective as a former judge, prosecutor, and police officer, all within one Tempe firm. With thousands of cases handled, he understands how a case looks from the bench, the prosecution table, and the arresting officer’s report, and uses that insight to find weaknesses others miss.
3. Jeremy Huss – Huss Law, PLLC
A former prosecutor with 23 years in prosecution and more than 20 years of defense experience, Jeremy Huss has served as lead counsel in 11 homicide trials and is known for his extensive trial and appellate record. His prosecution background makes him especially effective at anticipating the State’s strategy.
4. James Novak – Law Office of James Novak, PLLC
A former Maricopa County prosecutor with more than 27 years of experience and NCDD membership, James Novak maintains an exclusive DUI and criminal defense practice and is a regular in Tempe-area courts. Clients value his prosecutor’s insight and focused, personal representation.
5. Matthew Lopez – Matthew Lopez Law, PLLC
An ASU graduate with a Tempe-based practice on East Broadway Road, Matthew Lopez offers aggressive criminal and DUI defense with strong ties to the Tempe community. Clients appreciate his local knowledge and hands-on approach.
6. David Michael Cantor – DM Cantor
DM Cantor houses three board-certified criminal law specialists, more than any other firm in Arizona, backed by 25+ years of experience and over 5,000 case victories. The firm’s size and certification depth let it staff even the most complex Tempe cases.
7. Stewart Salwin – Salwin Law Group
Stewart Salwin is a Harvard Law graduate and former Maricopa County prosecutor, one of the few Arizona defense attorneys who is both. With 14+ years and 70+ trials as a prosecutor, he pairs elite credentials with real courtroom volume and transparent client education.
8. Richard Suzuki – Suzuki Law Offices, L.L.C.
A former federal and state prosecutor, Richard Suzuki serves Tempe from nearby offices in Tempe, Goodyear, and Tucson. His dual federal and state prosecution background supports an aggressive, well-rounded defense across misdemeanor and felony charges.
9. Aaron M. Black – Law Office of Aaron M. Black, PLLC
Aaron M. Black is a Board Certified Criminal Law Specialist with 20 years of experience and Super Lawyer recognition. He is known for strong DUI and felony defense and a high volume of positive client reviews.
10. Slade Lawson – Lawson Law Office
A Board-Certified Criminal Law Specialist with more than 30 years of experience and over 8,000 criminal cases handled, Slade Lawson brings three decades of trial-tested judgment to serious Tempe criminal 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 personally |
| 2 | Derek Oliverson | Oliverson Law | Thousands of cases | Yes | Former judge, prosecutor & police officer |
| 3 | Jeremy Huss | Huss Law | 20+ yrs; 23 yrs prosecuting | Yes | 11 homicide trials; appellate wins |
| 4 | James Novak | Law Office of James Novak | 27+ yrs | Yes | Former Maricopa prosecutor; NCDD |
| 5 | Matthew Lopez | Matthew Lopez Law | Tempe-based | Yes | ASU grad; local community ties |
| 6 | David Michael Cantor | DM Cantor | 25+ yrs; 5,000+ wins | Yes | 3 board-certified specialists |
| 7 | Stewart Salwin | Salwin Law Group | 14+ yrs; 70+ trials | Yes | Harvard Law; former prosecutor |
| 8 | Richard Suzuki | Suzuki Law Offices | Multi-office | Yes | Former federal & state prosecutor |
| 9 | Aaron M. Black | Law Office of Aaron M. Black | 20 yrs | Yes | Board certified; Super Lawyer |
| 10 | Slade Lawson | Lawson Law Office | 30+ yrs; 8,000+ cases | Yes | Board certified; huge volume |
Why Tempe Is One of Arizona’s Toughest Jurisdictions
Tempe’s nightlife around Mill Avenue and the ASU campus drives heavy DUI, disorderly conduct, and assault enforcement, and Tempe PD works closely with ASU Police and the Governor’s Office of Highway Safety on task-force operations. Most misdemeanors are filed in Tempe Municipal Court, while felonies go to Maricopa County Superior Court. Because ASU-related cases can also trigger university discipline, having a lawyer who knows the local courts and prosecutors early can change the outcome.
Related Reading:
- Tempe Criminal Defense Lawyer: Charges & Defense
- Tempe DUI Lawyer: Penalties & Defense
- Tempe Municipal Court: What to Expect
- Arizona Criminal Defense Overview
Frequently Asked Questions About Criminal Defense Lawyers in Tempe, AZ
Choosing the right Tempe defense lawyer can be the difference between a conviction and a second chance. Call at least three attorneys on this list, ask about their Tempe Municipal 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 charges in Tempe, act quickly, evidence and witness memories fade fast.
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 criminal defense lawyer in Tempe?
Top-rated Tempe criminal defense attorneys include Michael Tamou (Tamou Law Group), Derek Oliverson, Jeremy Huss, James Novak, and David Michael Cantor. Every attorney on this list offers a free consultation.
How much does a criminal defense lawyer cost in Tempe?
Fees vary with the charge and complexity, often ranging from about $2,500 for a simple misdemeanor to $10,000 or more for a felony that goes to trial. Most Tempe firms offer free consultations and payment plans.
Can a criminal charge be dismissed in Tempe?
Yes. Charges can be dismissed or reduced through constitutional violations, illegal searches, procedural errors, weak evidence, or successful diversion. A lawyer files the right motions to force those issues.
Where are Tempe criminal cases heard?
Most Tempe misdemeanors, including DUI and disorderly conduct, are filed in Tempe Municipal Court, while felonies are prosecuted in Maricopa County Superior Court in downtown Phoenix.
Do I need a lawyer for a misdemeanor in Tempe?
Yes. Even a misdemeanor can mean jail, fines, a permanent record, and collateral consequences like ASU discipline or immigration issues. 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.