Michelle Villanueva Skura

Michelle Villanueva Skura

Championing Vigorous Defense for Clients Accused of Sex Crimes
  • Criminal Law, Juvenile Law
Review This Lawyer
Lawyer Rating and Reviews
Legal Knowledge
5.0/5.0
Legal Analysis
5.0/5.0
Communication Skills
5.0/5.0
Ethics and Professionalism
5.0/5.0
Lee Green
Lee Green October 22, 2024
Rating: 10 Lawyer Rating - 10 out of 10
Michelle brings deep legal knowledge and sharp analytical skills, clearly guiding clients through complex issues at a time at which they are vulnerable. Her unwavering commitment to ethics and professionalism truly breaks the mold, creating a genuine, trustworthy experience that clients can rely on.
Client Reviews
Carlos V. August 14, 2023
Best Lawyer for Criminal Defense / False Accusations Interviewed with five other lawyers before choosing Michelle. Not the cheapest or the most expensive, but the best for the situation. She never sugar coated anything. She is tough and gets results. Yes - the attorney and her law office provided satisfactory legal service. Yes - knowledgeable about the law and the reason we chose this lawyer. Yes - the lawyer and her support staff kept us up to date on all new developments by either text, email or phone call and sometimes all 3. Yes - the lawyer was always courteous and professional.
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Biography

Michelle Villanueva-Skura is a Criminal Defense Attorney with a focus on Sex Crimes and Major Felonies. She has a passion for individual rights, government accountability, and personal freedom. Michelle serves her community by defending its citizens’ rights and holding law enforcement and prosecution to the standards imposed by both the state and federal Constitution.
The law office of Michelle Villanueva-Skura was founded with a unique focus on defending those accused of sex crimes and serious felonies. We are an Arizona law firm with a proven track record of success. Michelle has become a leading authority on sex crimes due to her specific focus on false rape allegations, claims of molestation, exploitation and sex trafficking. She knows that when a client is merely accused, they can lose their: freedom, family, and career. She understands the severe impact that an accusation can have on your life, and her team is committed to providing clients with personalized attention and aggressive representation.
We are also available for weekend and evening consultations to start your defense. Contact our office now to schedule your strategy session.

Practice Areas
Criminal Law
Drug Crimes, Gun Crimes, Sex Crimes, Violent Crimes
Juvenile Law
Video Conferencing
  • FaceTime
  • Zoom
Fees
  • Credit Cards Accepted
    All major credit cards accepted. Cash is accepted.
  • Rates, Retainers and Additional Information
    Flat fee billing.
Jurisdictions Admitted to Practice
Arizona
State Bar of Arizona
ID Number: 032998
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Languages
  • English: Spoken, Written
  • Spanish: Spoken, Written
Education
University of Miami
B.A. (1997) | English Literature
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University of Oxford
other (1996) | English Literature
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Awards
Super Lawyers Rising Star Award
Super Lawyers
Rising Stars is a designation of top-rated practicing attorneys selected through extensive evaluation. She was awarded this distinction for 2024.
Top 100 Criminal Defense Lawyers
The National Trial Lawyers
Multi-Year recipient of The National Trial Lawyers Top 100 Criminal Defense Lawyers award.
40 under 40
National Trial Lawyers
National Trial Lawyers recognition of Michelle Villanueva Skura, Esq. as a top 40 Attorney.
10 Best in Client Satisfaction
American Institute of Criminal Law Attorneys
American Institute Criminal Law Division recognition of excellence in criminal defense client satisfaction in Arizona.
Professional Associations
State Bar of Arizona  # 032998
Member
Current
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Publications
Articles & Publications
Safeguarding Your Rights
VS Criminal Defense Attorneys
Websites & Blogs
Website
VS Criminal Defense Attorneys
Blog
Blog for VS Criminal Defense Attorneys
Videos
What to Do if You are Falsely Accused of Sexual Assault 1. Remain silent regarding your accusation. 2. Contact an experienced defense attorney with a focus on sex crimes Failing to remain silent may result in the accused inadvertently making statements that may later damage their defense case. Never speak to police without your attorney present. VS Criminal Defense Attorneys 1845 S Dobson Rd Suite 202 Mesa, AZ 85202 Phone: 480-923-9001 Website: https://www.vsattorney.com/ What to Do if You are Falsely Accused of Sexual Assault

What to Do if You are Falsely Accused of Sexual Assault 1. Remain silent regarding your accusation. 2. Contact an experienced defense attorney with a focus on sex crimes Failing to remain silent may result in the accused inadvertently making statements that may later damage their defense case. Never speak to police without your attorney present. VS Criminal Defense Attorneys 1845 S Dobson Rd Suite 202 Mesa, AZ 85202 Phone: 480-923-9001 Website: https://www.vsattorney.com/

When Should I Hire an Attorney? | VS Criminal Defense Attorneys The best time to hire an attorney is before the charges have been filed.  This is known as the Pre-Charge phase.   The second best time is now.  It helps to work with your defense attorney as early as possible to start building your defense. When Should I Hire an Attorney? | VS Criminal Defense Attorneys

When Should I Hire an Attorney? | VS Criminal Defense Attorneys The best time to hire an attorney is before the charges have been filed. This is known as the Pre-Charge phase. The second best time is now. It helps to work with your defense attorney as early as possible to start building your defense.

How Long is the Statue of Limitations for a Sex Crime in Arizona? How long does the state of Arizona have to charge someone with s sex crime? The answer depends on the type of sex crime and the age of the victim involved. Many felony sex crimes committed in Arizona have a lifetime statue of limitation. In other words the person accused of the sex crime can be charged anytime during their lifetime and ends upon their death. Phone: 480-923-9001 Website: https://www.vsattorney.com Sex Crime Statute of Limitations in Arizona: How Long Does the State Have to Charge Someone?

