Homicide
Representation for the most serious allegations requiring detailed legal preparation.
Explore homicide defenseWhen criminal charges threaten your future, clarity and preparation matter. Attorney Joel Chorny helps clients understand the allegations, evaluate the evidence and make informed decisions about their defense.
Each criminal allegation requires its own legal analysis. Explore Arizona practice areas and learn about the evidence, penalties, and potential legal issues involved.
Representation for the most serious allegations requiring detailed legal preparation.
Explore homicide defense ↗Driving-related allegations, license issues and Arizona DUI proceedings.
Explore DUI defense ↗Violent-crime allegations involving intent, evidence and potential justification defenses.
Explore assault defense ↗Understanding Arizona domestic violence designations, protective orders and defense issues.
Explore domestic violence defense ↗Arizona possession, distribution and other controlled-substance allegations.
Explore drug charge defense ↗Property-offense classifications, valuation disputes and unlawful-entry allegations.
Explore theft defense ↗Learn about Arizona record sealing, eligibility, waiting periods and other relief options.
Since 2011, Joel Chorny has practiced criminal defense in Tucson, representing people accused of offenses ranging from DUI to serious felony allegations. As the sole attorney at his firm, he emphasizes personal involvement and attentive representation.
Joel is a graduate of The George Washington University Law School and a Thurgood Marshall Scholar. He also teaches trial skills at the University of Arizona James E. Rogers College of Law. His approach combines careful case preparation, direct communication, and a commitment to protecting clients’ rights.
From initial questions to court preparation, clear communication and careful attention to the facts are central to the firm's approach. A look at Attorney Joel Chorny and his commitment to representing people facing criminal accusations in Tucson.
Learn more about his education, legal background and approach to defending clients throughout Pima County.
Learn More About Joel ↗A thoughtful defense begins with understanding the situation—not with promises about an outcome.
Identify the alleged offense, deadlines, potential consequences and questions that need answers.
Review reports, witness accounts, digital records and procedural concerns relevant to the case.
Consider legal challenges, negotiations and court preparation suited to the facts and applicable law.
Joel’s published case results reflect careful investigation, challenges to the evidence, and preparation for trial.
A trial acquittal for a veteran whose defense centered on self-defense.
A jury acquittal in a case involving whether the driver knew he had struck a person.
Dismissal after evidence obtained through an unlawful garage entry was suppressed.
Dismissal following investigation and efforts to obtain additional evidence from the prosecution.
Past results do not guarantee a similar outcome in any future case.
Attorney Joel Chorny is a regular go-to voice for local media, offering legal insight on the cases shaping Tucson. Watch his recent television interviews below.
Attorney Joel Chorny joins Telemundo Arizona to discuss a Tucson case involving attempted sexual conduct with a minor and the legal issues surrounding the case.
Joel Chorny discusses the Tucson case with Telemundo Arizona.
Legal insight on charges in a 3-year-old girl's death in Tucson.
How prosecutors handle cases involving repeated theft charges.
Atty. Chorny shares his legal perspective on a neighbor dispute.
These quotations are published on the firm's existing testimonials page. Reviews reflect individual experiences, not a guarantee of results.
““I've had the privilege of knowing Joel personally, and I can tell you without hesitation – he's exactly who you want in your corner when facing challenges.”
““Joel put me at ease from the moment I got on the phone with him. He was cordial, professional, and cut right to the chase.”
““Joel is an incredible lawyer and human. He took time to help me understand what was happening during a very stressful and weird situation.”
““I've had the privilege of knowing Joel personally, and I can tell you without hesitation – he's exactly who you want in your corner when facing challenges.”
““Joel put me at ease from the moment I got on the phone with him. He was cordial, professional, and cut right to the chase.”
““Joel is an incredible lawyer and human. He took time to help me understand what was happening during a very stressful and weird situation.”
““I've had the privilege of knowing Joel personally, and I can tell you without hesitation – he's exactly who you want in your corner when facing challenges.”
““Joel put me at ease from the moment I got on the phone with him. He was cordial, professional, and cut right to the chase.”
““Joel is an incredible lawyer and human. He took time to help me understand what was happening during a very stressful and weird situation.”
““I've had the privilege of knowing Joel personally, and I can tell you without hesitation – he's exactly who you want in your corner when facing challenges.”
““Joel put me at ease from the moment I got on the phone with him. He was cordial, professional, and cut right to the chase.”
““Joel is an incredible lawyer and human. He took time to help me understand what was happening during a very stressful and weird situation.”
““Joel is truly dedicated to his clients, tirelessly working on their cases with a level of commitment that is both inspiring and reassuring.”
““His integrity with how he handled my case was exactly how I would’ve expected.”
““Joel came recommended, and was quite helpful during my phone call with him. He was professional, courteous, and willing to give me advice with my traffic citation.”
““Joel is truly dedicated to his clients, tirelessly working on their cases with a level of commitment that is both inspiring and reassuring.”
““His integrity with how he handled my case was exactly how I would’ve expected.”
““Joel came recommended, and was quite helpful during my phone call with him. He was professional, courteous, and willing to give me advice with my traffic citation.”
““Joel is truly dedicated to his clients, tirelessly working on their cases with a level of commitment that is both inspiring and reassuring.”
““His integrity with how he handled my case was exactly how I would’ve expected.”
““Joel came recommended, and was quite helpful during my phone call with him. He was professional, courteous, and willing to give me advice with my traffic citation.”
