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Kristopher Ryan Califano
also known as LAW OFFICE OF KRISTOPHER CALIFANO
About Kristopher
Biography
Mr. Califano is dedicated to aggressively protecting the rights of the accused. He is a member of the State Bar of Arizona and is admitted to practice in state and federal court. Mr. Califano has represented nearly one thousand clients and is an experienced trial lawyer.
He has substantial criminal-defense experience and has represented clients charged with crimes ranging from minor traffic offenses to murder.
He has represented several hundred clients charged with DUI and has conducted seminars for other attorneys about DUI laws and trial strategy when defending DUI cases.
Mr. Califano is results oriented. He has obtained multiple felony and misdemeanor dismissals, lenient plea offers, and lenient jury-trial verdicts.
He credits his success to his knowledge of the law, his strong motion practice, jury appeal, work ethic, and firm negotiation tactics. He recognizes that there are two sides to any story, and is committed to strenuously arguing the law and facts for his clients.
Mr. Califano graduated from prestigious Pepperdine University School of Law. He was born and raised in Phoenix and attended Brophy College Preparatory for high school. He obtained a bachelor's degree at the University of Arizona in journalism, where he published stories monitoring the criminal justice system.
He remains committed to the Arizona community and committed to ensuring that law enforcement officials do not violate the rights and freedom of members of his home state.
He is proud to have never worked as a prosecutor and proud to have never taken freedom from another person.
He prides himself on offering the best representation, while keeping his fees low. Mr. Califano will fight for you.
Practice Areas
5
Practice Areas
Fees and Rates
Cost
Payment Methods
- Cash
- Check
- Credit Card
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Chat withLicenses
Licensed in Arizona for 18 years
State: Arizona
Acquired: 2007
No misconduct found
Location
KRISTOPHER CALIFANO
4600 N. 12th St, Phoenix, AZ, 85014
Gilbert Court
55 E. Civic Center Dr., suite 101, Gilbert, AZ, 85296
Chandler Municipal Court
200 E. Chicago St., Chandler, AZ, 85225
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Kristopher Ryan Califano's Reviews
Avvo Review Score
61 Client Reviews
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Practice Areas
What Clients Mention
Case Results (51)
Advocacy (42)
Recommendation (26)
Professionalism (23)
General Knowledge (18)
Practice Area Knowledge (18)
Character & Conduct (17)
Communication Style (16)
Responsiveness (14)
Compassion (13)
Cost of Services (10)
Trustworthiness (8)
Punctuality (5)
Free Consultations (1)
Staff & Support (1)
Showing 1 - 5 of 16 reviews | Communication Style
Posted by anonymous | March 04, 2024 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense
Best Lawyer in Arizona. Period.
After consulting with several lawyers in Arizona, I hired Mr. Califano twice after a false arrest in Arizona. I'm very selective when I hire anyone and from the first time that I spoke to him, I knew he was the right one. He's incredibly patient, respectful, honest and easy to work with. He is a bri...
Posted by Daria | February 14, 2019 | Hired Attorney | DUI & DWI
Best DUI lawyer the the Valley
Does this sound okay.... I was referred to Kris Califano with the promise I was getting one of the best DUI attorneys in the greater Phoenix area. Kris proved to be just that! His attention to detail, as well as his knowledge and expertise in the area of DUIs resulted in what could have been a extre...
Posted by anonymous | November 15, 2018 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense
Great lawyer to have on your side
Got charged with a felony in AZ while living in the east coast. I Contacted Chris and explained my situation. He walked me through the process on what will happen and what the most realistic outcome of my case would be. As this was my first charge ever in my life he assured me that jail time was ver...
Posted by anonymous | December 17, 2017 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense
With you every step of the way.
I needed an attorney for help with a criminal matter and Kris was with me every step of the way. He was able to guide me through the process, represent me professionally, and the resultant dismissal of my case was the outcome that I was looking for. Would definitely recommend!
Posted by anonymous | November 21, 2016 | Hired Attorney | DUI & DWI
Excellent hard working lawyer who fights for you
After consulting with 3 other attorneys regarding my DUI case I chose Mr. Califano. He was up front about the fees, explained the process, and provided options. Other attorneys even praised Mr. Califano stating what a good attorney he was and that they would recommend him. No lawyer can promise you a...
Kristopher Ryan Califano's Lawyer Endorsements
"I endorse Kris without hesitation. He and I have worked together representing several co-defendants and I can personally attest to his excellent legal skills and tireless advocacy on behalf of his clients."
"I endorse this lawyer. I have seen Mr. Califano in court on numerous occasions. He works very hard and gets great results. His experience and knowledge of the local courts serve his clients well."
"Kristopher is a valuable contributor to our community of DUI and criminal defense attorneys. He and I consulted on a matter, and he is clearly an aggressive and thoughtful advocate for his clients."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"Kris is a highly respected, highly skilled attorney. He has a deep breadth of knowledge and works hard. Combined with his experience and intelligence, Kris achieves great results for his clients. I strongly endorse him."
"Kris is truly a fantastic attorney. I have referred a few clients to him and all have come back with glowing reviews of Kris' professionalism and knowledge of criminal law and DUI defense. I would gladly recommend Kris to anyone in need of his services."
"Mr. Califano is a zealous advocate for his clients. Due to his excellent work ethic and passion for his craft, he regularly receives great results for his clients. I would recommend Mr. Califano to anyone needing assistance with any criminal matter."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"Mr. Califano is an exceptional attorney. His knowledge and skill are matched only by his commitment to his clients. I couldn't endorse Mr. Califano more strongly."
