Attorney Profile

Sean C. Chapman
Tucson, Arizona

Over the last 20 years, Sean C. Chapman has earned a reputation as a highly skilled, effective, and honest trial attorney in Arizona.   He has won some of the most significant high profile cases in Tucson in the last decade (see “Notable Cases” page on this website). As a federal prosecutor from 1997 to 2004, he was responsible for the trial and convictions of corrupt law enforcement officials and violent criminals.  As a defense attorney, he has tried and won several significant cases including two cases where U.S. Border Patrol agents were wrongly charged with murder.

Given his extensive trial experience, Mr. Chapman is frequently asked to speak at law school classes and at various seminars regarding aspects of state and federal trial practice.

Mr. Chapman has received numerous awards as a result of his work as a trial lawyer.  He is an AV rated lawyer under Martindale Hubbell’s rating system indicating that other lawyers agree that he has achieved the highest level of legal ability and professional ethics.

Areas of Practice:

Arizona and Federal Criminal Defense

Drug Offenses

Theft and Property Crimes

Fraud, Embezzlement, Scams and Internet Crimes

Racketeering and RICO Act Offenses

Conspiracy

Violent Crimes and Murder

Federal Murder Cases

Personal Injury, Medical Malpractice and Wrongful Death Claims

Criminal Law

White Collar Crimes

Bar Admissions:

Arizona, 1988

U.S. District Court District of Arizona, 1988

U.S. Court of Appeals 9th Circuit, 1988

Education:

University of Arizona College of Law, Tucson, Arizona, 1988
J.D.
Honors: Cum Laude
Law Review: Arizona Law Review, Member, 1987 – 1988

University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona, 1984
B.A.
Honors: Cum Laude

Published Works:

Batson v. Kentucky: A Significant Step Toward Eliminating Discrimination In The Jury Selection Process, Arizona Law Review, 29 Ariz. L.Rev. 697, 1987

Classes/Seminars Taught:

Guest Panelist, Federal Discovery Panel, University of Arizona College of Law, 2008

Guest Lecturer, How a Defense Attorney Analyzes a Federal Case, University of Arizona College of Law, 2008

Guest Lecturer, “Victims Rights and Witness Advocacy in the Federal Courts”, University of Arizona College of Law, 2007

Guest Lecturer, “Victims Rights and Witness Advocacy in the Federal Courts”, University of Arizona College of Law, 2006

Guest Lecturer, “Federal Death Penalty Proceedings”, University of Arizona College of Law, 2005

Speaker, “Federal Criminal Practice”, Pima County Bar Association, March 21, 2005

Speaker, Federal Sentencing Guidelines Seminar, Federal Bar Association, March 23, 2003

Speaker, Federal Criminal Procedure Seminar, United States Attorneys Office, District of Arizona, May 16, 2001

Honors and Awards:

National Prosecutor of the Year, Federal Law Enforcement Officers Association, 2004

Office of Inspector General award, “Outstanding Prosecution of Corruption within the United States Department of Justice”, 2002

Department of Justice Director’s Award for “Superior Performance as an Assistant United States Attorney”, 2001

Public Service Award, Blue Cross/Blue Shield of Arizona for “Exceptional Contributions to Federal Service in the State of Arizona”

Professional Associations and Memberships:

Federal Bar Association

Pima County Bar Association

Tucson Defense Bar

Arizona Attorneys for Criminal Justice

State Bar of Arizona

National Association of Criminal Defense Attorneys

Past Employment Positions:

U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Arizona

Chandler and Udall, P.C.

Pima Public Defender

Jennings, Strouss and Salmon, LLC

Ancillary Businesses:

Panel Attorney, PORAC Legal Defense Fund