Michael A Harwin

PRO

Michael A Harwin

4.9
Rating: 10.0

Licensed for 31 years

DUI and DWI Lawyer at Tucson, AZ
Practice Areas: DUI & DWI, Criminal Defense, White Collar Crime

100 N Stone, Suite #1005, Tucson, AZ

Free Consultation

About Michael

Biography

Listed 2017 “Best Lawyers in America®”; “Tucson’s Best Lawyers®”; “Arizona’s Top Lawyers. Call Now.

Practice Areas

3

Practice Areas

DUI and DWI 60%

30 years | 1,000 cases

60%
Criminal Defense 30%

32 years | 1,000 cases

30%
White Collar Crime 10%

30 years | 25 cases

10%

Fees and Rates

Cost

Free Consultation

$0 first 15 minutes


Payment Methods

  • Cash
  • Check
  • Credit Card

Awards

Client's Choice
Client's Choice
2018 2015 2014
...
+ 4
Platinum Client Champion
AV Preeminent Peer Review Rating

Licenses

Licensed in Arizona for 31 years

State: Arizona

Acquired: 1994

Active

No misconduct found

Licensed in Colorado for 28 years

State: Colorado

Acquired: 1997

Inactive

No misconduct found

Location

Law Offices of Michael Harwin

100 N Stone, Suite #1005, Tucson, AZ, 85701

michaelharwinlaw.com/

Michael A Harwin's Reviews

Avvo Review Score

4.9 /5.0

70 Client Reviews

Showing 11 - 15 of 21 reviews | Communication Style

Posted by anonymous | February 07, 2014 | DUI & DWI

I can breathe again!

I was stopped for a DUI and felt that my life had ended. I had actually pulled over and went to sleep because I was feeling unable to drive, but the officers didn't take that into consideration at all. I was so confused as what to do next. I went online and started doing some investigation. What... I found out scared me. This situation could've cost me a lot of money and possibly my job. I read a lot of reviews on lawyers and decided to make some appointments. I went to see Michael Harwin and then cancelled all the other appointments. He was very easy to talk to and he was honest and upfront about the situation. He told me the best way to proceed then kept me informed along the way. Whenever I had questions or concerns, I would e-mail or call him and receive prompt, honest answers from either himself or his assistant. About a month into the case, I received a letter saying the case was dismissed and called him. He explained that the case could still be re-opened. I appreciated the honesty. I received a call from him the other day (4 months later) to give me info. about MVD and he told me my case was dismissed for good. It can't haunt me anymore! I was so relieved and I felt that I could breathe again! I am so glad that I hired Michael. I was concerned at first about spending the money on a top-notch lawyer, but his rates were not that bad especially when you consider the money he saved me. And he gave me back my life!

Posted by Amy Goldman-Hawthorne | February 04, 2014 | Criminal Defense

If you need an attorny, you need Mr Harwin

First I have to say, I have never had a run in with the "the law" and I am naieve to all things legal. So when I let my dog off his leash and got a ticket from an overzealous dog cop, I was devastaed. Especially to learn this was a misdemenor felony. I contacted Mr Harwin and initially spoke to his a...ssistant Letty. Letty is an angel. Letty walked me through the whole process and was so kind and responsive to every email or phone call I made. I was actually suprised at how responsive she was and how much meeting her in the front end, really put my mind at ease. Then came time for me to meet with Mr Harwin. As I mentioned, I am not accustomed to lawyers, all I know are the stories I have heard, so I was trepedatious as I made my way to our appointment. As soon as I walked in however, my fears diappeared. Mr Harwin was engaging, honest, to the point, compassionate and above all else, really cared about my case. Even though I imagine that for him, this case was "small potatos", he understood that it was a big deal to me, and he really showed up for me everty step of the way. I am very grateful to Mr Harwin, Letty and my family member who referred me. I would recommend Mr Harwin to anyone looking for an attorny who is different than all the stories we hear about lawyers. Someone who cares, hes fair and he does his job and does it well. Thank you Mr Harwin and Letty, I really appreciate you both from the bottom of my heart

Posted by sue | November 20, 2013 | DUI & DWI

Unfairly Charged with a DUI

I was falsely accused of a DUI driving home one evening, I thought my life had ended, I was in a panic and could not believe some of the things the officer was saying about me, I was treated like a convicted criminal. The next morning I contacted one of Tucson's well known and highly experience...d attorneys, Michael Harwin. My anxiety level was off the charts, I was the sole support of two children and carried a license that could be put into jeopardy by the accusation alone. Mr. Harwin treated me with respect, told me he would fight for my rights. I developed a deep sense of peace of mind and trust after my first meeting with Mr. Harwin. He then went to work for me to prove my innocence. He was mindful of the judicial protocols and showed respect for the courts, judges and law enforcement agencies, but never intimidated by them. Mr. Harwin is a deeply committed attorney, he has heart and truly cares about his clients. He was patient with my endless parade of questions and fears of the unknown, he walked me through every challenge that was put in front of us, he is fearless, intelligent, and a deep thinker, someone you want in your corner if the situation arises. I was found NOT GUILTY on all charges, thank you for giving me back my life. Tucson is truly blessed to have such a highly experienced attorney.. Mr. Michael Harwin.

