Overall Rating
This is an aggregated review score of Avvo and Lawyers.com reviews.
This is an aggregated review score of Avvo and Lawyers.com reviews.
4.9 /5.0
20 Client Reviews
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Michelle Lynn Behan
also known as Shelley Behan
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About Michelle
Biography
As a former FBI special agent, Michelle Behan brings a unique perspective to the defense of every criminal and DUI case. Her law enforcement background gives her special insight into the issues that help her win cases. Shelley had the opportunity to put her talents to good use even before earning her full law license when she preseted an amicus curiae brief on behalf of the defense to the Court of Appeals for the United States Armed Forces. After graduating from the University of Arizona James E. Rogers College of Law, Shelley joined the Tucson Public Defender's Office, where she defended indigent clients charged with criminal violations and DUI. During her year and a half at the public defender's office, Shelley was recognized as a Rising Star by the Pima County Women's Commission.
In June of 2015, Shelley joined the prestigous firm of Nesci and St. Louis, the premier DUI and criminal defense firm in Tucson. Since that time, Shelley has amassed an impressive record of victories in both trial and motion practice. Shelley recently presented at a national seminar for the National College for DUI Defense held on the grounds of Harvard Law School, and at Tucson's premier DUI defense seminar presented by the Arizona Attorneys for Criminal Justice.
In September of 2017, Shelley opened the law firm of Behan Ramsell PLLC with notable DUI defense attorney Donald Ramsell of Wheaton, IL. Shelley and Don combine former law enforcement expertise in police prcoedure and practices with 34 years of DUI trial experience to provide the citizens of Arizona with world-class DUI and criminal defense.
Miss DUI Arizona. Top Rated. Trusted. Experienced. Respected.
Top Rated. Trusted. Experienced. Respected.
Miss DUI Arizona. Top Rated. Trusted. Experienced. Respected.
Practice Areas
2
Practice Areas
DUI and DWI
80%
12 years | 400 cases
Criminal Defense
20%
12 years | 50 cases
Fees and Rates
Cost
Payment Methods
- Cash
- Check
- Credit Card
Awards
Licenses
Licensed in Arizona for 12 years
State: Arizona
Acquired: 2013
No misconduct found
Location
Gallery
Online Presence
Other places you can find Michelle online.
Michelle Lynn Behan's Reviews
Showing 1 - 5 of 17 client reviews from Avvo
Posted by Stephanie | January 14, 2025 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
The absolute best of the best
I have nothing but amazing things to say about Michelle Behan and every person on her law team. Michelle was extremely kind and helpful through every step, and everyone on her team showed the exact care and dedication that she does. Going through this period was easily the worst moment of my life, bu...
Posted by anonymous | October 13, 2024 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Michelle Behan is a breath of fresh air in these strange times
I am a retired Canadian police officer who is a snowbird. I had the misfortune of having a sociopathic neighbour set his sites on me. He accused me of assaulting him without witnesses of course. His story was embellished and believed by the police. Arizona laws and the justice system is very differen...
Posted by Jen | April 12, 2022 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Dont look any further...... Michelle and her Team are simply AMAZING!!!
I found Michelle after interviewing a few attorney's and I knew instantly that I wanted her to represent me. She was straight forward just like I asked her to be. I was sick with worry and absolutely terrified. I had never been in trouble with the law before. The waiting is the worst part however ...
Posted by Donovan | April 11, 2021 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
They did an amazing job for me!
I was terrified when I got arrested for a DUI. I took a chance and called on a Saturday and left a message. Within 10 minutes I was called by Michelle. After we spoke I felt much better. They got my case dismissed soon after. I can't thank them enough!
Posted by anonymous | January 4, 2021 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
DV Case Dismissed
I am in the military and intentionally sought out an attorney that could understand the additional issues a service member experiences on top of the normal problems when going through a terrible experience with an arrest and the courts. Michelle and her team worked with me for over a year to resolve ...
Michelle Lynn Behan's Lawyer Endorsements
"Michelle is a lawyer's lawyer. We met at a recent DWI continuing legal education seminar, where she delivered an amazingly compelling presentation on dismantling the prosecution's case through cross examining the cop and arguing to the jury. If I got arrested in Arizona for DWI, Michelle is the first person I would call. I highly recommend her services."
"Attorney Michelle Lynn Behan is a most zealous advocate for her clients with an admirable mastery of workers compensation law. Her ability to provide consistently excellent representation has earned her the respect of both her peers and the community she serves. I wholeheartedly endorse her."
"I endorse this lawyer"
"If you are looking for aggression, passion, dedication, love of law, knowledge of DUI Defense, and commitment to YOUR personal case, all rolled into one? Then you need to hire Michelle (Shelly) Lynn Behan. Her prior FBI experience puts her miles and miles ahead of many an experienced lawyer. If you have a DUI case, then you need Shelly in Court to fight for you."
