Practice Areas: DUI-DWI, Criminal Defense, White Collar Crimes; view more
Licensed in Arizona since: 2013
Education: The University of Arizona James E. Rogers College of Law
Details
Michelle Behan is the esteemed owner and manager of The Behan Law Group, PLLC, a law firm based in Tucson, Arizona, with a focus on DUI and criminal defense. Founded in 2017, under her leadership, the firm has achieved a remarkable record in the courtroom, including winning eight out of nine jury trials since 2020. Her practice spreads across the counties of Pima, Pinal, Cochise, Graham, Maricopa and Santa Cruz.
Completing her legal education at The University of Arizona James E. Rogers College of Law, Ms. Behan graduated in 2013. During her time at law school, she was heavily involved in the Veteran’s Advocacy Law Clinic, providing defense for indigent veterans. Her dedication to criminal defense during her studies earned her the Darrow K. Soll Memorial Award, recognizing her persistence and determination in this challenging field. After law school, she served as an Assistant Public Defender at the Tucson City Public Defender’s Office, where she honed her skills by trying numerous cases and arguing a wide range of evidentiary and legal matters.
Ms. Behan's educational background also includes a Bachelor of Science from Park University and a Master of Science from City University of Seattle. She is admitted to practice before the Arizona Supreme Court, the U.S. District Court for the District of Arizona and the U.S. Supreme Court since 2016. Her career is marked by a commitment to defending her clients vigorously and a deep understanding of the law.
In 2021, Ms. Behan achieved a significant milestone by becoming the fourth woman in the United States, and the only one in Arizona, to be board-certified in DUI Defense, by The National College for DUI Defense (NCDD). She actively contributes to The NCDD as the state delegate for Arizona and a frequent speaker and faculty member. Additionally, she is involved with the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers’ DWI Committee, the American Academy of Forensic Sciences, and co-chairs the NCDD Impaired Driving and Amicus Curiae Task Forces.
A former FBI Special Agent, Ms. Behan received national acclaim for her investigative work on violent crimes, crimes against children and national security issues. Her exceptional contributions were recognized by the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of South Dakota. Her legal acumen and top-notch service have also been honored with a perfect 10.0 rating on Avvo.
Practice areas
Criminal Defense: DUI/DWI, Criminal Defense, Criminal Defense: White CollarFocus areas
Arrest & Arraignment, Assault & Battery, Criminal Domestic Violence, Criminal Fraud, Criminal Law, Criminal Law - Federal, DUI/DWI, Debt, Drug & Alcohol Violations, Expungement, Failure to Pay Child Support, False Accusations, Felony, Juvenile Delinquency, Misdemeanor, Motor Vehicle Offenses, Murder, Overdrawn Bank Account, Parole, Probation, Prosecution, Sex Offenses, Tax Evasion, Theft, Traffic Violations, White Collar Crime
- 60% Criminal Defense: DUI/DWI
- 20% Criminal Defense
- 20% Criminal Defense: White Collar
First Admitted: 2013, Arizona
Professional Webpage: https://www.missduiarizona.com/attorneys/michelle-behan
- Arizona Supreme Court, 2013
- Co-chair for the NCDD Impaired Driving Task Force and the Amicus Curiae Task Force
- Associate Member of the American Academy of Forensic Sciences (AAFS)
- Member, DWI Committee for the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
- State Delegate for Arizona
- Member, National College for DUI Defense
- U.S. Supreme Court, 2016
- U.S. District Court, 2015
- State v. Chopra, 241 Ariz. 353, 387 P.3d 1282 (App. Div. 2, 2016)
- State v. Valenzuela, 239 Ariz. 299, 371 P.3d 627 (2016) (Amicus Curiae for NCDD)
- Board Certified in DUI Defense
- Received national recognition from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) for her work in a two-year international parental kidnapping case that involved the United States Marshals, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, and multiple d
- Nicknamed “The Beast” by one jury
- 2015 Tucson Women’s Commission Rising Star Award
- Darrow K. Soll Award
- Received recognition from the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of South Dakota for her work on many interstate crimes involving the sexual exploitation of minors
- Park University, Parkville, MO, B.S., Summa Cum Laude, 2000
- City University, Renton, WA, M.S., 2002
Selections
- Super Lawyers: 2024 - 2025
- Rising Stars: 2023