Trent R. Buckallew, Esq., was born in San Diego, California and raised in Tempe, Arizona. He attended Arizona State University, where he received his Bachelor’s Degree in Justice Studies (1996). Immediately thereafter, Mr. Buckallew attended California Western School of Law in San Diego, CA where he graduated and received his Juris Doctorate degree (1999). Upon graduation from law school and passing the Arizona bar exam, he accepted a position with the Mohave County Public Defender’s Office, and subsequently, the Maricopa County Public Defender’s Office, before entering into private practice. While serving with these public defense firms he gained invaluable trial experience, and an extensive knowledge of our often-complicated criminal justice system. Mr. Buckallew is a Board Certified Specialist in Criminal Law by the Arizona State Bar, and has extensive experience handling the defense of DUI and criminal cases. With nearly 25 years’ experience as a Criminal Defense Attorney, Mr. Buckallew has handled criminal cases ranging from simple misdemeanor cases to serious and complex felony jury trials. Mr. Buckallew has extensive experience resolving difficult criminal cases utilizing pre-trial negotiations, settlement conferences and, where appropriate, contested trials – including both bench trials and jury trials. As a solo practitioner, Mr. Buckallew continues to focus his scope of representation on DUI and criminal defense litigation. Maintaining a statewide practice, he can represent individuals in any court in the State of Arizona -- including City Courts, Municipal Courts, Justice Courts and Superior Courts.
Not only is Mr. Buckallew well versed in criminal law, having undertaken an academic concentration in criminal litigation during law school, he has also received his Master of Forensic Science (M.F.S.) degree in 2004 from National University. Having an attorney trained in both the law and the forensic sciences is critical given the growing importance of forensic science in criminal litigation. Whether it is a misdemeanor DUI, a simple drug offense, or a major homicide case, forensic science will likely play a significant role in your case. Having an attorney who understands the complexity of the science behind the evidence, including the potential weaknesses of the scientific evidence in your case can help ensure that you are properly represented and defended in court.
Mr. Buckallew is an active member of the State Bar of Arizona, The National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (NACDL), American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), Arizona Attorneys for Criminal Justice (AACJ), National College for DUI Defense, American Academy of Forensic Science (AAFS) and National College for DUI Defense (NCDD). Mr. Buckallew has also successfully completed the advanced trial skills academy at the Institute for Criminal Defense Advocacy. Mr. Buckallew has also been elected as a National Trial Lawyers Top 100 Trial Attorney for 2012 and 2013.
Summary of Background, Education and Experience (Curriculum Vitae)