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Aaron J Reed
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About Aaron
Biography
Aaron J. Reed is a proven trial lawyer who delivers outstanding results with top-level client service. He devotes 100% of his practice to criminal defense, advocating for people who cannot defend themselves—a commitment he embraced even before becoming a licensed attorney. Because criminal defense has always been his passion, Aaron approaches every case with focus, urgency, and strategy. He has earned numerous outright jury trial acquittals in major felony matters, including first-degree premeditated murder, felony-murder, kidnapping, aggravated assault, sexual assault, sexual conduct with a minor, indecent exposure involving a minor, and serious drug offenses such as sale or transportation of narcotic drugs and felony possession. Aaron is also known for exceptional communication and responsiveness, ensuring clients are never left in the dark. He promptly returns calls, texts, and emails, including after hours, weekends, and even holidays—an approach that sets him apart. In addition, Aaron is a frequent legal commentator on major news networks, including Court TV, Law & Crime Network, LiveNOW Fox, Newsmax, and Phoenix-area outlets. Recognized repeatedly, he has been named a Super Lawyers Rising Star (2018–2025), a National Trial Lawyers Top 100 Trial Attorney, and an Avvo Client’s Choice recipient (2017–2025).
The criminal defense process is intimidating, daunting and should not be faced alone. Communication from your attorney is critical. At Cates & Reed, we provide the best legal representation while maintaining the highest level of customer service. Your case matters to us, and we will fight for you.
All litigators are lawyers, but not all lawyers are litigators. There are no substitutes or shortcuts for trial experience. At Cates & Reed, we treat all cases like trial cases because that is what's required to provide the best service to our clients.
Defending violent crimes comes down to the small details and forcing the state to prove their case. Aaron has won numerous jury trials involving violent crimes and has the knowledge to defend you.
Practice Areas
5
Practice Areas
Criminal Defense
20%
10 years | 1,000 cases
DUI and DWI
20%
10 years
Domestic Violence
20%
10 years
Federal Crime
20%
10 years
Fees and Rates
Cost
Payment Methods
- Cash
- Check
- Credit Card
Awards
2025 2024 2023
...
+
6
2018 2017
Licenses
Licensed in Arizona for 9 years
State: Arizona
Acquired: 2016
No misconduct found
Location
Cates & Reed, PLLC
(480) 757-2402
Mobile
7310 N. 16th Street, Suite 330A, Phoenix, AZ, 85020
catesandreed.comGallery
Online Presence
Other places you can find Aaron online.
Aaron J Reed's Reviews
Avvo Review Score
79 Client Reviews
Filter Avvo Reviews (79)
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Practice Areas
What Clients Mention
Case Results (57)
Advocacy (42)
Recommendation (33)
Professionalism (24)
Responsiveness (21)
Communication Style (19)
Character & Conduct (16)
Compassion (13)
General Knowledge (11)
Trustworthiness (11)
Punctuality (6)
Staff & Support (5)
Practice Area Knowledge (3)
Payment Plans (2)
Cost of Services (1)
Free Consultations (1)
Showing 1 - 2 of 2 reviews | Gun Law
Posted by Geneva | January 24, 2019 | Hired Attorney | Gun Law
State of Arizona vs my Son
I Geneva hired Aaron to defend my son when was falsely accused by the state of Arizona on a Gun charge. Day 1 of hiring Aaron he was on top of everything. He did a excellent on staying on top of the DA. And collecting all of the evidence. He will always stay in contact with me letting me know what w...
Posted by Nick | March 01, 2018 | Hired Attorney | Gun Law
Felony Restoration of Rights
Mr. Reed was prompt in replying to all phone calls and emails. When all was said and done i was granted a set aside judgement and my gun rights thanks to Mr. Reed. I was recommended to this law firm by several friends and I have also done the same for others.
Aaron J Reed's Lawyer Endorsements
"Mr. Aaron Reed is a role model and a mentor. I consider him to be an exceptional lawyer. Mr. Reed's results speak for themselves. From misdemeanors to felonies, Aaron has achieved stellar results time and time again, including not guilty verdicts in complex felony cases and outright dismissals. More importantly, Aaron is selfless, relentless, and genuinely cares not only for his clients, but for his colleagues. If I was facing serious charges, Aaron Reed would be my first and ONLY phone call."
"Attorney Aaron Reed is a whip-sharp legal advocate whose commitment to his clients is unmatched. His analytical precision, courtroom presence, and unwavering dedication set him apart as both a strategist and a defender of justice. Aaron approaches every case with exceptional insight and tireless preparation, ensuring that each client receives the strongest possible representation. His integrity and passion for advocacy make him an invaluable asset to the legal community and to every client he serves. I endorse him fully."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I have sent numerous clients to Mr. Reed and they have nothing but great things to say about him. He cares about his clients. Highly recommended."
