Glendale Criminal Defense Attorney
Richard D. Coffinger, Attorney at Law
Board-Certified Criminal Law Specialist Since 1980
When a criminal charge puts your license, record, reputation, or freedom at risk, experience matters. Richard D. Coffinger has practiced criminal law in Arizona since 1972 and provides direct, personal representation for selected state-court matters in Glendale and Maricopa County.
Experience You Can Verify
More Than 50 Years in Arizona Criminal Law
Board-Certified Criminal Law Specialist
Certified by the State Bar of Arizona since 1980.
Tom Karas Criminal Justice Award
Presented by the State Bar of Arizona in 2021.
Selected to Super Lawyers
Selected in 2007, 2008, 2009, and 2010.
Criminal Defense Specialties
Focused Representation for the Charges Clients Face Most Often
Richard’s practice centers on DUI defense, criminal traffic offenses, and domestic-violence-designated cases, with selected representation in several related areas. Choose the page that best matches the allegation, or call if you are unsure whether the matter fits the practice.
DUI Defense
A DUI can involve both a criminal case and a separate driver-license process. Get a careful review of the stop, testing, reports, and available options.
Criminal Traffic Offenses
Criminal speeding, reckless driving, and other criminal traffic allegations are different from ordinary civil tickets and may require a court appearance.
Domestic Violence Defense
A domestic-violence designation can affect the court process, release conditions, and personal relationships. Early, measured guidance can help you understand what comes next.
Assault & Disorderly Conduct
The precise allegation, the relationship between the people involved, witness accounts, and the cited statute all matter. Richard handles selected assault and disorderly-conduct cases.
Theft and Shoplifting
Intent, identification, value, prior history, and the available evidence may shape a theft or shoplifting case. Call to discuss the specific allegation.
Drug Offenses
Richard handles selected Arizona drug-possession and related state-court matters. The substance, alleged conduct, evidence, and search circumstances require individual review.
Careful Evaluation. Personal Counsel.
A Plea Agreement Should Not Be the Automatic Starting Point
Every criminal case deserves a disciplined review before important decisions are made. Richard studies the reports and available evidence, identifies factual and legal questions, explains the choices in plain language, and considers every lawful option that fits the circumstances.
That may include discussing negotiation, motions, trial preparation, or another appropriate path. It does not mean that every case will end the same way. It means the client receives an experienced evaluation rather than a one-size-fits-all answer.
Arizona Victims’ Rights Advocacy
Advocacy Followed by a Change in Arizona Restitution Law
Richard represented crime victims in Lindsay R. and Samantha R. v. Cohen/Meyn, a case addressing the role of a victim’s private attorney in a criminal restitution proceeding. The Arizona Court of Appeals applied the law then in effect and declined to allow private victims’ counsel to take over the prosecutor’s role.
Richard later advocated for a statutory change. In 2016, the Arizona Legislature amended A.R.S. § 13-4437 to state expressly that a victim may present evidence or information and make an argument at a restitution proceeding, personally or through counsel. This episode reflects a quality Richard brings to criminal-law work: when a legal issue matters, he is willing to study it closely, pursue it through the proper channels, and keep working toward a principled result.
What Clients Have Said
Experience Is Also Measured by How a Client Is Treated
A criminal case can be confusing and stressful. Public Google reviews of the Law Office of Richard D. Coffinger repeatedly mention clear explanations, communication, thorough preparation, and professional service. These cards summarize those themes; they are not quotations.
Clear Explanations
Ryan RAMIREZ described professional, knowledgeable service and solid communication throughout the matter.
Time to Understand the Process
Harry Burgess emphasized that Richard took time to explain each step.
Thorough Preparation
Bo Kim highlighted Richard’s thoroughness and confidence.
Professional Service
Old V12 described a professional experience and confidence after speaking with Richard.
Testimonials describe individual experiences. They do not guarantee or predict a similar result. Every case is different.
What You Need to Know
Frequently Asked Questions
What Types of Criminal Cases Does Richard D. Coffinger Handle?
The practice focuses on DUI defense, criminal traffic offenses, and domestic-violence-designated cases. Richard also handles selected assault and disorderly-conduct, theft and shoplifting, and drug-offense matters. Call to confirm whether he handles the exact charge and court involved.