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Kathleen N Carey

DUI and DWI Attorney at Chandler, AZ

5.0   49 reviews

also known as Kathleen N. Carey Law Offices, PLC

  • Licensed for 24 years
    State AZ
    Acquired 1999
    Status
    Active No misconduct found

We have not found any instances of professional misconduct for this lawyer.

About Kathleen

Learn Kathleen’s areas of practice.

2
Practice areas
  1. DUI and DWI
    70%
    Western Regional Delegate Director for the National College of DUI Defense. License DMV Suspensions, MVD Issues, Suspension by Conviction, Repeat Offender Programs, Ignition Interlock Devices, Vehicular Manslaughter, Vehicular Homicide.

    23 years

  2. Criminal defense
    30%
    Over half of my practice is related to DUI and/or vehicular crimes. The remaining is devoted to criminal defense, misdemeanor and/or felony representation. A portion of my practice that is focused on Tribal, State and/or Federal Affairs.

    23 years

Ms. Carey is the principal and owner of the firm that focuses all of her practice in all Criminal Defense matters with an emphasis in the area of DUI defense with the remaining part of her practice on MVD and/or regulatory hearings/defense. She has been practicing DUI defense since 1997, starting as a student in law school with her first case presented in Tempe, Arizona. Ms. Carey previously worked in the Mesa (SEF) office of the Maricopa County Public Defender where she was assigned primarily felony Criminal cases but began being the one attorney in the office to be assigned to DUI cases and/or vehicular crimes in the her trial group. She was then transferred to represent the Maricopa County Public Defender's Office as the first full-time dedicated Lobbyist as that offices' Relations Coordinator, in the country at the state and federal legislatures until she left the office in 2005. Ms. Carey was the private criminal defense Legislative Liason from 2005 to approximately 2008, for the Arizona Attorneys for Criminal Justice (the local affiliate for the national organization - NACDL). She received her J.D. from Arizona State University as a Willard H. Pedrick Scholar (1999) where she participated in the Public Defender's Clinic focusing on DUI Defense.

Ms. Carey is a Licensed Attorney in the State of Arizona and a member of the Arizona State Bar Association. She is or has been a member of several professional organizations including the National College of DUI Defense (Current Arizona State Delegate 2012 to Present), Arizona Public Defender Association (legislative and Parity Committees), Arizona Attorneys for Criminal Justice (Legislative and DUI Committees and the statewide Derendal Task Force to preserve the inviolate right to jury trials in Arizona submitting the Amicus Brief on behalf of the Maricopa County Public Defender); and has been a member of the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (State Legislative Network Member) and the American Bar Association. After successfully obtaining a statutory amendment to expand the Committee to include a statewide indigent defense representative, Ms. Carey became the first APDA appointee by the House Speaker to the Arizona Sex Offender Guidelines Committee. She assisted the National Foundation of Women Legislators as a Host Committee member for the 2005 National Conference held in Phoenix, Arizona. She has been certified (admitted) to practice before the Pascua Yaqui Tribal Court.

She is trained in the administration of Field Sobriety Testing; the administration of Drug Recognition Evaluations (September 2011) and on instruments being used to test for alcohol and drugs by the Crime Labs in Arizona (July 2012). Ms. Carey is also a graduate of the Gerry Spence Trial College (July 2010 Warrior), Speak Like Leader Trained (Summer 2009) and has frequently presented at DUI and MVD seminars primarily focused at educating attorneys, prosecutors, law enforcement, legislators and the judiciary on Defense of DUI's, MVD and DUI laws and/or the collateral consequences of DUI convictions.

Ms. Carey has an extensive history of community involvement participating on committees, Teen Court and Courthouse Experience Tour Programs, neighborhood watch and legislative action committees. She has frequently been sought by private, legal, criminal justice and defender organizations at a state and national level as a speaker, panelist, and/or participant as faculty for the purpose of educating others, discussing legislative bills, updates, trends, unfunded mandates, collateral consequences and the disenfranchised with an emphasis on restoration of rights, sentencing reform and the need for private citizens and state and national defense bars to become active in legislative affairs and government relations. Ms. Carey has frequently testified before legislative committees at the Arizona State Legislature and has worked with federal legislators on criminal justice issues. Ms. Carey assisted Senator Durbin (D – Illinois) with drafting federal legislation to assist public defenders and prosecutors with student loan forgiveness in an effort to address retention and recruiting shortfalls. She has made numerous visits to schools and/or parks and recreation programs to educate youth on the consequences of illegal behavior with an emphasis on the dangers of underage drinking, driving under the influence and drug abuse

