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Zachary Divelbiss

Zachary Divelbiss

Owner of Future First Criminal Law - 12th Fastest Growing Law Firm 2022-23
  • DUI & DWI, Criminal Law
  • Arizona
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Claimed Lawyer ProfileQ&ASocial MediaResponsive Law
Biography

Future First Criminal Law is a law firm located in Phoenix, AZ and focuses only on DUI and criminal cases in Phoenix, Scottsdale, Tempe, Mesa, Chandler, Gilbert, Paradise Valley, Peoria, Goodyear, Surprise and Glendale. At Future First Criminal Law, the lawyers typically have anywhere from 50-70 cases at a time, which means a lot of attention to their cases and clients.

All clients will receive a group text message with the entire legal team so updates, questions and answers are all provided in the quickest time possible. All major case updates are done by the lawyer recording videos on their computer screens so they can highlight certain points of the police reports, body cameras, 911 call, etc. and the recordings are provided to the clients so you can rewatch them as needed. Lawyers will then attend court with their clients once the case is ready to be solved.

Ideal clients for Future First Criminal Law are first time offenders who care about their future and typically have something major to lose such as jobs, residency, driver’s license, child custody, financial instability, reputation, etc.

Future First Criminal Law accepts credit cards and offers flexible financing through Affirm (the same company Amazon uses for payment plans).

Future First Criminal Law handles a wide variety of cases including: DUI, criminal speeding, racing, reckless driving, leaving scene of accident, shoplifting, theft, trespassing, criminal damage, disorderly conduct, domestic violence, felony DUI, drug possession, drug sale, unlawful flight, theft & criminal damage, prohibited possession of a weapon, leaving scene of accident, aggravated assault, fraud and prefile cases.

