Rebecca Montoya - Criminal Defense Lawyer

Rebecca A. Montoya is an experienced criminal trial attorney serving as Of Counsel to Aurum Law Group. Raised in Albuquerque, New Mexico, she earned her undergraduate degree in Psychology and Criminology from the University of New Mexico before attending the Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law at Arizona State University, where she focused her studies on criminal litigation and constitutional advocacy.

While in law school, Rebecca distinguished herself through both scholarship and courtroom advocacy. She received the Arizona State Bar Criminal Justice Section’s Future Practitioner Award and was inducted into the Order of the Barristers. She served as President of the Criminal Law Association, participated on the Mock Trial Team, and worked as a senior fellow with the Marshall-Brennan Constitutional Literacy Project, promoting civic education and constitutional awareness.

Her legal training included placements with the Arizona Supreme Court Administrative Office of the Courts, Community Legal Services, the Maricopa County Office of the Public Defender, and the Federal Public Defender for the District of Arizona. Through the Public Defender Clinic, she represented clients in proceedings ranging from plea negotiations to contested felony jury trials, developing early courtroom experience and trial readiness.

Rebecca later practiced as a Deputy Public Defender in Maricopa County, where she defended individuals charged with offenses spanning misdemeanor allegations through serious felony matters. Her litigation approach combines strategic case analysis with collaborative advocacy, regularly working alongside investigators, treatment professionals, probation officers, and prosecutors to secure favorable and practical outcomes for clients.

As Of Counsel to Aurum Law Group, Rebecca contributes significant courtroom experience and trial preparation expertise. She is known for meticulous case preparation, direct client communication, and a pragmatic negotiation style that positions cases effectively for dismissal, reduction, or trial.

Professional Affiliations

• Arizona Attorneys for Criminal Justice (AACJ)

• AACJ Legislative Committee

• State Bar of Arizona — Criminal Practice & Procedure Committee

• National College for DUI Defense (NCDD)