"Mr. Reed is truly a sincere individual. He's compassionate, and an excellent and diligent attorney, who has a thorough understanding of the law. He has a solid work ethic and is definitely someone you would want in your corner. I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer. Aaron is a great attorney who has a thorough understanding of the law. I have seen his passion for defending his clients, as well as his successful results. If a friend or family member were charged with a crime, I would absolutely trust Aaron to handle their defense."
"I endorse this lawyer. Aaron is an incredible lawyer with the ability to not only provide an aggressive defense for all of his clients, he is also empathetic to all of his clients needs, questions, and concerns."
"Mr. Reed is not only an outstanding lawyer, but also a truly sincere individual. When he tells you that he is taking on your case, you know that you are in great hands. He is well versed in his knowledge. He takes time to make sure that the client understands each and every aspect of what is going on throughout the process. He is a great colleague and an even better friend. I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer. I have know Aaron since law school. He fights hard for his clients and strives for dissmissals. He also has a deep understanding of the law. I would not hesitate to recommend Mr. Reed."
"Aaron is a hard-working attorney who is dedicated to achieving his client's goals. I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"Aaron is a very hardworking, responsive, and knowledgeable attorney. You want him in your corner."
"I endorse this lawyer because he spends countless hours not only taking care of his clients and his checkbook, but maintaining his professional image and online presence. Being tech savvy and dedicated to the practice are rare and invaluable qualities in an attorney like Mr. Reed."
"I endorse this lawyer. Aaron is a very diligent and knowledgeable lawyer that carries himself beyond his years. If you need a solid attorney with a great work ethic, Aaron is the attorney to call."
"Aaron Reed is an up and coming attorney who takes his practice to the next level. He cares deeply for the outcome of his clients and fights for them with great vigor. If charged with a DUI or felony, this is the attorney you want representing you to help get you off."
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Experience
Honors
2026
AV Preeminent 5.0 out of 5 Peer Review Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
2025
Rising Star, SuperLawyers
2025
Top 100 Trial Lawyers, National Trial Lawyers
2024
Rising Star, Super Lawyers Magazine
2024
Top 40 Under 40, National Trial Lawyers
2024
Top Lawyers, Phoenix Magazine
2023
Rising Star, Super Lawyers Magazine
2023
Top 40 Under 40, National Trial Lawyers
2022
Rising Star, Super Lawyers Magazine
2021
Rising Star, Super Lawyers Magazine
2020
Rising Star, Super Lawyers Magazine
2020
Top 40 Under 40, National Trial Lawyers
2019
Rising Star, Super Lawyers Magazine
2019
Top 40 Under 40, National Trial Lawyers
2012
Tom Weisner Award, UNLV Football
Work Experience
2022 - Present
Partner, DwaneCates.Com, PLLC
2018 - 2022
Senior Associate Attorney, Ryan Garvey Attorneys, PLC
2017 - 2018
Associate, The Baker Law Firm, LLC
2016 - 2017
Independent Contractor, Kenneth S. Countryman, P.C.
2016 - 2017
Law Clerk/Office Manager, Kenneth S. Countryman, P.C.
2015 - 2015
Extern, Maricopa County Public Defender's Office
2014 - 2014
Judicial Extern, Maricopa County Superior Court
Associations
2016 - Present
State Bar of ArizonaMember
2013 - Present
Maricopa County Bar AssociationMember
Sample of Legal Cases
State v. Perez-Arzola
Complete Dismissal of all charges
State v. Karpilvoskiy
Complete acquittal on all charges after jury trial
State v. Randal
Case Dismissed in full.
State v. Valenzuela
Case Dismissed in Full
State v. Villanueva
Complete acquittal on all charges after jury trial
State v. Reid-Hall
Plead to Lesser Charge
United States v. Oliver
Plead to Lesser Charge
State v. Lingao
Complete acquittal on all charges after jury trial.
United States v. Skinner
Plead to Lesser Charge
State v. Burey
Complete Jury Trial Acquittal
State v. Klein
Plead to lesser charge. No DUI
State v. Cochran
Plead to lesser charge. No DUI
State v. Johnson
Plead to lesser charge. No DUI
State v. Guss
Dismissal of all Charges
Education
2015
Arizona Summit Law School
JD - Juris Doctor
2012
University of Nevada-Las Vegas
BS - Bachelor of Science
Speaking Engagements
2023
Newsmax National Report
Pledge of Alliegance
2023
Newsmax National Report
Donald Trump Indictment
2023
CourtTV
Best Friend Murder Trial
Languages
English
Activity
Legal Answers
Legal Guides
Top Contributor
Aaron earned significant contribution points in 2018.
Legal Answers
Q&A
What is "nunc pro tunc" broken down in English terms?
09 Feb 2024
Q&A
I got pulled over for a speeding ticket going 67 in 45 and it’s my second one but I completed traffic school what will happen?
10 Feb 2024
Q&A
What does release for questionair mean in a court doccet?
12 Feb 2024