About VS Criminal Defense Attorneys

PASSIONATE ADVOCACY BACKED BY EXTENSIVE EXPERIENCE

10 Best 2020 Attorneys Client Satisfaction
5-Star Rated Arizona Defense Attorneys On Google
5-Star Rated Arizona Defense Attorneys On AVVO
5-Star Rated Arizona Defense Attorneys On Facebook
Top-Rated Defense Lawyers In Arizona

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    Michelle Villanueva-Skura, Serious Felony Defense Attorney In Arizona

    Meet Michelle Villanueva-Skura Esq.

    ATTORNEY & OWNER | Sex Crime & Serious Felony Defense In Arizona

    Michelle Villanueva-Skura is a Criminal Defense Attorney with a focus on Sex Crimes and Major Felonies. She has a passion for individual rights, government accountability, and personal freedom. Michelle serves her community by defending its citizens’ rights and holding law enforcement and prosecution to the standards imposed by both the state and federal Constitution.

    Michelle earned her bachelors from the University of Miami in 1997. During her undergraduate years, Mrs. Skura studied abroad at the University of Oxford. Upon completing her undergraduate degree, Michelle worked as a licensed litigation examiner settling thousands of complex injury and wrongful death claims. Michelle left her career in claims to earn her Juris Doctorate graduating at the top of her class while receiving multiple CALI Excellence for the Future Awards for her achievement in subjects such as Insurance Litigation and Constitutional Law.

    She is a member of the State Bar of Arizona, the Maricopa County Bar Association, the National Association of Criminal Defense Attorneys, National Trial Attorneys, and the American Bar Associations. In her spare time, Michelle volunteers her time with the Arizona Animal Welfare League. Michelle is a bilingual member of our team, which serves her well in assisting our clients’ needs. Michelle is an aggressive advocate for her clients facing serious allegations.

    Top-Rated Defense Law Firm On AVVO
    Top-Rated Defense Law Firm On LawPay
    Top-Rated Arizona Defense Law Firm On The National Trial Lawyers
    10 Best 2020 Attorney Client Satisfaction American Institute Of Criminal Law Attorneys
    American Association Of Justice
    ABA American Bar Association
    Arizona Attorneys For Criminal Justice Established 1986

    Attorney Profiles

    Vanesa Vazquez, Senior Paralegal

    Michael Skura

    Strategic Operations & Finance Manager

    Michael Skura brings a unique combination of analytical expertise and business acumen to VS Criminal Defense Attorneys as our Strategic Operations & Finance Manager. With dual bachelor’s degrees in Finance and Microbiology, Michael applies his diverse educational background to streamline operations and ensure the firm runs efficiently behind the scenes.

    Michael oversees the strategic operational and financial aspects of the practice, ensuring seamless business operations that allow our attorneys to focus entirely on providing exceptional legal representation to our clients. His dual expertise in financial management and scientific methodology brings a detail-oriented, systematic approach to managing case files, client communications, and office operations.

    Understanding that effective legal representation requires seamless support systems, Michael is dedicated to maintaining the highest standards of organization and client service. His commitment to operational excellence ensures that every client receives the attention and resources their case deserves.

    When he’s not managing the business operations of the firm, Michael enjoys exploring Arizona’s outdoor recreation opportunities and staying current with developments in both business and scientific fields.

    Vanesa Vazquez, Senior Paralegal

    Meet Vanesa Vazquez

    Senior Paralegal

    Vanesa Vazquez is a dedicated paralegal specializing in criminal law with strong roots in both Mexican and American culture. Born in Mexico and raised in Arizona since the age of five, she brings a unique perspective and bilingual capabilities to her legal work.
    Ms. Vazquez built her educational foundation at Arizona Western College, where she earned her Associate degree in Criminal Justice Administration. She furthered her academic credentials by completing her Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice from Arizona State University in 2020, demonstrating her commitment to developing expertise in her field.

