Arizona has some of the strictest DUI laws in the country. A first-offense DUI carries mandatory jail time, an extreme DUI at a blood alcohol concentration of 0.15 or higher brings at least 30 days in jail, and an aggravated DUI is a felony. This guide profiles 10 DUI defense lawyers and law firms serving Scottsdale, Paradise Valley, Fountain Hills, and the surrounding Phoenix metro. Each firm was evaluated on how much of its practice is devoted to DUI defense, the dismissals and trial results it publishes, whether its attorneys bring prosecutor or public defender experience, and how often they appear in Scottsdale City Court and the Maricopa County justice courts.
When comparing options, ask three practical questions. First, will the lawyer request and handle your MVD hearing as well as the criminal case? Second, has the attorney challenged blood test procedures and breath machine records in court? Third, is the fee flat, and does it cover a trial? This is not a ranked or sponsored list. Firm details were drawn from each firm’s own website, attorney directories such as Avvo, Justia, Martindale-Hubbell, Super Lawyers, and Best Lawyers, and public business listings.
1. Salwin Law Group
- Key Attorneys: Stewart Salwin, Founder
- Headquarters: 7702 E Doubletree Ranch Rd, Suite 300, Scottsdale, AZ 85258
- Phone: (480) 684-2300
- Website: salwinlaw.com
- Practice Areas: DUI and Extreme DUI, Aggravated DUI, Drug Crimes, Domestic Violence, Assault, Theft, Sex Crimes, MVD Hearings
- Firm Size: Scottsdale criminal defense practice led by a former Major Crimes prosecutor with more than 15 years of experience
- Practice Area Page: Scottsdale DUI Lawyer
- Social & Professional Profiles: YouTube
Stewart Salwin spent about five years as a prosecutor with the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office, most of that time in the Major Crimes Division, before opening his own defense practice in 2014. He has now handled criminal cases for more than 15 years and tried more than 70 cases to verdict. That background matters in DUI work: Salwin knows how prosecutors evaluate blood draw procedures, field sobriety testing, and breath machine maintenance records, and where those cases tend to be weakest. A Georgetown graduate who earned his law degree at Harvard Law School, he brings a careful, evidence-driven approach to every file.
The firm’s published results include an extreme DUI dismissed in Phoenix Municipal Court, along with other DUI and criminal charges dismissed or reduced after Salwin challenged the state’s evidence. He explains the MVD process to every DUI client, because the license case runs on its own short deadline and is easy to lose by default. Clients consistently describe him as direct, responsive, and willing to explain both the risks and the realistic options, and the firm maintains a 5.0-star rating on Google. With an office on Doubletree Ranch Road in north Scottsdale, Salwin Law Group handles cases in Scottsdale City Court, the Maricopa County justice courts, and Maricopa County Superior Court.
2. Davidson Criminal Defense & DUI Law Firm, PLC
- Key Attorneys: Joshua S. Davidson, Founder
- Scottsdale Office: 14362 N Frank Lloyd Wright Blvd, Suite 1000, Scottsdale, AZ 85260 (main office at 11811 N Tatum Blvd, Suite 3031, Phoenix, AZ 85028)
- Phone: (480) 248-7022
- Website: jdavidsonlaw.com
- Practice Areas: DUI and Extreme DUI, Aggravated DUI, Sex Crimes, Violent Crimes, Drug Offenses, Domestic Violence, White Collar Crimes
- Firm Size: Criminal defense firm led by a former prosecutor with more than 20 years of experience
- Practice Area Page: Scottsdale DUI Lawyer
- Social & Professional Profiles: Facebook | X | Yelp | BBB | Lawyers.com
Joshua S. Davidson is a former prosecutor who has spent more than 20 years in Arizona criminal courts and has tried more than 100 jury trials. His experience on both sides of the courtroom gives clients a clear picture of how the state builds a DUI case, from the initial traffic stop through the crime lab’s blood analysis, and of the procedural mistakes that can lead to suppression or dismissal. He has also won not guilty verdicts in serious felony cases, including sex crime trials, which reflects the trial readiness he brings to every case.
