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Cindy Castillo
also known as Castillo Law, PLLC, Board Certified Criminal Defense Attorney
About Cindy
Biography
Cindy Castillo is a board certified criminal law specialist by the State Bar of Arizona. She has litigated criminal matters ranging from misdemeanors to felonies including first degree murder, manslaughter and complex designated cases, throughout Arizona. She has represented clients in juvenile court, misdemeanor and superior courts, federal court, forfeiture proceedings, administrative board hearings, MVD hearings, Rule 11 competency hearings, Simpson hearings and appellate courts. She has successfully represented numerous professionals governed by licensing authorities that include board members of publicly traded entities, doctors, dentists, psychologists, chiropractors, nurses, realtors, appraisers, airline pilots, commercial truck drivers, actors as well as professional athletes in criminal matters.
She has handled well over 1000 criminal cases, of which over 100 were tried to a jury. Of those cases, she has had numerous trial victories including driving under the influence (DUI); extreme DUI; DUI Drugs, minor driving under the influence; reckless driving; assaults; aggravated assaults; resisting arrest, shoplifting; trespass; false reporting to law enforcement; possession, sale, and transportation of dangerous drugs, marijuana, and narcotics; drive by shooting; assisting a criminal syndicate; misconduct involving weaons; and vehicular manslaughter. She has successfully negotiated hundreds of lesser included offenses on behalf of her clients and obtained mitigated sentences through the use of mitigation experts, mitigation videos, and psychological and medical experts. She has also argued motions and obtained dismissals on behalf of her clients for a wide range of constitutional violations that include the Fourth, Fifth and Sixth Amendments. Finally, she has had a wide range of appellate success including dismissals of lower court rulings and a remand for a new hearing in a Special Action with the Court of Appeals.
Practice Areas
4
Practice Areas
Criminal Defense
30%
22 years
Sex Crime
30%
19 years
DUI and DWI
20%
22 years
Violent Crime
20%
20 years
Fees and Rates
Cost
Payment Methods
- Cash
- Check
- Credit Card
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Chat withLicenses
Licensed in Arizona for 22 years
State: Arizona
Acquired: 2004
No misconduct found
Location
Castillo Law, PLLC
2025 N. 3rd Street, Suite B150, Phoenix, AZ, 85004
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Cindy Castillo's Reviews
Avvo Review Score
78 Client Reviews
Filter Avvo Reviews (78)
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Practice Areas
What Clients Mention
Case Results (47)
Advocacy (39)
Recommendation (35)
Professionalism (26)
Communication Style (22)
Compassion (16)
Responsiveness (16)
Practice Area Knowledge (14)
General Knowledge (11)
Trustworthiness (11)
Staff & Support (10)
Character & Conduct (8)
Cost of Services (6)
Punctuality (3)
Free Consultations (1)
Showing 1 - 5 of 22 reviews | Communication Style
Posted by anonymous | March 10, 2026 | Hired Attorney
Criminal Attorneys that care.
Cindy helped my significant other through a very difficult criminal case, and we are extremely thankful. They were professional, patient, and took the time to explain everything clearly. The fact that they spoke Spanish made a big difference because it allowed us to understand the legal process with...
Posted by Mike | July 07, 2025 | Hired Attorney | Lawsuits & Disputes
Cindy Castillo Excellent representation
From the first consultation through the final court appearance both Cara Dames and Cindy Castillo exhibited exceptional professionalism and legal expertise and, most importantly, a genuine interest and compassion for my case. Time was always taken to explain the judicial process steps. Never did eith...
Posted by Sky | October 15, 2024
Great lawyer
From start to finish, Cindy was incredible, fighting for me every step of the way.. her exceptional support and clear explanations made all the difference. Without her, I wouldn't have achieved the great outcome I did. I'm confident that I'll turn to her again in the future, and I've already wholehe...
Posted by anonymous | April 16, 2023 | Car Accidents
Best Lawyer to Call!
I was in an early morning car accident with a Sheriff and didn't know what to do. I called Cindy at about 2:30am and she immediately answered the phone. She provided me comfort in my moment of severe stress and confusion along with clear guidance on how to handle my situation with the police. I do...
Posted by anonymous | February 22, 2021 | Lawsuits & Disputes
Great Person
Cindy Castillo is a great defense lawyer. She is not just in it for the money, she genuinely cares for her clients and does her absolute best throughout the entire process. Very insightful and helpful towards me and my case. She is always on time, reliable, and will pick up a phone call from her clie...
Cindy Castillo's Lawyer Endorsements
"I endorse this lawyer. Cindy is an excellent criminal defense lawyer. She is skilled prepared and takes the time to investigate her cases. She is professional and cares about her clients."
