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David Michael Cantor
also known as David Cantor, DM Cantor
Virtual Consultation Available
About David
Biography
David Michael Cantor has handled many high profile cases which have been covered by the local and national news media. He has been interviewed and has appeared on Good Morning America, CNN, Inside Edition, the CBS Morning Show, Hannitty and Combs, and every local news channel including Univision. In addition, his cases have been covered by CNN, MSNBC, and even Howard Stern.
About David Michael Cantor:
- Certified Criminal Law Specialist since 1999 – per the Arizona Board of Legal Specialization
- Listed in the Bar Register of Preeminent Lawyers® – Criminal Trial Section
- Voted Top 100 Trial Lawyer by the American Trial Lawyers Association® 2007, 2011, 2012 & 2013.
- The only Arizona Lawyer listed in the 2007 Southwest Super Lawyers® publication for Criminal Defense: DUI/DWI
- Former City of Phoenix Assistant Prosecutor
- Instructed the Fourth Annual DUI Conference for Judges
- Former Trial Instructor at the Phoenix Police Academy
- Former Instructor at the Arizona MVD Hearing Office Teaching Administrative Law Judges
- Member of the National College for DUI Defense at Harvard Law School
- Member of the Assoc. of Trial Lawyers of America; Criminal Law Section National Exec. Committee Member (1999 – 2000)
- Member of the Arizona Trial Lawyers Association
- Member of the Maricopa County Bar Association
- Member of the American Bar Association
- Life Member National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
- Life Member Arizona Attorneys for Criminal Justice
Some of David Michael Cantor’s high profile cases include the Michael Gherman Wal-Mart double capital murder trial; the complete acquittal of Valinda Jo Elliott (the woman who became lost in the forest and set a signal fire which ultimately became the Rodeo-Chediski fire – burning more than five hundred thousand (500,000) acres and four hundred and forty (440) homes); the complete acquittal of Richard Simmons (who was accused of slapping a rather large “cage fighter” who was taunting him at the Sky Harbor Airport); and most recently the complete acquittal of Sgt. Patrick Haab (an off-duty Army Reservist who took seven (7) illegal immigrants into custody at gunpoint because they had charged at him from the desert , at night, near a local highway rest stop).
The David Michael Cantor Defense Team takes pride in being knowledgeable in all areas of forensic sciences. This includes DNA technology; Latent Fingerprint technology; Ballistics; Drug Recognition technology; Serology and Bodily Fluids testing; Blood, Breath and Urine Alcohol testing methods; Gas Chromatography and Infra-Red Mass-Spectrometry. In addition, the Cantor Criminal Defense Team has an extensive law library with research materials regarding FBI, Department of Public Safety, State and Local Police investigation manuals.
WE PRIDE OURSELVES IN KNOWING MORE THAN THE PROSECUTION AND POLICE OFFICERS!
If there is any defense to a criminal allegation (either factual or technical), the David Michael Cantor Defense Team will find it and utilize it to your benefit. The Cantor Defense Team, along with the numerous expert witnesses at their disposal, can give you your best chance at a complete acquittal or reduction of the charges. For a free initial consultation, call us at, or click here to contact us now.
The David Michael Cantor Defense Team is BEYOND AGGRESSIVE!!!
DM Cantor is a very well respected criminal defense firm in Phoenix, AZ. Our offices speciallizes in DUI defense, drug possession or use, sex crimes defense, white collar crimes, and other violent crimes.
3 Certified Criminal Law Specialists, 5,000+ Case Victories & over 150+ Not Guilty Jury Trial Acquittals!
3 Certified Criminal Law Specialists, 5,000+ Case Victories & over 150+ Not Guilty Jury Trial Acquittals!
3 Certified Criminal Law Specialists, 5,000+ Case Victories & over 150+ Not Guilty Jury Trial Acquittals!
3 Certified Criminal Law Specialists, 5,000+ Case Victories & over 150+ Not Guilty Jury Trial Acquittals!
3 Certified Criminal Law Specialists, 5,000+ Case Victories & over 150+ Not Guilty Jury Trial Acquittals!
3 Certified Criminal Law Specialists, 5,000+ Case Victories & over 150+ Not Guilty Jury Trial Acquittals!
Practice Areas
5
Practice Areas
Criminal Defense
35%
37 years | 4,100 cases
DUI and DWI
20%
37 years | 3,200 cases
Violent Crime
20%
37 years | 2,000 cases
White Collar Crime
20%
37 years | 200 cases
Fees and Rates
Licenses
Licensed in Arizona for 36 years
State: Arizona
Acquired: 1989
No misconduct found
Location
Gallery
Online Presence
Other places you can find David online.
