Timothy J. "Tim" Eckstein, Criminal Defense Attorney in Phoenix, Arizona
Over 30 years of legal practice · focused on Criminal Defense and White Collar
Phoenix, AZ
Practicing criminal defense in Phoenix since 1996.
- 30+
- Years practicing
- 2
- Bar admissions
Practices in
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Quick answer
Timothy J. "Tim" Eckstein is an attorney based in Phoenix, ARIZONA. The practice focuses on Criminal Defense and White Collar. Timothy has over 30 years of legal experience.
- Based in
- Phoenix, ARIZONA
- Experience
- over 30 years
- Known for
- Criminal Defense · White Collar
- Handles Criminal Defense and White Collar matters from Phoenix, ARIZONA.
- Over 30 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
- Recognized with Lawyer of the Year — Criminal Defense: White-Collar (Phoenix) (2019).
About Timothy J. "Tim" Eckstein: Timothy J. "Tim" Eckstein is an attorney based in Phoenix, ARIZONA. The practice focuses on Criminal Defense and White Collar. Timothy has over 30 years of legal experience.
Areas of practice
Legal matters Timothy takes on
Timothy concentrates on criminal defense and white collar. Each area below outlines the kind of case Timothy handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Criminal Defense cases in Phoenix, Arizona
Timothy takes criminal defense matters in Phoenix, Arizona. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Timothy agrees to represent you.
White Collar cases in Phoenix, Arizona
Timothy takes white collar matters in Phoenix, Arizona. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Timothy agrees to represent you.
Biography
Meet Timothy J. "Tim" Eckstein — criminal defense lawyer in Phoenix
Timothy J. "Tim" Eckstein is an attorney based in Phoenix, ARIZONA. The practice focuses on Criminal Defense and White Collar. Timothy has over 30 years of legal experience.
Tim Eckstein has developed a strong reputation in Phoenix and throughout Arizona as a criminal defense attorney and civil litigator. He has extensive experience representing clients against fraud charges and in internal investigations, particularly in health care, finance, education, and government. In 2019, Tim was named “Phoenix Lawyer of the Year” in Criminal Defense and White Collar Law by Best Lawyers®. Some of his trial cases have influenced statewide precedent, including a 2017 case that held that trial judges may weigh evidence, set aside a guilty verdict, and grant a new trial even if there is substantial evidence supporting the verdict. In another landmark case, he helped protect a defendant’s ability to present a grand jury with exculpatory evidence.
Within his practice, Tim focuses on investigations and criminal defense, appeals, and civil litigation. His broad-ranging investigation and criminal defense experience include white-collar and fraud prosecutions, and violent and other serious crimes. Tim has worked extensively on criminal appeals, special actions, and other post-conviction proceedings. He also devotes a substantial portion of his practice to civil litigation, representing businesses and individuals in a variety of commercial, contract, tort, and civil rights disputes.
Tim graduated from Harvard Law School and is an active member of a number of organizations related to criminal law, including Arizona Attorneys for Criminal Justice, Arizona Civil Liberties Union, and National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers. He is consistently recognized for his work in criminal defense by Best Lawyers® and has been named among “Arizona’s Finest Lawyers”. Tim is ranked in Chambers USA’s Litigation on White-Collar Crime and Government Investigations section.
Working with Timothy on a criminal defense matter
Tim Eckstein has developed a strong reputation in Phoenix and throughout Arizona as a criminal defense attorney and civil litigator. He has extensive experience representing clients against fraud charges and in internal investigations, particularly in health care, finance, education, and government. In 2019, Tim was named “Phoenix Lawyer of the Year” in Criminal Defense and White Collar Law by…
Who Timothy represents
Timothy reviews new inquiries case-by-case for criminal defense and white collar matters in Phoenix and the surrounding Arizona area.
Credentials
Education, bar admissions, and languages
Harvard University
J.D · 1996
Pomona College
B.A. · 1992
Jurisdictions
Timothy's state bar admissions
Arizona
1998 · ACTIVE
Illinois
1996 · ACTIVE
Timothy studied at J.D in Harvard University and B.A. in Pomona College.
