Michael Alarid, III

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 graduating from law school, Mr. Alarid launched his career at a highly regarded boutique criminal defense firm, gaining hands-on experience with serious felony and high‑stakes criminal cases. Within just five years, he argued twice before the Arizona Supreme Court—an accomplishment few criminal defense attorneys ever achieve. In one of those landmark cases, he helped change Arizona law on marijuana DUI charges. He later joined one of Arizona’s largest criminal defense law firms, where he spent seven years and tried dozens of criminal 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