Education
Arizona Summit Law School
J.D. (2016) | Legal Studies
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Honors: Donald E. Lively Mission Pillar Award Cum Laude Castro and Merit Scholarship Dean's Award 2014-2016 Top 10% Graduation
Activities: Law Review Moot Court
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Arizona State University
B.S. (2014) | Justice Studies
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Honors: Cum Laude Provost Scholarship
Arizona State University Logo
Professional Experience
Attorney
Future First Criminal Law
- Current
• Advocate and educate criminal defendants through all processes of felony and misdemeanor criminal offenses throughout Maricopa County. At Future First Criminal Law We Help Keep Good People From Going to Jail! We Advocate and Educate Criminal Defendants Through All Processes of Felony and Misdemeanor Criminal Offenses Throughout Maricopa County.
Attorney
Ryley, Carlock & Applewhite
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• Reviewed and analyzed documents for discovery in a large, complex intellectual property and breach of contract case using Relativity platform. • Analyzed complex legal documents including emails, contracts, spreadsheets and other contract documents. • Determined which issues applied to each document and coded the documents accordingly. • Reviewed and determined if the document was responsive to the issues in the case and determined if any type of attorney-client privilege applied. • Performed quality control on other reviewers work to ensure the client was receiving a top quality product.
Law Clerk/Extern
Maricopa County Public Defender's Office
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• Received projects from a team of over twelve attorneys while working hand-in-hand with paralegals, investigators, and secretaries. • Successful Motions: Rule 20 – Charge Dismissed, Reaffirmation Finding of Incompetency – Case Dismissed, Severance of Charges – Granted, and Necessarily-Included Lesser Offense – Granted in Jury Instruction. • Compiled thorough pre-litigation research memorandums for matters involving double jeopardy, standing, discovery and counsel disqualifications. • Performed expedited projects for attorneys during trial on matters involving judicial discretion and prosecutorial misconduct. • Completed extensive post-litigation research memorandums for matters involving sentencing, restitution, and expungement laws. • Research, memo writing, courtroom observation, various criminal pre-trial and trial proceedings. • Completed over 200 hours of legal research and writing while working in close contact with supervising attorney. • Courtroom Duties: Assist with Voir Dire, Attend Conferences, Assist with Clients at Health Court Probation Violations, and Observe Complete Trial. • Motions: Franks and Pre-Indictment Delay. • Memorandums: Pre-Indictment Delay, Sexual Misconduct - Position of Trust as Teaching Assistant, Possession of Marijuana - Fresh vs. Burnt, and Misidentification. • Attend: Psychiatric Review Board Hearing and Restoration of Rights Volunteer.
Law Clerk
Lorona Mead, PLC
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• Gained general and advanced civil litigation experience in over 30 separate cases. • Drafted complaints, answers, amended complaints, 26.1, interrogatories, request for production, attorney fees, wrongful termination, negotiation letters, status reports, scheduling orders, failure to prosecute, and specific research memos. • Completed over 400 hours of research, writing, and client interaction.
Law Extern
Cavanagh Law Firm
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• Researched complex insurance statutes and cases involving insurers obligation to provide replacement parts of “like kind and quality” and “diminution of value.” • Created and compiled a 36-page report including statutory and case law for all 50 states to be included in insurance treatise. • Completed over 200 hours of legal research and writing.
Law Extern
Harla Davison Law Firm
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• Experience drafting motions to suppress, remand grand jury and sentencing memos. • Observational experience with change of plea, continuances, initial pre-trial conferences, discovery requests, oral arguments, witness interviews. • Completed over 350 hours of overall experience with Rule 38(d) Limited Practice Certification.
Publications
Articles & Publications
Rewrite Your Story: Seal Your Record
Future First Criminal Law
Preliminary Hearings - 6 Steps Explained
Future First Criminal Law
Your Right To A Speedy Trial
Future First Criminal Law
Phoenix Criminal Defense Lawyers
Future First Criminal Law
Police Access: Can Law Enforcement Enter My Property in Arizona?
Future First Criminal Law
7 Consequences of a Guilty Plea in Arizona
Future First Criminal Law
9 Plea Bargain Facts
Future First Criminal Law
3rd DUI in Arizona
James Publishing
2nd Offense DUI in Arizona
James Publishing
1st Offense DUI in Arizona
James Publishing
8 Ways To Find The Money To Pay For A Lawyer
James Publishing
10 Tips to Successfully Complete Probation
James Publishing
13 Traffic Stop Tips
James Publishing
5 Effective Strategies for Defending a Drug Possession Charge
James Publishing
7 Tips for Dealing with Police
James Publishing
7 Ways a Criminal Defense Lawyer Can Help You
James Publishing
8 FAQ Dealing with Justice System
James Publishing
8 Things to Expect Visiting a Loved One in Jail
James Publishing
9 Actions When Law Enforcement Shows Up With A Search Warrant
James Publishing
Speaking Engagements
Arizona State University Criminal Justice Presentation, ASU Downtown
School of Criminology and Criminal Justice
Watch: Presentation: Live presentation to ASU criminology students about the justice system and the complexities of short term criminal justice vs. long term unforeseen consequences. Hosted by: Claudine DeCarolis, Ed.D. Lecturer/Honors Faculty Alpha Phi Sigma Advisor Watts College of Public Service & Community Solutions School of Criminology and Criminal Justice Arizona State University
Arizona State University Alpha Phi Sigma Presentation, ASU Downtown
Alpha Phi Sigma
Presentation: To Alpha Phi Sigma sorority presentation in relation to the criminal justice system and how the consequences of criminal charges can damage future potential unexpectedly and how to avoid the long-term consequences of criminal cases.
Scottsdale Community College - Criminal Justice & Justice Studies, Virtual
Scottsdale Community College
Watch: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W0f01XvvC_k&t=343s Presentation: Legal and Ethic Perspective from a Criminal Defense Lawyer Assignment: 1. In one or more paragraph/s explain what you would do if you were the defense attorney in this case - what you would do and why? 2. In one or more paragraph/s explain what the ethical issues are in this particular case, as it relates to the defense attorney. Use words and terms you have learned from reading your textbook and studies.
Certifications
Certified Notary Public - State of Arizona
Arizona Secretary of State
Awards
Client Champion Award
Martindale-Hubbard
Client Champions are an elite group of attorneys who have received exceptional reviews from the people that know them best, their clients. The confidential client review process is managed and monitored by the world's most trusted legal resource, Martindale-Hubbell.
Client Champion Award
Martindale-Hubbell
Client Champions are an elite group of attorneys who have received exceptional reviews from the people that know them best, their clients. The confidential client review process is managed and monitored by the world's most trusted legal resource, Martindale-Hubbell.
112th Fastest Growing Law Firm 2023
Law Firm 500
Law Firm 500 ranks the top firms in the nation based on review growth over a three year period. Rankings are trusted because this award is based on actual tax returns and cannot be paid for.
Top Attorney DUI & Criminal 2023
Avvo
Avvo awards the years top lawyers to proudly recognize thier distinguished accomplishments provided each year.
Best Criminal Defense Attorney 2023
Expertise
Expertise reviews and rates all lawyers and places only the top among those that are proudly diplayed with Expertise.
Client Champion Award 2022
Martindale-Hubbell
Client Champions are an elite group of attorneys who have received exceptional reviews from the people that know them best, their clients. The confidential client review process is managed and monitored by the world's most trusted legal resource, Martindale-Hubbell.
12th Fastest Growing Law Firm 2022
Law Firm 500
Law Firm 500 ranks the top firms in the nation based on review growth over a three year period. Rankings are trusted because this award is based on actual tax returns and cannot be paid for.
Client Champion Award 2021
Martindale-Hubbell
Client Champions are an elite group of attorneys who have received exceptional reviews from the people that know them best, their clients. The confidential client review process is managed and monitored by the world's most trusted legal resource, Martindale-Hubbell.
Client Champion Award 2020
Martindale-Hubbell
Client Champions are an elite group of attorneys who have received exceptional reviews from the people that know them best, their clients. The confidential client review process is managed and monitored by the world's most trusted legal resource, Martindale-Hubbell.
Professional Associations
State Bar of Arizona  # 033949
Member
Current
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Jurisdictions Admitted to Practice
Arizona
State Bar of Arizona
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Fees
  • Free Consultation
  • Credit Cards Accepted
  • Rates, Retainers and Additional Information
    Financing Options Available via Affirm (the same company Amazon uses for payment plans)
Practice Areas
DUI & DWI
Criminal Law
Languages
  • English: Spoken, Written
  • Spanish: Spoken, Written
Legal Answers
Q. Can my son hire another attorney just for his plea bargain in Phoenix Arizona
A: This is a common issue that happens and I hate to say it but if your son already accepted the plea deal then there is nothing that can be done. A lawyer would have to basically prove that something legally was significantly wrong with the plea to undo accepting the plea.