Contact Kathleen

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Kathleen Carey
90 S. Kyrene Road
Suite 1
Chandler, AZ, 85226
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Reviews

5.0 / 5.0
  49 customer reviews
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Posted by Jorge | July 19, 2022
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Kathleen Saved me
I had a terrible lawyer. Mike Leal who just tried to take my money. I accidentally met Kathleen On the worst day of my life. She fought for me like no one else ever had. Had all my charges dropped and was an absolute professional and an amazing person. I can't thank her enough.
Posted by James | June 22, 2022
This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.
| Consulted Attorney
Not only an experienced lawyer, but also an incredible person
I would highly recommend Kathleen Carey to anyone seeking DUI / DWI, or Criminal defense attorney. Kathleen is knowledgeable, well-informed, and up-to-date with every law involved in her practice. All the questions or concerns I had regarding my case were cleared up with the information provided in her answers and how straightforward she was with the possible outcomes. After consulting with Kathleen, I am confident there is nobody better to hire than her.
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Posted by anonymous | May 25, 2022
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
5 STARS
She was always on top of court dates, making sure I was in the loop about what was going on with my case. She was the best and I appreciate all her help
Posted by anonymous | May 24, 2022
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
11 years after my case, Kathleen is still the first person I call when I need advice/answers I can trust
I hired Kathleen for my DUI case back in 2011. From the very beginning she was always up front and honest with me about the details of my case; she didn't sugarcoat things and she went out of her way to make sure I understood what was happening, the good, bad, and the ugly (She calls this her DUI 101). Most important for me was open communication, and I quickly learned that, that was one thing I never had to worry about with Kathleen; whether text, call, or email- she was always reachable. in fact, I have consulted with her on several DUI issues that have come up through the years, not only does she still answer, she still remembers my name and my case details! My case was somewhat complicated, but long story short, I had 5 charges against me, one of which was an extreme DUI. Kathleen got 4 of those charges completely dismissed and the extreme DUI was lessened to a DUI to the slightest degree. This was by far one of the scariest and most confusing times in my life, but Kathleen was there every step of the way and made it much less stressful!
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Posted by Nathan | January 20, 2022
This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.
| Consulted Attorney
Highly recommend
Kathleen has been amazing! Unknowingly I received a warrant for something that occurred over 5 years ago. I attended court in an attempt to resolve the issue. The judge suggested I see if the defense attorney next door would be willing to help me with a motion to squash the warrant. This is where I met Kathleen. She went out of her way to help me. She wasn’t even assigned to my case. I was told that they’re discrepancies with my case and I shouldn’t just plead guilty to get it over with. Kathleen directed me in how to take the proper steps to defend my rights, helped me with a defense attorney and even provided them with all the information. I believe Kathleen is an amazing person and an even better lawyer. I am forever grateful! Thank you Kathleen.
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Posted by anonymous | September 7, 2021
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Thanks for the great service and professionalism
I had a minor legal issue more than 15 years ago while visiting Arizona and Kathleen was a great help at the time. More impressive was that last week she contacted me to let me know my record could now be expunged due to changes in the law! It's amazing that Kathleen tracks opportunities for clients after such a long time. Thank you!
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Posted by anonymous | May 24, 2021
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Thank you so much!
Kathleen is amazing and really knows the law and all the do's and don'ts after your in a run in with the law.
Posted by anonymous | May 13, 2021
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Best lawyer to represent you
Kathleen is simply the best, she went above and beyond representing me in court. She used her skills and experience to dismiss my case and waive my fees owed to the state. She was very helpful, honest, and assuring throughout the process. Don’t look any further if you are looking for a lawyer to represent you.
Posted by F: | May 3, 2021
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Thank you so much Kathleen!
Kathleen used her vast experience in DUI law (especially in the East Valley) to get me a very favorable plea deal, considering my dire situation. She always explained to me what was being required of me and even was able to give me help with the resources I needed to complete all the requirements. Through the pandemic, which made things even more unpredictable, she was able to get me through this very difficult situation in my life, once again- Thanks Kathleen!
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Posted by anonymous | April 5, 2021
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
An Extraordinary Attorney Worthy of the Highest Possible Recommendation
Years ago, I contacted Kathleen for representation on a DUI case. She was extremely responsive, efficient, and thorough, even prior to hiring. Upon hiring, she swiftly and professionally navigated my case securing the best possible outcome in my circumstances. This was undoubtedly the most difficult time in my life and I am deeply grateful for Kathleen’s keen ability to communicate clearly with me and the necessary legal entities and see the case through. If that weren’t enough, she has graciously remained available for occasional questions that have surfaced throughout the years and has provided reliable guidance in how to continue moving forward. While I truly wish no one had to experience the personal and professional repercussions of a DUI, I cannot recommend Kathleen as your legal representation for such a thing more highly. She has brought peace of mind, professionalism, and closure to this experience for me and is highly informed on how to represent you in your individual circumstances most effectively. I’d give her 10 stars if I could!
