I have been awarded the highest rating of "AV Preeminent Attorney" since 2012 and “AV Preeminent, Judicial Edition” by Martindale-Hubble. I have received recognition as “America’s Most Honored Professionals – Top 1%” by Martindale Hubble. Since 2016, I have been included in Arizona Republic’s Arizona's Top Rated Lawyers - Criminal law. I am included in the American Society of Legal Advocates 2016 top 100 Lawyers - Criminal Defense. I have been invited to join the Top 100 Criminal Defense Trial Lawyers 2015. Awarded in 2020, "Top 10 Attorney Award for the State of Arizona" by National Academy of Criminal Defense Attorneys.
In 1991, I became a member of the Arizona State Bar. In 1992, I joined the Phoenix City Prosecutor's Office where I handled a variety of cases involving appeals, mental competency, forfeitures, neighborhood maintenance and zoning, commercial vehicles, construction contracting, civil traffic offenses, and criminal offenses. The criminal offenses included all types of misdemeanors such as domestic violence crimes, vice crimes, public offenses, and DUI. I also lectured at a prosecutor's seminar regarding mental health and competency to stand trial. In 1996, I left the prosecutor's office to become an associate in a local criminal defense firm. In courts across the state, I represented individuals and businesses accused of diverse misdemeanors and felonies. My practice included various civil matters as well.
In early 2000, I left that firm with the intent to establish my own law firm. I ended up as an associate with an large law firm in Mesa and set up its criminal defense practice. In December of 2000, I left and started the law firm of Robert P. Jarvis, P.C. located in Mesa, now known as the Law Office of Robert P. Jarvis.
I continued my representation in criminal defense and other related areas of law, successfully defending persons accused of felonies and misdemeanors throughout Arizona in cases including murder, sex crimes, assault, drugs, gangs, DUI, extortion, theft, weapons, zoning, traffic violations, forfeitures, zoning, construction, and trucking. My practice expanded to include contract, business, and administrative law. Through the Legal Defense Fund and police associations, I represent law enforcement personnel involved in shootings and investigated for or accused of misconduct and criminal acts.
Over the years and all over the State I have conducted hundreds of hearings, bench trials, and jury trials in the justice courts, the municipal courts, and superior courts, both adult and juvenile. I have handled cases on appeal to the Superior Court, Court of Appeals, and Supreme Court of Arizona, as well as arguing a case in the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals. I have become familiar with and learned to apply the statues, case law, rules of criminal and civil procedure, and rules of evidence.
I represent children, juveniles, and adults. Many case have involved mental illness and associated medications.
I have served on the bench as a substitute for judges of the Maricopa County justice courts and was appointed in 2016 to serve as such in the Pinal County justice courts and the Apache Junction Municipal Court. I have judged civil cases, landlord/tenant cases, and criminal cases, sitting on bench and jury trials.
I am a member of the Arizona State Bar, a Life-time member of Arizona Attorneys for Criminal Justice, and a member of the East Valley Bar Association, serving as its President 2003-2004 and continuing on its board.
After graduating in the top 10 from Westwood High School in 1982, I attended Brigham Young University, graduating cum laude in 1988. I began my legal training at the Arizona State University School of Law in 1988, graduating in 1991.
I grew up in Mesa and have enjoyed serving my community. I have had the opportunity to serve my community through family, church, and school. My children's sports activities provided opportunities to coach soccer, softball, baseball, and basketball over 16 years. I have served in the Boy Scouts of America as an Eleven Year Old Scout Leader, Assistant Scout Master, Varsity Coach, Assistant Crew Advisor, Crew Advisor, and Charter Organization Representative. School sports and activities have allowed numerous opportunities to serve. For my Alma Mater, Westwood High School, I served for two years as an attorney coach for its Mock Trial Team. I am a founding member of Mesa High School Community Advocates.