"I've known Kris Califano for years. I've watched him in trial and seen him fight tooth and nail in the courtroom. Being a good trial lawyer isn't easy, but Kris makes it look like it. He has the ability to command respect from the Court, from opposing counsel, and from a jury. He fights hard for every client and makes sure their side of the story gets heard. Kris cares about his clients and their cases. If you have a criminal or DUI matter, I highly recommend Kris Califano."
"As a former prosecutor, I worked on many cases with Kristopher as opposing counsel. His commitment and passion were always apparent. He was always professional, yet fought aggressively time and again to achieve remarkable results for his clients. I have no hesitation in offering him my full endorsement."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse Kristopher. He is a highly skilled attorney that is well respected in the legal community."
"In many years of practice in state and federal courts, I have handled hundreds of cases. From time to time, I refer people to a small group of lawyers whom I trust to provide a high level of competent and diligent services. Kris Califano is one of those lawyers in whom I place great trust, especially a DUI case. More importantly, Atty. Califano strives to price his services within a range reasonable for the average person and representative of the complexity of the defense. One meeting with Kris Califano should convince you that he is the lawyer for you."
"I have seen Kris in court on numerous occasions. Each and every time he was well prepared. Kris is professional, courteous and well respected. I am certain any person who chooses Kris to represent them will be well taken care of."
"Mr. Califano is an excellent attorney who has an outstanding reputation in the legal community."
"Mr. Califano is well respected and works hard for his clients."
"I endorse this lawyer. Kris is the go to guy for DUI questions when I am stumped. I hold him in high regard as an advocate for his clients."
"Mr. Califano is an experienced criminal defense attorney with a passion for his work that is evident in the time he devotes to each of his clients and their cases. His personable demeanor makes him easy to work with and results in excellent advocacy. I would have Mr. Califano represent me without question."
"I endorse this lawyer."
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Experience
Honors
2017
Peer Review Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
2017
Preeminent 4.8 out of 5, Martindale-Hubbell
2017
AV, Martindale-Hubbell
2015
Top 100 Trial Lawyers, National Trial Lawyers
2013
2013 Client's Choice, Avvo
2013
Top 40 Lawyers Under 40, American Society of Legal Advocates
2007
Certificate in Alernative Dispute Resolution, Strauss Institute for Alternative Dispute Resolution
2007
Commencement Speaker-Breakast, Pepperdine School of Law
2007
invited member, State Bar of Arizona
Work Experience
2011 - Present
Principal, Law Office of Kristopher Califano, PLLC.
2011 - 2013
Associate - Contract Attorney, City of Phoenix Public Defender
2007 - 2011
Associate, Maricopa County Public Defender
2005 - 2005
intern, Justice (United Kingdom)
2005 - 2006
intern, Maricopa County Public Defender
2003 - 2004
Crime Reporter, Tucson Weekly
Associations
2012 - Present
Phoenix Art MuseumPhoenix Mens Art Council
2012 - Present
Federal District Court (AZ)Member
2009 - Present
Arizona Attorneys for Criminal JusticeMember
2007 - Present
State Bar of ArizonaMember
2007 - Present
State Bar of Arizona, Young Lawyers DivisionMember
2011 - 2012
AZ DUI TEAMAttorney Member
Brophy Mock Trial
Attorney Coach
Sample of Legal Cases
Super Extreme Charge
super extreme and the extreme charge dismissed
Super Extreme Charge Dismissed
On trial date, super extreme charge dismissed. Extreme Charge pled to.
Case Dismissed
Extreme DUI dismissed at trial
Rape/Sex Assault/ Kidnapping Charge
Dismissal of all charges. Client freed.
State v. J.P.
Dismissal of DUI
State v. A.B. Extreme DUI
Dismissal
State v. J.N. DUI
Dismissal
State v. E.P. Misdemeanor Theft
Dismissal
State v. M.H. DUI .096
Reckless Driving Citation
State v. J.S. DUI .136
Reckless Driving Citation
State v. L.M. Felony Trafficking Stolen Goods
Dismissal
State v. Z.H. Felony DUI
Not Guilty on Felony Charges
State v. V.P. Felony Criminal Damage
Dismissal
State v. J.J. Felony DUI
Not Guilty on Felony Charges
State v. B.M. Felony DUI
Dismissal
Education
2009
Maricopa County Advanced Trial College
Certificate
2008
Maricopa County Trial College
Certificate
2007
Pepperdine University School of Law
JD - Juris Doctor
2007
Pepperdine University School of Law
Certificate - Alternative Dspiute Resolution
2003
Universityof Arizona
BA - Bachelor of Arts
N/A
Brophy College Prep.
N/A
City of Phoenix
Certificate-Criminal Law Practice Strategies
Speaking Engagements
2016
Arizona Public Defender Association
Representing Innocent: Set asides, Civil Suits, Clearing Records
2013
CLE Phoenix Muni Public Defender
DUI Sentences
2013
Arizona Public Defender Association
DUI and 2013 Legislative Changes
2012
ASU XXVI DUI SPEED SEMINAR
Notice Issues in Felony DUI Cases
2011
New RCC Attorney Training
Assessing Aggravated DUI Cases
2011
Arizona Public Defender Association
Felony DUI Remand Motions
Publications
2016
Arizona DUI and MVD
DUI
2003
Tucson Weekly
Police Dispatch
2002
Tucson: University of Arizona Press
Police Beat
Languages
English
Activity
Legal Answers
Legal Guides
Legal Answers
Q&A
What is a complex capital case mean in arizona? The person is also a minor ?
15 Jan 2018
Q&A
What will happen to my drivers license if i plead guilty to DUI
10 Nov 2016
Q&A
In AZ, if you get a ticket for running a red light do you have to pay the fine and go to defensive survival traffic school?
07 Oct 2016