Built on Experience
An Arizona Education and a Criminal-Law Career Beginning in 1972
Strategy Built on the Facts
A Thorough Approach to Defense
Richard does not believe a plea agreement should automatically be the first answer. A sound recommendation begins with understanding the accusation and the evidence: what the officer or witness says happened, what the reports and recordings show, whether the procedure was lawful, what the prosecution must prove, and what matters most to the client.
The available paths depend on the facts and law. A case may call for investigation, legal motions, negotiation, trial preparation, or another strategy. Richard’s role is to identify realistic options, explain their consequences, and help the client make an informed decision.
What Clients Can Expect
Direct communication with an experienced criminal-law attorney.
A careful review of the charge, documents, evidence, and deadlines available at that stage.
Plain-language explanations of the process and choices.
Preparation shaped to the individual case, not a predetermined result.
Honest guidance about both strengths and risks.
Richard’s Verified Recognitions
Professional Recognition
Criminal Law Certified Specialist
State Bar of Arizona, certified since 1980.
Tom Karas Criminal Justice Award
State Bar of Arizona 2021.
Selected to Super Lawyers
2007-2010
A Life of Service
Board-Certified in Criminal Law Since 1980
The State Bar of Arizona currently lists Richard as a Criminal Law Certified Specialist with a certification date of 1980. Board Certification is distinct from a lawyer simply describing a practice area. The State Bar’s certification process evaluates experience and substantial involvement, peer review, specialized education, and tested knowledge, and requires periodic recertification.
For a prospective client, the designation is one verified way to evaluate relevant professional depth. It does not guarantee a result in any case, but it confirms that an independent professional body has recognized specialized qualifications in criminal law.
Advocacy and Arizona Restitution Law
Richard represented crime victims in Lindsay R. and Samantha R. v. Cohen/Meyn, a 2015 Arizona Court of Appeals matter involving the role of private victims’ counsel at a restitution proceeding. The court applied the law then in effect and denied the requested relief.
Richard subsequently advocated for a change. In 2016, the Arizona Legislature enacted HB 2376. Current A.R.S. § 13-4437 now states that a victim may present evidence or information and make an argument at a restitution proceeding, personally or through counsel.
This experience sits outside the ordinary description of a criminal-defense practice, but it illustrates Richard’s engagement with Arizona criminal law and his willingness to pursue an issue beyond a single hearing when he believes the law warrants close attention.
Next Steps
Speak Directly With Richard
If you are trying to decide what to do after an arrest, citation, or criminal charge, a focused conversation can help you understand the immediate questions. Call for a free telephone consultation or request a callback.
What You Need to Know
Frequently Asked Questions
How Long Has Richard D. Coffinger Practiced Criminal Law?
Richard has practiced criminal law in Arizona since 1972.