Criminal Defense Attorneys in Scottsdale & Lake Havasu City
Trusted Legal Defense Across Maricopa & Mohave County
If you are facing criminal charges in Scottsdale, Phoenix, or Lake Havasu City, the team at Rideout Law Group is here to protect your rights and defend your future. We represent clients across Maricopa County and Mohave County, providing aggressive defense for both misdemeanor and felony charges.
Whether it is DUI, drug possession, domestic violence, or juvenile offenses, we bring the courtroom experience, legal strategy, and local knowledge you need to fight back. Brad Rideout is a former Arizona prosecutor who spent years building cases from the other side of the courtroom. Now he uses that experience to dismantle them.
Our Criminal Defense Practice Areas
Click any practice area below for detailed information about Arizona law, potential penalties, and how we build your defense:
- Felony Defense – Class 1 through Class 6 felonies, mandatory prison ranges, aggravating and mitigating factors
- Misdemeanor Defense – Class 1, 2, and 3 misdemeanors, diversion programs, record impact
- Assault & Violent Crimes – Simple assault, aggravated assault, dangerous offenses, self-defense claims
- Drug Crimes – Possession, sales, trafficking, marijuana offenses, Prop 200 protections
- Domestic Violence – DV designation, protective orders, custody impact, defense strategies
- Theft & Property Crimes – Shoplifting, burglary, robbery, fraud, criminal damage
- Weapons Charges – Misconduct involving weapons, prohibited possessor, firearm rights restoration
- White Collar Crimes – Fraud, embezzlement, forgery, identity theft, money laundering
- Sex Crimes Defense – Sexual assault, sexual abuse, indecent exposure, sex offender registration
- Probation & Parole Violations – Technical violations, new offense allegations, revocation hearings
- Juvenile Crimes – Delinquency proceedings, transfer hearings, juvenile record sealing
- Expungement & Record Sealing – ARS 13-911 petitions, set-asides, marijuana expungement
Understanding Your Rights & the Criminal Process
- The Criminal Process in Arizona – Step-by-step guide from arrest through sentencing and appeals
- Your Rights During a Police Stop – Fourth, Fifth, and Sixth Amendment protections in Arizona
- The Former Prosecutor Advantage – How Brad Rideout’s prosecution experience works for your defense
How We Help Build Your Defense
Every charge is serious. Our attorneys fight for:
- Case dismissals and reduced charges
- Alternatives to jail (probation, diversion programs, treatment courts)
- Clean records through expungement and set-asides under ARS 13-911
- Trial-ready strategies when your case needs to go before a jury
- Pre-filing intervention to prevent charges from ever being filed
We have helped thousands of clients take back control of their lives after criminal accusations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I really need to hire an attorney for my criminal charges?
Yes. Arizona has some of the harshest criminal laws in the country. Even a misdemeanor conviction creates a permanent criminal record that shows up on every background check an employer runs, every apartment application a landlord reviews, and every professional licensing inquiry a board conducts. A skilled criminal defense attorney can identify weaknesses in the state’s case, negotiate reduced charges or diversion programs, and fight for dismissal when the evidence supports it. At Rideout Law Group, Brad Rideout spent years as a prosecutor building cases – now he uses that same knowledge to take them apart.
What should I do if the police want to search my home or my car?
Do not give consent. Politely but clearly state: “I do not consent to a search.” Officers may still search if they have a warrant, probable cause, or if certain exceptions apply (such as items in plain view or an inventory search during a lawful impound). If they search without your consent, remain calm, do not physically interfere, and document everything you can remember afterward. Whether the search was legal is a question your attorney can challenge in court – but only if you clearly refused consent. Contact a criminal defense lawyer immediately.
The police want to talk to me about a crime. Should I speak with them?
No. Do not speak to police or detectives without legal counsel present. You have the right to remain silent under the Fifth Amendment, and you should exercise it. Officers and detectives are trained to build cases, not to help you explain your side. Anything you say – even something you think sounds innocent – can be used against you. Tell them: “I want to speak with my attorney before answering any questions.” Then call us. We regularly intervene during the pre-filing stage to prevent charges from ever being filed.
What happens after I am arrested and taken to jail?
After booking, you will typically appear before a judge within 24 hours for an initial appearance. The judge will set bail or release conditions, advise you of the charges, and appoint counsel if you qualify. For felonies, a preliminary hearing or grand jury proceeding must occur within a set timeframe. Contact an attorney immediately – the earlier we get involved, the more options we have. We handle your arraignment, file legal defenses, and represent you at every stage from the first hearing through trial or resolution.
What is the difference between a misdemeanor and a felony in Arizona?
A misdemeanor carries a maximum sentence of up to 6 months in jail (Class 1), while felonies range from probation-eligible offenses up to life in prison depending on the class and circumstances. Arizona classifies felonies from Class 1 (most serious, such as first-degree murder) through Class 6 (least serious, such as certain theft offenses). Many Class 6 felonies can be designated as misdemeanors by the court. The distinction affects not only potential jail or prison time but also your civil rights, including the right to vote, possess firearms, and hold professional licenses.
Can a felony charge be reduced to a misdemeanor?
In many cases, yes. Arizona law allows Class 6 undesignated felonies to be treated as misdemeanors at sentencing or upon successful completion of probation. For other felony classes, your attorney may negotiate a plea to a lesser charge. Brad Rideout’s experience as a former prosecutor gives him unique insight into what plea offers are realistic and when it makes sense to push for better terms or take the case to trial.
How much does a criminal defense lawyer cost?
Fees vary based on the complexity of the case, the charges involved, and whether the case goes to trial. We offer free initial consultations so you can understand your options before making any financial commitment. We also offer flexible payment arrangements. The cost of not hiring an attorney – a conviction, jail time, a permanent record – is almost always far greater than the cost of quality legal representation.
Will my criminal charge show up on a background check?
Arrests and charges can appear on background checks even before a conviction. A conviction creates a permanent record unless you take legal action to have it set aside or sealed. Arizona’s record sealing law (ARS 13-911, effective January 2023) allows eligible individuals to petition the court to seal their criminal records. A set-aside under ARS 13-907 does not remove the record but shows that the conviction was dismissed. We can help you determine which option applies to your situation.
Meet Our Defense Team
Our criminal law team is led by Brad Rideout, a former Arizona prosecutor with deep trial experience, and includes Steve Eckhardt and Carolyn Keist-Gilbert – trusted defense attorneys in Scottsdale and Lake Havasu City.
We understand Arizona law, local court systems, and how to fight back when your rights are on the line.
Brad Rideout
Founder, Criminal Defense & Family Law
Steve Eckhardt
Family, Bankruptcy, Criminal & Civil Law
Carolyn Keist-Gilbert
Criminal Defense, Creative Strategy & Juvenile Law
Serving Clients Across Arizona
We represent clients throughout:
- Maricopa County: Scottsdale, Phoenix, Chandler, Gilbert, Mesa, Tempe, Avondale, Peoria, Laveen, Tolleson
- Mohave County: Lake Havasu City, Kingman, Bullhead City, Fort Mohave, Golden Valley
Contact Rideout Law Group Now
Do not face criminal charges alone. Schedule a free confidential consultation with our legal team.
- Toll-Free: (833) 854-8181
- Offices in Scottsdale, AZ and Lake Havasu City, AZ
Let us build your defense. Let us protect your future.
The information on this page is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. No attorney-client relationship is created by reading this content. Arizona law changes frequently. For legal guidance specific to your situation, contact a licensed attorney at Rideout Law Group.