Ray A. Ybarra Maldonado

Ray A. Ybarra Maldonado, Esq., is a skilled attorney at Ybarra Maldonado Law Group, known for criminal defense, immigration, personal injury law, and civil rights work. He has earned not guilty verdicts in state and federal courts and won motions that led to dismissed cases. He has also handled appeals before the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals. His practice reflects steady trial preparation, strong advocacy, and a clear focus on protecting people facing serious legal problems with confidence and sound, informed guidance at every stage.

Ray attended Cochise Community College on a baseball scholarship before completing a Bachelor’s Degree in Religious Studies from Arizona State University, where he graduated Summa Cum Laude. He also earned a J.D. from Stanford Law School. His academic background gave him a broad view of community, rights, and legal systems. It also prepared him to explain complex legal issues clearly and practically for clients.

Ray has built a career that includes work with the United Farm Workers of America, AFL-CIO, the American Civil Liberties Union, the Cochise County public defender system, and the Federal Public Defender’s Office in Tucson. He has represented clients in difficult criminal and immigration matters, including cases involving detention, deportation risk, U Visas, VAWA applications, USCIS appeals, and permanent resident status after individual hearings. His work shows strong courtroom skills and a deep understanding of high-stakes legal defense.

Ray A. Ybarra Maldonado has also helped people through public education, civil rights advocacy, and community legal support. He co-wrote and co-produced the documentary Rights on the Line: Vigilantes at the Border and wrote Born on the Border, a book about anti-immigrant movements and civil action. He has spoken at major universities and trained volunteers during border monitoring efforts. Through legal representation and public advocacy, he has helped clients, immigrants, and vulnerable communities seek protection, dignity, and justice.

Law Office Affiliations

• Founder & Principal Attorney, Ybarra Maldonado Law Group
• Member, State Bar of Arizona
• Member, American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU)

Licensed State

• Arizona

Education

• Stanford Law School
  Juris Doctor (JD)
• Arizona State University
  BA in Religious Studies with Summa Cum Laude

Awards & Badges