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Nathan D Leonardo

DUI and DWI Attorney at Tucson, AZ

5.0   44 reviews

also known as Leonardo Law Offices, PLLC

Free consultation Virtual consultation available
Free consultation Virtual consultation available
  • Licensed for 25 years
    State AZ
    Acquired 1998
    Status
    Active No misconduct found

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

About Nathan

Learn Nathan’s areas of practice.

5
Practice areas
  1. DUI and DWI
    40%
    Misdemeanor DUI; extreme DUI; super-extreme DUI; aggravated DUI; felony DUI; second offense DUI; and other DUI related offenses

    25 years

  2. Criminal defense
    20%
    Domestic violence offenses; sexual offenses; child abuse; assault; aggravated assault; prohibited possessor; possession, sale, and transportation of drugs; drug conspiracy; criminal enterprise; money laundering; fraud; forgery; theft; robbery; burglary; white collar; vehicular offenses; homicide; manslaughter

    18 years

  3. Domestic violence
    20%
    Misdemeanor domestic violence; felony domestic violence; aggravated domestic violence; disorderly conduct; assault; criminal damage; interfering with judicial proceeding; threats and intimidation; harassment; order of protection; restraining order

    25 years

  4. Federal crime
    10%
    Alien smuggling; transportation of aliens; harboring aliens; drug smuggling; conspiracy; transportation of drugs; importation of drugs; illegal reentry; assault on a federal officer; child pornography; revocation of supervised release

    21 years

  5. Personal injury
    10%
    Car accident injuries; pedestrian injuries; cycling injuries; motorcycle accident injuries; premises liability; dog bites; animal attacks; negligence; wrongful death; serious injuries

    15 years

FORMER FEDERAL & STATE PROSECUTOR AND CERTIFIED SPECIALIST IN CRIMINAL LAW BY STATE BAR OF ARIZONA

 

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.

Awards

Client's Choice 2019,2018,2015,2014
Client's Choice
2019 2018 2015 + 1 ...

