Christine Whalin

Managing Partner / Criminal Law Practice

EDUCATION

South Texas College of Law
- Juris Doctorate – 2006
Northern Arizona University
- Bachelor of Science in Business Administration – 1999

BAR ADMISSION

Arizona – 2006
United States District Court, District of Arizona

HONORS AND AWARDS

Board Certified Criminal Law Specialist – Arizona Board of Legal Specialization
AV Rated, Martindale-Hubbell peer review
Top 100 Lawyers in Arizona, Arizona Business Journal – 2019, 2022, 2023, 2024 & 2025
Top 100 Trial Lawyer by The National Trial Lawyers – 2021
Best 100 Lawyers in America given by National Child Abuse Defense & Resource Center (NCADRC)
Finalist for Lawyer of the Year at the Excellence in Law Awards – 2025
Continuing Board Member for Breakthrough T1D

PROFESSIONAL ASSOCIATIONS AND MEMBERSHIPS

National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
State Bar of Arizona, Criminal Law Section
Chair – MCBA Criminal Section (2021 – Present)
National Child Abuse Defense & Resource Center™ – Member (2026)
State Bar Advancement & Improvement Committee – Member (2025)
Ethics Advisory Committee – Attorney Member (2022 – 2024)
Appointed to be on Arizona’s Attorney Ethics Advisory Committee – (2022 – 2024)
Ladder Down
Arizona Women Lawyers Association
Speaker, State Bar of Arizona CLE – Ethics in the 21^st Century
Ladder Down, Class of 2017
Master of the Bench, Arizona Thurgood Marshall Inn of Court

ADDITIONAL MENTIONS

Extensive Trial Experience
Member Alpha Delta Pi

Christine Whalin

Managing Partner / Criminal Law Practice

Christine Whalin was born and raised in Arizona. After high school, she attended Northern Arizona University, where she earned her undergraduate degree. Upon graduating from law school, she passed the Arizona Bar Exam and was admitted to practice in 2006, immediately dedicating her career to defending those accused of crimes.

Christine joined DM Cantor in 2010 and was elevated to partner in 2018, the same year she achieved the prestigious distinction of Board Certification in Criminal Law through the State Bar of Arizona Board of Legal Specialization. She is one of only twelve female attorneys in the entire state of Arizona to hold this elite certification.

With nearly two decades of focused criminal defense experience, Christine is a battle-tested trial attorney who handles the full spectrum of criminal cases, including serious felonies and misdemeanors in both state and federal court, school discipline matters, and Title IX litigation. She is particularly skilled in high-stakes cases involving sexual misconduct, sexual assault, and other grave “life-in-prison” allegations, as well as pre-charge investigations that she frequently succeeds in having closed without charges being filed.

Her Representative Successes Include:

Securing acquittals after numerous jury trials on charges such as Sexual Conduct with a Minor, Aggravated Assault with a Deadly Weapon, Child Molestation, Public Sexual Indecency, and Burglary.
Achieving strong results in major vehicular crimes including Hit and Run, Aggravated DUI, and Manslaughter.
Obtaining favorable outcomes in Drug Possession, Sale, and Transportation cases.
Successfully representing clients in complex white-collar and financial investigations involving Fraudulent Schemes, Theft, Money Laundering, Conspiracy, Embezzlement, and Gambling violations.
Securing non-prison resolutions in Homicide and Aggravated Assault cases through mental health defenses and Guilty Except Insane dispositions.
Delivering effective advocacy in Domestic Violence matters involving Assault, Kidnapping, Disorderly Conduct, and Criminal Damage.

Client Review

“Her level of research and drive enabled her to run circles around the prosecutor. Extremely intelligent. I hope to God I never need an attorney again, but if I do…im calling her.”

