DUI & Professionals

Michael, a summa cum laude law graduate, have exhaustive experience in all aspects of DUI & vehicular offenses litigation. From jury trials to appeals; to motor vehicle licensing, to professional and career consequences, Michael is called upon to advise and help professional clients navigate the thicket of confusing and surprisingly harsh Arizona DUI laws and regulations. Repeatedly asked to lecture at attorney seminars on the collateral and professional consequences of DUI & other charges, Michael recently authored a chapter in Trends in DUI Discovery, 2014 ed. (Thompson Reuters; Aspatore). Read More

Recent Publications

Defense-Strategies-Drug-Crimes-2015-2016

Criminal Defense

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

Notable Cases

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. A few of Michael’s cases receiving such attention are: Read More

In the News

Marijuana Laws: Some New, Some Old | Morning Edition – NPR

Michael Harwin

A former prosecutor, Michael Harwin graduated summa cum laude from University of Arizona College of Law in May 1993, where he served on the editorial board of the Arizona Law Review and was inducted into the Order of the Coif. Recognized for his work in white collar criminal defense, Michael was listed in Best Lawyers America®,23^rd ed., 2017-18 and rated by Martindale Hubbell® A-V 5/5 Preeminent. He was listed in Arizona Superlawyers® in 2017-18 as one of the top Tucson DUI lawyers and named by Tucson Lifestyle Magazine® as one of the Best Lawyers in Tucson (May 2017). Named by the National Trial Lawyers® as a Top 100 Trial Lawyer, Michael was honored with a fellowship by the Litigation Counsel of America® . Michael was also named by BestofUS.com as one of the Best Lawyers in the United States, and rated by AVVO® 10/10 Superb. Michael has received dozens of public client reviews. The largest firms in Arizona entrust Michael with their valued clients. Read More

Client Reviews

Honored with two Martindale-Hubbell Client Distinction Awards for 2012 and 2013, and two AVVO Client’s Choice Awards for 2015-16, based almost entirely upon client reviews and ratings, Michael is grateful to his many clients, dozens of whom have written and published comprehensive reviews, lauding not just outcomes, but explaining Michael’s honesty, responsiveness and compassion for those facing some of the most difficult moments in their lives. Read More

What Our Clients Are Saying

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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. We highly recommend Mr.Harwin.

John Rivera

As a retired Law Enforcement official I am keenly aware, through my years of experience with the Washington DC courts and attorneys, of the undisputed value of having a defense attorney that was a former prosecutor. When my son ran afoul of the law in Tucson, I found the website of Michael Harwin and I'm very glad I did. Both Michael and his associate Scott Redmon are former DUI/ DWI prosecutors in Tucson and could not have been more professional and knowledgeable. You're not just another case file to them, you're treated as an actual human that needs help. And that extends to their front office personnel who go above and beyond what is required of their job. Everyone in the Michael Harwin office works hard to arrive at the best outcome available for your case. They did for us and I'm sure they will for you.

Jeff C

I came to Mr. Harwin after my 2nd DUI in 7 years. This mistake I made could have had a severe impact on my family, job, etc. After I met with Mr. Harwin I had my first decent nights sleep since the incident. I remember so vividly him telling me "Listen Brian you need to go back to work sign up some new clients and let us handle it I GOT IT". He arranged my counseling to be handled prior to my arraignment. He instilled confidence from the initial conversation on the phone. My outcome was more than satisfactory and kept my family and job more than intact. I made a mistake and Michael recognized I was a good person who had a severe lapse in judgment. Thank you Michael for all you have done.

Briam Peddicord

I was falsely accused of a DUI driving home one evening, I thought my life had ended, I could not believe some of the things the officer was saying about me, I was treated like a convicted criminal. The next morning I contacted one of Tucson's well known and highly experienced attorneys, Michael Harwin. My anxiety level was off the charts, I was the sole support of two children and carried a license that could be put into jeopardy by the accusation alone. Mr.Harwin treated me with respect, told me he would fight for my rights. Mr.Harwin is a deeply committed attorney, he has heart and truly cares about his clients. He was patient with my endless parade of questions and fears of the unknown, he walked me through every challenge that was put in front of us, he is fearless, intelligent, and a deep thinker, someone you want in your corner if the situation arises. I was found NOT GUILTY on all charges, thank you for giving me back my life.

Sue smith

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. We highly recommend Mr.Harwin.

John Rivera

As a retired Law Enforcement official I am keenly aware, through my years of experience with the Washington DC courts and attorneys, of the undisputed value of having a defense attorney that was a former prosecutor. When my son ran afoul of the law in Tucson, I found the website of Michael Harwin and I'm very glad I did. Both Michael and his associate Scott Redmon are former DUI/ DWI prosecutors in Tucson and could not have been more professional and knowledgeable. You're not just another case file to them, you're treated as an actual human that needs help. And that extends to their front office personnel who go above and beyond what is required of their job. Everyone in the Michael Harwin office works hard to arrive at the best outcome available for your case. They did for us and I'm sure they will for you.

