Law Offices of Michael Harwin
Tucson Criminal Defense
& DUI Lawyer
Counsel for when everything is on the line.
For twenty-five years, former prosecutor Michael Harwin has defended the reputations, careers, and futures of professionals across Arizona — with the discretion and judgment their circumstances demand.
- Best Lawyers in America
- Super Lawyers
- AV Preeminent 5.0
- U.S. News Best Law Firms
The Practice
Tucson DUI
Lawyer
Tucson has some of the toughest DUI laws in the United States. There’s both mandatory jail time for even first-time low-level offenders, and mandatory interlock requirements for all convicted. There’s four essential types of DUI’s typically charged in Tucson:
- Slight impairmentARS § 28-1381(a)(1)
- Over a .08 BACARS § 28-1381(a)
- Extreme DUIARS § 28-1382
- Aggravated DUIARS § 28-1383
Michael, a former DUI prosecutor, with 25 years experience, is considered by many the best DUI attorney in Tucson. Named in US News (2023) he is also listed in Best Lawyers in America (2023), Martindale-Hubbell (A-V 5/5 preeminent) (2023), and SuperLawyers (2023). Repeatedly asked to lecture at attorney seminars on the collateral and professional consequences of DUI and other charges, Michael, an award-winning writer, authored Trends in DUI Discovery, 2014 ed. (Thompson Reuters; Aspatore). Graduating with highest honors from University of Arizona College of Law in 1994 (top 5% of his class), Michael wins at an astonishing rate.
Read more about Tucson DUI- Years of criminal practice
- 25+
- AV Preeminent peer rating
- 5.0
- National treatises in print
- Two
Services by Michael Harwin
Areas of defense
- DUITucson DUI Lawyer, Michael Harwin was named in SuperLawyers 2023 for his work in DUI defense.
- Criminal DefenseRecognized in Martindale Hubbell as AV 5/5 preeminent 2023 for his work in criminal defense over a span of 25 years.
- University StudentsMichael has represented many University of Arizona students including NCAA athletes and fraternity members in cases that have garnered national media attention.
- White CollarMichael is listed in US News Best Law Firms 2023, and Best Lawyers in America 2023 for his work in white collar criminal defense.
- Health Care ProfessionalsMichael has represented numerous health care professionals and Fingerprint Clearance Card holders in many DUI’s and other criminal matters.
Criminal Defense
Clients,
not case files.
A former prosecutor, named in Best Lawyers In America® 23rd ed., 2017–18 as one of the best Tucson Criminal Defense Lawyers: White Collar, Michael has amassed what many clients think is an astonishing track record. Click here to see results. Numerous healthcare professionals; law enforcement officers; university and graduate students; loan officers & other financial professionals; licensed real estate agents; CPA’s; and many company owners & business principals have all entrusted Michael to handle worrisome government investigations and criminal matters. Michael is known for making clients and their families comfortable through some of the most trying moments of their lives.
Read more about Criminal DefenseNotable Cases
In the public eye
Having handled numerous criminal matters receiving national and focused local media attention, Michael advocates aggressively but with the thoughtful discretion, patience, care, attention to detail, and empathy demanded when clients are subjected to intense public scrutiny.
Read more about Notable Cases
The Attorney
Michael Harwin
A former prosecutor, with 25 years trial experience, Michael Harwin graduated summa cum laude from University of Arizona College of Law in 1993, where he served on the editorial board of the Arizona Law Review and was inducted into the Order of the Coif. Listed in Best Lawyers in America® 2023, U.S. News 2023®, Martindale Hubbell® 2023 as A-V 5/5 Preeminent, Arizona SuperLawyers®, National Trial Lawyers®, Michael has received over one hundred public client reviews. The largest firms in Arizona entrust Michael with their valued clients as do attorneys from across the nation.
About MichaelAuthor · West, Thomson Reuters
Client Reviews
One hundred
voices & counting
Michael, one of the most reviewed attorneys in all of Tucson, has been honored with a 2023 Martindale-Hubbell Platinum Client Champion Award®, the most prestigious and selective Martindale® award, recognizing those attorneys nationally with only the most stellar across-the-board ratings. A multi-year winner of AVVO®Client Choice Awards, Michael is grateful to the more than one hundred clients who have written him glowing reviews, highlighting Michael’s compassion, his honesty, and his responsiveness to those facing some of the most difficult moments in their lives.
See Google Reviews,AVVO Reviews, or Martindale Reviews.
Read client reviews“Mr. Harwin was a lifesaver for our family member. He had an in-depth knowledge of all aspects of this difficult case, including the court processes and all documentation that would be required to put together a great defense. The outcome was very positive. In addition, he made a special effort to understand and work with our family member — showing that he not only defends, he cares.”
John Rivera
Google Review
Journal
Latest articles
- Arizona DUI Law – Two Important Things You Should KnowArizona’s Unique Approach: Police Roadside Blood Draws Suppose you were recently arrested for DUI in Arizona. Chances are police themselves drew your blood, either by consent, warrant, or force. What may be surprising to know is that in Arizona, unlike other states, here the police don’t put on the nitrile gloves, pull out a 21 […]
- Arizona DUI Blood Draws: Know Your Rights to Counsel and Independent TestingArizona’s Unique Approach: Police Roadside Blood Draws Suppose you were recently arrested for DUI in Arizona. Chances are police themselves drew your blood, either by consent, warrant, or force. What may be surprising to know is that in Arizona, unlike other states, here the police don’t put on the nitrile gloves, pull out a 21 […]
- Bi-polar Disorder & Criminal ChargesIf you or a loved one suffers from mental illness and has been accused of a crime, you might read this: I’m a criminal defense attorney in Tucson, Arizona. Sadly, over the last year we have seen a sharp uptick in the number of bright and accomplished young people walking into our office for help. […]
Confidential · Direct
Speak with Michael directly.
Every case begins with a private conversation — your circumstances, your options, and a clear-eyed assessment of the road ahead.
100 N Stone Ave, Suite 1005 · Tucson, AZ 85701