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Posted by anonymous | September 4, 2020
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Amazing Attorney
I hired Kathleen Carey last year based on the recommendation of a friend.  Kathleen has gone the extra mile for me from the beginning.  She explained every detail of my case and was always available if I had any questions.  Although my case took longer than anticipated due to Covid, Kathleen stayed committed and used her expertise to get the charge dropped.  Kathleen is a great attorney who is extremely knowledgeable and never gives up.
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Posted by Joseph | August 3, 2020
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
AMAZING!!!
Cathleen is very skilled at what she does. She got them to completely dismiss my DUI charges. I would highly recommend her to anybody with a DUI charge.
Posted by Mikayla | May 22, 2020
This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.
| Consulted Attorney
The Best Lawyer
Helped me the best that she could with my case, Kathleen was super kind. As it being my first time ever being in court and for something so serious she really did all she could& was really caring& helpful!! I definitely would recommend her 1,000 times & I wouldn’t change it.
Posted by Heidi | February 5, 2020
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
The Best!!
I received my first DUI ever in the state of Arizona. Arizona really nails you to the wall on a DUI compared to other states. I have to say I deserved it and am grateful I didn't hurt anyone or myself. In experiencing one of the biggest fears of my life, I hired Kathleen as my lawyer. She is amazing. She walked me through the process and stayed on top of everything the entire way. I felt comfortable with her and she helped to calm my fears. She did not make me feel like a loser or just another client of hers. I felt that she had my back the whole way. Even after my sentencing, she has been available to answer questions, and I really appreciate her. I would recommend Kathleen to anyone!!
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Posted by anonymous | October 15, 2019
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
MVD Suspension
Kathleen did a great job with my appeal process and explained to MVD in detail on why they shouldn't extend the suspension period and was successful on keeping my original dates in place. Highly recommend her and will use her if any other issues come up.
Posted by Jerome | August 14, 2019
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Someone To Represent You To The Highest Degree
I had my share of lawyers in the past. On my DUI case I decided to research lawyers and came across Kathleen Carey. From the very first time I spoke to her on the phone I knew she was the one to represent me in my DUI case. Kathleen was very knowledgeable. She treated me has a person and not just has a client. Kathleen always was there for any question I needed answered. She is very direct and honest about your case. I had a very difficult case and Kathleen fought for me all the way with great results. I would recommend Kathleen to anyone needing a lawyer to represent them in these type of situations. Kathleen is a great lawyer.
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Posted by vermillion | April 3, 2019
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Vermillion Litchey
There's NO WAY a lawyer would be so kind & human, as Kathleen Carey ! She is honest & Real ... I was scared to death, about facing my DUI ... Kathleen made me feel like a real person ! She fought for me all the way ! THANK YOU GOD ! FOR KATHLEEN CAREY !
Posted by anonymous | February 1, 2019
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Out of state resident and not sure which lawyer to go with?
You won't regret choosing Kathleen. She has a straightforward communication style that allowed me to quickly understand what I was up against in Ariizona (both with the court and AZDOT) and with my home state DMV (which is extremely important to understand!). It was clear she had my best interests in mind every step of the way and provided the extra support I needed from across the country to resolve a difficult (and embarrassing) situation to achieve the best possible outcome. You can count on her responsiveness to all questions, conducting all necessary court and AZDOT interactions, and continuous follow-up to ensure all critical steps are taken. It's difficult to sort through all the lawyers and their recommendations on this website from afar when facing a DUI charge. Trust me - you'll find yourself writing a similar review if you go with Kathleen.
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Posted by anonymous | December 14, 2018
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
What an Attorney !!!!!
I was very lucky to have had Kathleen represent me during my Super Extreme DUI case. She was extremely informative, and caring. She told me everything that would be happening prior to going in front of the Judge. She worked with the prosecution and got me a really great plea deal considering what I was being charged with. She was able to get extensions for my case when I needed more time. She even prepared and encouraged me to begin doing some of the things that she knew I would be sentenced to , prior to my being sentenced . I would highly recommend Kathleen Carey to anyone in need of a lawyer. You will be thankful you chose her and her expertise to represent her. Thank you so very much Kathleen !!! I hope I never need you again, but if I do, you are the only lawyer I would ever want to work with.
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Posted by Marcella | September 12, 2018
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
This is the Lawyer you want fighting for you
I have worked with different lawyers through out my time and I have never experienced anyone like Kathleen Carey. She worked really hard to get the best plea deal for me, and I was very happy with my plea deal. She was very informative through out this whole ordeal, she explained to me everything that was happening at every court date I had and if I didnt understand she made sure I knew exactly what was being asked of me. Its been a year and a half and she is still providing me service, even though she doesnt have to, she informed me that she is more than happy to. I would highly suggest that you hire this lawyer because she is one out ten lawyers who actually cares about your well being. Trust me, I cant say this about most of the lawyers I had before, but this one is the winner.
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Contact for Details

