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“Victories” Definition: DM Cantor defines a “Victory” as follows: Cases resulting in a Complete Acquittal at Jury/Bench Trial; cases Dismissed after they were set for Jury/Bench Trial; cases Dismissed prior to being set for Jury/Bench Trial; Convictions Reversed on Appeal; Convictions Set Aside; Pre-Charge/Pre-Indictment cases where DM Cantor Prevented Charges from being filed; a Partial Acquittal at Jury/Bench Trial; cases in which Charges were Substantially Reduced; Professional Board & Title 9 Representation in which charges were Declined, Dismissed or Substantially Reduced; and, cases where Prison/Jail exposure or Civil Repercussions were Substantially Reduced.
Featured in Image (left to right):
Managing Partner, Christine Whalin; Founding Partner, David Michael Cantor
Your best chance of achieving a positive outcome in a criminal case is to hire a professional, experienced criminal defense attorney. David Michael Cantor, and Christine Whalin are both very well respected Criminal Defense Attorneys and accomplished DUI Defense Lawyers. David Michael Cantor and Christine Whalin have also both been given the title of Certified Criminal Law Specialist per the Arizona Board of Legal Specialization.
Voted #1 by Ranking Arizona 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, & 2025!
If you have been charged with DUI or another Criminal Offense you need expert representation that knows the courts, judges, and prosecutors that are against you. In addition, our firm is AV® rated (the highest possible rating) by Martindale Hubbell®, and are listed in the Bar Register of Preeminent Lawyers®, Criminal Law Section.
As of the start of 2025, the State Bar of Arizona Board of Legal Specialization listed only 53 Criminal Law Specialists in the entire State. Of these 53, only 38 are located in Maricopa County and are allowed to handle private cases. DM Cantor has 2 Board-Certified Criminal Law Specialists, No Law Firm in Arizona Has More! When defending Criminal Allegations, it is critical to have as many Board-Certified Criminal Law Specialists on your Legal Team as is possible.
The Specialization process is so rigorous that only 34 current Criminal Law Specialists were Certified since the turn of the Century! In addition, All Specialists must be approved for Re-Certification every 5 years. At DM Cantor, our 2 Board Certified Criminal Law Specialists have conducted Jury Trials on countless Misdemeanor and Felony cases.
Our Phoenix Arizona Attorneys Specialize in Criminal Defense representation, and have practiced in the Phoenix area Criminal Justice System providing our Clients legal help for over 30 years! So, if you have been contacted by law enforcement, and were threatened with jail time, then you need legal representation from the highly-skilled Phoenix Criminal Law Attorneys at DM Cantor.
Every Misdemeanor or Felony Criminal case defended by DM Cantor includes at least 1 Board Certified Criminal Law Specialist on our Legal Team who is directly handling or supervising the Defense.
We wouldn’t have it any other way.
Attention Athletes, Sports Agents, and Athletic Organizations: DM Cantor and Cantor Law Group have represented past and present professional and amateur athletes, coaches, referees, and/or their family members from the following teams and organizations:
MLB:
NFL:
NBA:
NHL:
MLS:
CFL:
WNBA:
NCAA:
USA Olympic Team Members:
Canadian Olympic Team Members:
PGA Members
Indy Car Series Driver
NASCAR Series Driver
What are the factors to look for when you are deciding who the Best Criminal Defense Law Firm is in Phoenix, Arizona? Start by looking at the Defense Team’s overall experience, and who is the person that leads them. In the case of DM Cantor, the Firm was founded by David Michael Cantor, a Board-Certified Criminal Law Specialist since 1999. David began his career at the Phoenix City Prosecutor’s Office as a Trial Attorney. While there, he amassed a record of 30 Jury Trial convictions with 0 losses. He then left and worked for a private Criminal Defense Firm for approximately 3-1/2 years, where he conducted almost 80 Criminal Defense Jury Trials. It was at that time that he formed his own Law Firm Specializing in Criminal Defense, and he assembled the Arizona Criminal Defense Team of DM Cantor. This Team knows both the DUI and Criminal laws inside and out, and whether you are fighting the U.S. Attorney’s Office, the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office, the Arizona State Attorney General’s Office, or any of the City Prosecutor’s Offices, this is the Team you want on your side.
DM Cantor has been servicing the State of Arizona for over 25 Years. Read below of what many of our Clients have been saying and see why we have been ranked Best Phoenix Law Firm year after year. Our success stories (victories) range from a wide variety of areas such as DUI / Vehicular Crimes, Drug Crimes, Sex Crimes, Fraud / Theft Crimes, Assault Crimes, Violent Crimes and more.
Whether the charges you are facing are for theft, DUI, assault or other allegations, finding the Best Criminal Lawyer in Arizona for your defense can mean the difference between the Best possible outcome for your situation or finding yourself fighting the system for far longer than you deserve. Now is not the time for mediocrity. You need the Best Criminal Lawyer in Arizona. You will find this experienced, aggressive and highly respected representation at the DM Cantor.