Davidson holds an AV Preeminent rating from Martindale-Hubbell and has been recognized by The National Trial Lawyers. The firm maintains offices in Scottsdale on Frank Lloyd Wright Boulevard and in Phoenix, both with 5.0-star Google ratings, and it offers free consultations and availability around the clock for people who have just been arrested. For Scottsdale drivers facing extreme, super extreme, or aggravated DUI charges, Davidson’s combination of prosecutorial insight and jury trial experience makes the firm a strong option.
3. The Law Office of Joshua A. Lopez, LLC (Attorney Josh)
- Key Attorneys: Joshua A. Lopez, Founder
- Headquarters: 6991 E Camelback Rd, Suite D300, Scottsdale, AZ 85251
- Phone: (480) 573-6310
- Website: theattorneyjosh.com
- Practice Areas: DUI, Drug Crimes, Domestic Violence, Assault, Theft, Juvenile Crimes
- Firm Size: Boutique criminal defense practice founded in 2017
- Practice Area Page: Criminal Defense
Joshua A. Lopez, known to many clients simply as “Attorney Josh,” opened his Old Town Scottsdale practice in 2017 after graduating from California Western School of Law. He is licensed in Arizona, California, and Nevada, which is useful for out-of-state visitors arrested in Scottsdale who need help understanding how an Arizona DUI will affect a license at home. He has been selected for Super Lawyers recognition.
The firm’s defining feature is access. Clients report that they reach Josh directly rather than working through layers of staff, and the firm has built one of the larger review profiles among Scottsdale defense practices, with a 5.0-star rating across hundreds of Google reviews. As a smaller office, it may have less capacity for complex felony cases that require a team, so clients facing aggravated DUI charges should ask how the case would be staffed.
4. Rosenstein Law Group
- Key Attorneys: Team that includes two Arizona board-certified criminal law specialists
- Headquarters: 8010 E McDowell Rd, Suite 111, Scottsdale, AZ 85257 (additional offices in Gilbert and Tempe)
- Phone: (480) 680-9168
- Website: scottsdale-duilawyer.com
- Practice Areas: DUI and Extreme DUI, Aggravated DUI, DUI Record Sealing, Drug Crimes, Domestic Violence, Traffic Offenses
- Firm Size: Multi-office defense firm opened in 2006; reports more than 200 years of combined experience
- Practice Area Page: DUI and Criminal Defense
- Social Profiles: Facebook
Rosenstein Law Group has defended DUI cases in Scottsdale since 2006 and reports more than 200 years of combined experience across its team. Its most distinctive credential is board certification: the firm says it employs two of the only five attorneys in Maricopa County who are board-certified in DUI defense, a designation that requires substantial trial experience, peer review, and testing.
The firm handles first-offense DUIs, extreme and super extreme cases, and felony aggravated DUIs, along with record sealing after a case is resolved. Payment plans are available, and offices in Scottsdale, Gilbert, and Tempe let it cover courts across the East Valley. Because the firm is larger, clients should ask which attorney will handle their case from arraignment through any trial.
5. Tamou Law Group, PLLC
- Key Attorneys: Michael Romeo Tamou, Founder
- Scottsdale Office: 9375 E Shea Blvd, Suite 100, Scottsdale, AZ 85260 (additional office in Phoenix)
- Phone: (623) 321-4699
- Website: tamoulawgroup.com
- Practice Areas: DUI, Drug Crimes, Violent Crimes, Domestic Violence, Theft, Sex Crimes
- Firm Size: Criminal defense firm led by a former public defender
- Practice Area Page: DUI and Arizona Criminal Charges
- Social Profiles: X | YouTube | LinkedIn
Michael Tamou began his career as a public defender carrying roughly 500 cases a year, an experience that gave him extensive courtroom time early in his career. He now leads Tamou Law Group from offices in Scottsdale and Phoenix and has been named to The National Trial Lawyers’ Top 100 and Top 40 Under 40, as well as Super Lawyers in 2025.
Tamou is a member of the DUI Defense Lawyers Association and the National College for DUI Defense, two organizations that focus on the science and procedure behind DUI prosecutions. The firm advertises 24/7 availability and free consultations, and it carries a 5.0-star Google rating. Clients facing charges in Scottsdale City Court or the north Scottsdale justice courts will find the Shea Boulevard office convenient.
