Frequently Asked Questions

Does Grand Canyon Law Group handle cases like mine?

Grand Canyon Law Group handles the full spectrum of Arizona criminal charges. The firm’s caseload includes DUI and drug DUI, felony assault, domestic violence, sex crimes, drug crimes, gun offenses, white collar fraud, and probation violations across all 15 Arizona counties. David Lish and Ryan McPhie are not generalist attorneys who accept criminal cases on the side. Criminal defense is the only thing this firm does. Both founding partners previously served as Arizona prosecutors, which means they understand how cases are built from the moment charges are filed. If you are facing a criminal charge in Arizona, they have seen it.

Do these attorneys actually go to court, or will someone else handle my case?

Grand Canyon Law Group has a team of attorneys, and you will know exactly who your attorney is when you sign. David Lish has argued in Arizona criminal courts for more than 20 years. Ryan McPhie has tried thousands of criminal cases across virtually every level of the Arizona court system, including the U.S. District Court in Arizona, the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community court, and the Gila River Indian Community court.

Have these attorneys handled serious charges before?

Yes. Both partners have handled Arizona’s most serious criminal offenses, including violent felonies, sex crimes, and cases where clients faced mandatory prison sentences. Ryan McPhie has secured dismissals on multiple serious charges, including one case where a client facing multiple serious offenses reached the firm with less than 24 hours before their next court date. McPhie took the case and obtained a full dismissal. David Lish has represented clients in federal court and before Arizona Superior Court judges on charges carrying years of incarceration. Seriousness of the charge is not a barrier to representation.

Can these attorneys explain my options in plain language?

Grand Canyon Law Group was founded on a specific premise. As David Lish has stated publicly,

“Grand Canyon Law Group was founded to fight for the people. We help good people accused of a crime navigate the criminal justice system and save their future.”

That philosophy shapes how both partners communicate with clients.

Verified client Anthony S. confirmed: “Trust. Attention to detail. Responsiveness. Honesty” are what he experienced with David Lish, adding that “Lish understands the life-changing nature of what clients are going through.” David Lish also speaks Spanish fluently, which means Spanish-speaking clients can receive direct, clear communication without relying on interpretation.

Can I reach someone quickly if I have a question?

Grand Canyon Law Group is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at 480-470-4893. This is not a call center. Verified client Dom wrote on Avvo: Put in a request and he responded almost immediately. A separate verified client documented on Avvo that Ryan McPhie took a call on a Saturday and had a motion filed by Tuesday. Responsiveness under pressure is a documented pattern for this firm, not a marketing claim.

“Ryan McPhie is top in Arizona for a reason. I put in a request and he responded almost immediately. He was real, honest, and delivered. If I could give 10 stars I would.” Dom, Verified Client Review

Will I be able to speak directly with my attorney?

Yes. Grand Canyon Law Group is structured so that clients communicate directly with the attorney assigned to their case, not through layers of support staff. Client Joshua J. noted on Avvo that Ryan McPhie chose a private practice model specifically because it allows him and his team to give every client the attention they need. You hired an attorney. You will have access to that attorney.

Will my case get handed off to a junior attorney?

Grand Canyon Law Group assigns a dedicated attorney to your case from the start, and you will know who that attorney is before you sign. The firm does not operate as a referral mill. A peer attorney who refers Arizona criminal cases exclusively to Ryan McPhie described him on Thumbtack as “an excellent advocate, relentless litigator and great communicator” who is “well respected and feared by the other side.”

Will I receive updates on what is happening with my case?

Clients consistently report proactive communication as one of the firm’s defining traits. Verified client Cheyenne N. wrote: “Ryan and David made me feel like family instantly. They were professional, compassionate, and hardworking.” Client F.L. described David Lish as someone who “worked very closely with me for the whole duration of my case” and was “thorough and honest.” The 24/7 phone line at 480-470-4893 is the direct line, and the firm’s documented response record across Avvo reviews confirms that attorneys respond to client inquiries, not just potential new clients.