"Shelly is an advocate of the highest caliber. She is dedicated to understanding the complex nature of DWI cases and how to fight them in court. She is also an accomplished appellate attorney, draft briefs for her clients and on an Amicus Committee for the NCDD. When seeking a lawyer who brings everything she can to the table, you can count on Shelly Behan to be all in on your case."
"Michelle (Shelly) Behan impresses from the moment you meet her. She is a smart, passionate advocate who brings all her efforts to bear for her clients. In addition to her years of experience as a military veteran and FBI agent, Shelly routinely participates in advanced trainng as a faculty member and student to stay ahead of developing trends in in DUI and criminal defense."
"Michelle (Shelly) is a rising star in DUI defense. I have had the opportunity to discuss cases with her and her insight has been invaluable. She truly has a grasp of the intricate nuances of DUI defense and would not hesitate to hire her."
"I had the pleasure of directing two intensive trial advocacy workshops in which Shelley Behan was a participant. What an impressive lawyer! She is smart, tough, and savvy. If you need a criminal defense or DUI lawyer in Tucson, call Michelle Behan."
"Shelly is quickly establishing herself in criminal defense. She has worked on appellate briefs on a national level and fought the tough cases on a local level. She is a true believer-- I mean she is smart and totally dedicated to protecting her clients. If Shelly is on the case you have a true advocate in your corner."
"I am very familiar with Michelle's lawyer skills, as we were co-instructors in a course she taught to fellow attorneys on DUI and criminal defense. I would highly recommend her for any person who is in need of help. If arrested in Arizona, call Shelley!"
Michael Harwin
DUI and DWI lawyer
Experience
Honors
2025
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2024
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2023
Rising Star, Super Lawyers
2020
2020 Elite Lawyer, Elite Lawyer
2019
2019 Elite Lawyer, Elite Lawyer
2015
Pima County Women's Association, Rising Star Award - City of Tucson
2013
CALI Award - Secured Transcations, CALI
Work Experience
2017 - Present
Partner, Behan Ramsell PLLC
2015 - 2017
Associate Attorney, Nesci & St. Louis, P.L.L.C.
2014 - 2015
Assistant Public Defender, Tucson Public Defender's Office
2013 - 2014
Associate Attorney, Michael A. Harwin, PC
2010 - 2013
Law Clerk, Michael A. Harwin, P.C.
2006 - 2010
Special Agent, Federal Bureau of Investigation
Associations
2015 - Present
National College for DUI DefenseFaculty
2013 - Present
Pima County Bar AssociationMember
2013 - Present
State Bar of ArizonaMember
Sample of Legal Cases
State of Arizona v. Valenzuela
The Arizona Supreme Court declared the police practice of telling drivers they were required to submit to chemical testing unconstitutional.
State of Arizona v. Chopra
Trial Court ruling upheld; State dismissed the case at the trial court level
Education
2013
University of Arizona College of Law
JD - Juris Doctor
2000
Park University
BS - Bachelor of Science
Speaking Engagements
2018
Three Days in a Nutshell
DRE - Debunking and Demystifying the Drug Recognition Evaluation Program
2018
2018 DUI Law Update
Case Law Update and Program Chair
2017
Three Days in a Nutshell
Cross-Examination and Impeachment of the DUI Arresting Officer
2017
DUI and Traffic Defense Seminar
Cross-Examination of the DUI Arresting Officer
2017
Arizona Public Defender's Assoication Annual Conference
Impeachment of the DUI Arresting Officer
2017
Aggressive Defense of the DUI Driver
Pre-Trial Litigation
2016
Arizona Public Defender Association
McNeely, Butler, and Valenzuela: Where do we go from here?
2016
Annual DUI Update
Necessary Pre-Trial Motions`
2016
Annual Conference
Appellate Writing
2015
Arizona Public Defender Association
Using OneNote for Case Management and Preparation
2015
Arizona Public Defender Association
Cross-Examination of the DUI Arresting Officer
Publications
2023
2023
2023
2022
2017
AACJ 2017 DUI Seminar
Necessary Pre-Trial Motions
Languages
English
Activity
Legal Answers
Legal Guides
Legal Answers
Q&A
If i got a DUI in SD in 2013 & moved to AZ & got a DUI in AZ five years after my first DUI in SD, will AZ use my DUI from 2013?
16 Feb 2021
Q&A
Can I travel in the USA even though I have a dui case pending?
15 Feb 2021
Q&A
DUI below .08 Bac - Impaired to the Slightest Degree
01 Dec 2020