Zalman B. Sapad - Managing Attorney

Zalman B. Sapad is the Managing Attorney of Aurum Law Group and a dedicated Arizona criminal defense lawyer known for strategic advocacy, meticulous case analysis, and a relentless commitment to protecting constitutional rights. Having handled hundreds of criminal matters ranging from misdemeanors to serious felonies, he approaches every case with a trial-ready mindset, preparing from day one as though it will ultimately be decided before a jury.

Originally from Albuquerque, New Mexico, Zalman moved to Arizona to study Business and Global Politics at Arizona State University, later earning his Juris Doctor. His background in policy, economics, and advocacy shaped a legal philosophy grounded in due process, fairness, and the presumption of innocence. He believes every client deserves respect, transparency, and a genuine opportunity to move forward with their life.

Leadership Role

As Managing Attorney of Aurum Law Group, Zalman oversees legal strategy, case quality, and attorney development across the firm. He works closely with intake and legal staff to ensure clients receive prompt communication, thorough investigation, and disciplined defense strategy while maintaining the firm’s ethical standards and reputation for high-level representation.

Legal Experience & Approach

Zalman’s early training includes clerking for a Superior Court judge and working with two of Arizona’s primary indigent defense institutions — the Maricopa County Legal Advocate and the Public Defender Clinic. These formative experiences provided him a comprehensive understanding of how prosecutors build cases, how judges evaluate evidence, and where constitutional vulnerabilities often exist.

He later represented tenants in the City of Phoenix Tenant Eviction Assistance Project, advocating for individuals facing immediate loss of housing in high-volume, fast-paced courtrooms. The experience sharpened his litigation instincts and reinforced his commitment to defending clients when the stakes are highest.

Zalman has also worked on constitutional and policy initiatives with the William E. Morris Institute for Justice and is a published legal author, bringing analytical depth and policy awareness to criminal defense strategy.

His practice focuses heavily on:

• DUI and drug-related offenses
• Domestic violence allegations
• Evidence suppression and constitutional violations
• Trial litigation and motion practice
• Appeals and post-conviction relief

He is known for identifying evidentiary weaknesses, particularly in drug and alcohol DUI cases, and leveraging them through aggressive motion practice and trial advocacy.

Representative Results

Zalman has secured numerous favorable outcomes, including:

• Felony dismissal in a case carrying potential exposure of 200+ years imprisonment
• Multiple not-guilty verdicts at trial in assault and misconduct cases
• Dismissals based on police misconduct and evidence tampering
• Numerous reductions of Extreme DUI to reckless driving or non-DUI resolutions
• Dismissals in domestic violence, disorderly conduct, and criminal damage cases
• Successful defenses involving First Amendment issues
• Repeated dismissals in marijuana-related DUI prosecutions

Practice Areas

Criminal Defense • DUI/DWI • Drug Crimes • Domestic Violence • Violent Crimes • Theft • Fraud • White Collar Crime • Internet Crimes • Sex Crimes • Juvenile Defense • Appeals • Expungement • Criminal Traffic • License Suspension

Publications & Speaking

• The Waivering Renewable Fuel Standard and How to Fix It — Vermont Journal of Environmental Law (2020)
• Economic Development and Eminent Domain in Arizona: When is a Use Truly Public? — Barrett Honors College (2015)
• Speaker, Drug DUIs and Substance Abuse Recovery, Cornerstone Community Day (2024)

Admissions

• State Bar of Arizona
• United States District Court, District of Arizona (Federal Bar)

Languages

English • Spanish • Filipino

Philosophy

Zalman is a staunch advocate for the Constitution’s guarantee of fairness and the presumption of innocence. He believes criminal defense is not merely legal representation — it is safeguarding a person’s future, reputation, and family stability. He approaches each case with urgency, accessibility, and commitment, remaining available to clients 24/7 for consultations and guidance.

His objective in every case is simple:
protect rights, expose weaknesses in the State’s evidence, and obtain the most favorable outcome possible, whether through negotiation, dismissal, or trial.