What will this cost?

Attorney fees at Grand Canyon Law Group depend on the complexity of the charge, the court jurisdiction, whether the case goes to trial, and the amount of investigation required. The firm will provide a direct, honest cost assessment during your free consultation. What you will not experience is a bait-and-switch fee structure. Verified client Kenny V. specifically noted that the firm “worked with me financially” on a serious felony matter, which reflects the firm’s stated commitment to making quality defense accessible. Call 480-470-4893 for a free consultation.

Are payment plans available?

Yes. Grand Canyon Law Group works with clients on payment plans when upfront fees present a financial barrier. This is documented: client Kenny V. confirmed in a verified review that the firm worked with him financially on a serious criminal case. The firm’s payment portal through Clio allows clients to make payments online. The specifics of any payment plan will be worked out during your consultation, based on your situation and the complexity of your case.

What happens after I hire Grand Canyon Law Group?

The work begins immediately. In documented cases, the firm has filed motions to Scottsdale City Court within two business days of being retained, obtained dismissals on cases with next-day court dates, and challenged AZDPS assumptions in DUI arrests to secure full charge dismissals. After hiring, your attorney will conduct a case-specific investigation: reviewing police reports for procedural violations, analyzing arrest records for constitutional issues, identifying weaknesses in the prosecution’s evidence, and developing a strategy tailored to your charges.

Will you be honest with me about my chances?

Grand Canyon Law Group has a documented track record of honesty, even when the news is difficult. Verified client James C. hired Ryan McPhie specifically because of his prosecutorial background, stating: “Ryan’s knowledge and expertise in criminal law led to a result I am very pleased with.” Client F.L. cited Lish’s honesty directly: “He was thorough, honest, and the outcome was favorable.” Both partners spent years on the prosecutorial side, which means they know precisely how cases are evaluated, both weak and strong. They will not mislead you about where you stand.

What can actually be done to defend my criminal case?

Defense strategy depends entirely on the facts, but Grand Canyon Law Group’s founding partners have specific tools that most defense attorneys do not. David Lish is a certified DUI Detection and SFST instructor, which means he can challenge the validity of field sobriety tests from the inside. David Lish and McPhie both prosecuted these cases and know which pieces of evidence are actually strong versus which are prosecutorial theater. Documented defense actions include: challenging AZDPS arrest assumptions in DUI cases, filing suppression motions on short timelines, restoring firearm rights stripped by prior arrests, and securing charge dismissals on multi-count serious offense cases. Your defense strategy will be built from what is actually in your case file, not a generic template.

Can charges actually be reduced or dismissed?

Yes, and Grand Canyon Law Group has documented outcomes proving it. In one verified case, a client was wrongfully arrested for DUI while on vacation in Arizona. Ryan McPhie believed the client’s account, challenged the AZDPS’s assumptions behind the arrest, and obtained a full dismissal of all charges. In a separate documented case, a client facing multiple serious charges found the firm with less than one day before their court appearance. McPhie took the case and had it dismissed. In another matter, a client facing two drug DUI charges in quick succession received a significantly reduced outcome. Dismissals and reductions are not hypothetical outcomes. They are part of this firm’s documented record.

Is there any way to avoid jail?

Incarceration is not inevitable, and Grand Canyon Law Group’s partners have specific experience with the alternatives Arizona courts offer. This includes Arizona diversion programs, supervised probation, house arrest and electronic monitoring, treatment programs in lieu of incarceration, and plea structures that eliminate or reduce jail time. In one documented case, the firm saved a client 10 days of jail time through strategic case management. The partners’ prosecutorial background is directly relevant here: they sat on the side that makes charging and sentencing decisions, which means they understand exactly which factors prosecutors weigh when considering alternatives to incarceration.

What factors actually determine the outcome of a criminal case?

