Craig W. Penrod

Craig W. Penrod is a seasoned criminal defense attorney with over 40 years of experience protecting the rights of individuals facing serious criminal charges throughout Arizona. An Arizona native, Mr. Penrod has dedicated his career to providing aggressive, knowledgeable defense representation in both Arizona state and federal courts.

Certified Criminal Law Specialist

Mr. Penrod is certified by the State Bar of Arizona as a Criminal Law Specialist. This prestigious certification is held by less than 1% of attorneys in the state, recognizing him as a true expert by the Arizona Board of Legal Specialization.

Memberships & Credentials

Mr. Penrod is a member of Arizona Attorneys for Criminal Justice (AACJ), a statewide organization dedicated to protecting the rights of the accused in the courts and legislature and promoting excellence in criminal defense through education and training. He has been selected for inclusion in Super Lawyers from 2008 through 2025, an honor bestowed upon only five percent of attorneys in Arizona.

He holds an AV Preeminent® rating, the highest rating for legal ability and ethical standards by Martindale-Hubbell. This distinction is reserved for attorneys who have earned the highest recognition from their peers.

Accomplished Trial Lawyer with a Record of Success

Over his more than 40-year career, Mr. Penrod has successfully defended clients in a wide range of criminal matters. With a long history of favorable results for DUI and related criminal charges, he has been retained by attorneys, physicians, CEOs of major corporations, professional athletes, airline pilots, police officers, and family members of judges and law enforcement officials who trust his expertise when their freedom is at stake.

Mr. Penrod has represented thousands of criminal defense clients and fights to get each one the best possible outcome for their case, no matter the criminal charge. His trial skills and legal knowledge have made him a sought-after expert witness, frequently retained by other attorneys to provide expert testimony on criminal defense matters. His reputation extends to the media, where he is regularly consulted as a legal expert on criminal law issues. His commentary has been featured in the Arizona Republic, East Valley Tribune, and local television news programs.

Leadership in Criminal Defense

Mr. Penrod’s expertise is recognized not only by his clients but also by the judiciary. He has served on committees assembled by the presiding judge of Maricopa County Superior Court and the presiding judge of the city of Mesa, providing valuable defense perspectives to ensure efficient case management while protecting defendants’ constitutional rights.

He served for several years on the State Bar of Arizona’s Criminal Law Advisory Board for Legal Specialization, where he vetted applications by attorneys seeking to become Criminal Law Specialists and contributed to the development of criminal law practice standards and policies.

Challenging Injustice

Mr. Penrod has served as lead counsel in numerous cases that challenged problematic testing procedures and government misconduct. His dedication to holding the state accountable was demonstrated in the landmark State v. Meza case, where he testified as an expert witness and the Arizona Court of Appeals took the unprecedented step of ordering the state to pay defense attorney fees due to Phoenix Crime Lab misconduct. This case resulted in the suppression of evidence in over 1,600 cases, demonstrating the thorough understanding of the law that Mr. Penrod brings to every case.

Over 40 Years of Criminal Defense Experience

Attorney Craig W. Penrod has defended thousands of clients over his legal career and has worked to achieve the best possible outcome for every person. He is a seasoned advocate experienced in handling many types of criminal charges and maintains established relationships with the local courts and Arizona State Attorney General’s office. His extensive knowledge of the opposition and their courtroom strategies give his clients a significant advantage.

Mr. Penrod helps clients of all ages and backgrounds across Arizona overcome criminal charges and move forward with their lives. He has protected the rights of Arizona clients accused of crimes for more than 40 years.

Attorneys, physicians, CEOs, professional athletes, airline pilots, police officers, and their friends and family choose our law firm for their criminal cases. If you’re facing criminal charges in Arizona, contact AZ Defenders today at (480) 456-6400 or submit a contact form online to schedule a consultation with Mr. Penrod.