Posted by Matt | September 11, 2013 | Criminal Defense

Genius lawyer who saved my backside... and actually a really nice, funny guy

I figure if you're reading this web site, you might be facing a very difficult situation ahead of you. Trust me, I was there. I thought I'd lose my family. I thought my life was crumbling around me. The police were lying to me, a lying detective was calling me and members of my family, pressuring the...m into telling me to provide written confessions because they had a weak case. They went so far as to encourage me to break the law in order to help the prosecuting attorney win the case. And if you're a good person who typically trusts law enforcement, you might be willing to believe them. I thank God every day that I had some savings for an emergency like this, trusted my instincts, laughed (quietly) at these liars and gave Michael Harwin a call. Michael is an incredible advocate for his clients. He is an aggressive, knowledgeable lawyer that uses his powers for the good of his clients. Michael breaks the stereotype of criminal defense lawyers by actually being a likable, principled individual who can talk to individuals at all walks of life. I would absolutely recommend Michael to anyone who was willing to invest in the best possible defense lawyer in the area to protect their rights. Michael's actions saved me from a very difficult situation and prevented me from having a criminal record. I learned an incredible amount of information from Michael and tried to use every second learning from him.

Posted by Jasmine | May 22, 2013 | DUI & DWI

Saved my career and my reputation

I am a member the U.S. Army Reserves and an Army civil servant. I received an extreme DUI July 2012 in Tucson, Az. My career and reputation were in jeopardy and I was not sure what to do. With the assistance of a friend, I found Mr. Michael Harwin. His credentials, reputation and track record are... why I chose to hire Mr. Harwin to represent my case in court. Mr. Harwin and his staff care about their clients. They continuously kept me informed on any changes in my case, which is extremely reassuring especially when you find yourself in a predicament such as a DUI. It took a little over 10 months to find out the results of my case, but in the end Mr. Harwin was able to fight to get my DUI dismissed in May 2013. It is clear that he cares and puts forth the time and effort towards gathering evidence to dismiss or suppress your case. I will forever be grateful for Mr. Hawin and his staff’s efforts during my case over the past year. I recommend Mr. Harwin to anyone who finds themselves in this predicament; definitely well worth your time and money.

See All Client Reviews

Michael A Harwin's Lawyer Endorsements

Endorse Michael
Gary Anthony Anderson headshot
Gary Anderson

DUI and DWI lawyer | Apr 11

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Attorney Michael Harwin is a most zealous advocate for his clients with an admirable mastery of DUI and DWI law. His ability to provide consistently excellent representation has earned him the respect of both his peers and the community he serves. I wholeheartedly endorse him."

Michelle Lynn Behan headshot
Michelle Behan

DUI and DWI lawyer | Feb 28

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Cornelia Wallis Honchar headshot
Cornelia Honchar

DUI and DWI lawyer | Mar 29

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Michael is a terrific lawyer, very knowledgeable and detailed in his understanding of the complexities of DUI law. He has studied the area and knows how to protect a client's rights, particularly employment rights. I highly recommend him."

James A Charnesky headshot
James Charnesky

Criminal defense lawyer | Oct 29

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. Mike is one of the smartest guys out there. He really knows his stuff, particularly in the area of collateral consequences. I 100% endorse this lawyer."

Judd S Nemiro headshot
Judd Nemiro

Unknown lawyer | Jun 25

Relationship: Other

"I endorse this lawyer for their leadership in the community and commitment to clients."

Dina M Dieglio headshot
Dina Dieglio

Criminal defense lawyer | Oct 27

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. Mr. Harwin is an aggressive defense attorney with a wide range of skills. He fights for his clients and is a true professional."

Michael S. Waddington headshot
Michael Waddington

Criminal defense lawyer | May 27

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse Michael. He is a highly skilled attorney that is well respected in the legal community."

