Choosing a lawyer shouldn’t be like betting at a casino where only the house wins. It’s true. In Phoenix and Scottsdale, AZ DUI and Vehicular Crimes cases, many lawyers do nothing more than fold. They submit to whatever the prosecutor wants. You deserve better.
Experienced Criminal Defense Attorney in Phoenix
Former Prosecutor. Forensic Strategist. Direct Representation for DUI, Drug & Vehicular Crimes.
My name is Lawrence Koplow. Before founding this firm in 2005, I prosecuted DUI cases for the state. That means I know exactly how the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office builds its charges and where those cases can be challenged. I now put that experience to work defending people facing misdemeanor DUI, felony and aggravated DUI, drug crimes, and vehicular crimes throughout Phoenix and Maricopa County.
More than 25 years of criminal law experience, combined with advanced training in DUI forensics and blood alcohol testing, shapes how I approach every case. I’m frequently invited to train other attorneys across Arizona and nationally on DUI and vehicular crimes defense. That teaching-level command of forensic science is what I bring to your defense. It’s not delegated to a junior associate.
After an arrest, time works against you. Evidence is most accessible and defense options are most open in the earliest days. The sooner we speak, the more I may be able to do. Consultations are free.
Don’t settle for just any attorney. Put a Phoenix criminal defense lawyer with direct prosecutor experience in your corner. Call (602) 560-7837 or get in touch online.
My Approach to Criminal Defense in Phoenix
DUI and drug cases often look straightforward on the surface. A breath test came back over the limit. Officers documented the stop. Charges were filed. What that picture leaves out is everything a trained eye catches: procedural errors in how the test was administered, chain-of-custody problems with blood samples, field sobriety assessments compromised by conditions outside the driver’s control. I work with leading forensic experts to question the validity of test results and surface discrepancies the prosecution didn’t anticipate.
My defense methodology is built on two principles: find the forensic flaws and find the constitutional violations. I dismantle prosecution evidence by scrutinizing both the science and the process by which it was gathered. That approach is continuously refined to keep pace with Arizona statutes and judicial interpretations, so the strategy I bring to your case reflects how the law actually operates today, not how it was written five years ago.
Arizona DUI Law & What It Means for Phoenix Defendants
Arizona enforces some of the strictest DUI statutes in the country. Under Arizona law, it’s unlawful to drive with any illegal drug or its metabolite in your system. It’s a standard that can catch people who feel completely sober. Arizona’s implied consent law requires drivers to submit to alcohol or drug testing when requested by law enforcement. Refusal triggers an automatic license suspension, separate from any criminal proceeding.
Felony DUI, aggravated DUI, and serious vehicular crime charges arising in Phoenix are handled in Maricopa County Superior Court. Familiarity with how that court operates and with the charging patterns of the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office matters when it comes to filing suppression motions, negotiating with prosecutors, and anticipating how the state may frame its case. A conviction can mean fines, jail time, license suspension, mandatory alcohol education, and ignition interlock device requirements that may follow a driver for years. Knowing what’s at stake from the moment charges are filed is part of why early representation makes such a difference.
-
1. I find out what's keeping you awake at night.What about this nightmare is terrifying you? That's what I need to solve.
-
2. Start with the most important question.Too often, my colleagues neglect to ask the most important question: is there a way out? Beginning the analysis of a case, assuming that it will end in the outcome you seek to avoid, can be a self-fulfilling prophecy.
-
3. I prepare your case for trial whether or not we go to trial.This is how you prepare to win...even in cases where you never intend to go to trial.
-
4. Together we'll decide the best way to get you HOME.That's my goal for you.
How I Help
Ready to leave the last place you ever want to be? As an Arizona DUI attorney, I reveal the truth about flawed forensics that look flawless. I challenge the status quo and push to fix the failures of the justice system in protecting people’s constitutional rights. What happens after you reach out? A team member will begin reviewing your case. We will contact you to ask questions and go over your options. We will determine, together with you, what makes sense for the next step for you and your family to take.
-
I Understand Forensics Inside and Out -
I Use Creative Strategies
-
I Spot Things Others Can’t Find
Real Stories. Real Results.
See What Our Clients Have to Say
-
"Great trial attorney."
Lawrence is tenacious, relentless, and extremely passionate about his clients and their cases. He leaves no stone unturned in his investigations, and his cross examinations are grueling. His knowledge of the science of DUI's and the testing procedures is unsurpassed. Great trial attorney.
- Jesse S. -
"Unquestionably one of the top DUI/ criminal defense attorneys in Arizona."As a practicing attorney in DUI and criminal defense, and as a former prosecutor who went against Lawrence on several cases, I can attest that the State knows they will have their hands full when Lawrence is on the case.- Ryan M.