David Michael Cantor's Reviews
Showing 1 - 5 of 23 client reviews from Avvo
Posted by Peter | August 21, 2020 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Life saver.
I thought my life was over before I spoke with David. My mind was racing reading possible penalties online then I found David's firm and called in for help. I met with David and went over my case and he explained everything on what to do and how his firm can help. My attorey Christine was great wi...
Posted by Viktor | March 19, 2020 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
The Best!
Recently I had a great fortune to be represented legally by DM Cantor. Every aspect of my case was handled with the highest degree of professionalism, efficiency and honor. From the first appointment until the last, I was treated as if my case was their personal case. David Cantor offers great value...
Posted by Jon | May 24, 2018 | Consulted Attorney
This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.
Extremely Helpful!!
I've recommended Christine Whalin to several of my friends. She has been extremely helpful in letting them understand the process and pin pointing issues with their stops. They were able to get the last one completely dismissed!! I definitely recommend this firm!
Posted by Sean | November 18, 2016 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Thank you David!
Got into a little trouble on Mill Avenue and needed an attorney to help me out. I went to yelp and searched for defense attorneys to help me out with my small case. I called quite a few attorneys that I found but always talked to the receptionist that said an attorney will call me back shortly. After...
David Cantor
Replied last November 18, 2019Thank you for sharing your great experience!
Posted by Isaac | April 18, 2016 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Very grateful!
I was arrested and charged with some very serious assault charges, and looking at really a horrible situation. Jonathan Hupp is my attorney, and he worked extremely hard to get me a really good deal that will allow my case to become a misdemeanor after probation. Jonathan always promptly answered any...
David Michael Cantor's Lawyer Endorsements
"David is an absolute legend when it comes to criminal defense. Watching him work - and getting to work for him - has been an honor and a privilege."
"I have known David for the last twenty years and I have been a part of his firm for the last 5 years. David is a fierce advocate for his clients. He brings his decades of experience and trial skill to each case he handles and supervises. I have seen David in two recent trials and many other courtroom and criminal defense settings. David brings passion, skill and innovative thinking to every case he is involved in. David is relentless in pursuing the constitutional protections of our clients and I am proud to be on our team."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"Mr. Cantor is one of the most intelligent lawyers I have ever met. David is a Certified Criminal Law Specialist. His knowledge of the law is second to none. He is honest, ethical, exceptionally skilled and dedicated. His office and staff are world class. David's clients benefit from his tireless work ethic, substantial trial experience, aggressiveness and impressive legal knowledge. I would highly recommend David and his law firm to anyone in need of a criminal defense attorney."
"I have had the pleasure of working for David in private practice for several years. David is a Certified Criminal Law Specialist who is passionate and diligent in his representation of all of his clients. I would highly recommend him and his team of attorneys to anyone in need of a criminal defense attorney."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer. David Cantor is probably one of the best, if not the best, criminal defense lawyers in the state. If my own liberty was at stake, I would call David Cantor."
"I know Mr. Cantor to be an exceptionally skilled, professional and ethical attorney. David's clients benefit from his tireless work ethic, substantial trial experience and impressive legal knowledge."
"Mr. Cantor is an exceptional attorney. He is very knowledgable on the law and its most recent nuances. I have personally observed him in court many times and know that he obtains excellent results for his clients."
"Attorney Cantor exemplifies the very best attributes of an active attorney and displays a high level of professionalism, confidence and skill we should all aspire to. Honesty, dedication and a love of the law, which means. giving back to others who lack our understanding of the law and a benefit from our inherent desire to provide solutions to problems. The thousands years of combined legal experience of professionals activity participating in this forum represent some of the very best of our profession, which is after all, at its base is desire to help those in need. This Attorney’s experience and knowledge, I believe, demonstrates that there is a desire to provide accurate advice and obtain appropriate results for clients. Most importantly, this Attorney is willing to help complete strangers (as is the case in this forum) with their legal problems for which we collectively provide useful information, thereby demystifying the legal process as much as possible. I would recommend"
"Mr. Cantor is a great lawyer in Maricopa County. He has tons of experience and knowledge. His clients are lucky to have him!"
"I endorse this lawyer. Attorney Cantor is an outstanding attorney with an exceptional reputation. He is a strong and zealous advocate for his clients and a credit to the legal profession. I highly endorse him."
