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Bruce S. Griffen

Bruce S. Griffen

Aspey, Watkins & Diesel
123 N San Francisco St.
Suite 300
Flagstaff, AZ 86001

Phone: (928) 774-1478  |  Fax: (928) 774-8404
http://www.awdlaw.com

Contact Bruce S. Griffen

AZ State Bar Criminal Defense Attorney of the Year

Legal Topic

Criminal Defense

Preferred New Clients

Homicide, manslaughter, sex crimes, assault, endangerment, stalking, child abuse, drug transportation, production and possession, embezzlement, burglary, theft, robbery, fraud, forgery, probation violations, DUI, and restoration of civil rights. I also represent clients whose criminal cases are being investigated by law enforcement, but charges have not yet been filed.

Sub-Categories

Criminal Defense
  • Aiding, Abetting, Accessory, Conspiracy
  • Appeals
  • Capital Crimes/Capital Cases
  • Environmental Violations
  • Felonies
  • Grand Jury Proceedings
  • Juvenile Crimes
  • False Identification
  • Truancy
  • Misdemeanors
  • Parole
  • Probation
  • Perjury
  • Plea Negotiation
  • Search & Seizure
  • Victims' Rights
  • Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transsexual, Transgender (LGBT) Rights
Abuse
  • Animal Abuse
  • Child Abuse
  • Domestic Violence
  • Elder Abuse
Automotive
  • DUI
  • Felony Auto Accidents
  • Open Container
  • Driving with a Suspended License
  • Driving without a License
  • DWI
Computer Crimes
  • Hacking
  • Malicious Code
  • Unauthorized Access
Criminal Records
  • Expungement or Expunction
Drugs
  • Drug Cultivation & Manufacturing
  • Drug Possession
  • Intent to Distribute Drugs
  • Intent to Sell Drugs
Firearms & Weapons
  • Constitutional Rights Defense
  • Illegal Possession or Transportation
  • Other Weapons & Devices
Fraud & Financial Crimes
  • Bank Fraud
  • Checks & Credit Cards
  • Corporate Espionage & Sabotage
  • Embezzlement
  • Extortion
  • Forgery
  • Identity Theft
  • Insider Trading
  • Insurance Claims
  • Money Laundering
  • Public Offerings
  • Racketeering & RICO
  • Securities Fraud
  • Smuggling
  • Tax Evasion & Fraud
  • Trade Secrets
  • Wire Transfer
Property Crimes
  • Arson
  • Burglary
  • Embezzlement
  • Larceny
  • Shoplifting
  • Theft
  • Trespass
  • Vandalism
Sex Crimes
  • Abduction
  • Child Abuse
  • Child Pornography
  • Indecent Exposure
  • Prostitution, Solicitation, & Pandering
  • Rape
  • Sexual Assault
  • Stalking
  • Trafficking in Women
Violent Crimes
  • Assault & Battery
  • Domestic Violence
  • Extortion
  • Kidnapping
  • Manslaughter
  • Murder
  • Robbery

Bar Admissions

AZ, Dec 1978
Bar Number: 005673

Other Court Admissions

Arizona, U.S. District Court, U.S. Court of Appeals 9th Circuit, and U.S. Supreme Court.

Association Memberships

Arizona State Bar, Coconino County Bar, National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, and Arizona Attorneys for Justice.

Continuing Education

I attend conferences, seminars and attend online Continuing Legal Education courses which contain subject matter related specifically to all aspects of criminal defense and ethics.

Example Cases

  • State v. Barlow (Polygamy/Sexual Conduct With A Minor) - Not Guilty Verdict (2008).

  • State v. Goetz (Manslaughter) - Hung Jury (2009).

Education

Degree:

B.S.

School:

Arizona State University and Northern Arizona University

City:

Flagstaff

State:

AZ

Year:

1974

Focus and Accomplishments:

Accounting

 

Degree:

J.D.

