Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Experienced Criminal Defense Attorney Arizona & New Mexico
With over five decades of dedicated service in criminal defense, Ellinwood & Francis PLLC has established itself as a trusted legal advocate in Arizona and New Mexico. Our founder, Ralph E. Ellinwood, brings 50 years of courtroom experience, having served as both a prosecutor and public defender, to provide clients with unparalleled expertise in complex criminal cases. We specialize in high-stakes defense strategies, including sex crime allegations, Rule 32 post-conviction petitions, and second-opinion consultations, while maintaining the highest standards of ethical practice. Our AV Preeminent Rating from Martindale-Hubbell and recognition as a Super Lawyer reflect our commitment to excellence.We prioritize client needs through personalized representation, leveraging deep knowledge of state and federal legal systems to protect clients' rights and futures. Our practice extends to critical areas like immigration-related legal consequences and Knapp counsel arrangements, ensuring accessible justice for all clients. With a proven track record in thousands of cases, we combine trial-tested skills with compassionate counsel to deliver results-driven legal solutions.
Services
Criminal Defense
Sex Crimes Defense
Rule 32 Petitions
Second Opinion Consultations
Knapp Counsel Services
Post-Conviction Relief
Legal Consultation
Trial Representation
Immigration Considerations
Criminal Defense Consultation
Details
- Year established: 1974
Highlights and features
- 50 years of criminal defense experience in Arizona and New Mexico
- AV Preeminent Rated for legal ability and ethics
- Former prosecutor and public defender with trial expertise
- Specializes in complex sex crime and Rule 32 cases
- Offers second opinion consultations and Knapp counsel services
Associations and certifications
- Martindale-Hubbell AV Preeminent Rating
- Super Lawyer
- John J. Flynn Lifetime Achievement Award
Services
Criminal Defense
Comprehensive criminal defense representation for serious charges with lifelong consequences. Specializing in protecting clients' freedom, finances, and personal lives through expert legal strategies. Handles cases from pre-indictment through trial and appeals.
Sex Crimes Defense
Specialized defense for sex crime allegations including child molestation and child pornography. Combines legal expertise with sensitive handling of cases that carry severe social and professional consequences. Provides strategic representation in both state and federal courts.
Rule 32 Petitions
Representation for post-conviction relief in Arizona courts. Handles complex legal challenges including ineffective assistance of counsel claims and newly discovered evidence. Leverages decades of experience in appellate procedures and constitutional violations.
Second Opinion Consultations
Expert legal evaluations for clients seeking alternative perspectives on ongoing cases. Provides strategic guidance on plea agreements, trial decisions, and defense approaches. Works collaboratively with existing legal counsel to strengthen defense strategies.
Knapp Counsel Services
Cost-effective legal support through court-authorized Knapp counsel arrangements. Provides specialized assistance while allowing government funding for case expenses. Ideal for complex cases requiring additional legal expertise in rural jurisdictions.
People
Ralph E. Ellinwood
Attorney at Law
50-year criminal law veteran with AV Preeminent Rating and Super Lawyer recognition. Former prosecutor and public defender with extensive trial experience in Arizona and New Mexico courts. Recipient of the John J. Flynn Lifetime Achievement Award for constitutional rights protection.
Questions
What are the consequences of a criminal conviction?
Convictions carry lifelong consequences including employment limitations, immigration issues, and permanent criminal records that cannot be expunged.
Can non-citizens receive legal protection?
Yes. We provide specialized defense strategies considering immigration consequences, including protection from deportation for legal residents.
What is Rule 32 post-conviction relief?
Arizona's legal process for challenging convictions based on constitutional violations, ineffective counsel, or newly discovered evidence after appeals conclude.
Do you offer second opinion consultations?
Yes. We provide expert legal evaluations and strategic guidance for ongoing cases, typically requested through your current attorney.
