Eleanor L. Miller

I have been practicing criminal defense law in Arizona for approximately 40 years. From 1985 until August, 2012, I was a certified criminal law specialist.  It was my choice not to re-apply for certification, for a variety of reasons, not the least of which was that after all these years, if I don't know what I'm doing, being "certified" isn't going to change that.   

My practice is almost exclusively in state superior courts and some lower level courts (city, justice of the peace).  It also consists of considerable experience in appeals and post-conviction relief (called "Rule 32s" in Arizona).

After practicing in my home state of New York for several years, my husband and I returned to Arizona, where we'd both attended law school (in Tucson).  Initially, I clerked for the now deceased Justice Jack D.H. Hays of the Arizona Supreme Court.  That was followed by a stint as a staff attorney for that court, under the tutelage of the Hon. Sarah Grant, then the Chief Staff Attorney and now a retired Court of Appeals judge.  These experiences made me a better trial lawyer and a much better appellate lawyer.

When I went into private practice, I worked for John J. Flynn, one of the attorneys responsible for the Miranda v. Arizona decision. Unfortunately, I did not work for John for long when he had a massive heart attack and died.  I finished up some of the work he'd left, then went to work for another distinguished criminal defense attorney in Phoenix, Thomas A. Thinnes (deceased).  After approximately eight years with Tom, I went out on my own.  However, I learned a great deal from Tom, who was a good friend and superior mentor. 

I have had many mentors among some of the senior attorneys here in Arizona (although I am one myself now).  Among the many were Craig Mehrens, Jordan Green, Tom Karas (deceased)  and Phil Goldstein (deceased).  All of them taught me a great deal about being a good and honest lawyer. 

My job, as a criminal defense lawyer, is seeing to it that the state and all its agents "play" fairly, and that they honor the Constitutions of the United States and Arizona by seeing to it that justice is done in each individual case.  In doing that, I not only help my clients, but all citizens.  Once the state plays unfairly, it will not stop with just one person, but will extend to anyone brought into the criminal justice system.

Both my children are grown and on their own.  For entertainment, I have  been a season ticket holder with the WNBA team here in Phoenix (the Mercury) for 15 years.  I have also become an avid fan of women's NCAA basketball, and watch as much as I am able in between everything else I do.  It is great fun to watch the young women in the NCAA grow and mature for four years, then often go on to play for teams in the WNBA.  Title IX was not available to my generation, but it has made all the difference in the world to these young ladies.

If you or someone you love is in trouble with the law, please do not hesitate to call me for a free one hour consultation.  We will decide together if I am the right attorney for your needs.  If I am not the right attorney for you, I will refer you to others that might better supply counsel for your particular case. 

I do not handle DUIs, for they are a sub-specialty which requires a keen knowledge of the laws and how frequently they change.  I also will not handle a homicide where the state is asking for the death penalty.  I am adamantly opposed to the death penaly, and will not assist the state in its endeavor to kill its citizens.  Beyond those two areas, I am ready, willing and able to assist you in your quest for justice within the system. 

Eleanor L. Miller