"I endorse this lawyer. Cindy is a dedicated attorney who strives to get the best outcome for her clients."
"I had the pleasure of working alongside Cindy for several years at a private law firm. She is professional, hard-working, and always determined to achieve the best possible outcome for her clients."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"Cindy is an impressive criminal and DWI attorney, and has an excellent online reputation. If you think you can use her service give her a call and see what she can do for you."
"I endorse this lawyer. Cindy is by far the one of the most knowledgable DUI and criminal defense lawyers in Arizona. She is the only person you need to talk to."
"I have worked with Ms. Castillo on multiple criminal trials. She is an excellent attorney and advocate. Cindy has the experience and horsepower to make positive things happen in criminal cases and I fully endorse her."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"Ms. Castillo and I often litigated on opposite sides of the courtroom. Not only is she ethical and hard-working for her client, she gained my respect by being both easy to work with and formidable with both winning and losing battles. As a former prosecutor and currently an Immigration Attorney in California (licensed to practice law in Arizona, but not in California), I have dealt with a range of defense attorneys, prosecutors, judges and pro per Defendants. I believe Ms. Castillo would be a fine choice for any type of criminal or immigration issues."
"I endorse this lawyer. Cindy is a great attorney and fights vigorously for the rights of her clients, I have seen her in action and she is awesome!"
"I endorse this lawyer."
"Cindy Castillo is an excellent attorney. She has great litigation skills. I strongly endorse Cindy, any client would be fortunate to have her on their side."
"Ms. Castillo is an excellent trial attorney who delivers high quality representation for her clients. She has years of experience defending clients in both felony and misdemeanor cases. Ms. Castillo is a highly ethical attorney and can be trusted to fight for her client's rights."
"I endorse this lawyer. Cindy is extremely knowledgeable and always puts her clients first."
"Ms. Castillo has statewide experience in representing clients in criminal matters. She is knowledgeable and very effective. She is fluent in Spanish and English. She is a strong and effective advocate."
"Cindy has a quality that is sorely lacking with many attorneys. She takes excellent care of her clients. She really listens and takes the time to explain everything clearly. She always responds quickly when her clients have questions. She just always goes above and beyond and her clients love her for it."
"I have known Cindy for years and can say without reservation that she is as sharp as she comes, and if I were in a jam, she's who I would call."
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Experience
Honors
2021
The National Trial Lawyers Top 100, The National Trial Lawyers
2020
AV Preeminent Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
2016
Board Certified Criminal Law Specialist, State Bar of Arizona
2015
A Plus Rating, Better Business Bureau
2014
Client's Choice Award, AVVO
2014
Top Contributor, AVVO
2013
Clients Choice Award, AVVO
2012
Clients Choice Award, AVVO
2005
Certificate of Appreciation, CPLC
2003
Order of Barristers, National Order of Barristers
2003
Pro Bono Distinction, Arizona State University College of Law
2001
Armstrong Award, ASU
2001
Finalist, Berch Appellate Argument Competition
2001
Scholarship, Fennemore Craig Minority Scholarship
2001
Interview Champion, ASU Moot Court
1999
Alumni Scholarship, UNCG
1995
Honorable Discharge, United States Air Force Reserve
Work Experience
2010 - 2013
Attorney, Law Offices Of David Michael Cantor
2005 - 2010
Attorney, Hock Law Group (a/k/a Phillips & Associates)
2004 - 2005
Attorney, The Slepian Law Office
2003 - 2004
Law Clerk, The Slepian Law Office
2002 - 2003
Law Clerk, Alex Harris PC
2002 - 2003
Rule 38 Attorney, Public Defender's Office
2002 - 2002
Legal Extern, Arizona Attorney General's Office
2001 - 2002
Law Clerk, Koudelka & Richardson
1997 - 1999
Legal Assistant, Womble Carlyle Sandridge & Rice
Associations
2021 - Present
The National Trial Lawyers Top 100Member
2016 - Present
Horace Rumpole American Inn of CourtMember
2015 - Present
Better Business BureauMember
2014 - Present
Maricopa County Bar AssociationMember
2010 - Present
National Association of Criminal Defense LawyersMember
2005 - Present
Federal District Court (Arizona)Member
2004 - Present
State Bar of ArizonaMember
2003 - Present
Order of BarristersMember
2005 - 2006
Sertoma ClubMember
2004 - 2006
Sandra Day O'Connor Inn of CourtMember
2003 - 2005
Los Abogados Hispanic Bar AssociationMember
2002 - 2003
ASU Executive Moot Court BoardChair
2001 - 2002
ASU Executive Moot Court BoardMember
Sample of Legal Cases
In Re G
Severance denied and case plan changed to reunification
State v. RF
RF was acquitted of the aggravated assault and the lesser included offense of disorderly conduct with a deadly weapon. RF was only found guilty of the least serious assault, a class 1 misdemeanor.