– Avvo Review

EDUCATION

South Texas College of Law
- Juris Doctorate – 2006
Northern Arizona University
- Bachelor of Science in Business Administration – 1999

BAR ADMISSION

Arizona – 2006
United States District Court, District of Arizona

HONORS AND AWARDS

Board Certified Criminal Law Specialist – Arizona Board of Legal Specialization
AV Rated, Martindale-Hubbell peer review
Top 100 Lawyers in Arizona, Arizona Business Journal – 2019, 2022, 2023, 2024 & 2025
Top 100 Trial Lawyer by The National Trial Lawyers – 2021
Best 100 Lawyers in America given by National Child Abuse Defense & Resource Center (NCADRC)
Finalist for Lawyer of the Year at the Excellence in Law Awards – 2025
Continuing Board Member for Breakthrough T1D

PROFESSIONAL ASSOCIATIONS AND MEMBERSHIPS

National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
State Bar of Arizona, Criminal Law Section
Chair – MCBA Criminal Section (2021 – Present)
National Child Abuse Defense & Resource Center™ – Member (2026)
State Bar Advancement & Improvement Committee – Member (2025)
Ethics Advisory Committee – Attorney Member (2022 – 2024)
Appointed to be on Arizona’s Attorney Ethics Advisory Committee – (2022 – 2024)
Ladder Down
Arizona Women Lawyers Association
Speaker, State Bar of Arizona CLE – Ethics in the 21^st Century
Ladder Down, Class of 2017
Master of the Bench, Arizona Thurgood Marshall Inn of Court

ADDITIONAL MENTIONS

Extensive Trial Experience
Member Alpha Delta Pi

      EXCELLENT  
   Based on 391 reviews 
    
 
 
 
   
 
 
       Posted on Google  
   
   matt harrell 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Jason Karpel at DM assigned his team of David Campbell and Leah Dodd, which did an amazing job, being very attentive and making themselves available anytime we needed a conversation. This team worked out everything I needed and highly recommend this firm for anything !!! Thank you DM Cantor Team !
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Paul Zellner 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Great lawyers!!!
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Seb 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. The legal team at DM Cantor is absolutely phenomenal. They helped me win my case and made me feel at home throughout the whole process. I am extremely grateful I chose DM Cantor for legal help, and I cannot recommend them enough!
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Adam Flood 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Fantastic office, clean, and amazing artwork. Plus final boss sour!
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Kevin McDermott 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I worked with Nick Boca and Robyn McCraw. I felt I was in the best of hands from the beginning. They were clear and upfront at all times with their communication and instruction. Any divorce is a difficult time, and Nick and Robyn understand that. Their compassion for my situation and professionalism in how they handled my case stood out the most. I would highly recommend their services to anyone going through a difficult divorce.

KM
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Peggy 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Cantor Law Group came as a recommendation from a family friend, and I am so grateful that this led me to speak with Nicholas Boca. Nik represented me in a complicated divorce which detailed a substantial claim of waste that spanned my 25-year marriage. He was very straightforward and honest and worked purposefully on my behalf at all times. He was empathetic to my situation and found ways to navigate difficult challenges unique to my case. Perhaps most importantly, he understood the importance of bringing closure to my situation and did his best to avoid unnecessary legal expenses. His methods to find resolution required wisdom and experienced practice of law.

My heartfelt gratitude also extends to Robyn and Amanda. This was a team effort. Amanda’s knowledge of law, Robyn’s organizational skills and instinctive nature were invaluable. My “team” at Cantor Law Group cared. My case mattered, I mattered, my family mattered.  From the front desk to the billing department, everyone handled my inquiries and needs without delay. Each person I interacted with seemed to know me personally and I felt reassured they were all working together to achieve the best possible outcome.

Cantor Law Group has an excellent reputation amongst the experts. It was extremely reassuring knowing that the work ethic and professionalism of Cantor Law Group is respected by both the experts and the court.

I would HIGHLY recommend Cantor Law group.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Ayoub Abouri 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Met with Jason for a consultation. He was very honest and upfront. I appreciate the advice and information. I’m very happy I came in and even though I did not hire them I highly recommend them.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Mike LaForest 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. All the attorneys are exceptional and they all work collaboratively on your case. While I worked closely with David, the other attorney's where always up to date and provided unparalleled guidance. Bottom line, they are a cut above and they deliver. You get what you pay for. If it matters, talk to DM Cantor.