Business Details
16 Years
experience
Aggressive Criminal Defense in Phoenix, AZ
The Mendelson Law Firm has been a trusted advocate for clients facing criminal charges in Phoenix since 2010. Our practice focuses on defending individuals accused of misdemeanors and felonies, including DUI, assault, domestic violence, drug offenses, and theft. Led by Wendy B. Mendelson, an attorney with decades of experience in criminal defense, we combine legal expertise with personalized representation to protect clients' rights. Our approach emphasizes thorough case investigation, strategic defense planning, and aggressive courtroom advocacy.Wendy's background in civil litigation and DUI defense, coupled with her international legal education, provides unique perspective in handling complex cases. We prioritize client communication, ensuring individuals understand their options and feel supported throughout the legal process. The firm's track record demonstrates our commitment to achieving favorable outcomes through dismissal, reduced charges, or acquittals. Our dedication to justice and client-centered service has established us as a respected resource in Arizona's legal community.
Services
DUI Defense
Assault Charges
Domestic Violence
Drug Possession
Theft Crimes
MVD Hearings
Details
- Year established: 2010
Highlights and features
- We offer 15+ years of criminal defense experience in Arizona courts
- Our attorney has handled hundreds of DUI cases with proven results
- We provide personalized defense strategies tailored to each case
- Our practice combines civil litigation insights with criminal defense expertise
- We maintain direct client communication throughout the legal process
Services
DUI Defense
Our DUI defense practice handles all levels of alcohol-related driving charges, from first-time offenses to felony aggravated DUI cases. We challenge evidence admissibility, question chemical test accuracy, and navigate Motor Vehicle Division hearings to protect driving privileges. Our experience with Arizona's strict DUI laws helps clients avoid mandatory jail time, license suspensions, and interlock device requirements.
Domestic Violence
We defend against domestic violence allegations involving assault, harassment, and protective order violations. Our approach addresses both criminal charges and related civil consequences, including custody implications and restraining orders. We challenge evidence credibility and work to prevent misdemeanor charges from escalating to felony status through strategic plea negotiations and trial preparation.
Drug Charges
Our drug charge defense covers possession, trafficking, and manufacturing accusations under Arizona law. We examine search and seizure procedures, challenge probable cause determinations, and negotiate for reduced penalties or alternative sentencing. Our practice addresses both state and federal drug cases, focusing on minimizing prison time and avoiding permanent criminal records.
Assault Charges
We represent clients facing misdemeanor and felony assault charges, including aggravated assault with deadly weapons. Our defense strategies analyze injury severity, self-defense claims, and witness credibility. We work to reduce potential consequences like mandatory minimum sentences, probation requirements, and long-term criminal record impacts on employment and housing.
Theft Crimes
Our theft defense practice handles auto theft, burglary, robbery, and fraud allegations. We challenge property value assessments, question ownership evidence, and negotiate restitution agreements. We focus on preventing permanent criminal records that could affect future employment while addressing related charges like identity theft and credit card fraud.
People
Wendy B. Mendelson
Attorney at Law
Wendy B. Mendelson is a criminal defense attorney with 15+ years of experience handling Arizona DUI, assault, and drug cases. She graduated from Thomas Jefferson School of Law and previously worked at Phoenix law firms before establishing her own practice in 2010. Her background includes internships with the San Diego Public Defender's Office and international legal studies under Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg.
Questions
What criminal defense services do you offer?
We handle DUI, assault, domestic violence, drug charges, theft crimes, and MVD hearings. Our practice covers both misdemeanor and felony cases across Arizona.
How does Arizona define assault charges?
Arizona categorizes assault as either misdemeanor (intentional harm or threats) or felony aggravated assault involving weapons, serious injury, or protected victims.
What happens during a DUI case?
DUI defense involves challenging chemical test results, addressing license suspension through MVD hearings, and negotiating penalties ranging from fines to interlock devices and jail time.
Can domestic violence charges be reduced?
Yes, we work to reduce charges by challenging evidence credibility, negotiating plea agreements, and demonstrating lack of intent or self-defense circumstances.
How do you handle drug possession cases?
We examine search legality, challenge evidence admissibility, and negotiate for alternative sentencing or charge reductions while protecting clients' constitutional rights.