Joey Hamby
DUI and DWI lawyer
Aaron Crane
Car accident lawyer
William Klain
Litigation lawyer
Ezra Clark
Employment and labor lawyer
Experience
Honors
2025
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2024
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2023
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2022
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2021
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2020
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2019
Top Criminal Defense, Southwest Super Lawyers
2019
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2014
Top 100 Criminal Defense Lawyer, American Society of Legal Advocates®
2013
Top 100 Trial Lawyers in America, American Trial Lawyers Association
2012
Top 100 Trial Lawyers in America, American Trial Lawyers Association
2011
Top 100 Trial Lawyers in America, American Trial Lawyers Association
2007
Top 100 Trial Lawyers in America, American Trial Lawyers Association
2007
Criminal Defense: DUI/DWI, Southwest Super Lawyers
2007
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2000
Criminal Trial Section, Bar Register of Preeminent Lawyers
Work Experience
1989 - Present
Attorney, DM Cantor
Associations
1999 - Present
Arizona Attorneys for Criminal JusticeMember
1989 - Present
National Association of Criminal Defense LawyersMember
1989 - Present
National College of DUI DefenseGeneral Member
1989 - Present
Maricopa County Bar AssociationMember
1989 - Present
American Bar AssociationMember
Sample of Legal Cases
State v. Ms. L.
Not Guilty / Complete Acquittal (at Jury Trial)
State V. Mr. S.
Not Guilty / Complete Acquittal (at Jury Trial)
State V. Mr. J.
Not Guilty / Complete Acquittal (at Jury Trial)
State v. Mr. D.
Not Guilty / Complete Acquittal (at Jury Trial)
State v. Randall
Dismissed (At Jury Trial)
State v. Mr. J.
Not Guilty / Complete Acquittal (at Jury Trial)
U.S. v. Mr. J.
Not Guilty / Complete Acquittal (at Jury Trial)
State v. Mr. W.
Not Guilty / Complete Acquittal (at Jury Trial)
State v. Mr. S.
Not Guilty / Complete Acquittal (at Jury Trial)
State v. Mr. G.
Not Guilty / Complete Acquittal (at Jury Trial)
State v. Mr. C.
Not Guilty / Complete Acquittal (at Jury Trial)
State v. Mr. B.
Not Guilty / Complete Acquittal (at Jury Trial)
State v. Mr. W.
Not Guilty / Complete Acquittal (at Jury Trial)
State v. Mr. W.
Not Guilty / Complete Acquittal (at Jury Trial)
State v. Mr. P.
Not Guilty / Complete Acquittal (at Jury Trial)
State v. Mr. R.
Not Guilty / Complete Acquittal (at Jury Trial)
State v. Mr. G.
Not Guilty / Complete Acquittal (at Jury Trial)
Education
1988
University of Arizona College of Law
LAW
1986
Arizona State University
BA - Bachelor of Arts
1986
Arizona State University
BA - Bachelor of Arts
Speaking Engagements
2017
Ethics Issues for the 21st Century Lawyer
Legal Ethics Regarding Online Advertising
2010
National Child Abuse Defense and Resource Center Conference
Child Abuse Defense
Publications
2013
Criminal Law and Defense Blog
Arizona DUI Defense: No Reasonable Suspicion to Stop
2013
Criminal Law and Defense Blog
Denial of Right to Counsel – Arizona DUI Defenses
2013
Criminal Law and Defense Blog
Third Offense Felony Aggravated DUI Penalties in Arizona
2013
Criminal Law and Defense Blog
First Offense Extreme DUI Misdemeanor Penalties in Arizona
2013
Criminal Law and Defense Blog
Statute of Limitations for Felony DUI in Arizona
2013
Criminal Law and Defense Blog
DUI Defense: No Actual Physical Control
Languages
English
Activity
Legal Answers
Legal Guides
Legal Answers
Q&A
Is there anyway to avoid getting an interlock on your car after a DUI that was received in 2008?
20 May 2015
Q&A
I was arrested for an extreme dui. I take Adderall daily for my ADD (20 mg 3 times daily) How will this effect my case?
12 Jun 2013
Q&A
What does unsupervised probation with compliance monitoring normally consist of?
15 Jan 2013
Legal Guides
Legal Guide
A.R.S. §4-244 (34) - Underage Drink and Drive in Arizona
01 Aug 2014
Legal Guide
Aggravated DUI Arizona: ARS 28-1383 Penalties and Punishments
24 Jul 2014
Legal Guide
Solicitation of Prostitution in Phoenix
22 Jul 2014