Arizona Criminal Attorney and Phoenix DUI Lawyer David Michael Cantor has been a practicing lawyer since 1989. He has handled thousands of cases, including high profile ones covered by local and national media. His expert insight has been spotlighted in features on Good Morning America, CNN, Inside Edition, Anderson Cooper Live, the CBS Morning Show, Hannity and Colmes, and all local Arizona news channels, including Univision. David Michael Cantor is widely considered the Best Criminal Attorney in Arizona.
All of the criminal lawyers of DM Cantor have outstanding reputations of integrity and respect as aggressive criminal and DUI lawyers in Arizona. Through this integrity, honesty, professionalism and a highly aggressive spirit, DM Cantor provides the Best Criminal Defense in Arizona, for the most optimum outcome in your case.
Our team of criminal defense lawyers has over 7,000 criminal case victories, including 167 Complete Jury Trial Acquittals – with “Not Guilty” verdicts on All Charges. The DM Cantor Defense Team features 2 Board Certified Criminal Law Specialists per the Arizona Board of Legal Specialization. No Law Firm in Arizona Has More!
Selecting the best criminal attorney is never easy. So many say they are “the Best.” But few present the credentials, experience, reputation, integrity and respect of DM Cantor.
David Michael Cantor has been recognized by many organizations and publications as the best criminal lawyer in Arizona. Some of that recognition includes:
David Michael Cantor and DM Cantor have successfully represented a multitude of celebrities and defendants in high profile attorney cases. Some of those include:
When you hire DM Cantor to represent you to Defend Allegations of Criminal Conduct, or Actual Charges for a crime, we always keep our “Core Purpose” in mind when we represent you: “We are here to help people navigate through the toughest times of their lives.” When we perform our duties as a Criminal Defense Law Firm, we always keep these three principles in mind: (1) do Hard Work, (2) have excellent Trial Skills, and (3) – perhaps the most important of the three – have High Touch Client Service.
When we represent people in the Pre-Indictment/Pre-Charge Investigation Stage of their case, we will immediately bring them in to do a detailed Timeline and Biographical Interview regarding their life, and what allegedly occurred in the incident. All of the meetings will occur in the privacy of our office, and they will be conducted by the DM Cantor Pre-Charge Team. This Team can conduct most of the Investigation work, but sometimes we will use Private Investigators to assist us. We also will look into using a Polygraph Examination, and also potentially Forensic Experts who can analyze any computer devices and phones which may be helpful to the investigation.
If a person is currently charged with a Felony, then we will still begin with a Complete Timeline Interview and Biographical Information Interview. We will then begin putting together a Mitigation Package at the same time as we begin to Defend the case. Any and all Court dates, you will need to be with us at the charged County Superior Courts, or Federal Court, unless we have obtained permission from the Judge to allow you to travel or remain out-of-State/County.
If the Judge does approve our “Motion to Modify Conditions of Release,” then you would be required to sign an Affidavit after each and every Court date avowing that you know of the next Court date and that you will stay in contact with your DM Cantor Defense Team.
Beware: Always seek out a different Law Firm if the one you have chosen assigns Serious Felony Crime cases to a single Legal Associate who may have never conducted a Jury Trial regarding the Criminal Offense Charge they are defending. If you truly want to win your case, then it is absolutely necessary to have at least one Certified Criminal Law Specialist amongst a team of Criminal Defense Attorneys who are assigned to specifically handle your Felony Charges.
DM Cantor always assigns all two partners and Certified Criminal Law Specialists to each and every Pre-Indictment Criminal case that we handle. In addition, DM Cantor always has a Minimum of one Partner and Certified Criminal Law Specialist co-assigned on every, single Charged Major Felony or Sex Crimes Case.
In the link below, you will find information regarding a DUI or Vehicular Crimes Case, a Misdemeanor or Felony Criminal Charge and its Case Progression. This should answer 99% of your questions.
What if I live in another state and I am being accused or charged in Arizona?
If you have been Charged or Indicted for a Felony in any Arizona County Superior Court, then you will be Required to appear at any and all Court Dates. However, we can file a Motion to Modify Conditions of Release after the first one or two Court dates, which will allow you to remain out-of-state, as long as we are Appearing on your behalf. We can then show up to all Pre-Trial Conferences, as long as you sign an Affidavit you are aware of the next Court Date and that you will keep in touch with us.
If you have only been Accused in Arizona, and Not Charged, then you, and are in the Pre-Indictment/Precharge Investigation Stage of your case, and we can conduct all meetings via Zoom or by way of telephone. We will have you create a New Email Account that has the word “Legal” in it, in order to have it secured by way of the Attorney/Client Privilege. Lastly, if we need any Polygraph Examinations, Neuropsychological Evaluations, or anything of that nature, those can be conducted in your home State.