If, however, you want to hire a new lawyer before your son accepts the plea offer then you are always free to do that. The issue there is you will likely not get any money back from your first law firm and you will have to pay a new law firm on top of what you already paid. Even then, there is no guarantee that the second law firm can get your son a better deal. This is kind of like in a baseball game bringing in a new pitcher in the 9th inning when the game is pretty much over and you are losing 5 - 0. They might be the best pitcher/law firm in the world but they are pretty much out of time to make any real change in the case since it is already at the end. ... Read More
Q. how to defeat an affirmative defense plea
A: I am not sure your entire question was posted correctly.

There is no such thing as an "affirmative defense plea" so that is the first thing that we would need to know. What it sounds like is maybe you believe there is an affirmative defense based on mental capacity. That can happen but usually it is a very high standard. For instance, you cannot just say you have ADHD/bi-polar/etc and got overly stressed and mentally blacked out and didn't know what you were doing and therefore cannot be held responsible. If that situation happens, then a plea is not the answer because you have to admit you knew or should have known you committed a crime. What happens in this situation, is that you usually have to take the case to trial in order to see if a jury believes your affirmative defense, which you have to prove (not the prosecutor when it comes to affirmative defenses). In many of these situations, it is best to hire a local law firm to see if they can negotiate with the prosecutor to dismiss the case, do counseling, etc. Trial is usually not the best option, especially if you have any prior criminal history. ... Read More
Q. Why was i charged w hindering in 2 degree ? Police came on a welfare check, but refused to leave.
A: Hindering in the 2nd degree comes from ARS 13-2511. The law is fairly simple as it says, "A person commits hindering prosecution in the second degree if, with the intent to hinder the apprehension, prosecution, conviction or punishment of another for any misdemeanor or petty offense, such person renders assistance to such as person."

There are a few common issue people have here. First is that you didn't really do anything in relation to "hindering prosecution". However, prosecution can basically start at the investigation phase, which is basically what happened in your situation.

Secondly, based on what you said, there isn't much that you did to "render assistance". But that is part of the problem with this law as it was specifically very broadly written to catch people for all kind of situations. Based on what you said happened, it seems like you should hire a local law firm and see if they can try to get your case dismissed. Either way, the police are going to say they had probable cause for a violation of this statute and technically they are correct since it is really such a broadly written law. ... Read More
View More Answers
Websites & Blogs
Website
Future First Criminal Law
Website
Free Live Webinar (next on 10/15/24)
Blog
Future First Criminal Law Blog
Videos
In this video, Zach Divelbiss, owner of Future First Criminal Law, shares his personal story that led him to create his own law firm. Zach had a past with multiple arrests and a DUI, but he turned his life around. However, the justice system tricked him into committing a new crime he didn't even know was against the law. My Story: It Happened To Me It Can Happen To You

In this video, Zach Divelbiss, owner of Future First Criminal Law, shares his personal story that led him to create his own law firm. Zach had a past with multiple arrests and a DUI, but he turned his life around. However, the justice system tricked him into committing a new crime he didn't even know was against the law.

