Understanding how the criminal justice system works is crucial to bringing practice to fruition. Steven graduated cum laude from the University of Arizona earning a bachelor’s degree in political science with an emphasis in law and public policy.
Knowing that he always wanted to be a Phoenix lawyer practicing as a criminal defense attorney, he then earned his Juris Doctorate degree from ASU Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law. While in law school, he was a research assistant for current and retired Maricopa County Superior Court judges.
Attorney Steven Scharboneau is a trial attorney who primarily practices in the area of criminal defense and is extremely passionate about protecting the rights of others. Protecting individuals from the government’s intrusion of their constitutional rights is the reason he became an attorney. His passion and deep knowledge of the criminal justice system make him an extremely effective advocate for his clients.
Steven is known for his aggressive representation of his clients. He takes his job to heart and refuses to let the government bully him or his clients.
Steven works with Arizona’s top criminal justice reform leaders in an effort to transform Arizona’s penal system. In 2019, Steven worked with Arizona Attorneys for Criminal Justice to conceptualize, draft and lobby for what has been dubbed the Arizona Mugshot Act.
Since then, Steven has drafted and ushered at least 3 more pieces of criminal justice legislation through the legislature and into law. This is wide spread change in Arizona that helps countless people.
Steven has weighed in on many pieces of legislation and is regularly consulted by Arizona’s experts regarding policy in criminal law. He spends a lot of time at the Arizona State Capitol meeting with legislators and special interest groups and offers his expertise by way of testimony in the Arizona House and Senate committees.
Connected In The Community
Arizona Attorneys for Criminal Justice
- Statewide not-for-profit membership organization of Criminal Defense Lawyers.
- Executive Board Member / Co-Chairman of the Legislative Committee
City of Phoenix
- Rio-Vista Village Planning Committee
- Chairman of the Committee
Just Communities Arizona
- Arizona Criminal Justice Reform Non-Profit Organization
- Vice Chair & Director – Board of Directors
Making A Difference
Family – Community – Law
Family and community hold a special place in my heart. My passion for community has led me to pursue an education and profession in the law. I am a strong proponent for the availability of second chances. Circumstances beyond our control can often lead us to a place that we are not proud of. Through these events, some of the most important lessons in life are learned. These lessons are often the catalysts for the most transformative moments in our lives.
Second chances should not be impossible
Persistence is key. Embracing and taking advantage of our worst moments can allow us to grow and achieve our most important goals in life. The current roadblocks that hold people back from achieving a second chance cannot stand if we want safer communities. Working together to help people succeed, no mater what their background is, makes for a healthier, stronger and safer place to live in.
