Chad Shell and Mark Nermyr have each secured more than 1,000 complete dismissals in domestic violence cases, and every client they represent receives direct access to the partner’s personal cell phone number for around-the-clock contact.
Introduction
That combination, a documented dismissal record in four digits and unrestricted personal access to the handling attorney, defines the practice model at Shell & Nermyr PLLC. The firm was built around two operating principles that most criminal defense practices do not maintain at scale: direct partner handling of every case, and constant availability to every client.
Chad Shell and Mark Nermyr each bring more than 20 years of criminal defense experience in Arizona. Between them, they have accumulated more than 32 years of practice in a state known for strict criminal laws and aggressive prosecution. Cases are not assigned to associates. Paralegals do not serve as the primary point of contact. When a client hires Shell & Nermyr, they work with one of the two partners from intake through resolution.
The firm handles criminal defense across the full spectrum, from shoplifting and traffic violations to murder charges, and has built what it describes as unprecedented records of dismissals and complete acquittals. Courts and prosecutors throughout Arizona recognize its reputation.
Practice Areas
Drug Charges
The firm handles drug matters from simple possession through trafficking and sales. Evidence suppression is a central strategy: when law enforcement obtained evidence in violation of constitutional protections, a successful suppression motion frequently results in dismissal. The firm pursues these strategies aggressively when the facts support them.
DUI Defense
Arizona imposes strict DUI laws, and the consequences of a conviction compound quickly. The firm defends clients against DUI charges with the objective of charge reduction or outright dismissal. Defense analysis covers the circumstances of the traffic stop, the administration and reliability of testing, and law enforcement compliance with procedural requirements.
Domestic Violence
The dismissal record in domestic violence cases exceeds 1,000 complete dismissals per attorney. These cases frequently hinge on witness credibility, the quality of the initial investigation, and whether the charges accurately reflect the underlying facts. The firm has developed deep experience identifying the weaknesses in these cases.
Sex Offense Defense
Sex offense allegations carry severe consequences, including mandatory registration requirements. The firm handles these cases with the direct partner involvement and constitutional rigor it applies across all practice areas.
Assault and Aggravated Assault
The firm has recorded dozens of trial victories in assault and aggravated assault cases. These range from misdemeanor assault allegations to serious felony charges.
Traffic Violations and Reckless Driving
A reckless driving conviction creates downstream consequences that extend beyond the immediate penalty: license implications, insurance rate increases, and points on the driving record. The firm addresses these cases with attention to MVD consequence mitigation, not just the criminal charge.
Felony and Misdemeanor Defense
The scope runs from shoplifting to murder. Whatever the charge level, the approach is consistent: direct partner handling, no delegation.
Attorney Profiles
Chad Shell
Chad Shell has practiced criminal defense in Arizona for more than 20 years. His domestic violence dismissal record exceeds 1,000 complete cases, a figure that reflects both the volume of his practice and the effectiveness of his defense strategies. He handles every case he takes personally, and clients have direct access to his cell phone at any hour.
Mark Nermyr
Mark Nermyr brings more than 20 years of Arizona criminal defense experience to the firm. His domestic violence dismissal count also exceeds 1,000 complete cases. Like Shell, he handles all client matters directly without delegation to associates, and maintains the same around-the-clock accessibility for his clients.
Location and Service Area
Office: 90 South Kyrene Road, Suite 1, Chandler, Arizona 85226.
The firm represents clients across Arizona statewide.
Phone: 480-775-4800
Website: arizonastriallawyers.com
Client Focus
Criminal defense clients face consequences that reshape their lives. A felony conviction affects employment, housing, and civil rights. A domestic violence conviction can affect custody proceedings and carry mandatory conditions. Even a misdemeanor creates a permanent record that surfaces in background checks. The stakes are high enough that the identity of the person handling the case matters enormously.
Shell and Nermyr’s model is a direct response to that reality. Clients are not passed to junior attorneys after the initial consultation. They are not managed by paralegals. The attorney they meet at intake is the attorney arguing their case. That structural commitment, combined with 24/7 direct accessibility, means clients always know who is working for them and can always reach that person.
The firm’s standing with courts and prosecutors throughout Arizona is a practical asset. Criminal defense involves negotiation as much as litigation, and the credibility of the defense attorney in that negotiation is a material factor in case outcomes. A recognized track record changes what is possible at the negotiating table.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean that cases are handled without associates or paralegals?
Every client at Shell & Nermyr works directly with either Chad Shell or Mark Nermyr. Neither partner delegates case strategy, client communication, or court appearances to junior staff. The attorney handling the case is the attorney the client meets at intake, and that same attorney handles the matter through to resolution.
How does evidence suppression work in drug cases?
If law enforcement obtained evidence through an unlawful search, a defective warrant, or a violation of constitutional protections, the defense can file a motion to suppress that evidence. If the court grants the motion and the suppressed evidence is central to the prosecution case, the charges are frequently dismissed entirely. The firm uses suppression strategy as a core component of drug case defense.
Is the firm available for emergencies outside business hours?
Yes. Clients receive direct access to their attorney’s personal cell phone number. The 24/7 availability is not routed through an answering service. The attorney is directly reachable.
Does the firm handle cases statewide?
Yes. The firm serves clients across Arizona statewide from its Chandler office.
What is MVD consequence mitigation in traffic cases?
Beyond the criminal or civil penalty for a traffic offense, a conviction can trigger license suspension, insurance premium increases, and points on the driving record. The firm works to minimize these downstream consequences through negotiated outcomes or dismissal strategies.
Closing
A 1,000-dismissal record in domestic violence cases is a specific, verifiable data point about what a criminal defense attorney has actually accomplished in court. Multiply that across two partners, add 32 years of combined Arizona criminal defense experience, direct partner handling for every client, and round-the-clock cell phone access, and the operational picture is clear. Anyone in Arizona facing criminal charges, regardless of severity, has the right to understand what defense options are available. That conversation can start at any hour: 480-775-4800 or arizonastriallawyers.com.