Joshua Austin

Criminal Defense Attorney

EDUCATION

Arizona State University – 2009
- Bachelor of Arts Science
  - Economics, Summa Cum Laude

Pepperdine University, Caruso School of Law – 2012
- Juris Doctorate
  - Criminal Law Certificate
  - Masters in Dispute Resolution

BAR ADMISSION

Arizona – 2012
U.S Judge Advocate General (JAG) Corps. – 2012
- United States Court of Appeals for the Armed Forces
- Air Force Court of Criminal Appeals

HONORS AND AWARDS

Air Force Commendation Medal
Army Commendation Medal
NATO (ISAF) Medal
National Defense Service Medal
Afghanistan Campaign Medal with one bronze service star
Air Force Expeditionary Service Ribbon with gold border
Meritorious Unit Award
Air Force Outstanding Unit Award
Air University Distinguished Graduate
Commissioned Officer Training Male Athletic Award
2013 WSA Company Grade Officer (CGO) of the Quarter, 3d Quarter

PROFESSIONAL ASSOCIATIONS AND MEMBERSHIPS

State Bar of Arizona, Criminal Law Section
Maricopa County Bar Association, Criminal Law Section
National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
Major, United States Air Force

ADDITIONAL MENTIONS

Extensive Trial Experience
Former Assistant City Prosecutor, City of Scottsdale

Josh Austin is a Phoenix native with deep ties to his community. After graduating summa cum laude with a degree in Economics from Arizona State University’s W.P. Carey School of Business, Josh went on to earn his Juris Doctor, Criminal Law Certificate, and a Master’s in Dispute Resolution from Pepperdine University’s top-ranked Straus Institute for Dispute Resolution.

While in law school, Josh externed with the Judge Advocate General (JAG) Corps, and upon graduation, he joined the United States Air Force as an active-duty JAG. His first assignment took him to Kadena Air Force Base in Okinawa, Japan, where he served as a prosecutor. In this high-tempo environment, Josh tried numerous cases involving sexual assault, drug crimes, and more. He then deployed to Afghanistan, where he mentored Afghan prosecutors and judges in a centralized terrorism court, playing a key role in closing U.S.-controlled detainee operations.

Following his deployment, Josh was hand-selected as a Defense Counsel for the Western U.S. Region, successfully defending military personnel in a wide range of criminal cases, including sexual assault, wrongful drug use, and child pornography.

After transitioning to the Air Force Reserves, Josh brought his skills to the City of Scottsdale Prosecutor’s Office. There, he managed cases involving DUIs, domestic violence, theft, and other criminal offenses, and served as the lead prosecutor for Scottsdale’s Veterans and Community Courts. With over 50 jury trials and hundreds of bench trials under his belt, Josh has consistently demonstrated his courtroom prowess.

In addition to his prosecutorial work, Josh also served as an Appellate Counsel and Disability Counsel for the Air Force, advocating for veterans to ensure they receive the compensation and support they deserve for their service-related injuries and illnesses, including mental health challenges.

Outside of the courtroom, Josh is passionate about Arizona sports, enjoys golfing, hiking, and working out, and loves to travel with his wife and three sons. They share their home with a dog, fish, and a mouse.