About
Michael Alarid, III, is one of Arizona’s leading criminal defense lawyers. He has built a strong reputation for handling high-profile and complex criminal cases across the state. With years of experience in state and federal courts, Mr. Alarid represents clients in a wide range of criminal matters, from misdemeanors to serious felony charges. He brings knowledge, skill, and dedication to every stage of the legal process, from investigation to trial and appeal.
Mr. Alarid graduated from the University of New Mexico. He then moved to Arizona to attend law school at Arizona State University, where he earned his J.D. While at ASU, he won his first felony jury trial as a Rule 38 certified student attorney. He also received the Distinguished Achievement in the Art and Science of Advocacy award from the International Academy of Trial Lawyers at graduation.
After law school, Mr. Alarid joined a respected boutique criminal defense firm where he quickly gained experience on major cases. Within five years, he argued twice before the Arizona Supreme Court—an achievement few lawyers reach. In one of those cases, he helped change Arizona law on marijuana DUIs. Later, he joined one of Arizona’s largest criminal defense firms, where he worked for seven years and tried dozens of cases to jury verdict.
Mr. Alarid has defended hundreds of clients on charges including DUI, theft, assault, drug crimes, gun offenses, and homicides. He has practiced in city courts, superior courts, appellate courts, the Arizona Supreme Court, and the U.S. District Court.
Michael Alarid, III, is Board Certified in DUI Defense Law by the NCDD and is one of only five attorneys in Arizona with this certification. He is also a Board-Certified Specialist in Criminal Law by the Arizona State Bar—the only attorney in Maricopa County with both honors.
Law Office Affiliations
- Founder, The Law Office of Michael Alarid III
- Member, Arizona State Bar
- Member, Arizona Attorneys for Criminal Justice
- Member, National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
Licensed State
- Arizona
Education
- Arizona State University
Juris Doctor (JD) - University of New Mexico
Bachelor of Arts (BA)
Awards & Badges



- Child Abuse
- Domestic Violence
- Drug Crime
- DUI and DWI
- Sex Crime