My practice includes all phases of criminal defense.
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I do not take a cookie-cutter approach to criminal defense. The best defense in any case is a result of the analysis of the specific facts of the case. This is only possible when a lawyer and the client work together.
When your freedom is at stake, you simply must have an attorney that will commit totally to your defense. I will vigorously assert and defend your rights. We have an outstanding reputation built on years of experience. I am the only attorney at my law firm, and I am backed by a strong staff and a network of experts. You will never be handed off to an associate or junior attorney at my office; you will have my personal attention from your first consultation all the way through to the resolution of your case. We have handled thousands of state and federal cases.
While other lawyers and firms were expanding, sometimes becoming nothing more than assembling lines or “mills” delivering a “one-size-fits-all” style of representation, I went in the opposite direction. I decided that I wanted to handle every aspect of every case that I accept myself. I downsized.
I tell my clients that they can and should call as often as they have concerns. I do not charge for phone calls, and I do not want my clients to have any hesitation in asking me questions about their case.
Mike and his office helped me out at a turning point in my life. I made some mistakes that could’ve landed me in prison for... Keep Reading »
I feel like true justice was achieved and the system worked. Mike has a sincere passion for his clients best interest. My legal rights were... Keep Reading »
Mike and his office staff were terrific. Our family came to him based on a referral and we couldn’t be happier with his representation from... Keep Reading »
I graduated the University of Illinois (1970) and Loyola University (Chicago) School of Law (1976). I then became a Pima County Public Defender from 1977 until 1983 and have been in private practice defending criminal cases since 1983. My practice includes all phases of criminal defense, including homicide, sex offenses, narcotics, DUI and vehicular offenses. I have handled numerous high profile offenses in southern Arizona.
In 1994, I was named the Trial Lawyer of the Year for the American Trial Lawyers for Public Justice as a result of my work in uncovering the policy of the Tucson Police Department to interrogate suspects in violation of their request for counsel. [See, Cooper v. Dupnik, 963 F.2d 1220 (9th Cir. 1992)]. I have participated in numerous challenges to the manner in which DUI’s are investigated in Arizona, including the challenge to the RBT, resulting in the invalidation of 14,000 breath test results. [See also, State v. Fields, 196 Ariz. 580, 2 P.3d 670 (Div. 2 1999)]. I was recently co-counsel in a case, State v. Gibson, in which the trial court precluded the testimony of the State’s experts in an arson case, finding the experts’ testimony failed to comply with Daubert/Rule 702 and was unreliable. It is believed that this is one of the first cases in the United States in which expert testimony by government experts in an arson case was thrown out of court.
In May 2017, the Pima County Bar Association awarded me the Robert Hooker Criminal Justice Award, “…given each year to an attorney and member of the Pima County Bar association who has consistently demonstrated a strong commitment to service within the community and who embodies the highest standards of professionalism, innovation, and selfless dedication to the improvement of the criminal justice system.”
– The Writ, May 2017
In January 2019, I was awarded the John J. Flynn Lifetime Achievement Award by the Arizona Attorneys for Criminal Justice: “In gratitude for your more than forty years of service. Over that time, you have been a mentor, a leader, and an example. You have always been willing to help guide younger attorneys and share your work, motions and general knowledge with those who are less experienced. You have consistently given back, running the AACJ DUI seminar for over thirty years. You have helped the community grow, referring potential clients to younger attorneys who recently left the Public Defender’s Offices, taking cases at reduced rates when you believe an injustice was done, and branching out to civil rights and public records cases when needed. You are an example to us all.”
I co-hosted the Arizona Attorneys for Criminal Justice seminar on DUI defense (1987 to 2018) and continue to present on various topics. I have also participated on the faculty for DUI Judicial Conferences as well as numerous seminars for the Arizona State Bar, Pima County Bar, Arizona State Alumni Association and Arizona Attorneys for Criminal Justice (AACJ).
If you would like to discuss your situation with me, please call my office. If I am not in the office, my staff will obtain the necessary information. I will promptly return your call.
My approach to criminal defense is based upon a recognition of one essential fact – NOTHING is more important in your life than defending your criminal case – protecting your reputation, your assets and your freedom.
I prioritize client confidentiality and prefer discussing sensitive matters by phone to maintain attorney-client privilege. Please refrain from emailing details about your case.
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