Tempe City & Municipal Court Legal Defense

Facing criminal charges is never easy, especially if it’s your first time being accused of a crime. In this country, you have the right to defend yourself against accusations and have your side of the story told. You also have the right to legal representation.

The law firm of Robert A. Dodell, Attorney at Law, is dedicated to helping those who have been accused of a crime. As a skilled defense attorney, he will also help those who are currently being investigated and have not yet been charged with a crime and those who have been convicted and are seeking legal help.

Directions from the Tempe City/Municipal Court to Our Office

Tempe Municipal Court

140 E 5th St

Tempe, AZ 85281

(480) 350-8271


Get on AZ-202 Loop E from E Rio Salado Pkwy and N Scottsdale Rd

Head west on E 5th St toward S Myrtle Ave

Turn right onto S Mill Ave

Turn right onto E Rio Salado Pkwy

Use the left 2 lanes to turn left onto N Scottsdale Rd

Slight right to merge onto AZ-202 Loop E

Take AZ-101 Loop N to E Shea Blvd in Scottsdale. Take exit 41 from AZ-101 Loop N

Merge onto AZ-202 Loop E

Use the right 3 lanes to take exit 9 to merge onto AZ-101 Loop N

Use the right 2 lanes to take exit 41 for Shea Blvd

Continue on E Shea Blvd to your destination

Use the left 2 lanes to turn left onto E Shea Blvd (signs for Shea Boulevard)

Turn right onto N Hayden Rd

Turn right

Turn right

Destination will be on the right

Robert A. Dodell, Attorney At Law

10601 N Hayden Rd, #I-103

Scottsdale, AZ 85260

(480) 860-4321


DUI Lawyer Court Defense in Tempe

Driving under the influence, or DUI, is a serious criminal charge, even if you are facing a first-time misdemeanor offense. Pressure placed on the court system by politicians and community leaders has forced prosecutors to seek the highest penalties to those who are convicted of this offense.

In Tempe AZ, if you are convicted of a first time DUI you could face the following penalties:

  • Jail time
  • Fines
  • Alcohol or drug treatment screening and treatment
  • Loss of driving privileges
  • Requirement of an ignition interlock device when driving privileges are reinstated

The length of time applied to any of these penalties or the amount of the fine will depend on the charges against you. Sure, you have the right to defend yourself in court when you are charged with a DUI but that doesn’t mean it’s in your best interest to do so. Without the experience, knowledge, and resources that an attorney like Robert A. Dodell can provide, you risk receiving the full penalties for the charges against you.

A DUI attorney, like Robert A. Dodell, Attorney at Law, has a working knowledge of DUI defense. He knows what to look for to build a solid case and can present your evidence in a manner that is beneficial to your defense. Some of the things your attorney will investigate include:

  • The validity of the blood alcohol testing. He will check to see if the test was performed correctly by a trained officer. He will check maintenance records of equipment to verify if the machine was working properly and also check the chain of custody the testing and who interpreted the results.
  • Your attorney will check the arrest information to make sure that the arrest was valid as well as the booking process.
  • Your attorney will contribute valuable information such knowledge of medical conditions that may have impacted your results.
  • Having an attorney will guarantee that your side of the case is heard and that your rights are protected.

Having an attorney manage your case will always help you get the best possible results.

Criminal Lawyer Court Defense in Tempe

When criminal charges are filed against you and you are arrested, your life changes. Everything from that moment on will be focused on your arrest. Even if you are granted bail and do not have to appear in court for several months, the entire focus of your life will likely remain on your arrest and everything that comes with it.

A conviction of a crime could mean jail time, fines, community service, or a combination of all of these penalties. On a personal note, you could lose your job, face relationship uncertainty, and strained relations with your family.

This is why it’s crucial to seek immediate legal representation for your case. Hiring a criminal defense attorney like Robert A. Dodell, Attorney at Law, will significantly increase the chances of a positive outcome.

When you hire an attorney to manage your criminal case, they will:

  • Collect evidence on your behalf
  • Interview witnesses, including the police officers
  • Review photographs, video, and other relevant information surrounding your charges
  • Review arresting information and charges
  • Listen to your side of the story and find corroborating information
  • Review laws and similar court cases for your defense
  • Participate in the jury selection for your case
  • Aggressively represent your case at trial and protect your rights

If you are under investigation for a crime but not yet arrested, it is still be beneficial to speak with a criminal defense attorney. It is important to start building your case right away. Additionally, your lawyer can ensure that your rights are not being violated during the investigation.

Criminal attorneys have dedicated their profession to helping those accused of crimes. Although a defense attorney cannot make promises or guarantees of an acquittal, they work for the best possible outcome of your case. When you are facing a criminal trial, give yourself the best chance for a successful outcome by working with a criminal defense attorney.

Domestic Violence Court Defense in Tempe

It is important to understand that all criminal charges are not treated the same in the court system. Domestic violence cases are one of the instances where the court will be very aggressive in prosecuting the accused and will often come with severe consequences.. There’s a lot of pressure on the court system to treat these cases very seriously.

Domestic violence is not just limited to the spouse of the accused. Domestic violence can occur between the accused and:

  • A former spouse, girlfriend/boyfriend, or partner
  • Current spouse, girlfriend/boyfriend, or partner
  • A child - The biological child of the person regardless of where the child resides or any children or stepchildren that reside in the home, even if there is no biological connection
  • Siblings - adult or minor
  • Parents, In-laws
  • Grandparents
  • Roommate - an intimate relationship not required
  • Pregnant woman. A current relationship with the woman is not required

Domestic violence can include:

  • Physical harm
  • Intimidation
  • Unlawful restraint
  • A combination of any of the above

Domestic violence charges can increase in severity if the charge is considered aggravated. This would include the use of an object or weapon to inflict harm on another person. It must be understood that hitting someone with any foreign object is considered the use of a weapon. An aggravated domestic charge is automatically applied to any physical harm caused to a pregnant woman. Aggravated domestic violence offense could carry an extensive prison sentence, even for a first time offender.

Robert A. Dodell, Attorney at Law, firmly believe that all domestic violence cases have two sides to the story and that the accused should have the right to voice their side. All too often, the police are quick to place domestic violence charges against someone without having solid evidence. Even if they do not witness any violence, officers are trained to believe what the alleged victim states. This had become the norm after decades of the police ignoring domestic violence claims, even when evidence showed that it occurred.

It is important to have quality legal representation when you are facing a domestic violence charge. A conviction for this offense could impact the rest of your life. If you have been accused of, or have already been charged with, domestic violence in Tempe, it is important to speak with a defense attorney right away.