““Joel is truly dedicated to his clients, tirelessly working on their cases with a level of commitment that is both inspiring and reassuring.”
““His integrity with how he handled my case was exactly how I would’ve expected.”
““Joel came recommended, and was quite helpful during my phone call with him. He was professional, courteous, and willing to give me advice with my traffic citation.”
““I have been consistently impressed with Joel Chorny as a lawyer and a person. He is always willing to help, explains himself clearly, and is patient.”
““Joel is a very well-versed defense attorney and I would recommend him without hesitation. Joel is compassionate, very easy to talk to, listens and communicates well.”
““I have been consistently impressed with Joel Chorny as a lawyer and a person. He is always willing to help, explains himself clearly, and is patient.”
““Joel is a very well-versed defense attorney and I would recommend him without hesitation. Joel is compassionate, very easy to talk to, listens and communicates well.”
““I have been consistently impressed with Joel Chorny as a lawyer and a person. He is always willing to help, explains himself clearly, and is patient.”
““Joel is a very well-versed defense attorney and I would recommend him without hesitation. Joel is compassionate, very easy to talk to, listens and communicates well.”
““I have been consistently impressed with Joel Chorny as a lawyer and a person. He is always willing to help, explains himself clearly, and is patient.”
““Joel is a very well-versed defense attorney and I would recommend him without hesitation. Joel is compassionate, very easy to talk to, listens and communicates well.”
““I have been consistently impressed with Joel Chorny as a lawyer and a person. He is always willing to help, explains himself clearly, and is patient.”
““Joel is a very well-versed defense attorney and I would recommend him without hesitation. Joel is compassionate, very easy to talk to, listens and communicates well.”
““I have been consistently impressed with Joel Chorny as a lawyer and a person. He is always willing to help, explains himself clearly, and is patient.”
““Joel is a very well-versed defense attorney and I would recommend him without hesitation. Joel is compassionate, very easy to talk to, listens and communicates well.”
Video commentary on Arizona criminal law and answers to questions people ask before hiring an attorney.
Watch the full discussion on YouTube.
Visit Joel's YouTube Channel ↗Recent uploads · Saved preview from October 24, 2026
A criminal matter can create urgent questions. Share only general information in this form; do not provide confidential case details until the firm confirms representation.
“Joel came recommended, and was quite helpful during my phone call with him. He was professional, courteous, and willing to give me advice with my traffic citation.”— Tina Sorce-Zirnheld
“Joel put me at ease from the moment I got on the phone with him. He was cordial, professional, and cut right to the chase.”— Ben Curtis
“Joel is an incredible lawyer and human. He took time to help me understand what was happening during a very stressful and weird situation.”— Dr. Charity Lenhoff
“Joel is truly dedicated to his clients, tirelessly working on their cases with a level of commitment that is both inspiring and reassuring.”— Shawn Hellman
“I have been consistently impressed with Joel Chorny as a lawyer and a person. He is always willing to help, explains himself clearly, and is patient.”— Barbara S
“Joel is a very well-versed defense attorney and I would recommend him without hesitation. Joel is compassionate, very easy to talk to, listens and communicates well.”— Jennie Uhlmann
“Joel came recommended, and was quite helpful during my phone call with him. He was professional, courteous, and willing to give me advice with my traffic citation.”— Tina Sorce-Zirnheld
“Joel put me at ease from the moment I got on the phone with him. He was cordial, professional, and cut right to the chase.”— Ben Curtis
General inquiries only. Please do not include confidential case details. Contacting us does not create an attorney-client relationship.
Prefer another way to reach us? Call (520) 581-4196.
Every case is different. These answers are a general starting point; an attorney can explain what the law means for your circumstances.
Ask About Your Case ↗Seek legal advice as early as practical after an arrest, citation or investigation. Counsel can help identify deadlines, preserve relevant evidence and explain the process before important decisions are made.
Consider relevant criminal-defense experience, familiarity with Arizona courts, clear communication, fee transparency and whether the attorney explains your options without guaranteeing a result. Review the attorney's background and ask questions during a consultation.
Fees vary with the allegations, complexity, investigations, motions, court appearances and potential trial preparation. Ask for a written explanation of scope, payment terms and additional costs.
Eligible defendants may receive appointed counsel based on applicable rules. Private representation is a separate option. Compare eligibility, availability, communication and your needs before making a decision.
The court commonly addresses the charges, rights, release conditions and next steps. The process varies by court and case. Consult the Arizona Judicial Branch criminal case guide.
Dismissal may be possible depending on the evidence, legal issues and prosecutorial decisions, but it cannot be promised. A defense lawyer can assess potential challenges and available case resolutions.
Certain eligible records may qualify for sealing under A.R.S. § 13-911. Waiting periods, offense exclusions and other conditions apply. See our record sealing information.
No. Some cases resolve through dismissal, negotiated agreements or other permitted procedures; others proceed to trial. The appropriate path depends on the charge, evidence and decisions made during the case.
Explore common questions about the criminal court process. Visit the blog for the complete articles and updates.
Understand one of the key stages in a criminal case.
Learn about rights, release conditions and court expectations.
General information on release and related procedures.
If you are facing a criminal allegation in Tucson or Pima County, contact the Law Office of Joel Chorny to discuss your situation and potential next steps.
General information only, not legal advice. Contacting the firm does not create an attorney-client relationship. Results in past matters do not predict future outcomes.