Criminal defense / Tucson & Pima County

Your case is personal.
Your defense
should be, too.

When you're facing criminal charges, knowing what to do next can feel overwhelming. You deserve an attorney who takes your concerns seriously, explains your choices, and prepares a defense with your future in mind.

Attorney Amanda J. Bynum with the Tucson skyline
Amanda J. BynumAttorney. Educator. Your advocate.
Nearly 17 yearsLicensed since January 2010
Trial lawyer & educatorPreparation. Advocacy. Clear explanations.
Trust. Honesty. Empathy. Expertise.

Someone who sees
the person behind
the charges.

Criminal charges can affect your reputation, career, relationships, and peace of mind. You may be unsure who to trust or what the process will look like. At AJB Law Firm, we understand that the questions keeping you up at night may go far beyond the next court date.

Amanda Bynum combines the work of a litigator and negotiator with the care of a counselor. She studies the facts and law, explains the strengths and challenges of your case, and works with you to identify the options that fit your circumstances.

Honest conversations

You deserve straightforward advice about what the evidence shows and what your options may be. We make time for questions and explain the reasoning behind our recommendations, so you can make informed decisions.

Careful preparation

A strong defense begins with knowing the case. Amanda examines the evidence, identifies legal issues, and prepares for negotiation and litigation with attention to the details that matter.

Your priorities matter

Two people facing the same charge may have very different concerns. We want to understand yours. Your goals, responsibilities, and circumstances are part of the conversation from the beginning.

Representation centered on you

What does a “win”
look like for you?

We start by asking: What would you like to see happen? What are you most worried about?

For one person, the biggest concern may be keeping a job. For another, it may be protecting a license, caring for children, addressing treatment needs, or understanding whether to take a case to trial.

Your answer helps us understand how to counsel you and what to explore. It doesn't determine what a court or prosecutor will do, but it matters to the way we approach your defense.

Talk with Amanda

“People’s lives, not cases, are what is on the table when I begin my work.”

I believe that being a great lawyer is about offering great service to your clients, not just being great with law and cases. My job is to connect with a person or family in crisis, care about the problem, and give the best advice possible.

When appropriate, we also help connect clients with services and resources to address issues that may have contributed to their involvement in the criminal justice system.

Amanda J. Bynum
ATTORNEY & FOUNDER, AJB LAW FIRM
Experience matters

Prepared to negotiate.
Prepared to litigate.

Amanda has practiced criminal defense in Tucson since 2010. Her experience includes jury trials involving misdemeanor DUI, drug offenses, prohibited possessor charges, aggravated assault, sexual assault, and first-degree murder.

As a former law professor and trial advocacy instructor, she brings an educator's attention to explanation and a trial lawyer's focus on preparation. She has taught attorneys and law students about pretrial interviews, professionalism, and trial advocacy.

Reviewing the evidence

Police reports are a starting point. Depending on the case, preparation may include reviewing recordings, photographs, witness statements, laboratory results, and other disclosure; conducting interviews; and identifying what still needs to be investigated.

How pretrial interviews help a defense

Addressing legal issues

Amanda's experience includes motions to suppress evidence, motions to dismiss, and requests to remand cases to the grand jury. Whether a motion is appropriate depends on the facts, the law, and the procedural history of the case.

Understanding defenses at trial

Evaluating every path

Some of the most meaningful outcomes happen before trial. We evaluate negotiation opportunities, mitigation, and diversion when available, while helping you understand the benefits and risks of the choices in front of you.

Learn about diversion
Misdemeanors & felonies

Charges I handle.

My practice focuses on state criminal cases in Tucson and throughout Pima County. These are the types of matters I accept. Where a relevant resource is available, the charge links to a practice page or an article I've written.

If your charge isn't listed, reach out anyway. I'll tell you honestly whether I'm the right fit for your case.

Theft, property & financial offenses

Drug offenses

  • Dangerous Drugs
  • Drug Possession
  • Drug Sales
  • Paraphernalia
Not sure where to start?

You don't need to know all the legal terms.

Tell us what happened, what court is handling your case, and whether you have an upcoming hearing. We can talk through the next step together.

Free criminal defense consultation

Every case is different. The linked pages are general information, not legal advice for your specific situation. A consultation is the place to discuss the facts of your case.

If you've been arrested

Three things to focus on.

01

Hire someone you trust.

Look for experience, preparation, and an attorney you feel comfortable talking to. Ask about their approach to cases like yours and what representation will include. You should understand the fee and scope before hiring.

What to look for in a defense attorney
02

Ask questions.

Don't leave a meeting feeling that you have to pretend you understood everything. Ask what a term means, why a recommendation matters, or what happens next. You deserve answers in language you can understand.

03

Follow through.

Your participation matters. Keep track of court dates, follow your release conditions, and stay in touch with your attorney. If a requirement is confusing or difficult to complete, raise it early so you can discuss it together.

After the case ends

Help with your
next chapter.

A past case can raise new questions about your record and future opportunities. AJB Law Firm also helps clients explore record sealing, setting aside a conviction, and restoration of rights.

These are different forms of relief. We help you understand what may be available, what it can accomplish, and what limitations remain.

Before we meet

Clear answers.
A practical next step.

What should I bring to a consultation?

Have your citation, charging documents, release paperwork, and upcoming court dates available if you have them. Write down your questions and your biggest concerns. You don't have to organize your entire case before reaching out.

How much does representation cost?

We offer flat-fee representation and discuss the fee, scope, and any separate costs before you hire us. Your quote depends on the case. View fees and payment options.

Will my case go to trial?

That depends on the evidence, available resolutions, and the decisions made as the case progresses. We explain the options and prepare you to make informed choices. We don't treat a plea agreement as the automatic answer.

Which courts do you work in?

Amanda represents clients in Tucson City Court, Pima County Justice Court, Pima County Superior Court, and surrounding municipal and justice courts, including Marana, Oro Valley, Sahuarita, and Green Valley. For a case elsewhere, contact us to discuss whether we can help.

How will I stay informed?

We use a client portal, email, and text for updates and hearing information. Online scheduling, phone and video meetings, electronic signatures, and online payments help make the practical side of representation easier.

Start with a conversation

Tell us what you're
most worried about.

You don't have to figure out your defense alone. Let's talk about your case, your questions, and what comes next.