Contact Nathan

Leonardo Law Offices, PLLC

Reviews

5.0 / 5.0
  44 customer reviews
5 Star
 
100%
4 Star
 
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3 Star
 
0%
2 Star
 
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1 Star
 
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Client's Choice 2019
Client's Choice
Client's Choice is an Avvo award granted to attorneys with a significant number of client reviews over 4 stars in a given year.
Posted by anonymous | February 16, 2023
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Mr. Leonardo was great
Really helped me with my case , and got the best outcome posible for me, he was very profesional and resposible , at the same time kind and understanding, great lawyer overall.
Posted by Stev | August 13, 2022
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Nathan Leonardo - Tucson
Nathan Leonardo represented me on my DUI/Criminal action. Although this charge was very stressful for me, he put me at ease with his approach and understanding of my case. Thus, an excellent resolution. I would certainly recommend him to anyone. Steve
Posted by James | September 8, 2021
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Top-Notch Experience with Nathan Leonardo
If you find yourself in a situation like I was a few months ago, scrolling through a sea of attorneys online, it can be overwhelming. I met with a number of Tucson area lawyers before my consultation with Nathan. I was immediately sold! He gave a clear outline of his strategy and possible outcomes of my case. Some attorneys promise you the moon until you hand them a check- my experience with Mr. Leonardo was the complete opposite. He kept in contact with regular updates both by phone and his secure online portal. Always easy to reach if I had any questions or concerns- a consummate professional through and through. The outcome of my case was the best case scenario- a dismissal! More than I had expected considering the charges against me. His rates are very reasonable compared to several other lawyers I consulted with, and it was truly worth EVERY penny. I would urge anyone seeking representation to give Nathan a call. I’ve never had a more positive experience with a legal professional.
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Posted by Nikki | August 26, 2021
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Awesome Attorney
My fiancé recommended I hire an attorney but the case should’ve been dismissed and I was already 1 year of it not being resolved a simple trespass and disorderly conduct. He didn’t think he would be of much service but I explained I was really frustrated because on my own I’d gotten nowhere so he agreed and took over. Needless to say I was relived and before long he resolved all my legal battle to my delight! I’m so thankful I decided to let an expert handle my problem. Godbless you Nathan Leonardo!
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Posted by Amy | January 27, 2021
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Amazing experience
Nathan was amazing to work with after I found myself in some legal trouble. I'm a nurse and I was terrified but he communicated with me throughout the entire experience and made me so much more comfortable with everything. Things worked out much better than I anticipated thanks to Nathan I highly recommend him!
Posted by anonymous | August 19, 2020
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Misdemeanor Complaint Case
I received a summons in early April of this year, 2020 to appear in June at County Justice Court for an incident that occurred eight months earlier (August,2019) and for which I had thought was not going to result in having charges filed or made against me. I had spoken to a lawyer friend many months earlier about the incident and asked about lawyers I had made contact with shortly after the August incident. I remembered having spoken on the phone with Mr. Nathan Leonardo just days after the incident and remembered his being more informative, knowledgeable, professional, and sympathetic to my circumstances than any of the several other attorneys I had spoken with. My (lawyer) friend affirmed that Mr. Leonardo was an excellent attorney. When I received the summons in April, I immediately called Leonardo Law Offices and was able to speak with Mr. Leonardo the same morning. I was emailed a Representation Agreement with all of the specific details and services of the firm's representation and responsibilities. I made payment immediately and Mr. Leonardo represented me the following day at the Consolidated Justice Court taking charge of all further proceedings as my representative. He addressed the matter of a scheduled upcoming appearance and two other procedures that morning. I felt some relief and hopefulness in his apparent professionalism. This began the arduous, very painful, unsettling,and emotionally disruptive series of necessary steps of the law procedures that every person must endure in order to defend oneself. I would positively advise anyone/everyone not to attempt to defend yourself. Leonardo Law Offices offered me and provided me with continual and frequent advice to my questions, explanations of the procedures, options that we may or may not have, and personal optimism which was not required by my legal counsel but was very much appreciated. I was in real peril of this case affecting my employment, my freedom, and my overall well-being had it gone badly. Mr. Leonardo and I were able to maintain an ongoing conversation (via email, phone contact and in person) of all of the aspects and details of the court case and of his knowledgeable insight into the expectations and probabilities of acceptable/favorable outcomes and finalization and closing of the case. This process lasted four months which may seem like a short period to others but seemed like an eternity to me. It dominated my thinking and was entirely stressful. Mr. Leonardo was able to handle all procedural phases and directives of the court professionally and used excellent expertise in communicating with the case prosecution attorneys in negotiating and obtaining an acceptable and livable outcome for my case. I am very relieved and exceptionally grateful to Nathan Leonardo and Leonardo Law Offices that the case has closed.