-
"You cannot go wrong with Lawrence."
Great attorney! Lawrence thinks outside the box and goes above and beyond for his clients and the legal community at large. If you are looking for aggressive representation, you cannot go wrong with Lawrence.
- Charity C. -
"No other lawyer knows the science of DUI like Lawrence does."Lawrence is the best lawyer I have ever met. If your career is on the line then he is the guy. No other lawyer knows the science of DUI like Lawrence does. I will be forever grateful!- Greg S.
-
"It was miracle!"
It was miracle!... A lot of people don't really understand the benefit of having an attorney who used to be a prosecutor. They know all the little tricks and scare tactics the state has as opposed to just hiring an attorney who is a little fish in a big pond.
- Joe C. -
"One of the best."Lawrence Koplow is one of the best DUI and vehicular defense attorneys in the state of Arizona. Anyone would be extremely fortunate to have him as their advocate.- Jack L.
-
"You cannot go wrong with Lawrence."Lawrence thinks outside the box and goes above and beyond for his clients and the legal community at large. If you are looking for aggressive representation, you cannot go wrong with Lawrence.- Charity C.
-
"Nobody knows the court and laws better than him."Lawrence represents very high-profile clients who greatly depend on a good outcome, and this guy will deliver. This is a prosecutors' worse nightmare, and it should be that way if you need an attorney.- David E.
DUI & Vehicular Crime Defense
Let’s Build a Defense That Works
We handle all types of DUI and vehicular crime cases, from first offenses to complex litigation, with a proven record of success.
What It’s Like to Work with Me
When you hire The Koplow Law Firm, you work with me directly, not a junior associate passing along updates and not a paralegal fielding your questions. I review your case, I develop the strategy, and I’m reachable around the clock. In high-stakes criminal matters, consistent access to the attorney handling your defense directly affects how well your situation is understood and how quickly I can respond when something changes.
Getting started is straightforward. After you reach out, I review your case and contact you to discuss your options and next steps. Consultations are free, and I offer virtual meetings so you can work with me from anywhere in Arizona. If we’re the right fit, I start building a defense strategy shaped specifically to your situation.
Want to learn more before reaching out? Visit the About page for background on my experience and approach, or read through the Reviews page to hear directly from people who have been through this process.
Drug Crimes Defense in Phoenix
Arizona classifies drug offenses across a wide spectrum, from misdemeanor possession to Class 2 felony trafficking charges carrying potential prison sentences measured in years. The state distinguishes between dangerous drugs, narcotic drugs, and prescription-only drugs, with penalties varying significantly by type and quantity. Federal drug charges add another layer of complexity, with mandatory minimum sentences and separate procedural requirements.
I defend clients facing drug possession, drug distribution, drug manufacturing, drug trafficking, drug DUI, and federal drug charges. Evidence in these cases typically involves chemical testing, chain-of-custody documentation, and the search-and-seizure circumstances at the time of the arrest. Each of these can be challenged. Arizona’s zero-tolerance approach to drug DUI means a driver with any detectable controlled substance in their system can be charged regardless of impairment, making forensic analysis central to the defense in many of these cases.
Who We Are, What We Stand For
Creative Strategies for Complex Cases
-
Restoring Lives, Protecting Rights
We fight to protect our clients’ constitutional rights, restore their dignity, and help them regain control of their lives. Your case is not just another file—it’s your future, and we are here to help you move forward.
-
Forensic Knowledge You Can Trust
We have an in-depth understanding of forensic science, which allows us to uncover flaws in evidence that others often miss. By challenging faulty forensic tests, we’ve achieved countless successes for our clients.
-
Leaders in DUI Defense Training
Our attorney is frequently invited to train lawyers in Arizona and across the nation on DUI and vehicular crime defense. This reputation as a trusted educator demonstrates the depth of our knowledge and expertise.
-
Personalized Representation
When you choose our firm, you work directly with the attorney handling your case. We are dedicated to providing a 1-on-1 relationship to fully understand your unique circumstances and craft a defense strategy specifically for you.
-
Creative and Strategic Defense
Our innovative and tailored defense strategies set us apart. Judges and lawyers recognize our firm for pushing boundaries and challenging the status quo to achieve the best possible results for our clients.
-
Decades of DUI Defense Experience
With over 20 years of combined experience as a former DUI prosecutor, Attorney Koplow brings unparalleled knowledge to the table.
DUI Library
The best DUI defense stuff that only a few know and none want to share. A one of a kind annotated resource for lawyers, people accused, or anyone who wants to see what’s going on in our justice system with DUI cases… and how to fix it.