Mihai Vlad Moldoveanu headshot
Mihai Moldoveanu

Criminal defense lawyer | May 20

Relationship: Worked for lawyer

"Michael is one of the best and brightest criminal defense and dui lawyers in Tucson. Michael routinely thinks outside the box, producing amazing results for his clients. Working for him was one of the most educational experiences of my life. I highly recommend Michael!"

Christian K. Lassen II headshot
Christian Lassen

Criminal defense lawyer | Dec 27

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

A Bates Butler III headshot
A Butler

Criminal defense lawyer | May 19

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"I have worked with Mr. Harwin on different cases for more than 10 years. He is highly effective and pursuasive. Very detailed oriented. Good researcher and argues well. Everyone I have referred to Mr. Harwin has thanked me for the referral. I would not hesitate to have Mr. Harwin handle a matter for a family member or close friend. He is an excellent lawyer, very ethical."

Matthew Lawrence Warren headshot
Matthew Warren

White collar crime lawyer | May 19

Relationship: Worked for lawyer

"Mike is a brilliant attorney. He is outstanding in the courtroom and can analyze complicated legal issues extremely well."

John C Hinderaker headshot
John Hinderaker

Criminal defense lawyer | May 19

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Over the years I have sent many referrals to Mr. Harwin, including some of my relatives (but never my immediate family). I am often amazed at the results and never disappointed. Mike is a creative, clear thinking, results oriented lawyer. Highly recommended."

Edith I Rudder headshot
Edith Rudder

Criminal defense lawyer | May 19

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer's work. Mike is an excellent litigator, an exceptional attorney and an all-round good guy."

Maurice H Goldman headshot
Maurice Goldman

DUI and DWI lawyer | May 18

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Michael Harwin is an excellent attorney. I am a colleague of Michael's here in Tucson, Arizona and he has a reputation of being one of the top DUI attorneys. I think he does a wonderful job of advocating on behalf of his clients."

R David Sobel headshot
R Sobel

Criminal defense lawyer | May 18

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Michael Harwin, a brilliant litigator, is one of the most effective and responsive attorneys I have encountered in my 20 years of practice."

Russell E Krone headshot
Russell Krone

Criminal defense lawyer | May 17

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"Mike is a brilliant hard working attorney who gets results!"

Gloria A Goldman headshot
Gloria Goldman

Criminal defense lawyer | May 17

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Michael is clearly one of the best criminal attorneys. He has a great talent that results in the very best defenses for clients."

View All Endorsements
Michael J Bloom headshot
Michael Bloom

DUI and DWI lawyer

Michelle Lynn Behan headshot
Michelle Behan

Criminal defense lawyer

James A Charnesky headshot
James Charnesky

DUI and DWI lawyer

Dina M Dieglio headshot
Dina Dieglio

DUI and DWI lawyer

Thabet N Khalidi headshot
Thabet Khalidi

Divorce and separation lawyer

Nathaniel Scott Redmon headshot
Nathaniel Redmon

Power of attorney lawyer

Russell E Krone headshot
Russell Krone

Business lawyer

R David Sobel headshot
R Sobel

Personal injury lawyer

Edith I Rudder headshot
Edith Rudder

Litigation lawyer

Experience

Rating:  10.0 (Superb)

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

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2018

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2017

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2016

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2015

One of Tucson’s Top Lawyers, Tucson Lifestyle Magazine

2015

Included in Criminal Defense: White Collar, Best Lawyers in America® 21st ed.

2015

Rated one of America’s Best Law Firms, U.S. News & World Report

2014

Client's Choice Award, Avvo

2013

Client Distinction Award, Martindale-Hubbell

2013

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2013

One of The Best Lawyers in the United States, BestofUS.com

2013

Top 100 Trial Lawyers, The National Trial Lawyers

2013

Top Attorneys in Arizona, AZ Magazine

2013

2013 superlawyer, Southwest Super Lawyers

2012

Member- Criminal Defense, Southwest Super Lawyers

2012

2012 southwest superlawyer, 2012 southwest superlawyer

2012

Outstanding Service to Veterans and Service Members, University of Arizona Veteran Clinic

2012

Client's Choice Award, AVVO

2012

Client Distinction Award, Martindale-Hubbell

2012

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2012

AV Rated, Martindale-Hubbell

2012

Top Tucson Lawyer, Tucson Lifestyle

2011

Member, Litigation Counsel of America

2011

AV Rated, Martindale-Hubbell

2010

AV Rated, Martindale-Hubbell

2009

AV Rated, Martindale-Hubbell

2008

Listed in Best Lawyers in the United States, The Best of the U.S., Inc.

