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 impairment ARS§ 28-1381(a)(1);
  • Over a .08 BAC ARS §28-1381(a)
  • Extreme DUI ARS §28-1382
  • Aggravated DUI ARS § 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.

Tucson Dui

Recent Publications

Legality-Search-Seizure-Cases-2015
Defense-Strategies-Drug-Crimes-2015-2016

Services by Michael Harwin

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Dui

Tucson DUI Lawyer, Michael Harwin was named in SuperLawyers 2023 for his work in DUI defense.

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Criminal Defense

Recognized in Martindale Hubbell as AV 5/5 preeminent 2023 for his work in criminal defense over a span of 25 years

University Students

University Students

Michael has represented many University of Arizona students including NCAA athletes and fraternity members in cases that have garnered national media attention.

Business Men

White Collar

Michael is listed in US News Best Law Firms 2023, and Best Lawyers in America 2023 for his work in white collar criminal defense.

Healthcare workers

Health Care Professionals

Michael has represented numerous health care professionals and Fingerprint Clearance Card holders in many DUI’s and other criminal matters.

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. Criminal Defense

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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: Notable Cases

In the News

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

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 Harwin

Client Reviews

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. Click here to see  Google Reviews. Click here to see AVVO reviews. Click here to see Martindale Reviews.

Client Reviews

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
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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
avatar
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
avatar
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
avatar
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
avatar
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
avatar
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
avatar
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
avatar
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
avatar
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
avatar
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
avatar
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

Bi-polar Disorder & Criminal Charges

by Michael Harwin

If you or a loved one suffers from mental illness and has been accused of a crime, you might read this: I’m a criminal defense attorney in Tucson, Arizona. Sadly, over the last year we have seen a sharp uptick in the number of bright and accomplished young people walking into our office for help. […]

categories: Criminal Defense

The Police are Looking for Me: Bench Warrants & Attempts to Locate

by Michael Harwin

We get call like this almost every week: “I think there’s a warrant out for me. What do I do?” Today we’re going to answer that question, and in the process explain bench warrants and, a related matter, known in police lingo as “attempts to locate.” And how to deal with them.

categories: Criminal Defense

Why it is so Important to Ask for a Lawyer

by Michael Harwin

Over the past 25 years, I’ve represented in criminal matters literally dozens of Police Officers, Border Patrol Agents, Corrections Officers, and local Court Officials.
One thing I’ve learned is that these public legal officials when they are confronted by the police  make the same mistake that  most of the rest of us do.

categories: DUI