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Posted by Martha | February 15, 2020
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Hit and Run
I needed an attorney as soon as possible because i knew my case was not gonna be easy, I was being falsely charge with a hit and run even thought i had proof that wasn't true, i was represented better than i could ever imagine by Nathan Leonardo. Honesty Integrity Transparency i knew he was the right attorney, he took all the weight i had on my shoulders Words cannot describe how grateful i am!!!! He took my case from the City Court to Appeal to the Superior Court i thank him for every effort he had with my case it was a process but he sure cleared my name for what i didn't do. If you are looking for an attorney i would definitely and highly recommend Mr. Leonardo very Professional and no need to look further all the attention to your case all my questions answer i am more than happy with the outcome i would hire him again.
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Posted by Andrew | January 21, 2020
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Honest Professional Lawyer
I am very thankful i decided to go with Leonardo Law Offices. When i was first looking for somebody to represent me i had originally met with 2 different lawyers for my DUI and they did not feel as confident in my case as Nathan did. It is hard to choose a lawyer for representation especially if you never had one in the past. After moving forward with Nathan he explained everything to me upfront including the cost and informed me of the possible outcomes. His client portal makes everything easier and keeps all your paperwork organized. He was also able to handle my situation while i was out of state and got my case completely dropped. I will be using Nathan in the future if i ever need him again and recommend him to anybody needing representation.
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Posted by anonymous | January 15, 2020
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
DUI defense
I spoke to 2 other lawyers before contacting Nathan Leonardo and was very satisfied with decision. Even with first conversation over the phone, he was very informative and forthcoming with outcome. He always kept me up to date with decisions and court dates. I was totally unaware of proceedings and steps to take, I will forever be grateful for my outcome and highly recommend Nathan Leonardo.
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Posted by anonymous | December 4, 2019
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
DUI
I hired Nathan D Leonardo to defend me for my DUI case back in Nov 7, 2017 from the moment we spoke he Instantly made me feel better especially since I had never been in any kind of trouble with the law. He answer all my questions all the time plus he was easy to get ahold of. Nathan was able to find evidence and good arguments which made my decision easier to take my case to trial, Which I was found NOT GUILTY. He's an outstanding lawyer and very professional I highly recommend him.
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Posted by Taran | October 19, 2019
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Made the best of a bad situation
Mr Leonardo was my choice of attorney when I found myself in a difficult situation. Multiple traffic violations and one criminal violation. Mr Leonardo was a huge asset in dealing with these accusations and got me the best plea I could have even imagined. At first I debated even spending the money on an attorney however I am very very grateful that I did. He was easy to contact, quick to get back with me and made sure I understood everything that was going on as it was going on. Never did I feel out of the loop or a burden. I have already recommended him to a family member with a similar situation and the family member I’m question is very satisfied with Mr Leonardo’s work as am I. I would recommend to anyone and will contact again if I find myself in any legal trouble again.
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Posted by Rich | April 25, 2019
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Very Impressive With Work
Very impressed with the job Mr. Nathan Leonardo performed. From start to finish he guided me through the process and gave the details I needed to know for my case. I highly recommend.
Posted by Jesse | March 21, 2019
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
The BEST out there, chose him, you can thank me later!
Nathan was recommended to me by another lawyer and couldn't be more grateful for Nathan's hard work ethic. Nathan truly cares and doesnt pressure you into making any decision yet walks you through the pros and cons to each potential option available for your specific case. Nathan is extremely knowledgeable and I will most definitely recommend his law firm to anyone i know that is in need of a DUI attorney. He made the entire process very smooth and painless, he uses an app to communicate and upload all files which i thought was very helpful and organized. I know every DUI is different but he was able to get mine dismissed. Hands down the BEST out there! You won't be disappointed!
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Posted by CASE | February 8, 2019
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
BEST CHOICE - Hands Down!
I hired Nathan Leonardo to help out with a pretty scary issue. Nathan was a beacon of hope to me and my family at a time when our options appeared very limited, and the likelihood of an even close to satisfactory resolution seemed unlikely. His calm and empathetic demeanor offered emotional succor. Nathan always answered, or returned my calls. He also utilizes a very neat, easy to use, online system for communication and storage of the important components pertaining to your case. I am eternally grateful for his service and I hereby recommend Nathan Leonardo without reservation. He IS a great guy and a BETTER attorney! -CdeC
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Posted by anonymous | December 22, 2018
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Well versed