6. Dworman Law
- Key Attorneys: Howard Dworman, Founder
- Headquarters: 6910 E 5th Ave, Scottsdale, AZ 85251
- Phone: (480) 256-2449
- Website: dwormanlaw.com
- Practice Areas: DUI, Drug Crimes, Domestic Violence, Assault, Theft, Federal Criminal Defense
- Firm Size: Boutique criminal defense practice led by a former law enforcement officer
- Practice Area Page: DUI Lawyer
- Social Profiles: LinkedIn | Instagram | Facebook | YouTube
Howard Dworman worked in law enforcement before becoming a defense attorney, and he brings that perspective to DUI cases: he knows how officers are trained to conduct stops, administer field sobriety tests, and write reports, and where those steps tend to break down. He has practiced criminal defense for nearly a decade from his office in Old Town Scottsdale.
Dworman holds a 10.0 Avvo rating, has received Avvo Clients’ Choice awards every year from 2020 through 2026, and has been recognized by Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch. He is admitted to practice in federal court and before the Ninth Circuit, which helps if a case involves federal land or federal charges. The firm carries a 5.0-star Google rating and offers availability around the clock.
7. Ramos Law Firm, PLLC
- Key Attorneys: Paul A. Ramos, Founder
- Headquarters: 7047 E Greenway Pkwy, Suite 250, Scottsdale, AZ 85254
- Phone: (480) 470-2062
- Website: ramosdefense.com
- Practice Areas: DUI and Extreme DUI, Aggravated DUI, MVD Hearings, Criminal Defense
- Firm Size: Boutique practice led by an Arizona Certified Criminal Law Specialist admitted in 1992
- Practice Area Page: DUI Defense
Paul A. Ramos earned his law degree from Arizona State University in 1991 and has practiced since 1992. He is certified by the Arizona Board of Legal Specialization as a Criminal Law Specialist, a designation held by a small share of Arizona lawyers, and he has lectured on DUI defense to other attorneys. He personally handles his clients’ cases rather than handing them to associates.
Clients frequently credit Ramos with helping them avoid MVD license suspensions, a part of the process that many first-time DUI defendants overlook. His Google reviews are more mixed than those of some firms on this list, so prospective clients should use the consultation to discuss communication expectations and how often they will hear from the office.
8. Kolsrud Law Offices
- Key Attorneys: Josh Kolsrud, Founder
- Headquarters: 1650 N 1st Ave, Unit 1124, Phoenix, AZ 85003
- Phone: (602) 560-4907
- Website: kolsrudlawoffices.com
- Practice Areas: DUI, Federal Crimes, Drug Crimes, Violent Crimes, Sex Crimes, White Collar Crimes
- Firm Size: State and federal criminal defense practice led by a former state and federal prosecutor
- Practice Area Page: DUI Lawyer
- Social Profiles: Facebook | X
Josh Kolsrud spent more than five years as a prosecutor in the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office, including work in the Major Crimes Division, and later led an anti-trafficking unit for the Republic of Palau. He has tried more than 100 cases and holds an AV Preeminent rating, and he has been named to The National Trial Lawyers’ Top 100.
His experience with both state and federal prosecutions makes the firm a good fit for DUI cases that involve other charges, such as a drug offense, a crash with injuries, or an arrest on federal land. The firm is based in central Phoenix rather than Scottsdale, so clients should confirm how court appearances in Scottsdale City Court will be handled.
9. Grand Canyon Law Group
- Key Attorneys: Ryan McPhie, Co-Founder; David Lish, Co-Founder
- Headquarters: 1930 E Brown Rd, Suite 102, Mesa, AZ 85203 (additional offices across Arizona)
- Phone: (480) 780-3734
- Website: grandcanyon.law
- Practice Areas: DUI, Drug Crimes, Domestic Violence, Violent Crimes, Sex Crimes, Juvenile Crimes
- Firm Size: Statewide criminal defense firm founded by two former prosecutors; reports more than 100 years of combined experience
- Practice Area Page: Criminal Defense
Grand Canyon Law Group was founded by Ryan McPhie and David Lish, both former prosecutors. McPhie, a former Deputy County Attorney licensed since 2011, has been recognized by Best Lawyers in 2024 and 2026, and the firm reports more than 100 years of combined experience across its team. It now has offices around the state, including Mesa, Flagstaff, and Tucson.
The firm uses flat fees, which gives clients cost certainty from the start, and it has one of the largest review profiles among Arizona defense firms, with a 4.8-star rating across more than 300 Google reviews. Because its main office is in Mesa, Scottsdale clients should ask which attorney covers Scottsdale City Court and how often that attorney appears there.
