Craig Orent

Craig Orent has been defending and trying criminal cases for 30+ years, handling everything from criminal traffic matters to capital first-degree murder. He is known to be aggressive, tenacious, and passionate in his defense of his clients. He approaches each case as if he were representing a family member. He is an advocate, defender, and advisor. He appears in all courts (city, state, and federal).

University of San Diego School of Law

J.D. (1987)

1984 - 1987

Roger Williams University

B.S. | Admin. of Justice & Political Science

1984 - 1987

Owner

Orent Law Offices, PLC

2011 - Current

Criminal Defense Lawyer

Various

1987 - 2011

Trial Prosecutor (Int)

Riverside County District Attorney's Office

1987 - 1987

The Sooner the Better: Jencks Material of Hearsay Declarants in Pretrial Hearings

The Liberty Legend, National Association of Federal Defenders

2003

Beware Of Unknown Court Policies: What You Dont Know About Ex Parte Communications Between Judge and Jury Can Hurt You

The Defender, Arizona Attorneys For Criminal Justice

2000

Beware Of Unknown Court Policies: What You Dont Know About Ex Parte Communications Between Judge and Jury Can Hurt You

The Defense, Maricopa County Public Defenders Office

2000

Stones in Our Pathways: Handling Capital Habeas Cases in the District of Arizona, Victims’ Rights”, CJA/FPD Seminar (Phoenix)

2003

Victim’s Rights & The Defense, Annual Capital Defense Seminar

2001

Issues in Victims Rights: Challenges to Victims’ Rights Laws, Arizona Attorneys for Criminal Justice Annual Meeting

2004

An Ethics Roundtable Discussion, CJA/FPD Seminar

2007

Victims’ Rights, CJA/FPD Seminar (Tucson)

Certified Criminal Law Specialist

State Bar of Arizona

Top 100 Trial Lawyers in America

The American Trial Lawyers Association

2013

Top Lawyer (DUI/Criminal Defense)

North Valley Magazine

2012

Arizona's Top Rated Lawyers

law.com

2012

AV Preeminent.Peer Review Rating

Martindale-Hubbell

2011

American Jurisprudence Award (AmJur) - Civil Procedure

Lawyers Cooperative Publishing (Thomson Corporation)

1986

Arizona State Bar

Member

Current

Arizona Attorneys for Criminal Justice

member

Current

National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers

member

Current

National College of DUI Defense

General Member

Current

National Criminal Defense College (NCDC)

Jury Trial Training (2 weeks)

1995 - 1995

Arizona

State Bar of Arizona

Since 1994

California

State Bar of California

Since 1987

Massachusetts

Massachusetts Board of Bar Overseers

Since 1988

9th Circuit

Since 2001

U.S. Federal Courts

Since 1988

• Free Consultation
• Credit Cards Accepted

• Drug Crimes
• Federal Crimes
• Juvenile Crimes
• Sex Crimes
• Traffic

Q. difference between class 4 felony and Class one misdemeanor for domestic assault

May 27, 2015

A: The difference between a felony and misdemeanor is a felony as opposed to a misdemeanor conviction and prison vs jail (if any). But if you are asking why the charge is a misdemeanor rather than a felony, that question cannot be answered absent knowing much more about the underlying circumstances. If on the other hand you are asking why the prosecutor rejected prosecution for a felony but is prosecuting for a misdemeanor, again more information is needed to answer. However, the prosecutor either determined the underlying "alleged" facts do not warrant a felony charge, meaning not serious enough and/or that at most the underlying alleged actions even if true only would or do prove misdemeanor assault (simple assault). Felony assault typically involves use of a weapon, serious injury, cutting off one's oxygen, or assault on certain classes of people (police, etc.). Presumably you have an attorney. You should talk to him/her. Good luck. ... Read More

Q. If I asked my PD two times to file paperwork with court to request New attorney and they do not do it what can I do ?

May 26, 2015

A: If your attorney is not responding then one option is to try to contact her supervisor and if that does not work then insist on talking to the judge directly or write a letter to the court. These are not the common approaches but if it's all you have then go for it. Also, keep in mind that it is not common for a judge will give you a new lawyer, though as with anything it will depend on the overall circumstances.

Q. I received a complaint for suspected DUI my court date is 2 days away and the complaint number still has not been filled

May 20, 2015

A: The likelihood, though not a guarantee, is that the State is awaiting the report to be submitted from the arresting officer "or" they are awaiting the results of the blood analysis. Depends on the court and prosecuting agency how it's handled.