Scottsdale City Court
City misdemeanors, from arraignment to trial. Monday to Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
3700 N. 75th St., Scottsdale, AZ 85251
Scottsdale marijuana expungement defense
Marijuana Expungement Lawyer in Scottsdale, AZ
An old marijuana record may be eligible to be cleared.
An old Scottsdale marijuana citation, for a few grams found near Old Town or a pipe in a glovebox, may still appear when a property manager or employer screens you. Arizona now lets many of those records be expunged by court order. For a Scottsdale case, the first job is finding which court holds the record, because that is where the petition goes.
We can help. Nova Law Group was built by a former Maricopa County Attorney's Office felony prosecutor. We prepare every case as if it is going to trial, and we take a meticulous, aggressive approach, fighting from every angle, because the report is only one side of the story.
Talk to us before you talk to anyone else. Call (480) 405-6767. Consultations are free and confidential, and the earlier we are involved, the more we can do.
FounderRyan TaitFormer Maricopa County Attorney's Office felony prosecutorMeet Ryan →★ 5-star reviewsFormer felony prosecutorAvailable after hoursFlat fee on most criminal casesFree, confidential consultation
Where we practice
Which court takes an old Scottsdale marijuana case
Sealing
Petitions to seal records are filed under A.R.S. § 13-911.
Set-aside
A conviction can be set aside under A.R.S. § 13-905 after the sentence is complete.
City cases
Filed with Scottsdale City Court, 3700 N. 75th St.
County cases
Filed with the Clerk of the Superior Court, 175 W. Madison St., 12th Floor, Phoenix.
The petition returns to the court that decided the case, and the Maricopa County Justice Courts note that this can be a justice court, the Superior Court or a city court. For Scottsdale records that usually means Scottsdale City Court for a city misdemeanor citation, a county justice court such as McDowell Mountain for a citation a trooper or deputy wrote, or Superior Court downtown for a felony charge.
Scottsdale City Court takes its own petitions. Its Applications and Petitions page posts an expungement petition for municipal and justice courts, with instructions, and asks petitioners to read § 36-2862 and those instructions in full before starting. The court accepts the petition by email ([email protected]), by fax (480-312-2764), or by mail or its drop box at the courthouse.
Two of the court's instructions are easy to miss. It says the petitioner is responsible for making sure the prosecutor's office receives a copy, even though the statute also has the court notify the prosecuting agency; on a Scottsdale Police misdemeanor, that office is generally the City Attorney's Prosecution Division. And the judge will not rule before a minimum waiting period unless the State and any victims say they do not object.
To find an old case, the court's page suggests a former defense lawyer, the Department of Public Safety, the Arizona Judicial Branch's public access site, the FBI or a records request to the court. Scottsdale Police reports can be requested online, by phone or at headquarters on Indian School Road.
Some petitions skip the city courthouse. An arrest that never became a court case goes to Superior Court for the county of arrest, which the Superior Court's self-help center handles with a civil petition and cover sheet. A case resolved in Superior Court uses that court's criminal expungement forms. For Superior Court convictions only, the County Attorney's Office takes Prop 207 requests and says it will bring stipulated motions for eligible people, deciding which to prioritize.
The law
Expungement under A.R.S. § 36-2862
Starting July 12, 2021, a person who was arrested, charged, adjudicated, convicted or sentenced for a listed offense, based on conduct before the section took effect, may petition to have the record expunged (A.R.S. § 36-2862(A)). The listed offenses:
Possessing, consuming or transporting 2.5 ounces or less, no more than 12.5 grams of it concentrate ((A)(1)).
Possessing, transporting, cultivating or processing up to six plants at a primary residence for personal use ((A)(2)).
Possessing, using or transporting paraphernalia for growing, making, processing or consuming marijuana ((A)(3)).
The list is broader than what an adult 21 or older may lawfully possess today: one ounce, with no more than five grams of concentrate (A.R.S. § 36-2852(A)(1)).
How the court decides. The prosecuting agency gets notice and thirty days to answer (§ 36-2862(B)(1)). Either side may ask for a hearing, and the court may set one when the facts are genuinely disputed ((B)(2)). Unless the agency shows by clear and convincing evidence that the person does not qualify, the court has to grant the petition ((B)(3)), ruling in a signed order or minute entry that states its findings and legal conclusions ((B)(4)). A petitioner who loses may appeal directly ((F)).