Resume

AVVO RATING 9.8 (Superb)

Work Experience

  • Solo Managing Attorney
  • Kathleen N. Carey Law Offices, PLC
  • 2005 - Present
  • Assistant Public Defender and Legislative Liason
  • Maricopa County Office of the Public Defender
  • 2000 - 2005

Education

  • Arizona State University
  • JD - Juris Doctor
  • 1999

Associations

  • National College of DUI Defense
  • Arizona State Delegate
  • 2011 - Present
  • Trial Lawyers College Graduate
  • 2010 Warrior Graduate
  • 2010 - Present
  • National College of DUI Defense
  • Member
  • 2004 - Present
  • Arizona Public Defender Association
  • Member
  • 2003 - Present
  • Arizona Attorneys for Criminal Justice
  • Legislative Committee
  • 2003 - Present
View all associations

Honors and Awards

  • Pedrick Scholar
  • Arizona State Law School
  • N/A

Speaking Engagements

  • Sixteenth Annual Public Defender Statewide Conference
  • Driver License/MVD Law for Public Defenders
  • 2018
  • Driving on a Suspended License; How to Best Help Clients; View from Three Different Proseptives
  • Motor Vehicle/Driver License Law
  • 2018
  • Eleventh Annual Arizona Public Defender Association Conference
  • MVD Law for Public Defenders
  • 2013
  • Tenth Annual Public Defender Association Conference
  • Ethics Jeopardy Panel
  • 2012
  • Strategies In Defending DWI/DUI Cases
  • Practice Tips, Motions for DUI Defense
  • 2012
  • ASU XXI DUI Seminar
  • New Laws and Practicing MVD Law
  • 2012
  • Annual CLE Seminar
  • Ethics Panel
  • 2012
  • Strategies In Defending DWI/DUI Cases
  • DUI Practice, Motions and MVD Consequences
  • 2011
  • DUI Practice
  • DUI Practice Motions, Tips and Collateral Consequences
  • 2011
  • US Department of Justice Post Conviction Conviction: DNA Case Management Symposium
  • Arizona State Criminal Defense Attorney State Delegate
  • 2009
  • Strategies In Defending DWI/DUI Cases
  • DUI Practice and MVD Strategies
  • 2009
  • Strategies In Defendant DWI/DUI Cases
  • Legislative Updates and Tips and Techniques
  • 2008
  • Twentieth Annual Seminar On Aggressive Defense Of The Accused Impaired Driver
  • The Legislature: Our Last Hope?
  • 2007
  • The Eighteenth Annual Seminar On Aggressive Defense of the Accused Impaired Driver
  • Fighting The New Assaults On Our Remaining Liberties - Legislative Updates and Lobbying Trends
  • 2005
  • National Legislative Network
  • Lobbying for Public Firms
  • 2005
  • The Seventeenth Annual Seminar On Aggressive Defense of the Accused Impaired Driver
  • New Defenses Against The State's Weapons Of Mass Deception - Legislative Enactments and Trends
  • 2004
  • Sercond Annual Public Defender Association Conference
  • Legislative and Session Law Updates
  • 2004
  • The Sixteenth Annual Seminar On Aggresive Defense Of The Accused Impaired Driver
  • Blood Draws And Other Assaults By The Police
  • 2003
  • ASU DUI Seminar XIV
  • Legislative Session Review and Law Update
  • 2003
  • 2003 Legislative Update and Review
  • Legislative Session Review and Laws
  • 2002
View all speaking engagements