Law school and academic background
Timothy completed J.D in Harvard University and B.A. in Pomona College. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Timothy runs in Arizona is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Recognition
Recognition and thought leadership
Timothy has received 20 formal recognitions from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.
Lawyer of the Year — Criminal Defense: White-Collar (Phoenix)
2019
Best Lawyers in America — Criminal Defense: White-Collar
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Additional Areas of Practice:
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Appellate Practice
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Commercial Litigation
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Government Relations Practice
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Awards:
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Chambers USA,
2026
Best Lawyers in America — “America’s Leading Lawyers for Business”,
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Litigation: White-Collar Crime & Government Investigations, 2015-2025
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Arizona Star,
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Benchmark: Plaintiffs
2026
Best Lawyers in America — , 2011-2012
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Southwest Super Lawyers
2026
Best Lawyers in America — , Criminal Defense, 2012-2025
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Benchmark Litigation,
2026
Best Lawyers in America — “Future Star”, 2021
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Arizona’s Finest Lawyers
2026
Best Lawyers in America — PHOENIX magazine
2026
Best Lawyers in America — , Top Lawyers, Criminal Defense, 2025
2026
Legal awards and honors
Lawyer of the Year — Criminal Defense: White-Collar (Phoenix) (2019). Best Lawyers in America — Criminal Defense: White-Collar (2026). Best Lawyers in America — Additional Areas of Practice: (2026). Best Lawyers in America — Appellate Practice (2026). Best Lawyers in America — Commercial Litigation (2026). Best Lawyers in America — Government Relations Practice (2026).
Locations
Timothy J. "Tim" Eckstein's office in Phoenix
Timothy's primary office is at 2929 North Central Avenue, Suite 2000, Phoenix, Arizona, 85012-2793. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Client feedback
Client reviews of Timothy J. "Tim" Eckstein
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Schedule your consultationHiring guide
How to hire Timothy J. "Tim" Eckstein — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new criminal defense attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with Timothy usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.
Consultation formats and pricing
Timothy charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Timothy's office.
What to bring to your first meeting
Bring any documents you already have — police reports, medical records, filed pleadings, correspondence from an insurer, a copy of the contract at issue. If you're not sure, err on the side of bringing everything; Timothy will tell you what matters and what doesn't.
Questions to ask a criminal defense attorney in Phoenix, Arizona
A short list to run through before you commit: How many criminal defense matters have you handled in the last year? What's your fee structure? Who else in the office will work on this? What's your realistic estimate of timeline and range of outcomes? How do I reach you between meetings?
Fees & payment
Fees, payment methods, and consultation options for Timothy
Timothy discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in criminal defense practice — ask which fits.
Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options
Every criminal defense matter is priced differently. Simple document review might be a flat fee. Injury litigation is often contingency. Complex commercial disputes usually run hourly with a retainer. Timothy confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.
Payment methods and payment plans
Timothy's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many criminal defense practices work with clients on structured schedules.
Frequently asked
Frequently asked questions about Timothy J. "Tim" Eckstein
How much does it cost to hire Timothy for a criminal defense case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Timothy walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does Timothy offer a free consultation?
Timothy charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Timothy's office. Some criminal defense attorneys offer free consults — check Timothy's current terms during booking.
How long do criminal defense cases in Arizona typically take?
Simple criminal defense matters can wrap in a few weeks; disputed cases can run 6–18 months from intake to resolution, longer if the matter goes to trial. Timothy gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can Timothy take my case if I'm outside Phoenix?
Timothy is licensed in Arizona. Matters governed by Arizona law are the natural fit. Out-of-state matters are handled case-by-case, sometimes with local co-counsel. Ask during intake — Timothy will tell you if the case is a fit or refer you to someone closer to your court.
What should I bring to my first meeting with Timothy?
Bring every document that touches the dispute: contracts, correspondence, police or medical reports, filed pleadings, invoices, photographs, insurance letters. Also bring a written timeline of what happened, in your own words. Timothy will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is Timothy accepting new criminal defense clients right now?
Timothy's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.
Areas served
Criminal Defense attorneys serving Phoenix, Tucson and Scottsdale in Arizona
Timothy handles criminal defense matters throughout Arizona. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified criminal defense attorneys in that community.
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