In Arizona criminal cases, the outcome depends on whether the arrest itself was constitutionally valid, the chain of custody for physical evidence, the reliability of field sobriety and chemical tests, the credibility and consistency of witness accounts, prosecutorial discretion in charging decisions, and the specific judge and court involved.

David Lish and Ryan McPhie understand all of these factors from both sides of the courtroom. McPhie is a certified DUI Detection and SFST specialist, which gives him technical standing to challenge breathalyzer and field sobriety evidence that most defense attorneys accept at face value. Their Grand Canyon Criminal Defense podcast analyzes real Arizona cases, including how prosecutorial strategy and evidence handling shaped specific outcomes.

Will I be judged for what I am accused of?

No. Grand Canyon Law Group was built specifically to represent people in their worst moments without judgment. David Lish’s founding statement says it plainly: the firm exists to help good people accused of a crime navigate the system and save their future. Client Sarah Ruth D. described the experience: “If you need to call a lawyer, you’re probably dealing with one of the most stressful times of your life. This team made it feel as comfortable as possible and as human as possible.” Verified client Kenny V., who faced serious felony charges, wrote: “They fought for me. I cannot begin to say how grateful I am.” The firm’s role is to defend your rights, not assess your character.

“I was facing some pretty heavy charges that were threatening to turn my life and the progress I had been making upside down. However, they worked with me financially and more than that, they fought for me. I cannot begin to say how grateful I am.” Kenny V., Verified Client Review

Is what I tell you during a consultation confidential?

Yes. Attorney-client privilege attaches from the first conversation you have with Grand Canyon Law Group, including a free consultation. Nothing you say during that call can be disclosed to law enforcement, prosecutors, or any third party. This is a legal protection, not a firm policy. You cannot invoke your Fifth Amendment rights effectively if you are afraid to be honest with your own attorney. Tell them everything. The conversation is protected from the moment it begins, and the free consultation at 480-470-4893 is the safest place to start.

How involved will I need to be in my own defense?

Your level of involvement depends on your specific case. Some matters require significant client input: providing documentation, clarifying the facts of the arrest, identifying witnesses, or making decisions about plea offers versus trial. Others are resolved primarily through legal motions, where your primary role is staying informed. What Grand Canyon Law Group commits to is this: you will never be left wondering what is happening or what is expected of you. Both partners have been described by clients as thorough and communicative throughout the full duration of cases. Our firm’s documented communication pattern across verified reviews reflects attorneys who stay engaged throughout the full duration of a case, not just at intake.

What are the penalties if I am convicted?

This is a difficult question to answer without understanding the full details of your case. Penalties often depend on the severity and type of charge. The more serious the crime, the more detrimental the penalties. A conviction can result in time in jail or prison, loss of driver’s or professional license, probation, fines, and more.

If I am under investigation, should I speak with law enforcement?

You have to be careful and protect your rights when dealing with law enforcement officers. Remember, you have the right to remain silent. This is crucial as you may incriminate yourself by simply answering a question. If you are under investigation or stopped by law enforcement, politely request to have an attorney present before answering any questions.

Why should I choose Grand Canyon Law Group?

Our firm is led by a former senior prosecutor who has handled thousands of cases. This knowledge of both sides of the courtroom has proved to be invaluable time and time again. When it comes to defending your rights in negotiations or in trial, experience matters. If you were charged with a criminal offense anywhere in the greater Phoenix metro area, count on our experienced, caring team to help you better understand your case and make the best use of the legal options you have available. This is what sets our firm apart from the rest.

Do you offer free consultations?

Yes! Call us any time 24/7 for a free consultation to discuss the details of your case and what we can do to help.

I’ve been arrested for a simple charge. Do I still need legal counsel?

Regardless of the severity, every charge should be treated as a serious matter. Even the simplest of charges can have a negative impact on your life. From driver’s license suspension to lost opportunities, even petty crimes can alter your everyday life. It is important to retain a lawyer, if only to keep you informed of your rights and options throughout the process.

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