April Sponsel
Chief Executive Officer | Lead Criminal Justice Instructor
Training built from real cases, real courtrooms, and real public safety experience.
22+ Years in Criminal Justice
130+ Felony Jury Trials
18 Years as a Prosecutor
National Conference Speaker
Founder & CEO, Legion Lex Institute
Lifetime Achievement Award Recipient
Executive Bio & Expertise
Primary Areas of Instruction:
- Courtroom Testimony
- Criminal Investigations
- Report Writing
- Victims' Rights
- Trial Preparation
- Leadership
- Criminal Procedure
- Gang Expert Testimony
Professional Experience
- Develops professional education programs
- Oversees curriculum development
- Leads instructor certification
- Builds strategic partnerships
- Manages online learning initiatives
Legal Services for Crime Victims
Mentorship Director
Provides mentorship and legal education for attorneys, victim advocates, interns, and volunteers while supporting crime victims throughout the criminal justice process. Responsibilities include:
- Employee mentorship
- Victim advocacy
- Professional development
Deputy County Attorney Maricopa County Attorney's Office
Approximately 18 Years
Served as a felony prosecutor handling a wide variety of criminal cases from charging through jury trial. Primary practice areas included:
- Homicide;
- Violent Crimes;
- Criminal Street Gangs;
- Officer-Involved Shootings;
- Organized Crime and other
- Serious Felony Prosecutions.
Served as lead or co-counsel in more than 130+ felony jury trials.
Professional Accomplishments
22+
Years in Criminal Justice
130+
Felony Jury Trials
18 Years
Prosecutor
National Conference Speaker
Instructor for Law Enforcement Professionals
Victims' Rights Educator
Curriculum Developer
Public Safety Consultant
🏆Awards & Recognition
- Arizona Gang Investigators Association – Lifetime Achievement Award (2018)
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Maricopa County Attorney's Office – Making a Difference Award (2018)
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Mesa Police Department – Citizens Meritorious Award (2018)
- Nominee – David R. White Excellence in Victim Advocacy Award, Arizona Prosecuting Attorneys' Advisory Council (2015)
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Maricopa County Attorney's Office – Attorney of the Year, Major Crimes Division (2013)
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Phoenix Police Department – Certificate of Distinguished Service (2013)
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Maricopa County Attorney's Office – Distinguished Service Award (2013)
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Arizona Gang Investigators Association – Award of Excellence (2012)
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U.S. Attorney's Office, District of Arizona – Excellence in Cooperative Law Enforcement Award (2008, 2010, 2012)
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Maricopa County Attorney's Office – Criminal Trials Division Attorney of the Year (2007)
Throughout her career, April has been recognized by federal, state, and local agencies for excellence in criminal prosecution, collaborative law enforcement, leadership, victim advocacy, and public service. These honors reflect a long-standing commitment to justice, ethical leadership, and advancing the criminal justice profession.
Teaching Philosophy
Practical Training That Transfers to the Job
April teaches the way you work - through realistic scenarios, clear decision points, and repeatable steps you can use immediately. You will practice core skills under time pressure, get examples drawn from real prosecutorial and advocacy experience, and leave with templates you can apply on your next case or training cycle. Each course focuses on skills transfer: what to say, what to write, what to look for, and how to prepare so you perform consistently.
Courses Taught
Courtroom Testimony for Law Enforcement
Arizona Restitution for Victim Advocates
Report Writing for Criminal Justice Professionals
Victims' Rights in Arizona
Criminal Procedure Essentials
Trial Preparation
Crime Scene Investigations from the view of a former prosecutor
Officer-Involved Critical Incidents
Leadership in Criminal Justice and many more...
Speaking & Professional Education
- Force Science Conference (2026) - Selected Presenter
- Arizona Gang Investigators Association Annual Conference – Instructor
- International Outlaw Motorcycle Gang Investigators Association (IOMGIA) – Instructor
- Arizona law enforcement agencies – Instructor
Participants Leave Able To:
✓ Testify confidently
✓ Analyze crime scenes more effectively
✓ Write stronger reports
✓ Support victims more effectively
✓ Make legally sound decisions
✓ Prepare cases for successful prosecution
