Access Top DUI & Criminal Defense Lawyer in Tempe, Arizona

Why Tempe Courts Are Unique

Tempe Municipal Court handles misdemeanor DUI and criminal cases within city limits, while the Maricopa County Superior Court handles felonies. Both courts have distinct procedures, preferred plea structures, and judicial temperaments. Tempe is also home to Arizona State University, which means a significant volume of underage DUI charges, drug offenses, and disorderly conduct cases flow through local courts. An attorney who practices regularly in Tempe courts understands these dynamics in ways that an attorney who occasionally appears here cannot.

What to Look for in a Tempe Defense Attorney

When evaluating criminal defense attorneys in Tempe, consider these factors. How many years have they practiced specifically in Tempe and Maricopa County courts? Do they handle your type of charge regularly? Will the attorney personally handle your case or delegate to associates? Do they have verifiable client reviews and case results? Are they accessible by phone when you need them — including after hours? The answers to these questions separate attorneys who can effectively defend you from those who are simply collecting fees.

Derek Oliverson’s Tempe Practice

Attorney Derek Oliverson has maintained his headquarters in Tempe since founding Oliverson Law in 2009. His office at 60 E Rio Salado Parkway is minutes from both the Tempe Municipal Court and the Maricopa County Superior Court complex. Over 17 years and 5,000+ cases, Derek has developed deep familiarity with local judges, prosecutors, and court procedures. He handles every case personally, answers his own phone, and provides the direct access that complex legal situations demand.

Common Tempe Criminal Charges

The most common criminal charges in Tempe include DUI (standard, extreme, and super extreme), drug possession, assault, domestic violence, disorderly conduct, criminal speeding, theft and shoplifting, and criminal damage. ASU-related charges — underage DUI, fake ID possession, drug possession at campus events — represent a significant portion of Tempe’s criminal docket. Each charge type has specific defense strategies, and an experienced Tempe attorney knows which approaches work in these specific courts.