School:

Pepperdine University School of Law

City:

Malibu

State:

CA

Year:

1978

Number of Attorneys

13

State Licensed In

Arizona

Firm Focus and History

Aspey, Watkins & Diesel, PLLC handles these, and other important legal matters: criminal defense, business law and transactions, business litigation, civil litigation, real estate, Indian law, estate planning and probate, health care, bankruptcy, collections, personal injury and divorce.

Aspey, Watkins & Diesel was founded in 1975 by three young lawyers. Attorneys Frederick M. Aspey, Harold L. Watkins, and Louis M. Diesel put their reputation and their future on the line by forming a new law firm with a new approach.

Through a combination of hard work, fair fees, and easy accessibility, Aspey, Watkins & Diesel made it through the early years and grew into the premier law firm that now handles a wide range of legal services for clients throughout northern Arizona.

Previous Employment Summary

I am a partner at Aspey, Watkins & Diesel where I have been practicing law since 1978. My practice has been limited to criminal defense for over 25 years.

Activities and Awards

A-V Rated; 2009 recipient of Tom Karas Award for Criminal Justice; and included in "The Best Lawyers in America" (2010).

What is your opinion regarding clients educating themselves on legal issues?

An informed and knowledgeable client is an asset and facilitates analysis of the case.

Are you willing to review documents prepared by clients?

I am interested in reviewing client prepared work product type internal documents.

Are you willing to coach clients who want to represent themselves?

I am unwilling.

Why did you decide to be a lawyer?

From an early age (even on the grade school playground) I was always getting involved on behalf of others (defending weaker students from bullies, etc.). According to many of my teachers, I was naturally inquisitive (okay? I was argumentative). These attributes formed the basis for my decision to become a trial lawyer.

What work experience and education helps you be a better lawyer?

In my formative years, I had broad work experience - everything from ditch digger, carpenter, to personal assistant to a quadriplegic. I learned how to relate to all walks of life and all types of people. I am a better lawyer because I am able to relate equally well to any type of client, every type of prosecutor, and even the most difficult/demanding of judges. I am energized by the challenge of representing any and all people charged with serious criminal offenses. The varied fact patterns and constantly changing legal issues keep the practice fresh and exciting.

Why did you decide on your primary area of practice?

Because it is interesting and consistent with my interests.

What do you like best about your career?

Successful results for clients and earning the respect of opposing counsel, my peers, and presiding judges.

Tell us about your law firm:

The paralegals, legal assistants, and lawyers that work with me share my enthusiasm for what we are doing. We treat every case with importance and the clients know we care about them and work hard to achieve the best result possible.

What are your strengths and style?

My strengths are energy, capacity, compassion and endurance. My style is fast-paced, always positive and professional, and, whenever possible, humorous.

Personal Interests:

From a family perspective, I enjoy every activity undertaken by each of my children. More individually, I am a very competitive triathlete (for more than 30 years), runner and skier. I enjoy all aspects of the outdoors (hiking, fishing, boating, exploring, etc).

Office Manager/Assistant

Office Manager: Deanna Arend; Legal Assistant: Lisa Cureton.

Fax

(928) 774-8404

Office Hours

Monday through Friday
8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Available all hours for emergencies.

Emergency After Hours

Yes

Additional Offices

Sedona, AZ
120 Soldier Pass Road
Sedona, AZ 86336
(928) 282-5955

Fixed-Price Services and Fees

Flat fees for criminal cases range from $2,500 to upwards of $75,000 charged depending on the type and complexity of a case. An hourly rate is charged for cases pending investigation with law enforcement, and in juvenile cases.

Hourly Rates

$250.

Free Initial Consultation?

All initial consultations are free of charge.

Typical Retainer

On hourly cases, a retainer is required. That amount will vary depending on the type of case.

Understanding Fees

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Directory lawyers are required to notify Nolo immediately if they become the subject of any disciplinary action by any bar association.