Recognized in Best Lawyers since 2023 
Ryan J. Stevens is a certified specialist in criminal law and a member and owner of Griffen & Stevens Law Firm, PLLC in Flagstaff, Arizona. Mr. Stevens focuses his practice on criminal defense, personal injury litigation for plaintiffs, sports law matters, and trial advocacy in Arizona state and federal courts.
Mr. Stevens earned his Bachelor of Science in Mathematics from the College of William & Mary, graduating cum laude. He went on to attend the William & Mary School of Law on a merit-based academic scholarship. During law school and the early stages of his legal career, Mr. Stevens gained practical litigation experience through clerkships with Chief Judge Walter S. Felton of the Virginia Court of Appeals, a Flagstaff law firm, and the Coconino County Attorney’s Office. These roles provided early exposure to courtroom procedure, legal research, and trial preparation.
Before entering private practice, Mr. Stevens served as a felony prosecutor in Flagstaff, Arizona. In that role, he handled serious criminal matters and developed substantial courtroom experience through jury trials and contested hearings. The cases he worked on included allegations such as first-degree murder, felony murder, second-degree murder, aggravated assault, burglary, sale of marijuana, and aggravated DUI. His background in prosecution informs his approach to criminal defense and litigation.
Today, Mr. Stevens represents individuals and clients in criminal defense cases, personal injury litigation for plaintiffs, and sports law matters. His personal injury practice involves representing people who have suffered harm due to the negligence of others, including cases that require detailed investigation, negotiation, and trial preparation. Mr. Stevens maintains an active litigation practice and regularly appears in Arizona trial courts.
Mr. Stevens practices in courts throughout northern and central Arizona, including Coconino County, Yavapai County, Navajo County, Mohave County, Apache County, and Maricopa County. He also handles federal matters in the United States District Court for the District of Arizona in Phoenix and Prescott, as well as proceedings in the U.S. Magistrate Courts in Flagstaff, Grand Canyon, Page, and Kingman. His work may also involve matters in tribal courts throughout the region.
In addition to his litigation practice, Mr. Stevens represents athletes, coaches, and sports professionals in sports law matters. His experience includes cases involving anti-doping rule allegations, sexual misconduct claims, and athlete abuse matters handled through the U.S. Center for SafeSport and national governing bodies. He also assists clients with sports-related disputes, contract negotiations, and sponsorship agreements.
