100 N Stone Ave, Suite 1005 · Tucson, ArizonaLaw Offices of Michael Harwin520.624.3500
Michael HarwinAttorney at Law · Tucson, ArizonaConsultation

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.

Honors & ratings

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

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.

Courts
United States District Courts in Phoenix, Tucson and El Paso; Arizona Superior Courts in Pima, Maricopa, Santa Cruz, Pinal and Yuma Counties.
Federal panel
One of roughly thirty private attorneys in Arizona appointed to the Criminal Justice Act Capital Habeas Panel, and part of the team that overturned a death sentence in the Ninth Circuit.
Matters
Drug trafficking, white collar and financial crimes, violent felonies and aggravated DUI — state and federal, misdemeanor and felony.
Results
More than one hundred dismissals and resolutions reported, litigated in courts of record. See the results.

Notable 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
Michael Harwin, Tucson criminal defense attorney

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 Michael

Author · 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.

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 RiveraGoogle Review
  • “When I first met Mr. Harwin he made me feel comfortable about meeting with him and discussing my situation. Mr. Harwin was up front with me on how things would and could go regardless of outcome. I found that quality to be one of the biggest things that stuck with me. (Honesty) Which is very hard to find these days. Mr. Harwin wasn’t about just doing his job he wanted to make sure I was making the right choices to hire him to defend me as well as the right choice for me”

    Client, DUI ChargesAVVO
  • “Three critical areas immediately come to mind – competence, integrity and communications. Michael excels in all three and also has a fourth quality which serves his clients well – compassion! Prior to speaking with him, I checked Michael’s rating in Martindale Hubbel to see what his peer group thought of him. He has an exemplary rating.”

    Client, Criminal ChargesAVVO
  • “Mr Harwin was engaging, honest, to the point, compassionate and above all else, really cared about my case. Even though I imagine that for him, this case was “small potatos”, he understood that it was a big deal to me, and he really showed up for me every step of the way. I am very grateful to Mr Harwin, Letty and my family member who referred me. I would recommend Mr. Harwin to anyone looking for an attorny who is different than all the stories we hear about lawyers. Someone who cares, hes fair and he does his job and does it well. Thank you Mr Harwin and Letty, I really appreciate you both from the bottom of my heart.”

    Client, Animal Law ClientAVVO
  • “Michael is an incredible advocate for his clients. He is an aggressive, knowledgeable lawyer that uses his powers for the good of his clients. Michael breaks the stereotype of criminal defense lawyers by actually being a likable, principled individual who can talk to individuals at all walks of life.”

    Client, Criminal ChargesAVVO
  • “It took a year, but with patience, Michael got the job done. My case went to trial with almost double the legal limit for impairment. It was a long year, but it was worth the wait. If you find yourself in the type of situation where you need the help of a DUI lawyer, you will not find a better one in Tucson than Michael Harwin.”

    Client, DUI ChargesAVVO
  • “Mr. Harwin understood my situation and worked as a coach throughout to guide me through what became an eighteen month ordeal of motions, hearings, and eventually trial. He expertly informed and eased not only my questions and fears but those of my current fiance in this matter. Complications of my DUI charge would impact my career, child custody, and personal well-being, which Mr. Harwin calmly dissected and addressed. With him at the helm, I was found not guilty of all charges via trial.”

    Client, DUI ChargesAVVO
  • “Mr. Harwin is an excellent criminal defense lawyer…he defended my son when he needed legal counsel….Mike was knowledgeable, eager to help and fought my sons case as thought it was his own. I would highly recommend Mike Harwin for your criminal defense needs.”

    Client, Criminal ChargesAVVO
  • “When my son got into legal trouble in Tucson,Arizona while I was thousands of miles away in Pennsylvania, Michael Harwin was my saving grace. Mr. Harwin is intelligent, knowledgable, and yields great results. Not only is he responsive, he is very personable and always gave me peace of mind by keeping me in the loop with what my son was going through and what to expect. He helped make an incredibly difficult time more manageable, and I’d highly recommend him to anyone in need of a lawyer in the Arizona area.”

    Client, Criminal ChargesAVVO
  • “Michael Harwin is the best Tucson DUI lawyer. He is a very hard working and fair person. He is very friendly and actually cares about his clients. You go to his office and it doesn’t feel like you are talking to a lawyer. Last summer I was charged with DUI and since I am an immigrant, the consequences are more severe. I did a little bit of research and found out that Michael is rated as one of the best of the best Tucson DUI lawyers all over the internet. I am glad I picked Mr.Harwin because he worked very hard and got all my DUI charges dismissed.”

    Client, DUI ChargesAVVO

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