Joseph Duarte

With nearly 40 years of criminal law experience, Joseph Duarte brings exceptional courtroom experience and a unique perspective to every case. A lifelong Arizonan who grew up in Tempe and a third-generation descendant of immigrants, Joseph has dedicated his career to protecting the rights of individuals facing some of the most serious criminal charges.

After earning his Juris Doctor from Arizona State University College of Law, Joseph began his legal career as a criminal prosecutor. From 1986 to 2003, he prosecuted cases at the city, county, and state levels, developing extensive trial experience and an in-depth understanding of how criminal cases are investigated, charged, and litigated.

In 2003, Joseph shifted his focus to criminal defense, representing clients in Maricopa County Superior Court before dedicating his practice exclusively to federal criminal defense in 2005. His federal experience includes serving as an Assistant Federal Public Defender in Yuma and Tucson, where he defended clients charged with complex federal offenses and navigated the unique challenges of federal court.

In 2013, Joseph founded his own federal criminal defense practice, where he successfully represented clients throughout Arizona until joining Ybarra Maldonado Law Group in 2026.

Having served on both sides of the courtroom, Joseph offers clients a strategic advantage. He understands how prosecutors evaluate cases, develop trial strategies, and negotiate resolutions, allowing him to anticipate the government’s approach and build effective defenses tailored to each client’s unique circumstances.

Throughout his career, Joseph’s guiding principle has remained the same: place the client’s interests first. Whether negotiating a favorable resolution or taking a case to trial, he is committed to providing thoughtful, thorough, and vigorous representation while treating every client with honesty, respect, and compassion.

At Ybarra Maldonado Law Group, Joseph is proud to work alongside a team of bilingual and bicultural attorneys and staff dedicated to serving Arizona’s diverse communities. Together, they provide culturally informed, client-centered representation that reflects the firm’s commitment to justice, dignity, and exceptional legal advocacy.

Outside the office, Joseph enjoys spending time with his family and exploring Arizona’s remarkable landscapes—from the rolling grasslands of Patagonia to the pine forests of the Mogollon Rim.