What a granted order does. It vacates a conviction or adjudication for a listed offense, declares the arrest, charge, adjudication, conviction and sentence expunged, restores civil rights, firearm rights included, unless some other ground bars them, and directs the clerk to send notice to DPS, the prosecuting agency and the arresting agency and to seal every related record ((C)(1)). DPS then seals its own record and tells state and federal law enforcement ((C)(2)), and the arresting and prosecuting agencies flag their records and withhold them from public release ((C)(3)). Prosecutors and courts may not use an expunged case for any purpose later ((D)), and the person may say the arrest, charge or conviction never occurred ((E)). Petitions can also come from a prosecuting agency, for people it prosecuted, or from the Attorney General, for anyone ((I)).
Marijuana Expungement Lawyer in Scottsdale, AZ
Building a Scottsdale petition that holds up
Pin down the court first
The citation or a minute entry usually names it, and if nothing survives, the arrest date and agency are enough to start a search.
Read the old amounts closely
If the report lists a total that includes the bag, or never says how much was concentrate, the numbers need a second look, because the prosecuting agency carries the clear and convincing burden.
Separate what qualifies
A count the statute does not list needs another remedy, such as sealing or a set-aside, often in the same courthouse.
Follow the court's copy rule
On a City Court petition, we make sure the Prosecution Division receives its copy, so the waiting period is not held up.
Answer objections with facts
If a prosecutor contests eligibility, we respond on the record and ask for a hearing where it helps.
Federal law is its own question
The controlled substance deportation ground in 8 U.S.C. § 1227(a)(2)(B)(i) excepts only a single offense of possessing 30 grams or less of marijuana for personal use, and a state order may not control how federal authorities view an old case. Noncitizens should involve an immigration lawyer.
A new charge is different
Expungement looks backward; a marijuana case brought today is defended on its own terms.
The law
Sources: Arizona statutes and Cornell Law School
The statements of law above were read against these texts, saved Oct 29, 2026.
Marijuana Expungement Lawyer in Scottsdale, AZ
A petition prepared like a contested case
Nova Law Group was built by Ryan Tait, a former Maricopa County Attorney's Office felony prosecutor. The practice is criminal defense first. We keep caseloads deliberately low, which means the lawyers on your case have time to actually watch the video and read the reports line by line. On an expungement, that time goes to the old citation, the property sheet and each minute entry. We take cases to trial when trial is the right pressure. Overcharging happens, and a case that is genuinely prepared for trial changes the conversation with the prosecutor. Most criminal cases are quoted as a flat fee. Consultations are free and confidential.
Former felony prosecutorBuilt by a former Maricopa County Attorney's Office felony prosecutor.
Low caseloadsTime to watch the video and read the reports line by line.
Ready for trialA case prepared for trial changes the conversation with the prosecutor.
Flat feeMost criminal cases are quoted as a flat fee. Consultations are free and confidential.
Our office
Meet us on Camelback Road
Office: 4455 E. Camelback Rd., Suite C250, Phoenix, AZ 85018. Scottsdale clients meet with us there by appointment.
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Resources
Scottsdale courts and official links
Where a Scottsdale case is heard depends on the charge and the agency. Some courts are in Scottsdale and some are in Phoenix. Each card has directions and the official website, so you can check details before you go.
Clerk of the Superior Court, criminal filing counter
Where petitions in county cases are filed. South Court Tower, 12th Floor.
175 W. Madison St., 12th Floor, Phoenix, AZ 85003Maricopa County Superior Court, downtown
Felony cases prosecuted by the County Attorney. Confirm the building on your current notice.
Central Court Building, 201 W. Jefferson St., and South Court Tower, 175 W. Madison St., Phoenix, AZ 85003McDowell Mountain Justice Court
A misdemeanor reported by DPS or a Sheriff's deputy can be assigned to a county justice court like this one. Your citation names the court.
