vicki

Vicki Lopez

Attorney at Law | Criminal Law Specialist

Vicki Lopez is a Certified Criminal Law Specialist who has dedicated her entire career to fighting for the accused. She is licensed to practice in the State of Arizona, the Federal District Court for the District of Arizona, and the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals.

Angel sent from above – Vicki is a phenomenal attorney. She is very patient, kind, informative and explained the legal process in a way I understood. She prevailed, winning my case & keeping me out of prison. While I hope I never need her again, if I did, I would come to her first.

From misdemeanors that could impact your record to the most serious felonies including homicide and sex offenses, she handles the entire spectrum of criminal matters with the same meticulous attention and fierce advocacy. Vicki stands as one of Arizona’s most formidable criminal defense advocates, bringing decades of unparalleled experience and an unwavering commitment to protecting her clients’ rights.

Criminal Law Specialist

After earning her Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Arizona State University, she pursued a Master’s in International Politics from the University of Southampton in England. She then returned to Arizona to earn her Juris Doctor from Arizona State College of Law in 1985, launching what would become an extraordinary career in criminal defense.

Her foundation in criminal law was built through years as a public defender, where she handled thousands of criminal cases and took hundreds to trial. The decades of experience as a trial attorney have given her the skills and knowledge that make her the well-known powerful courtroom advocate, she is today. Her legendary courtroom presence and relentless advocacy have earned her a reputation in the legal community as one of the most respected criminal defense attorneys in the state.

Education and Experience

After earning her Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Arizona State University, she pursued a Master’s in International Politics from the University of Southampton in England. She then returned to Arizona to earn her Juris Doctor from Arizona State College of Law in 1985, launching what would become an extraordinary career in criminal defense.

Her foundation in criminal law was built through years as a public defender, where she handled thousands of criminal cases and took hundreds to trial. The decades of experience as a trial attorney have given her the skills and knowledge that make her the well-known powerful courtroom advocate, she is today. Her legendary courtroom presence and relentless advocacy have earned her a reputation in the legal community as one of the most respected criminal defense attorneys in the state.

Recognition and Awards

Recognition of Vicki’s exceptional abilities comes from the most prestigious sources in the legal profession. She was named “Lawyer of the Year” by Best Lawyers® 2025 for Criminal Defense: General Practice—a distinction that recognizes not just competence, but true leadership in the field. The Best Lawyers in America® has consistently recognized her work in Criminal Defense: General Practice, Criminal Defense: White-Collar, and DUI/DWI Defense for 2024 and 2025. Arizona Super Lawyers selected her for their 2025 list in both Criminal Defense and DUI-DWI Defense, while Phoenix Magazine honored her as a Top Criminal Defense Lawyer for both 2023 and 2024.

Professional Leadership and Advocacy

Beyond individual cases, Vicki is a powerful force for justice reform and professional excellence throughout Arizona’s legal community. As an active member of Arizona Attorneys for Criminal Justice (AACJ), she regularly testifies at the legislature, advocating on behalf of criminal justice reform and protecting the rights of the accused. Her voice carries significant weight in shaping Arizona’s criminal justice policies, demonstrating her influence extends far beyond the courtroom.

Vicki is also a highly regarded speaker and educator, regularly presenting at local and statewide

conferences and seminars where she shares her extensive knowledge and teaches other attorneys the intricacies of criminal defense. Her presentations on innovative trial strategies and creative defense approaches have made her a respected mentor to criminal defense attorneys throughout Arizona. Her membership in prestigious organizations like Arizona Attorneys for Criminal Justice (AACJ) and The National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (NACDL) keeps her at the forefront of developments in criminal law and defense tactics.

Beyond the Courtroom

A lifelong resident of Arizona who grew up in Chicago, Vicki brings both local knowledge and big-city toughness to every case. When she’s not in the courtroom fighting for her clients, she enjoys various arts and crafts, stays active with regular workouts, and cheers on her favorite NFL teams—the Chicago Bears and Arizona Cardinals. She’s also proud that both of her daughters followed in her footsteps to become attorneys, testament to the values of justice and advocacy that define her life.

Get in Touch with Vicki Lopez

In the high-stakes world of criminal defense, experience matters, reputation matters, and results matter most of all. Vicki Lopez delivers on all three.

When you choose Vicki Lopez, you’re not just hiring an attorney—you’re enlisting a dedicated advocate who understands that criminal charges can devastate lives, families, and futures. Don’t face criminal charges alone. With her proven track record, elite credentials, and unwavering commitment to justice, Vicki Lopez is ready to fight for you.

Contact Vicki Lopez today for a confidential consultation by calling (480) 248-7666 or online by submitting a contact form here.

 

CriminalLaw

vicki

Bar Admissions

  • State Bar of Arizona, 1985
  • U.S. District Court, District of Arizona, 1985
  • Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals, 1985

Certified Legal Specialties

  • Certified Criminal Law Specialist, State Bar of Arizona, 2008

Education

  • Arizona State University Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law
    • Juris Doctor
  • University of Southampton
    • Master’s in International Politics
  • Arizona State University
    • Bachelor of Arts in Political Science

Professional Associations & Memberships

  • Arizona Attorneys for Criminal Justice, Member
  • The National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, Member

Honors & Awards

  • Named “Lawyer of the Year” by Best Lawyers® 2025 for Criminal Defense: General Practice
  • The Best Lawyers in America® 2024 & 2025 for work in:
    • Criminal Defense: General Practice
    • Criminal Defense: White-Collar
    • DUI / DWI Defense
  • Selected to the 2025 Arizona Super Lawyers list for:
    • Criminal Defense
    • DUI-DWI Defense
  • Phoenix Magazine: Top Criminal Defense Lawyer, 2023 & 2024
  • Martindale-Hubbell® Distinguished Rating: High Profession Level of Achievement 2024 & 2025

Recognitions


Best Lawyers Award Badge