2007

AV Rated, Martindale-Hubbell

2006

AV Rated, Martindale-Hubbell

1994

Order of The Coif, Order of the Coif

1993

Note Editor, Arizona Law Review

1992

American Jurisprudence Award Corporate Law, AmJur

1992

American Jurisprudence Award Constitutional Law, AmJur

1991

American Jurprudence Award Civil procedure, AmJur

Work Experience

1998 - Present

Partner, Michael Aaron Harwin, P.C.

2001 - 2002

Adjunct Professor, University of Arizona School of Law

1995 - 1997

Assistant General Counsel, City of Phoenix

1993 - 1994

Associate, Mendelsohn, Oseran, Mance & Eisner P.C.

1990 - 1990

Helitak Crew Member/firefigher, National Park Service

1987 - 1991

Graduate Teaching Assistant, University of Arizona

Associations

2013 - Present

Arizona Attorneys for Criminal Justice

Sustaining Member

2011 - Present

Litigation Counsel of America

Fellow

2004 - Present

American Immigration Lawyers Association

Member

2004 - Present

National College of DUI Defense

Member

2004 - Present

State Bar of Arizona, Criminal Justice Section

member

2003 - Present

Pima County Democratic Party

Chair

1996 - Present

National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers

Member

1995 - Present

American Bar Association

Member

2002 - 2010

Federal Bar Association

Member

1992 - 1992

Southern Arizona Civil Rights Coalition

Member

Sample of Legal Cases

TR11020327

not guilty all charges

TR 12011093

all charges dismissed

TR 11007161

all charges dismissed with prejudice

Hurles v. Ryan, 08-99032 (9th Cir.)

Won

Kelava v. Gonzales, 410 F.3d 625 (9th Cir. 2005) amended and superseded by Kelava v. Gonzales, 434 F.3d 1120 (9th Cir. 2006)

Hurles v. Ryan 08-99032

State v Perry

resolved as misdamaneor

TR11083851

Not Guilty All charges

See More Legal Cases

Education

1994

University of Arizona College of Law

JD - Juris Doctor

1990

University of Arizona

M.F.A

1984

State University of New York

BA - Bachelor of Arts

Speaking Engagements

2016

Guest Speaker at the University of Arizona James E. Rogers College of Law

Legal Profession [Law 609] (mandatory class), “Ethical Issues in Immigration Representation”

2016

Guest Speaker at the University of Arizona James E. Rogers College of Law

Legal Ethics for Criminal Lawyers [ Law 662C] “Former ER 1.3 Duty of ‘Zeal’”

2016

Arizona Public Defender’s Association Annual Conference

Set Traps and Hidden Triggers: Prohibited Possessors, Domestic Violence and other Matters

2016

Arizona Public Defender’s Association Annual Conference

Collateral Consequences of Common Crimes: Representing Professionals

2016

Arizona Attorneys for Criminal Justice 29th Annual DUI Conference

Collateral Consequences of Common Crimes: DUI and Vehicular Offenses

2015

Arizona Attorneys for Criminal Justice 28h Annual DUI Conference

Collateral Consequences of Common Crimes: DUI and Vehicular Offenses

2013

AACJ DUI Conference

Collateral Consequences of DUI

2012

Public Defender Training

Collateral Consequences of Domestic Violence

2012

2012 DUI update

Professional Consequences of DUI

2011

University of Arizona College of Law

White Collar Crime/Defending a Fraud Case

2008

State Bar of Arizona CLE

Immigration Law and Crime

2002

University of Arizona

Law

1998

State Bar of Arizona CLE

Immigration Law and Crime

Publications

2016

Defense Strategies for Drug Crimes, 2016 ed. The New Deal for Drug Defendants: Lose Your Federal Benefits and Privileges

2015

The Legality of Search and Seizure in DUI Cases, 2015 ed. IGNORANCE OF THE LAW IS NO EXCUSE— UNLESS YOU ARE A POLICE OFFICER: LIMITING HEIEN v. NORTH CAROLINA IN PRETEXTUAL DUI STOPS

2014

Trends in DUI Discovery (Inside the Minds) Using Experts In DUI

1993

Arizona Law Review Detaining for Danger Under The Bail Reform Act of 1984

Languages

Spanish

English

Activity

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Avvo Rating Levels
10.0 - 9.0 Superb8.9 - 8.0 Excellent7.9 - 7.0 Very Good6.9 - 6.0 Good5.9 - 5.0 Average4.9 - 4.0 Concern3.9 - 3.0 Caution2.9 - 2.0 Strong Caution1.9 - 1.0 Extreme Caution