10 Tips For Successfully Completing Probation #1. Be Aware of the Prosecutor 10 Tips For Successfully Completing Probation

10 Tips For Successfully Completing Probation #1. Be Aware of the Prosecutor

3 Ways To Avoid Jail In Arizona Here are three ways to avoid jail in Arizona for a DUI: 1. Not actually have the charges filed against you (or if... 3 Ways To Avoid Jail In Arizona

3 Ways To Avoid Jail In Arizona Here are three ways to avoid jail in Arizona for a DUI: 1. Not actually have the charges filed against you (or if...

9 Things Every Defendant Should Know About Plea Bargains Most criminal cases end with a plea bargain, rather than a trial. If you are facing criminal charges, or if a... 9 Things Every Defendant Should Know About Plea Bargains

9 Things Every Defendant Should Know About Plea Bargains Most criminal cases end with a plea bargain, rather than a trial. If you are facing criminal charges, or if a...

Can Ignorance Of The Law Be A Defense? Ignorance of the law is not a defense. Can Ignorance Of The Law Be A Defense?

Can Ignorance Of The Law Be A Defense? Ignorance of the law is not a defense.

Can You Back Out Of A Plea Deal After You Are Sentenced? Can I change my mind? You may be able to change your mind, but you must act quickly... Can You Back Out Of A Plea Deal After You Are Sentenced?

Can You Back Out Of A Plea Deal After You Are Sentenced? Can I change my mind? You may be able to change your mind, but you must act quickly...

Can You Back Out Of A Plea Deal Before You Are Sentenced? Can I change my mind? You may be able to change your mind, but you must act quickly... Can You Back Out Of A Plea Deal Before You Are Sentenced?

Can You Back Out Of A Plea Deal Before You Are Sentenced? Can I change my mind? You may be able to change your mind, but you must act quickly...

Did You Know There Are Three Types Of Probation? What are some examples of common terms or conditions of probation? Some examples of common terms and conditions of probation are:... Did You Know There Are Three Types Of Probation?

Did You Know There Are Three Types Of Probation? What are some examples of common terms or conditions of probation? Some examples of common terms and conditions of probation are:...

Do Plea Deals Have Mandatory Minimum Jail Times? If I am offered a plea bargain, should I take it? It depends. Pleading guilty is the equivalent of a criminal conviction,... Do Plea Deals Have Mandatory Minimum Jail Times?

Do Plea Deals Have Mandatory Minimum Jail Times? If I am offered a plea bargain, should I take it? It depends. Pleading guilty is the equivalent of a criminal conviction,...

Do Police Have To Read You Miranda Warnings? The police do not have to advise you of your rights when arresting you. It is a common misconception (perpetuated by popular... Do Police Have To Read You Miranda Warnings?

Do Police Have To Read You Miranda Warnings? The police do not have to advise you of your rights when arresting you. It is a common misconception (perpetuated by popular...

Does A Plea Deal End My Case? A plea agreement is not a Does A Plea Deal End My Case?

Does A Plea Deal End My Case? A plea agreement is not a

DUI Advice Driving Under the Influence Criminal Defense Attorney Zachary Divelbiss - Explains how the consequences of a DUI still linger after you DUI Advice Driving Under the Influence!

DUI Advice Driving Under the Influence Criminal Defense Attorney Zachary Divelbiss - Explains how the consequences of a DUI still linger after you

How Do I Know If I How Do I Know If I

How Do I Know If I

How Does The Prosecutor File Charges? How does a prosecutor decide whether to file charges? Prosecutors have great discretion, and many factors are considered when deciding whether to file formal... How Does The Prosecutor File Charges?

How Does The Prosecutor File Charges? How does a prosecutor decide whether to file charges? Prosecutors have great discretion, and many factors are considered when deciding whether to file formal...

How To Correctly Invoke Your Miranda Rights You have to speak up to assert your right to remain silent. You know that you have the right to remain silent in... How To Correctly Invoke Your Miranda Rights

How To Correctly Invoke Your Miranda Rights You have to speak up to assert your right to remain silent. You know that you have the right to remain silent in...