-
Scottsdale DUI Definitive GuideScottsdale DUI Definitive Guide
-
The Definitive Guide to Defeating an Arizona DUIThe Definitive Guide to Defeating an Arizona DUI
-
Field Sobriety Tests in Arizona DUI CasesField Sobriety Tests in Arizona DUI Cases
-
Traffic Stops in Arizona DUI CasesTraffic Stops in Arizona DUI Cases
-
Warrantless Blood Draws in Arizona DUI CasesWarrantless Blood Draws in Arizona DUI Cases
-
Right to Counsel in Arizona DUI CasesRight to Counsel in Arizona DUI Cases
-
Failure to Preserve EvidenceFailure to Preserve Evidence
Recognized for Excellence in DUI Defense
Recognition that Highlights Our Skill, Integrity, and Results
.2501151433309.png "Super Lawyers")
Recognition, Credentials & How to Get Started
The recognition I’ve received reflects the depth of this practice. I earned the Outstanding Contribution to DUI Defense Award from Arizona Attorneys for Criminal Justice (AACJ) in 2015, along with the President’s Commendation from AACJ for my work on Diaz v. State of Arizona. I’ve been selected to Arizona’s Super Lawyers list every year from 2019 through 2025 and hold membership in the National College for DUI Defense (NCDD). I’m also regularly invited to train attorneys across Arizona and other states on DUI and vehicular crimes defense. It’s a reflection of what this practice demands at the highest level.
These credentials matter because they document a sustained standard of work, not a single notable case. When you’re deciding who to trust with your defense, they’re worth weighing.
To get started, reach out by phone or through the contact form. I’ll review your case and contact you to discuss your options and whether I’m the right fit. Meetings can be conducted virtually, making it possible to work with me from anywhere in Arizona. I’m available 24/7.
When your reputation, career, and driving privileges are on the line, you deserve more than an average defense. Call (602) 560-7837 or connect with The Koplow Law Firm online to get started.
Local Factors in Phoenix DUI Defense
Phoenix has one of the more active DUI enforcement environments in Arizona. Checkpoints and patrols concentrate during holiday weekends and high-traffic periods, and the city’s highway systems see consistent law enforcement presence throughout the year. Knowing local enforcement patterns helps identify procedural missteps during traffic stops and arrests that may be raised in suppression motions before the Maricopa County Superior Court.
Phoenix’s extreme outdoor temperatures add another layer to field sobriety test validity. Standardized field sobriety tests are designed for controlled conditions. When they are administered roadside in 110-degree heat, their reliability is a legitimate question. I examine the conditions under which every test in a case was performed, and I raise that question when the record supports it.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Are the Penalties for a DUI Conviction in Phoenix?
Penalties depend on whether the charge is a misdemeanor or felony and whether there are prior offenses. A first offense typically brings fines, possible jail time, mandatory alcohol education, license suspension, and in many cases, ignition interlock device installation. Aggravated DUI or repeat offenses carry longer sentences, higher fines, and extended IID requirements. The severity of those consequences is one reason early intervention matters so much.
Is an Ignition Interlock Device Required After a DUI in Arizona?
Yes, IID installation is mandatory for DUI convictions in Arizona. The required duration varies based on offense severity and prior DUI history. Failing to comply with IID requirements can result in additional penalties, so understanding the full scope of post-conviction obligations is part of what I discuss with every client.
What Should I Do Immediately After a DUI Arrest?
Stay composed, cooperate with law enforcement, and exercise your right to remain silent until you’ve spoken with an attorney. Document everything you remember about the stop as soon as possible: the sequence of events, what officers said, what tests were administered, and the conditions under which they were performed. Then contact a defense attorney promptly. The earlier I can review the facts, the more options may be available.
How Does a DUI Affect My Driving Privileges in Phoenix?
A DUI conviction typically triggers a license suspension ranging from several months to multiple years, depending on severity and prior history. Reinstatement generally requires completion of an alcohol education program and IID installation. There’s also a separate MVD administrative proceeding that runs on its own timeline from the criminal case. That’s another reason to get legal guidance immediately after an arrest.
What’s the Difference Between a DUI Attorney and a Criminal Defense Attorney?
A criminal defense attorney handles the full range of criminal charges: drug crimes, vehicular crimes, and felonies. A DUI-focused attorney limits their practice to driving offenses. When DUI and drug charges overlap, as they frequently do in Arizona, an attorney who handles both brings integrated forensic and statutory knowledge to the case. That combination is exactly what this practice is built around.
I’m available 24/7, consultations are free, and when you hire The Koplow Law Firm, you work directly with me. If you’re facing charges in Phoenix or anywhere in Maricopa County, call (602) 560-7837 or reach out online to get started.