Jeff C

I came to Mr. Harwin after my 2nd DUI in 7 years. This mistake I made could have had a severe impact on my family, job, etc. After I met with Mr. Harwin I had my first decent nights sleep since the incident. I remember so vividly him telling me "Listen Brian you need to go back to work sign up some new clients and let us handle it I GOT IT". He arranged my counseling to be handled prior to my arraignment. He instilled confidence from the initial conversation on the phone. My outcome was more than satisfactory and kept my family and job more than intact. I made a mistake and Michael recognized I was a good person who had a severe lapse in judgment. Thank you Michael for all you have done.

Briam Peddicord

I was falsely accused of a DUI driving home one evening, I thought my life had ended, I could not believe some of the things the officer was saying about me, I was treated like a convicted criminal. The next morning I contacted one of Tucson's well known and highly experienced attorneys, Michael Harwin. My anxiety level was off the charts, I was the sole support of two children and carried a license that could be put into jeopardy by the accusation alone. Mr.Harwin treated me with respect, told me he would fight for my rights. Mr.Harwin is a deeply committed attorney, he has heart and truly cares about his clients. He was patient with my endless parade of questions and fears of the unknown, he walked me through every challenge that was put in front of us, he is fearless, intelligent, and a deep thinker, someone you want in your corner if the situation arises. I was found NOT GUILTY on all charges, thank you for giving me back my life.

Sue smith

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. We highly recommend Mr.Harwin.

John Rivera

As a retired Law Enforcement official I am keenly aware, through my years of experience with the Washington DC courts and attorneys, of the undisputed value of having a defense attorney that was a former prosecutor. When my son ran afoul of the law in Tucson, I found the website of Michael Harwin and I'm very glad I did. Both Michael and his associate Scott Redmon are former DUI/ DWI prosecutors in Tucson and could not have been more professional and knowledgeable. You're not just another case file to them, you're treated as an actual human that needs help. And that extends to their front office personnel who go above and beyond what is required of their job. Everyone in the Michael Harwin office works hard to arrive at the best outcome available for your case. They did for us and I'm sure they will for you.

Jeff C

I came to Mr. Harwin after my 2nd DUI in 7 years. This mistake I made could have had a severe impact on my family, job, etc. After I met with Mr. Harwin I had my first decent nights sleep since the incident. I remember so vividly him telling me "Listen Brian you need to go back to work sign up some new clients and let us handle it I GOT IT". He arranged my counseling to be handled prior to my arraignment. He instilled confidence from the initial conversation on the phone. My outcome was more than satisfactory and kept my family and job more than intact. I made a mistake and Michael recognized I was a good person who had a severe lapse in judgment. Thank you Michael for all you have done.

Briam Peddicord

I was falsely accused of a DUI driving home one evening, I thought my life had ended, I could not believe some of the things the officer was saying about me, I was treated like a convicted criminal. The next morning I contacted one of Tucson's well known and highly experienced attorneys, Michael Harwin. My anxiety level was off the charts, I was the sole support of two children and carried a license that could be put into jeopardy by the accusation alone. Mr.Harwin treated me with respect, told me he would fight for my rights. Mr.Harwin is a deeply committed attorney, he has heart and truly cares about his clients. He was patient with my endless parade of questions and fears of the unknown, he walked me through every challenge that was put in front of us, he is fearless, intelligent, and a deep thinker, someone you want in your corner if the situation arises. I was found NOT GUILTY on all charges, thank you for giving me back my life.

Sue smith

Latest Articles

DUI: The Police Gave Me Roadside Tests: What do they Mean?

October, 31 2022 by Michael Harwin

Many of my clients, and their families, report to me at the first meeting that the police gave them “tests” at the roadside. They have little or no idea what these tests are about. But often, my client swears that she “passed” or at least thought she did well on these tests . Today I’m going to talk a little bit about the first of these roadside tests given thousands of times a year here in Tucson, what they mean to you, and why sober people routinely fail them.

categories: DUI

Arizona Sleeping in Car & DUI Arrest: What You Should Know

September, 28 2022 by Michael Harwin

A person is parked sleeping in is car. In a lined parking space, in a lot. Transmission in “park.” But the engine is running and the A/C is on. It’s 1:30 AM. This person is woken up by the police and then arrested for DUI even though he was not technically “driving Seems unfair? It is. This blog is to show you why this happens in Arizona and what to do about it.

categories: DUI

UofA Students Arrested in the Dorms: What You Should Know

August, 27 2022 by Michael Harwin

First, understand that in the dorms, your child’s privacy rights as a practical matter are left at the key-carded entrance. And that the Resident Assistants rather than acting as your child’s “assistants,” actually serve as de-facto auxiliaries of the University of Arizona Police. In the vast majority of cases, it is the Resident Assistants themselves who make the call to the Police about your child. And they do so for relatively minor occurrences it seems—when for example an RA thinks she smells marijuana creeping (“emanating” the Police like to call it, the RA’s adopting the police verbiage) out from under your child’s dorm room door, or suspect usually correctly mind you that there’s underage drinking going on behind that door, or when they hear what they think behind that door is heated argument your daughter might be having with her boyfriend.

categories: University Students