I Didn't Know I was Committing A Crime I created my law firm, Future First Criminal Law Firm, to help others who have experienced similar situations as me. The justice... I Didn't Know I was Committing A Crime

I Didn't Know I was Committing A Crime I created my law firm, Future First Criminal Law Firm, to help others who have experienced similar situations as me. The justice...

I Didn't Know I Was Committing A Crime PART 2 In the last video, I shared my experience of being accused of providing false identification to a police officer and... I Didn't Know I Was Committing A Crime PART 2

I Didn't Know I Was Committing A Crime PART 2 In the last video, I shared my experience of being accused of providing false identification to a police officer and...

I Didn't Know I Was Committing A Crime Part 3 Sharing my story has been a difficult but empowering experience. It's hard to believe that I was once on the... I Didn't Know I Was Committing A Crime Part 3

I Didn't Know I Was Committing A Crime Part 3 Sharing my story has been a difficult but empowering experience. It's hard to believe that I was once on the...

Legalizing Marijuana: My Fox News Interview In honor of 420 week, here's a flashback to my segment on Fox News, where I shared insights on the legalization of marijuana for... Legalizing Marijuana: My Fox News Interview

Legalizing Marijuana: My Fox News Interview In honor of 420 week, here's a flashback to my segment on Fox News, where I shared insights on the legalization of marijuana for...

My Underage Drinking Arrest One of the most ridiculous times I was arrested and charged with underage drinking was because I was honest. It happened when I was sitting in... My Underage Drinking Arrest

My Underage Drinking Arrest One of the most ridiculous times I was arrested and charged with underage drinking was because I was honest. It happened when I was sitting in...

What Does Guilty Beyond A Reasonable Doubt Mean? In order to obtain a conviction in a criminal case, the prosecution must prove that the defendant is guilty What Does Guilty Beyond A Reasonable Doubt Mean?

What Does Guilty Beyond A Reasonable Doubt Mean? In order to obtain a conviction in a criminal case, the prosecution must prove that the defendant is guilty

What If My Drivers License Gets Revoked? Loss of driving privileges A DUI conviction routinely results in the suspension of the driver What If My Drivers License Gets Revoked?

What If My Drivers License Gets Revoked? Loss of driving privileges A DUI conviction routinely results in the suspension of the driver

What Is A Restricted Drivers License? Loss of driving privileges A DUI conviction routinely results in the suspension of the driver What Is A Restricted Drivers License?

What Is A Restricted Drivers License? Loss of driving privileges A DUI conviction routinely results in the suspension of the driver

What Is A Speedy Trial? What is the speedy trial rule? You have a right to be brought to trial without undue delay caused by the prosecution. The right to... What Is A Speedy Trial?

What Is A Speedy Trial? What is the speedy trial rule? You have a right to be brought to trial without undue delay caused by the prosecution. The right to...

What Is The Best Way To Remove Your Warrant? If you know that a warrant has been issued for your arrest, the best thing to do is to turn yourself... What Is The Best Way To Remove Your Warrant?

What Is The Best Way To Remove Your Warrant? If you know that a warrant has been issued for your arrest, the best thing to do is to turn yourself...

Hear from the Owner, Zachary Divelbiss, about his personal experience going through the Arizona Criminal Justice System and why you should hire a criminal lawyer if you are facing criminal... Zach's Story & Why He Helps Clients! You Need To Hire A Criminal Lawyer!

Hear from the Owner, Zachary Divelbiss, about his personal experience going through the Arizona Criminal Justice System and why you should hire a criminal lawyer if you are facing criminal...

Contact & Map
Future First Criminal Law
Phoenix Office
2999 N. 44th St.
Suite 307
Phoenix, AZ 85018
Cell: (480) 452-0024
Monday: Open 24 hours
Tuesday: Open 24 hours
Wednesday: Open 24 hours
Thursday: Open 24 hours
Friday: Open 24 hours
Saturday: Open 24 hours (Today)
Sunday: Open 24 hours
Notice: Please CALL before arriving at office to confirm we are at the office and not at court.
Future First Criminal Law
Phoenix Office
8650 N 35th Ave
Suite 110
Phoenix, AZ 85051
Cell: (480) 452-0024
Monday: Open 24 hours
Tuesday: Open 24 hours
Wednesday: Open 24 hours
Thursday: Open 24 hours
Friday: Open 24 hours
Saturday: Open 24 hours (Today)
Sunday: Open 24 hours
Notice: Please CALL before arriving at office to confirm we are at the office and not at court.