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Kristopher Califano

Kristopher Califano

Check the reviews - Payment Plans Available - DUI / CRIMINAL - Super Lawyers
  • Criminal Law, DUI & DWI, Domestic Violence
  • Arizona, Arizona
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Biography

Mr. Califano has defended thousands of Arizonans charged or investigated for crimes. He has been a state-bar licensed Arizona attorney for more than 10 years and has substantial jury trial experience on felony and misdemeanor cases. Mr. Califano has defended cases ranging from first-degree murder to civil speeding cases. He has received numerous recognitions and awards.

Kris is often asked and conducts seminars for other attorneys about DUI laws and trial strategies. He is results oriented, tenacious and pragmatic. His success can be attributed to his knowledge of the law, a strong motion practice, jury appeal, work ethic, and firm negotiation skills. He recognizes that there are two sides to any story, that a person IS innocent until proven guilty. committed to strenuously arguing the law and facts for his clients. The results are; He has obtained multiple felony and misdemeanor pre and post dismissals, lenient plea offers, and not guilty jury trial verdicts.

Mr. Califano graduated from the prestigious Pepperdine University School of Law. He obtained his bachelor's degree at the University of Arizona, majoring in journalism. He has published articles critiquing and monitoring the criminal justice system.

Kris was born and raised in Arizona. He is continually committed to the Arizona community and ensuring that law enforcement officials do not violate the rights and freedoms of people living or visiting his home state. Kris has always been a criminal defense attorney and proud to have never taken freedom from another person. He continues to offer his services as a contract public defender in the Phoenix Municipal Court and Maricopa County Courts.

Kris always offers a Free Initial Consultation of at least one hour. He prides himself on keeping fees as low as possible and still offering the best representation possible.

*Mr. Califano does not endorse criminal activity or impaired driving.

Education
Pepperdine University School of Law
J.D. (2007) | Law
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Honors: Juris Doctor Commencement Breakfast Speaker Certificate in Dispute Resolution
Activities: International Moot Court- London, England
Pepperdine University School of Law Logo
University of Arizona
B.A. (2003) | Journalism / Communication
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Honors: Scholarship for writing
Activities: Newspaper
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Professional Experience
Attorney
Maricopa County Public Defender
- Current
Attorney
LAW OFFICE OF KRISTOPHER CALIFANO, PLLC
- Current
Attorney
City of Phoenix Public Defender
- Current
Publications
Articles & Publications
Arizona DUI and MVD DUI
AVVO
Speaking Engagements
MCSC - Investiture Speaker, Judge Investiture, Phoenix, AZ
MARICOPA COUNTY SUPERIOR COURT
MCSC - Investiture Speaker, Judge Investiture, Phoenix, AZ
MARICOPA COUNTY SUPERIOR COURT
APDA Cross Examination of the Phlebotomist, APDA, Tempe AZ
Arizona Public Defender's Association
APDA - Representing the Innocent, APDA Summer Conference, Tempe
APDA - DUI Remand Motions, APDA Summer Conference, Tempe
Awards
Top 40 under 40
PHOENIX BUSINESS JOURAL
Top Valley Lawyer
North Valley Magazine
Peer Review Rated
Martindale Hubbell
Preeminant 4.8-5
Martindale Hubbell
Professional Associations
Super Lawyers
Rising Star
Current
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AVVO
Superb Lawyer 10/10
Current
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Martindale-Hubbel
Highest Possible Ranking in Competency and Ethics
Current
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ASLA
Top 40 Under 40
Current
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Public Counsel
City of Phoenix Public Defender
Current
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Maricopa County Public Defender
Current
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Arizona Public Defender Association
Speaker/Lecturer
Current
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Jurisdictions Admitted to Practice
Arizona
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Arizona
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Fees
  • Free Consultation
    Most circumstances involve free consultations of at least one hour.
  • Credit Cards Accepted
  • Rates, Retainers and Additional Information
    Flexible fee structures including Flat Fee, monthly payments after initial retainer and hourly rates with Trust Retainer.
Practice Areas
Criminal Law
Criminal Appeals, Drug Crimes, Expungement, Fraud, Gun Crimes, Internet Crimes, Sex Crimes, Theft, Violent Crimes
DUI & DWI
Domestic Violence
Domestic Violence Criminal Defense, Domestic Violence Restraining Orders
Languages
  • English: Spoken, Written
Legal Answers
Q. What is the difference between a DUI and a wet and reckless?
A: Generally speaking, the legal community in Arizona refers to a "wet reckless" as a "confirming reckless driving plea offer." A "conforming reckless driving plea offer" ("conforming reckless," herein) carries many of the same penalties as a DUI, however there is usually no interlock requirement. TI agree with what the other lawyers have posted on this issue. However, it's important to understand that because a "conforming reckless" carries many of the same penalties, many lawyers, including myself, try to negotiate a full-blown dismissal or traditional reckless driving resolution. Each case is different. The probability of obtaining a dismissal, reckless driving, or conforming reckless driving ("wet reckless"), depend on many factors. The most important factor is whether the State's case has weaknesses in it that make the prosecutor concerned that the prosecutor may lose the case in front of a jury. Having said that, other factors are usually also very important: the policies of the prosecutorial agency involved, the defendant's background, the judge, etc. Some prosecutors will never care about the defendant's background, while others will. Having an experienced DUI lawyer is important because that lawyer can more effectively find weaknesses in the prosecutor's case (if they exist) and can more persuasively present your background and the legal issues to the prosecutor, jury, or judge. Thus, whether your goal is negotiation or litigation, having an experienced DUI lawyer is necessary. ... Read More
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Websites & Blogs
Website
Contact & Map
4600 N. 12th St
Phoenix, AZ 85014
Telephone: (602) 402-8708
Cell: (602) 402-8708
Monday: Open 24 hours
Tuesday: Open 24 hours
Wednesday: Open 24 hours
Thursday: Open 24 hours
Friday: Open 24 hours (Today)
Saturday: Open 24 hours
Sunday: Open 24 hours
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