Attorney endorsements

Received (13)
Given (16)
Endorse Kathleen
Criminal defense Attorney | Sep 16
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I have seen Kathleen in action on numerous occasions. She is caring, knowledgable and not afraid to do what needs to be done to ensure an excellent outcome for her clients."
DUI and DWI Attorney | Mar 05
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"Attorney Carey is an extremely dedicated and tenacious trial attorney. She uses her reputation, knowledge and experience on a daily basis to fight for those who are accused of a crime. She is very ethical and trustworthy. She is a wonderful person as well."
Criminal defense Attorney | Sep 25
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"Kathleen is extremely knowledgeable and is willing to share her knowledge with fellow lawyers in the community. Anytime I have a question regarding a complicated legal issue, I can count on Kathleen to provide an answer. She goes above and beyond for her clients and is not afraid to take on police officers and prosecutors."
Criminal defense Attorney | Jan 10
Relationship: Worked together on matter
"I endorse Kathleen Carey. Ms. Carey is undeniably one of the best defense attorneys in town. She is one of the most passionate attorneys I know. She fights tirelessly against any injustice she comes across. Ms. Carey is well known in the defense community as an expert in MVD matters. She is a lawyer you can trust."
Unknown Attorney | Dec 07
Relationship: Other
"I endorse this lawyer."
DUI and DWI Attorney | Sep 06
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer. Ms. Carey is one of the most knowledgible DUI attorneys I know. She knows a lot about the working of MVD and all the courts. She is compassionate and knowledgible. Anyone facing a DUI charge would be well advised to hire Ms. Carey"
Criminal defense Attorney | Feb 23
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"Kathleen Carey fights for every inch. She cares about her clients and works hard."
Unknown Attorney | Dec 20
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer."
DUI and DWI Attorney | Mar 10
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I strongly endorse this DUI Defense lawyer and her excellent lawyer work. There is not a harder working, current DUI Defense Attorney in the entire state of Arizona. Ms. Carey is extremely resourceful and 100% dedicated to being the Right Lawyer for those accused of DUI or Drunk Driving in the Phoenix area. I am honored to be a colleague. Ms. Carey helps the entire State Defense Bar on a daily basis."
Criminal defense Attorney | Mar 10
Relationship: Worked together on matter
"I endorse this lawyer. I have worked on numerous matters with Ms. Carey and have referred many clients to her over the years. She is very knowledgeable about DUI and other criminal matters. Ms. Carey is very aggressive and thorough on her cases and fights hard to get her clients excellent results."
DUI and DWI Attorney | Mar 10
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I knew of Kathleen Carey from her wonderful reputation with the National College for DUI Defense. I was glad to meet her in Tuscon some years ago when she was leading the charge to shut down the breath machines there. Her reputation in the community is unsurpassed. I highly recommend Kathleen for her knowledge of sciece, the law, and her moxy at taking on the power of the government."
DUI and DWI Attorney | Jan 29
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"Kathleen Carey cut her teeth fighting for clients as a public defender. That means she was not able to pick and choose her clients or her cases. By handling the VERY tough cases than indigent clients often present, Kathleen learned the law, learned the "system" and learned how to evaluate a case for her clients in private practice. She has a heart of gold, and a tough outer "shell" that can repel anyone who attacks her clients in a courtroom. Why look further for a skilled fighter?"
DUI and DWI Attorney | Jan 11
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I am familiar with Kathleen's work through membership in the National College of DUI Defense. Her posts to the College listserve evidence a strong knowledge and understanding of DUI defense work."
View more endorsements
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