10. Oliverson Law DUI & Criminal Defense
- Key Attorneys: Derek Oliverson, Founder; David Greenberg, Attorney
- Headquarters: 60 E Rio Salado Pkwy, 9th Floor, No. 9033, Tempe, AZ 85281 (additional offices in Phoenix, Gilbert, and Kingman)
- Phone: (480) 582-3637
- Website: oliversonlaw.com
- Practice Areas: DUI and Extreme DUI, Aggravated DUI, Drug Crimes, Domestic Violence, Criminal Defense
- Firm Size: DUI and criminal defense firm led by a former police officer, prosecutor, and judge
- Practice Area Page: DUI and Criminal Defense
Derek Oliverson has seen DUI cases from nearly every angle. Before opening his defense firm, he worked as a police officer, a prosecutor, and a judge, and he has now spent 17 years in Arizona courtrooms. Licensed since 2009, he holds a 10.0 Avvo rating and says his firm has handled more than 5,000 cases. He answers his own phone, which clients often mention in reviews.
The firm’s main office is in Tempe, with additional locations in Phoenix, Gilbert, and Kingman. Its 5.0-star Google rating and its founder’s unusual background make it worth considering, although Scottsdale clients should confirm which attorney will appear on their case in Scottsdale City Court.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the legal limit for DUI in Arizona?
Under A.R.S. § 28-1381, it is a crime to drive with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08 or more, or to drive while impaired to the slightest degree by alcohol or drugs, even below 0.08. Commercial drivers face a 0.04 limit. A first-offense DUI carries a minimum of 10 days in jail, although nine days can be suspended if the person completes alcohol screening and treatment.
What is the difference between extreme and super extreme DUI?
Arizona separates high-BAC cases into tiers under A.R.S. § 28-1382. Extreme DUI applies at a BAC of 0.15 or higher and carries at least 30 consecutive days in jail for a first offense. Super extreme DUI applies at 0.20 or higher and carries at least 45 days. Both require an ignition interlock device after the conviction.
When does a DUI become a felony in Arizona?
An aggravated DUI under A.R.S. § 28-1383 is a felony. Common examples include a third DUI within 84 months, a DUI committed while the license was suspended or revoked, a DUI with a child under 15 in the vehicle, and a DUI while required to have an ignition interlock. Aggravated DUI can mean prison time, so felony experience matters when choosing a lawyer.
How long do I have to request an MVD hearing after a DUI arrest?
Act immediately. The admin per se or implied consent paperwork you receive starts the clock on your license case under A.R.S. § 28-1385, and the deadline to request a hearing with the Executive Hearing Office is printed on the form. Arizona extended the window from 15 to 30 days in recent amendments, but always follow the date on your paperwork. If you do not request a hearing in time, the suspension takes effect automatically, even if the criminal case is later dismissed. Lawyers such as Stewart Salwin of Salwin Law Group handle the MVD hearing alongside the criminal case.
Where will my Scottsdale DUI case be heard?
Most misdemeanor DUIs arrested by Scottsdale police are heard in Scottsdale City Court. Arrests by the Department of Public Safety on the Loop 101 or in unincorporated areas may go to a Maricopa County justice court, and felony aggravated DUIs are prosecuted in Maricopa County Superior Court. The court affects the schedule, the prosecutor’s office, and local plea practices.
How much does a DUI lawyer cost in Scottsdale?
Most Scottsdale DUI lawyers charge flat fees, and the price usually rises with the seriousness of the charge and whether the case goes to trial. A first-offense DUI with a plea may cost a few thousand dollars, while an extreme or aggravated DUI that goes to trial can cost much more. Ask whether the quoted fee includes the MVD hearing, expert witnesses, and a jury trial, and whether payment plans are available. Firms such as Grand Canyon Law Group and Rosenstein Law Group advertise flat fees or payment plans.
Disclaimer: This guide to Scottsdale DUI defense attorneys is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice or an attorney referral. This is not a ranked or sponsored list, and inclusion does not imply an endorsement by, or affiliation with, any named DUI defense law firm beyond what is stated. Attorney credentials, case results, and contact details change over time; please confirm current information directly with each firm before making a hiring decision. Past results described here do not guarantee similar outcomes in any other DUI case.