How Long is the Statue of Limitations for a Sex Crime in Arizona? How long does the state of Arizona have to charge someone with s sex crime? The answer depends on the type of sex crime and the age of the victim involved. Many felony sex crimes committed in Arizona have a lifetime statue of limitation. In other words the person accused of the sex crime can be charged anytime during their lifetime and ends upon their death. Phone: 480-923-9001 Website: https://www.vsattorney.com

VS Criminal Defense Attorneys - Firm Overview VS Criminal Defense Attorneys 1845 S Dobson Rd Suite 202 Mesa, AZ 85202 Phone: 480-923-9001 Email: Contact@vsattorney.com Website: https://www.vsattorney.com/ VS Criminal Defense Attorneys - Firm Overview

VS Criminal Defense Attorneys - Firm Overview VS Criminal Defense Attorneys 1845 S Dobson Rd Suite 202 Mesa, AZ 85202 Phone: 480-923-9001 Email: Contact@vsattorney.com Website: https://www.vsattorney.com/

Legal Answers
8 Questions Answered
Q. Met someone on Tinder who claimed to be 18. Police say they're a minor. Can I be charged if I didnt know their real age?
A: We are sorry that you find yourself in this situation. Unfortunately this situation is more common than most people think. First, lets address the biggest problem that our clients in this situation face: A minor cannot consent under ARS 13-1405. In Arizona the age of consent is 18yrs old this means that anyone under the age of 18, under the law, lacks the ability to give consent. A lack of knowledge in these situation will not absolve the client of criminal liability and you can still be charged with Sexual Misconduct with a Minor, under ARS 13-1401, which is a class 2 felony that would require you to Register as a Sex Offender and life time sex offender Probation. However, your lack of knowledge in this specific situation is a mitigator. Due to the nature of the allegations we recommend that you contact an attorney immediately.

-Michelle Skura, Esq.
... Read More
Q. In car accident cases do lawyers get billing records from the hospital stay if their is one?
A: Absolutely. As your personal injury attorneys it is our responsibility to collect any and all medical records and itemized billing related to our clients' accident related injuries. In addition to collecting the necessary medical records and billing we also negotiate bill reductions in order to maximize our clients' in- pocket settlement. Being in an accident is stressful enough finding the right Law Firm/Attorney will minimize your stress and assist you in getting your life back on track.
Q. Arrested for car theft thought he was buying car left him with keys no court date already held 9 days is legal?
A: While we do not have the specific details of his case, traditionally there is an initial arraignment hearing within 24 hours and a plea of “Not Guilty” is entered on the defendant’s behalf. At the arraignment the Judge determines the terms of the release conditions and the amount needed for bail.

We are sorry to hear that the public defender has not returned your calls. Public Defenders often have years of experience but unfortunately most public defenders are very busy and very limited on time. A competent private attorney will have time to return calls and time to review all of the discovery/evidence and listen to the defendant’s side of events, listening for facts that will help improve the outcome. With so much at stake his “best course of action” is to hire an experienced private attorney with time to focus on his case and work towards the best outcome. ... Read More
View More Answers
Contact & Map
VS Criminal Defense Attorneys
1845 S Dobson Rd Suite 202
Mesa, AZ 85202
Telephone: (480) 923-9001
Fax: (480) 454-8959
Monday: Open 24 hours
Tuesday: Open 24 hours
Wednesday: Open 24 hours
Thursday: Open 24 hours
Friday: Open 24 hours
Saturday: Open 24 hours (Today)
Sunday: Open 24 hours
Notice: Arizona Criminal Lawyers | Aggressively Protecting Your Freedom | Schedule Your Confidential Consultation Today! www.vsattorney.com
Arizona Felony Defense Lawyer
3919 E Potter Dr
Phoenix, AZ 85050
Telephone: (480) 933-2326
Fax: (480) 454-8959
Monday: Open 24 hours
Tuesday: Open 24 hours
Wednesday: Open 24 hours
Thursday: Open 24 hours
Friday: Open 24 hours
Saturday: Open 24 hours (Today)
Sunday: Open 24 hours
Notice: Phoenix Criminal Defense Lawyer | Schedule Your Confidential Consultation | https://www.vsattorney.com/areas-we-serve/phoenix/
Phoenix Sex Crimes Lawyer
1100 E Washington St
Ste 154
Phoenix, AZ 85034
Telephone: (602) 805-1212
Monday: Open 24 hours
Tuesday: Open 24 hours
Wednesday: Open 24 hours
Thursday: Open 24 hours
Friday: Open 24 hours
Saturday: Open 24 hours (Today)
Sunday: Open 24 hours
Notice: Phoenix Criminal Defense Lawyer | Schedule Your Confidential Consultation | https://www.vsattorney.com/criminal-defense/phoenix-sex-crime-attorney/
AZ Sex Crimes Attorney
1425 S Higley Rd #101 Unit 2
Gilbert, AZ 85296
Telephone: (480) 676-1919
Monday: Open 24 hours
Tuesday: Open 24 hours
Wednesday: Open 24 hours
Thursday: Open 24 hours
Friday: Open 24 hours
Saturday: Open 24 hours (Today)
Sunday: Open 24 hours
Notice: Gilbert Criminal Defense and Sex Crimes Attorneys | Schedule Your Confidential Consultation | https://www.vsattorney.com/criminal-defense/gilbert-sex-crimes/