We hired Nathan for a criminal case and after one appearance at court he was able to achieve favorable results that the previous lawyer we had retained was not able to accomplish in four months. Nathan was very receptive and provided sound advice
Posted by Larry | November 28, 2018
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Helping Good People Out of Bad Situations
I had a traffic situation in which I received a ticket for an accident I did not initiate. I had no idea on how to proceed so I took to the internet to seek out legal help. After reviewing websites for several law offices I came across Mr. Leonardo's website. I was impressed with his biography but what sealed the deal was the motto on his website, "Helping Good People Out of Bad Situations". When I met Nathan I was impressed by his attention to detail. He talked to me about the accident then walked me through the process … and the timeline. The incident was finally resolved in the manner in which Nathan told me "could" happen. He made no promises except to do his best to represent me with the best defense available.
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Posted by anonymous | October 19, 2018
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Excellent Lawyer
As someone who has never had to deal with legal issues before, having been charge with endangerment against someone was anxiety inducing to say the least. After meeting and talking to Nathan, I felt I had the assurance of knowing my matter was being handled by an experienced and professional criminal attorney. Nathan did all the appearances in court and arranged for the charges to be dismissed by me attending two "Adult Responsibility" classes. Thanks to Nathan, I am a happy, happy man. I highly recommend Nathan.
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Posted by Ronald | October 17, 2018
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Great Attorney
Nathan Leonardo provided excellent service, demonstrating professionalism and personal attention to all details of my case. Mr. Leonardo was always helpful and responsive to all my questions and concerns. Very responsible, knowledgeable and honest. Handled my DV case very well obtaining favorable results at the end! I highly recommended Nathan and definitely will hire him again to represent me on any legal issue.
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Posted by anonymous | April 28, 2018
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Awesome legal defense
Very experienced and knowledgeable about legal system, and provides awesome results. Has organized, and clear communication with timely professional responses. A big thank you for his hard work defending and navigating set forth goals of legal defense.
Posted by anonymous | April 8, 2018
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Don't even waste your time searching for an attorney. Nathan is who you want/need especially if your freedom depends on it!
Here's my as condensed as possible testimony about Nathan Leonardo. I had zero criminal history prior to finding myself in a very serious criminal case. Since I do not live in Arizona (I'm on the east coast) and was facing 9 felony charges, a few of which were mandatory prison sentences, I needed the absolute best attorney Tucson had to offer. Trust me, my family and I searched, interviewed and discussed several attorneys to represent me and my freedom. It was instant after talking with Nathan that we knew he was the #1 choice. Besides his stellar experience, reviews and strong recommendations from other competent attorneys, Nathan's communication and approach was comforting right from the beginning which made a tough decision easy. I quickly realized how important it was to have such an experienced and known attorney in the court that was seeing my case. I was extradited from the east coast and arrived in Arizona (having zero ties or any status in this community) to face a $75k bail set. The moment I was seen by a judge, I was immediately released without bail and was given permission to return to my home state for the duration of my case. It is 100% without a doubt that with Nathan representing me, the court trusted my cooperation with returning across country for court as needed with no bail securing me. That trust was based on Nathan's background and history solely. I could've been stuck in a state I do not live in for the duration of the case on top of getting a bail bond for $75k for the 16 months this case lasted. A long 16 months of calls, appearances, conferences and negotiations. If convicted, I was facing around 10 years prison for all charges. So I trusted Nathan to do what he does best. He kept me well informed of every detail all along every step of the way while giving me excellent and experienced advice. Even went above and beyond what I hired him to do with a couple issues that were indirectly related to the case. Nathan did not have to do anything more than what his job was for me but he did so anyways with willingness. Nathan was never pushy or aggressive with me in any of his recommendations and always made me feel comfortable with decision making. He was accurate with every bit of his advice. After a lengthy and complicated case with a previously declined by me 4 year prison plea deal, Nathan was able to avoid a complicated trial and secure me a probation available 1 count only plea deal with me being able to serve the term in my home state should the judge deem appropriate. And the judge did! I was given a 4 year probation sentence with the ability to have it terminated at 50% time served. I have to believe that Nathan had to have some influence on this decision too. This was/is a major and horrific experience and I was able to find some kind of peace throughout, knowing I was being represented by the best. I know this is a lot to read but it is well deserved and I hope I am able to help someone else make the right choice for the best representation in a difficult situation. If you find yourself in a criminal matter that is jeopardizing your freedom, rest assured knowing that you will get the best possible outcome with Mr. Leonardo. He is worth every penny of his reasonable fees. I am extremely happy with my choice and my outcome. You will be too.
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Cost