    Her passion for criminal law stems from personal influence—her father’s career as a correctional officer at a state prison inspired her interest in the legal system from an early age. This foundation was strengthened during her formative internship with the Yuma County Attorney’s Office, which solidified her decision to pursue criminal law professionally.
    Since completing her education, Ms. Vazquez has developed significant experience working on complex criminal cases, continuously expanding her expertise and contributing valuable insights to legal teams. Her background provides her with a comprehensive understanding of the criminal justice system from multiple perspectives.
    Beyond her professional endeavors, Ms. Vazquez maintains a well-rounded lifestyle that contributes to her effectiveness in the workplace. She is an active member of the Phoenix Women’s Rugby Club, where she develops teamwork and resilience skills that translate to her legal work. An avid reader, she continuously expands her knowledge base through literature in her free time.
    Ms. Vazquez combines academic knowledge, practical experience, cultural awareness, and a balanced approach to life that makes her a valuable asset in the paralegal profession.

    Staff Profiles

    Cynthia Reyes, Office Manager / Legal Assistant

    Meet Cynthia Reyes

    Office Manager / Legal Assistant

    Cynthia Reyes brings exceptional organizational skills and genuine compassion to her role as Office Manager and Legal Assistant at VS Criminal Defense Attorneys.

    As a bilingual professional fluent in English and Spanish, Cynthia ensures seamless communication with our diverse clientele while managing the firm’s day-to-day operations. Her background in client services, combined with her natural leadership abilities, makes her instrumental in coordinating complex schedules, facilitating attorney-client meetings, and maintaining efficient office workflow.

    Cynthia’s educational foundation includes an Associate of Arts degree from Pima Community College and certification as a licensed esthetician. However, it’s her dedication to client advocacy and her ability to provide calm, professional support during difficult legal situations that truly distinguishes her as an invaluable member of our team.

    Whether working with incarcerated clients or managing office operations, Cynthia’s commitment to excellence and client service ensures that every person who walks through our doors receives the attention and support they deserve.

    Mia V., Legal Administrator and College Outreach Coordinator

    Meet Mia V.

    Legal Administrator and College Outreach Coordinator

    Mia serves as Legal Administrator and College Outreach Coordinator, bringing a unique perspective as the youngest member of our legal team. Currently pursuing her pre-medical studies, Mia demonstrates exceptional dedication to both her academic pursuits and her commitment to justice.

    In her role at the firm, Mia specializes in college client outreach and serves as a vital liaison for students who have been wrongfully accused of sexual crimes. Her ability to connect with young clients and understand the unique challenges they face makes her an invaluable advocate during some of the most difficult moments in their lives.
    As a bilingual professional, Mia provides essential document translation services, ensuring that language barriers never prevent clients from receiving the legal representation they deserve. Her linguistic skills enhance our firm’s ability to serve diverse communities throughout the region.
    Beyond her professional responsibilities, Mia is deeply committed to community service, volunteering extensively with animal welfare organizations. This passion for helping those who cannot speak for themselves reflects the same dedication she brings to her legal work—advocating for clients whose voices need to be heard and whose rights must be protected.
    Mia’s combination of academic excellence, professional capability, and genuine compassion for others embodies our firm’s commitment to providing both skilled legal representation and personalized client care.

    Call Now To Schedule A Confidential Consultation

    Schedule your initial consultation by calling us today at 480-553-9699. We help clients in Chandler, Gilbert, Mesa, Tempe, Scottsdale, Queen Creek, Phoenix and throughout all of the East Valley.

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      By providing your phone number, you consent to receive text messages from VS Criminal Defense Attorneys related to our services. Message frequency may vary. Message and data rates may apply. Reply HELP for help or STOP to opt out. See our Privacy Policy for details.

      Villanueva Skura Attorneys At Law

      1845 S Dobson Rd Ste 202
      Mesa, AZ 85202