– Arizona Criminal Attorney Dwane Cates
Phoenix Criminal Defense Attorneys
Charged with a Crime? Put Experienced Legal Advocates on Your Side.
Facing criminal charges can be overwhelming and frightening. Whether you are contending with a felony or misdemeanor, you should not wait to seek legal representation, as any conviction will result in a criminal record that jeopardizes your future and, in many cases, your freedom. Our team at Cates & Reed, PLLC is prepared to guide you through each step of the legal process and work tirelessly to protect your rights. We have nearly three decades of experience and understand how to effectively approach a wide range of cases, from straightforward drug and theft crimes to high-stakes federal offenses and post-conviction appeals. One of our founding attorneys, Dwane Cates, is also an Arizona board-certified specialist in Criminal Law. We can provide tailored support and develop a strategic defense designed to secure the best possible outcome.
Your future matters, and we are ready to fight for it. We answer phones 24/7, so don’t wait to call (480) 864-3807 or contact us online.
Testimonials
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“Aaron is an excellent lawyer. Every bit of information he said was always clear and concise he explained everything to where it made sense, and never left me guessing about what’s going on.”- Former Client
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“Working with Aaron Reed was the best decision I could have made. From day one, he listened to me, explained everything clearly, and guided me through each step of the process.”- Former Client
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“From Showing up to Court Dates when I was absent, to going the extra mile to help me across state lines from Alabama to Arizona to handle my case like I had family in Phoenix helping me.”- Former Client
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“Mr. Cates patiently addressed all my questions, no matter how trivial, with clarity and professionalism. Even during challenging moments, he remained empathetic and supportive, accommodating my emotional needs with kindness.”- Former Client
Cates & Reed's YouTube Channel
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28+ Years of Experience -
Board-Certified Specialist in Arizona Criminal Law -
24/7 Availability
Why Arizona Trusts Cates & Reed, PLLC
Since 1997, Cates & Reed, PLLC has built a reputation as one of Arizona's most trusted criminal defense firms. Founding attorney Dwane Cates holds a board certification as a Criminal Law Specialist from the State Bar of Arizona — a distinction earned by a small percentage of attorneys statewide and awarded only after rigorous examination, peer review, and demonstrated trial experience. Alongside Aaron J. Reed, an AV Preeminent-rated and Super Lawyers-recognized attorney, our team has been recognized by the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (NACDL), the American Bar Association, The National Trial Lawyers, and Martindale-Hubbell.
When your freedom, career, and reputation are on the line, credentials matter — but so does experience in the courtroom. Our attorneys have collectively handled thousands of cases across Arizona's state and federal courts, from misdemeanors to capital offenses.
What Sets Our Defense Approach Apart
Not all criminal defense firms operate the same way. At Cates & Reed, PLLC, we built our practice around a few core principles:
- Direct attorney access. You work with our lawyers directly — not case managers, paralegals, or rotating staff. When you call, you speak with someone who knows your case.
- 24/7 availability. Arrests and investigations don't wait for business hours, and neither do we. Our phones are answered around the clock.
- Aggressive, independent investigation. We don't take the prosecution's narrative at face value. Our team conducts its own review of evidence, interviews witnesses, and scrutinizes law enforcement procedure for constitutional violations.
- Statewide reach, local knowledge. With experience across all 15 Arizona counties, we understand how local courts, prosecutors, and judges operate — knowledge that can directly shape defense strategy.
Defending You and Your Loved Ones
From Unjust Criminal Allegations
Serving Every Corner of Arizona
Cates & Reed, PLLC represents clients throughout the state, with deep familiarity in courts across Maricopa, Mohave, Yavapai, Pima, Pinal, Coconino, Navajo, and every other Arizona county. From Phoenix and Scottsdale to Kingman, Prescott, Yuma, Lake Havasu City, and Holbrook, our attorneys travel to meet clients where their cases are being prosecuted — because effective representation means knowing the local legal landscape, not just the law itself.
The Cates & Reed, PLLC Difference: By the Numbers
- 28+ years defending Arizonans against criminal charges
- 24/7 phone availability for urgent legal matters
- 15 counties served across the state of Arizona
- 1 board-certified Criminal Law Specialist on our team
