As a former state and federal prosecutor, I understand how the other side thinks and works. I also understand the difficult situation you're in if you've been charged with a crime. I'm here to help you get out of that difficult situation with minimal negative consequences. I believe that justice can only be consistently achieved if the accused has representation that is at least on par with, if not superior to the accuser. I am certified by the State Bar of Arizona as a specialist in criminal law and I have extensive trial experience (well over 100 jury trials), but I am constantly working to improve.
I grew up in Tucson and graduated from the University of Arizona College of Law in 1997. I then clerked for a Pima County Superior Court Judge and subsequently joined the Pima County Attorney's Office as a Deputy County Attorney. As a Deputy County Attorney, I prosecuted a wide range of cases, including DUI, narcotics offenses, property crimes, violent felonies, and homicides.
After four years at the Pima County Attorney’s Office, I spent three years at the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Arizona. As an Assistant U.S. Attorney, I prosecuted a variety of crimes, primarily related to drug trafficking, alien smuggling, and child pornography. I also spent nearly two years in the appellate unit, writing numerous appellate briefs on behalf of the government and arguing them in front of the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals in San Francisco.
In 2005, I left the United States Attorney's Office to start the law firm of Leonardo & Roach, LLC, where I focused on criminal defense and personal injury cases. In 2009, I founded Leonardo Law Offices, PLLC in an effort to provide a greater degree of service and personal attention to my client's and their cases.
Although I can't guarantee any particular result (no honest attorney can), I always work hard for my clients to get them the best outcome. I charge a reasonable flat fee in DUI and criminal cases so there are no hidden costs. I can often offer some flexibility with a limited payment plan if necessary.
When I started in private practice, I found that my experience building cases as a prosecutor translated nicely into the area of personal injury law. Just as a criminal defendant faces the power and unlimited resources of the government, an injury victim must contend with a large, well-funded insurance company and its high-priced attorneys. I enjoy being the underdog and I like to think that I can help level the playing field in these situations. In accident/injury cases, I work on a contingency fee basis so you don't pay anything up front. The fee is taken out of any settlement or award if and when we win the case.
If you're a good person who's found yourself in a bad situation -- whether you've been charged with a crime or injured as a result of someone else's negligence -- give me a call.