Before founding MayesTelles PLLC in 2010, Mayes clerked for the Honorable Earl H. Carroll of the U.S. District Court for the District of Arizona — a lifetime Article III appointee nominated by President Carter who served from 1980 until his death in 2017 — giving him a view of federal criminal cases from inside chambers before he ever stood at the defense table. After the clerkship, he spent three years in complex commercial litigation, first at Galbut & Galbut, P.C. and then at Sacks Tierney PA, before co-founding MayesTelles PLLC with David Telles in January 2010.
A Phoenix native, Mayes earned his B.A. in psychology cum laude from Arizona State University in 2000 and his J.D. cum laude from the University of Arizona James E. Rogers College of Law in 2005, where he served as an editor of the Arizona Law Review and published a case note in the 2004 volume. He is bilingual in English and Spanish.
Over more than fifteen years at MayesTelles PLLC, Mayes has handled more than a thousand criminal matters across Phoenix, Maricopa County, and Arizona — felonies and misdemeanors of every kind, from first-time DUI and drug charges to murder, sex crimes, white collar fraud, and federal offenses. He has obtained acquittals and complete dismissals across that full range, including complete dismissals in multiple-count cases carrying mandatory prison exposure. His approach involves identifying weaknesses in the State's case early, preparing every matter as if it will go to trial, and putting the best available outcome in front of the client so they can make a fully informed decision about whether to accept a guaranteed result or take the case to a jury.
On the civil side, Mayes has built a personal injury practice that has recovered multiple six- and seven-figure results for clients harmed by negligence — motor vehicle accidents, premises and product liability, construction accidents, serious injuries, and wrongful death. He currently serves on the Board of Directors of the Maricopa County Bar Association, Friends of the Court, and ALP, and mentors high-risk youth through New Pathways for Youth.
A Personalized Approach
Every criminal case is different. Mayes has helped refine the firm's approach to criminal defense around four core steps:
- Identifying the client's unique case facts, circumstances, and goals
- Finding weaknesses in the State's case to dispose of the matter favorably
- Preparing each case as if it were going to trial
- Putting the best available result in front of the client to evaluate whether that outcome or the risk/reward of trial is in their best interest
Education
- J.D., cum laude — University of Arizona, James E. Rogers College of Law (2005)
- B.A., Psychology, cum laude — Arizona State University (2000)
- Editor, Arizona Law Review — University of Arizona College of Law; published case note: Gunnell v. Arizona Public Service Company (2004)
- Law Clerk — The Honorable Earl H. Carroll, U.S. District Court for the District of Arizona (nominated by President Carter; served 1980–2017)
Bar Admissions & Court Admissions
Bar Admissions
- State Bar of Arizona — Admitted January 2006
- U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit — Admitted 2009
- U.S. District Court for the District of Arizona — Admitted 2006
Courts
- U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit
- U.S. District Court for the District of Arizona
- Arizona Court of Appeals
- Maricopa County Superior Court · Pima County Superior Court · Coconino County Superior Court · Yavapai County Superior Court · Yuma County Superior Court
- Phoenix Municipal Court · Mesa Municipal Court · Scottsdale Municipal Court · Tempe Municipal Court · Glendale City Court · Chandler Municipal Court
- East Mesa Justice Court · Hassayampa Justice Court
- Arizona Justice Courts (various)
Languages
Publications & Speaking
- Case Note: Gunnell v. Arizona Public Service Company — Arizona Law Review, University of Arizona College of Law (2004)
- Speaking engagement: Immigration / Deferred Action (2013)
Board Memberships & Community
- Board of Directors, Maricopa County Bar Association (current)
- Board of Directors, Friends of the Court (current)
- Board of Directors, ALP (current)
- Early Detection Task Force Member, UCP of Central Arizona (current)
- Board of Directors, Young Lawyers Division, Maricopa County Bar Association (2008–2010)
- Mentor, New Pathways for Youth / Phoenix Youth-at-Risk
- Member: American Bar Association · State Bar of Arizona · Maricopa County Bar Association · Arizona Mexico Commission · Canada Arizona Business Council
When he is not practicing law, Mr. Mayes enjoys spending time outdoors with family and friends.