Rates
  • Free Consultation 30 minutes
Payment methods
Cash, Check, Credit Card

Resume

AVVO RATING 10.0 (Superb)

Work Experience

  • Leonardo Law Offices, PLLC
  • 2009 - Present
  • Leonardo & Roach, L.L.C.
  • 2005 - 2009
  • Assistant United States Attorney
  • United States Attorney's Office
  • 2002 - 2005
  • Deputy Pima County Attorney
  • Pima County Attorney's Office
  • 1998 - 2002
  • Pima County Superior Court
  • 1997 - 1998
View all work experience

Education

  • University of Arizona
  • JD - Juris Doctor
  • 1997
  • University of Arizona
  • BA - Bachelor of Arts
  • 1994
  • University of Arizona
  • BA - Bachelor of Arts
  • 1994

Legal Cases

  • State of Arizona v. J.K.
  • Misdemeanor & Probation
  • State of Arizona v. V.P.
  • Dismissed
  • State of Arizona v. K.R.
  • Dismissed
View all legal cases

Associations

  • Federal Bar Association
  • Member
  • 2015 - Present
  • National College of DUI Defense
  • Member
  • 2014 - Present
  • National Trial Lawyers Association
  • Member
  • 2013 - Present
  • National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
  • Member
  • 2012 - Present
  • Arizona Association for Justice (Arizona Trial Lawyers Association)
  • Member
  • 2008 - Present
  • Arizona Attorneys for Criminal Justice
  • Member
  • 2006 - Present
  • Pima County Bar Association
  • Member
  • 2005 - Present
View all associations

Languages Spoken

  • English

Honors and Awards

  • Top 100 Trial Lawyers
  • National Trial Lawyers
  • 2016
  • Criminal Law Specialist Designation
  • State Bar of Arizona
  • 2015
  • Top 100 Lawyers
  • The National Trial Lawyers
  • 2015
  • Nation's Top One Percent
  • National Association of Distinguished Counsel
  • 2015
  • Top 100 Trial Lawyers
  • The National Trial Lawyers
  • 2014
  • Top 100 Trial Lawyers
  • The National Trial Lawyers
  • 2013
View all awards

Attorney endorsements

Received (9)
Given (7)
Endorse Nathan
Criminal defense Attorney | Jan 02
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I have known Mr. Leonardo for 15 years. He is an excellent attorney with an intricate knowledge of the law, and almost as important, the legal community in the State of Arizona. If I or someone in my family got into legal trouble, I would not hesitate to hire Mr. Leonardo to defend any type of criminal accusation."
Criminal defense Attorney | Dec 29
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"Mr. Leonardo is a role model in the law community. He is very professional, has a very high work ethic and is knowledgeable. I recommend Mr. Leonardo to clients and acquaintances that need criminal defense representation and advice."
Criminal defense Attorney | Aug 17
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"Nathan Leonardo is a highly skilled attorney, and I would recommend him without hesitation."
Criminal defense Attorney | Apr 26
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"Nathan has an impeccable reputation in the legal community along with the knowledge and skills to match. He is experienced, hard-working, and effective. Nathan is a top notch lawyer and I recommend him to clients. I endorse him without hesitation."
Criminal defense Attorney | Jun 01
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer. Mr. Leonardo is extremely experienced and knowledgeable. He fights for his clients and is extremely effective."
Criminal defense Attorney | May 27
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse Nathan. He is a highly skilled attorney that is well respected in the legal community."
Criminal defense Attorney | Mar 27
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer."
Criminal defense Attorney | Mar 24
Relationship: Worked together on matter
"Nathan is an excellent attorney with a well-deserved reputation for being effective, ethical and honest. I fully endorse him."
Criminal defense Attorney | May 21
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer."
View more endorsements
Criminal defense
Immigration
Criminal defense
Litigation
Criminal defense

Avvo Contributions

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Tucson DUI and DWI Lawyer Nathan D Leonardo
Nathan D Leonardo
DUI and DWI Attorney
Tucson, AZ
Licensed for 25 years
Free Consultation
Virtual consultation available