If I am charged, do I have to wear an Ankle Monitor?
Per ARS 13-3967(E)(1), the Judge is Required on certain Felony Charges to impose an Electronic Monitoring Device “where available.” However, we have seen situations where many Judges will not impose this restriction. In addition, if your charge is in an Outlying County (in other words not Maricopa County), then many times they do not have Electronic Monitoring available, and they will not impose this condition. The DM Cantor Felony Criminal Defense Team has been highly successful at having this requirement “Lifted” in various circumstances.
If I am charged, can I be around my Kids or Grandkids who are under 18?
If you have been Accused of Sexual Assault of an Adult (not a minor), then normally restrictions of being around your own Children or Grandchildren, or anyone under 18, will not be imposed. However, if you are charged with a Sexual Crime against a Minor, then these conditions will be imposed, forbidding you to have contact with anyone under the age of 18. We have been very successful in filing Motions to Modify Conditions of Release to allow Defendants to have contact with their own Children or Grandchildren who are under 18 years of age while their case is pending.
If I get charged and you get the Charge Dismissed, can I Seal the Arrest/Court Record?
Most Felony Records can be Sealed, however pursuant to status ARS 13-900, et seq., a person cannot “Set Aside a Judgment of Guilt” (i.e., what qualifies as an “Expungement” in Arizona), if their conviction involves a “Sexual Motivation.” In addition, most Sex Crime convictions cannot have their Record “Sealed” under Arizona law. However, if the charge is Reduced down to an Offense which does not require a finding of Sexual Motivation, and the person is not required to Register as a Sex Offender, then it is possible to get that conviction “Sealed” after five (5) years from the successful Conclusion of Probation.
Does any other Law Firm in Arizona have more Board-Certified Criminal Law Specialists, or Complete Acquittals at Jury Trial wins, than DM Cantor?
DM Cantor has 2 Board-Certified Criminal Law Specialists, No Law Firm in Arizona Has More! We also have the Most “Complete Jury Trial Acquittals, and the Most Dismissal/Reductions for all Criminal Case Types in the State of Arizona. If you read our “Victories” section on our website, you will see we list all of these DUI and criminal case results.
The Defense Team of DM Cantor takes great pride in maintaining extensive knowledge in all areas of forensic science to maintain their position as the best criminal lawyer in Arizona, including:
The Cantor Criminal Defense Team‘s law library is one of the most extensive and rich with research materials in Arizona, including investigation manuals of the:
When searching for the Best Attorney in Arizona for your Criminal Defense needs, you need someone that is able to stand up against tough allegations and return the Best Possible Outcome for your individual case.
You need a Phoenix criminal lawyer who:
For all of these needs, you can only trust the Best Criminal Attorney in Arizona, David Michael Cantor and his team of criminal defense lawyers of DM Cantor.
I will continue to highly recommend this law firm. Everyone at Cantor was exceptional from our initial consultation to the day of our court appearance. The entire process was seamless. They handled all aspects of our case. Caleb demonstrated professionalism and passion for his work. We were reunited with our daughter within two months of our initial consultation. We are eternally grateful.
Christine Whallin is extremely professional and knowledgable. She has high levels of insight to aide and assist clients in any stage of their case. Her level of tenacity and efficientness are second to none. A true rockstar!
Being in the law enforcement community you know who the best attorneys are so when I needed an advocate I went straight to David M. Cantor's office and I could be more happy with the results.
I cannot THANK this law firm enough. They work as a fantastic team and get positive results. They are very professional and work very hard for their clients.. I HIGHLY recommend this law firm to represent you if you need a criminal lawyer to protect your rights as an American citizen.
Christine Whalin provided me with a defense for my DUI case that ultimately lead to a reduction in charges and avoided the nightmare of being charged with a DUI conviction in Arizona.
If you find yourself in legal trouble of any magnitute you have 2 options. 1.Stress about it and take years off your life 2.Retain this law firm to represent you. They are the best at what they do.
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Board Certified in Criminal Law *
State Bar of Arizona
10.0 Superb Rating
Avvo Criminal Defense
AV-Highest Rated Preeminent Lawyers
Martindale-Hubbell
Member
National College for DUI Defense
Top 10 DUI/DWI Law Firm
American Institute of
DUI / DWI Attorneys
Top 100 Trial Lawyers
(Criminal Defense)
American Trial Lawyers Association
Top 100 Lawyer
American Society
of Legal Advocates
Lifetime Member
Best Attorneys of America
Member
American Bar Foundation
Charter Member
Trial Masters
Member
America’s Top 100
Criminal Defense Attorneys
Life Member
Arizona Attorneys for Criminal Justice
2019 Litigator of the Year
(Criminal Law)
American Institute of Trial Lawyers
Top Lawyer 2023
Phoenix Magazine