State v. FM, http://www.superiorcourt.maricopa.gov/docket/CriminalCourtCases/caseInfo.asp?caseNumber=CR2013-422200
Not Guilty on Resist Arrest and Dismissal of ID Charge
State v. JM, http://www.superiorcourt.maricopa.gov/docket/CriminalCourtCases/caseInfo.asp?caseNumber=CR2013-424885
Not Guilty All Counts
State v. JU, TR2013-065177
Judgment of acquittal on extreme count
State v. SM
2 Counts Not Guilty and 1 Count Conviction Reversed by Appeals Court
State v. ED
Not Guilty and Other Charge Dismissed
http://www.courtminutes.maricopa.gov/docs/Lower%20Court/042013/m5741483.pdf
Conviction Reversed and Remanded
State v. MS (2012)
Acquitted on DUI charges
State v. GJ
Not Guilty
State v. CS (2011)
Case dismissed after Judge found statements involuntary and precluded evidence. State appealed but Court of appeals affirmed trial court.
State v. EE (2011)
Acquitted on criminal DUI charges
Education
2023
The Power of One More
2023
APDA
Certificate
2022
NACDL Zealous Advocacy in Sexual Assault & Child Victim Cases
Certificate
2022
Never Split the Difference
2021
State Bar of Arizona: Online Sex Offense: What Every Attorney Should Know
Certificate
2021
State Bar of Arizona: Psychosexual Evaluations: What Every Attorney Should Know
Certificate
2021
NACDL: Mental Illness & The Law: Addressing and Litigating Behavioral Health Disorders in Criminal Cases
Certificate
2021
NACDL: 2021 Defending Sex Cases Conference
Certificate
2020
NACDL 11th Annual Defending Sex Cases Seminar
Certificate
2019
Nacdl: Defending Sexual Assaults and Child Victims Cases
Certificate
2019
On The Jury Trial by Thomas M. Melsheimer and Judge Craig Smith
2018
NACDL Zealous Advocacy in Sexual Assault & Child Victims Cases
Certificate
2018
Scalia Speaks, Reflections on Law, Faith, and Life Well Lived
2018
The Essential Little Book of Great Lawyering — James A Durham
2018
The Art of Trial Warfare — Michael S. Waddington
2018
Win Your Case — Gerry Spence
2017
NACDL
Certificate
2017
The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People — Stephen R. Covey
2017
NACDL
Zealous Advocacy in Sexual Assault & Child Victim Cases
2016
NACDL
Certificate
2015
NACDL
Legal Certificate
2015
State Bar of Arizona
Legal Certificate
2014
2014 Arizona College of Trial Advocacy
Certificate
2014
APDA 12th Annual Statewide Conference
Certificate
2013
APDA: 11th Annual Statewide Conference
Certificate
2013
NACDL - 17th Annual DWI Means Defend with Ingenuity
Certificate
2012
NACDL - Getting the Not Guilty Vote
Certificate
2011
NACDL - Defending with Ingenuity - Winning at Every Level
Certificate
2010
NACDL - Communicating your way to an Acquittal
Certificate
2010
Eighth Annual APDA Statewide Conference
Certificate
2009
Seventh Annual APDA Statewide Conference
Certificate
2008
Understanding the Inner Workings of the MVD
Certificate
2008
Sixth Annual APDA Statewide Conference
Certificate
2007
Fifth Annual APDA Statewide Conference
Certificate
2003
Arizona State University
JD - Juris Doctor
1999
University of North Carolina, Greensboro
Bachelor of Arts
1999
University of North Carolina, Greensboro
Bachelor of Arts
Speaking Engagements
2014
APDA 12th Annual Statewide Conference
Opening Statements
2013
11th Annual APDA Statewide Conference
Communicating Effectively and Accurately with Spanish Speaking Clients for Attorneys and Support Staff
Publications
2014
ABA Blawg Journal
Castillo Law Blog
2013
CastilloLawPhoenix.Com
Shopping for an Attorney
2013
You Tube Video
What to do if you have a suspended license
2013
Languages
English
Spanish
Activity
Legal Answers
Legal Guides
Legal Answers
Q&A
How do I go about petitioning the courts to travel to mexico for the holidays while on standard probation?
03 Dec 2019
Q&A
Charged with petty theft, am I able to ask for a diversion program after my arraignment?
15 Oct 2019
Q&A
How do i explain my situation to my probation officer in a way he would be understanding of my current situation
22 Jan 2016