Tucson · AZ · Vetted Directory

Top Criminal Defense Lawyers in Tucson

If you were arrested in Pima County, the first 48 hours matter most. Arizona treats even a first DUI seriously: a conviction under ARS 28-1381 carries mandatory jail, a license suspension, and a required ignition interlock device. Below are vetted Tucson criminal defense and DUI firms that appear in Pima County Superior Court and Tucson City Court, from misdemeanor DUIs to felony charges.

ARS 28-1381
Arizona DUI Statute
Pima County
Superior Court
$2.5k-$10k
Typical DUI Defense
Free
Case Review

Updated April 14, 2026

When you need a Tucson criminal defense lawyer

Talk to a lawyer before you say anything to police or prosecutors if any of these apply to you:

  • You were arrested for DUI. Arizona has no diversion program for DUI, and a first conviction means at least 24 hours in jail (with the rest often suspended), fines and fees over $1,500, and an ignition interlock for a year.
  • Your breath or blood test read .15 or higher. That is Extreme DUI in Arizona, with a 30-day minimum jail term, and .20 or higher is Super Extreme with 45 days.
  • You are charged with a felony (drug possession, assault, theft over $1,000, or a repeat DUI). Felony cases go to Pima County Superior Court and can carry prison time.
  • Police want to question you, search your car, or run a lineup. You can decline and ask for a lawyer.
  • You are not a U.S. citizen. Some Arizona convictions trigger immigration consequences, so a defense lawyer and an immigration lawyer should coordinate early.
  • You have a prior record. Arizona's repeat-offender rules raise the floor on sentencing fast.

Arizona prosecutes DUI aggressively, and Pima County is no exception. A defense lawyer's first job is usually to challenge the traffic stop, the breath or blood testing, and whether police followed the rules, because a problem there can shrink or end the case before trial.

What criminal defense costs in Tucson

Most Tucson criminal defense lawyers charge a flat fee that depends on the charge and whether the case goes to trial:

$2.5k-$10k
First-offense DUI defense
$1.5k-$5k
Other misdemeanors
$7k-$25k+
Felony defense
Free
Initial consultation

Flat fees are normal for criminal work, but ask exactly what the quote covers: arraignment, motions, plea negotiation, and trial are sometimes priced separately. If you cannot afford private counsel, the Pima County Public Defender represents people who qualify. Get the fee and what it includes in writing before you hire anyone.

How long a Tucson criminal case takes

Timelines depend on the charge and the court:

  • Misdemeanor DUI in Tucson City Court: often 2 to 6 months from arrest to resolution.
  • Felony case in Pima County Superior Court: typically 6 to 18 months, longer if it goes to trial.
  • License issues: the MVD administrative suspension runs on its own clock, so you usually have only 15 days to request a hearing after a DUI arrest.
  • Plea vs. trial: most cases resolve by plea, but keeping the trial option open is often what drives a better offer.

Do not assume a quick guilty plea is your only path. For a national overview, see our criminal defense guide, or browse all Tucson lawyers.

Tucson firms that handle criminal defense and DUI

1

The Behan Law Group, P.L.L.C.

TucsonBoutiqueDUI, drug charges, felony defense

A Tucson defense boutique led by Michelle Behan, a former Pima County prosecutor who now defends DUI and felony cases. The firm focuses heavily on DUI and is known for challenging breath and blood evidence. A good fit if you want a small, attorney-accessible firm focused on impaired-driving and serious misdemeanor cases.

Free ConsultationFlat fee
Request Free Consult
2

St. Louis Huffman Law

TucsonEstablished practiceDUI, criminal defense

Formerly Nesci & St. Louis, this long-running Tucson practice concentrates on DUI defense and has lawyers who have written and taught on Arizona DUI science. A strong option for technical DUI cases where the breath or blood testing is in dispute.

Free ConsultationFlat fee
Request Free Consult
3

Tucson DUI Lawyers (Charnesky & Dieglio)

TucsonDUI-focusedDUI, misdemeanor defense

A Tucson firm built around DUI and impaired-driving defense, handling first offenses through Extreme and Super Extreme DUI charges. Best for drivers who want lawyers who do this work day in and day out.

Free ConsultationFlat fee
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4

Taylor Law Group, PLLC

TucsonGeneral criminal defenseDUI, felonies, domestic violence

A Tucson criminal defense firm handling DUI, domestic violence, drug, and felony charges in Pima County. A reasonable pick if your situation spans more than one type of charge.

Free ConsultationFlat fee
Request Free Consult
5

Tamou Law Group

TucsonCriminal defenseFelony defense, DUI, appeals

Led by Sam Tamou, this Tucson firm handles felony and misdemeanor defense across Pima County. Best for clients who want one lawyer to stay on the case from arraignment through any trial or appeal.

Free ConsultationFlat fee
Request Free Consult
6

Law Office of Janet Altschuler, PC

TucsonSolo practiceDUI, criminal defense

A solo Tucson defense lawyer focused on DUI and criminal cases, with a hands-on model where the lawyer you meet is the lawyer who handles your case. A solid choice if you prefer working directly with one attorney.

Free ConsultationFlat fee
Request Free Consult

See the full ranked write-up in our Top 10 criminal defense lawyers in Tucson guide. Firm details are gathered from public sources; ratings not shown are not yet aggregated.

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Criminal Defense in Tucson - FAQ

Will I go to jail for a first DUI in Tucson?
A first DUI conviction in Arizona (ARS 28-1381) carries a mandatory minimum of 24 hours in jail, though courts often suspend most of it if you complete alcohol screening and treatment. Fines and fees usually top $1,500, your license is suspended, and an ignition interlock is required for a year. Extreme DUI (.15 or higher) raises the minimum to 30 days. A lawyer's job is often to attack the stop and the testing to avoid a conviction in the first place.
How much does a criminal defense lawyer cost in Tucson?
Most charge a flat fee: roughly $2,500 to $10,000 for a first-offense DUI, $1,500 to $5,000 for other misdemeanors, and $7,000 to $25,000 or more for felonies. Trial work costs more than a plea. Ask in writing what the fee covers. If you cannot afford a private lawyer, the Pima County Public Defender represents people who qualify.
Which court will my case be in?
Misdemeanors, including most first DUIs, are usually heard in Tucson City Court or a Pima County justice court. Felony charges go to the Pima County Superior Court. The court matters because the rules, timelines, and judges differ, and your lawyer should know the local practice.
I have only 15 days after a DUI arrest. For what?
Arizona's Motor Vehicle Division can suspend your license administratively after a DUI arrest, separate from the criminal case. You generally have 15 days from the arrest to request an MVD hearing to contest that suspension. Miss the window and the suspension takes effect automatically, so tell your lawyer about the date immediately.
Should I just plead guilty to get it over with?
Not before a lawyer reviews the evidence. Many DUI and drug cases have problems with the traffic stop, the field testing, or the breath or blood analysis that can reduce or dismiss charges. A guilty plea is permanent and can affect your job, your license, and, if you are not a citizen, your immigration status. Most defense lawyers offer a free first consultation, so get an opinion before you decide.
Can a Tucson DUI be removed from my record?
Arizona does not expunge DUIs, but since 2023 you can apply to have many convictions 'set aside,' which tells employers the case was dismissed after you completed the sentence. Eligibility depends on the charge and your record. Ask a defense lawyer whether a set-aside is realistic in your case.

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