18380 N. 40th St., Suite 130, Phoenix, AZ 85032Laws cited on this page
- A.R.S. § 36-2862, Expungement; petition; appeal; dismissal of complaints; rules
- A.R.S. § 36-2852, Allowable possession and personal use of marijuana, marijuana products and marijuana paraphernalia
Common questions
Scottsdale marijuana expungement questions
With the court's own expungement petition and instructions, posted on its Applications and Petitions page. Send the petition by email, fax, mail or the courthouse drop box, and make sure the Prosecution Division gets a copy, since the court puts that on the petitioner. The judge will not rule until a minimum waiting period passes, unless the State and any victims say they do not object.
Yes, if the arrest was for a listed offense, since § 36-2862(A) covers people who were only arrested. With no court case to return to, the petition goes to Maricopa County Superior Court, which handles it through a civil petition packet. A granted order is sent to DPS and the arresting agency, and Scottsdale Police must then mark its records as expunged and keep them from public release.
Only if the conviction was in Superior Court. Its Prop 207 request page is limited to those cases, and the office prioritizes which stipulated motions to bring. A Scottsdale City Court case is outside that page. The statute lets a prosecuting agency petition for people it prosecuted, but no Scottsdale page says the city prosecutor does so, so plan on bringing your own petition.
Partly. The statute has DPS seal its record and inform state and federal law enforcement agencies of the order. Federal immigration and firearm law are separate questions, though, and a state order may not control how a federal agency treats the old case. If you are not a U.S. citizen or are buying a firearm, get advice on the federal side before relying on the order.
Where we practice
Start with the court name, if you have it
Call (480) 405-6767. A case number or an old citation helps, but the approximate date and the agency involved are often enough to begin.
Nova Law Group, PLLC, 4455 E. Camelback Rd., Suite C250, Phoenix, AZ 85018. Monday to Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., by appointment.
Courts and offices: Scottsdale City Court, 3700 N. 75th St., Scottsdale, AZ 85251, 480-312-2442, fax 480-312-2764, [email protected]. Scottsdale City Attorney, Prosecution Division, 480-312-2710, [email protected]. Scottsdale Police Records, 8401 E. Indian School Road, Scottsdale, AZ 85251, 480-312-1999. McDowell Mountain Justice Court, 18380 N. 40th St., Suite 130, Phoenix, AZ 85032, 602-372-7000. Maricopa County Superior Court, Central Court Building, 201 W. Jefferson St., Phoenix, AZ 85003. Maricopa County Attorney's Office, 225 W. Madison St., Phoenix, AZ 85003.
Client reviews
Hear What Our Clients Say
From our Google reviews, plus Yelp and Avvo. These are clients’ own words, reproduced from our review profiles.
★★★★★
“These guys are the best attorneys in all of Arizona. It is definitely the most professional group of lawyers… I recommend this firm!”
★★★★★
“Sydney was extremely thorough regarding every single detail of my criminal case… it ultimately resulted in a clear and powerful win for my case.”
★★★★★
“They fought tirelessly for my case and helped me achieve a favorable outcome. Exceptional service and results.”
★★★★★
“The firm provided me with the most professional legal representation possible. Mr. Ryan Tait patiently explained… beyond my expectations.”
★★★★★
“The best law firm that I have ever dealt with. The amount of passion & commitment that they dedicated for my case… truly what separated them from other law firms.”
★★★★★
“Oh my goodness, our lawyer Ryan Tait was amazing. He does what he says he’s going to do. A very patient lawyer… He’s a miracle worker.”
★★★★★
“I was being charged with a few felony counts and facing a few years in prison… I made the best choice of my life calling this law firm.”
★★★★★
“…they reached out to one of their attorneys and confirmed my suspicions; I’ve been worried this whole time about criminal charges, they put my fears to rest. HIGHLY recommend them.”
★★★★★
“Helpful and clear direction in a time of uncertainty. Highly recommended.”
★★★★★
“Ryan Tait was amazing and really helpful. I would recommend him.”
★★★★★
“If you’re looking for a law group that truly cares about you and makes a difficult situation less stressful, these are your people… Alexis was my lawyer, and she was truly heaven-sent.”
★★★★★
“Alexis Brooks was my lawyer… She was extremely professional yet down to earth and always made me feel at ease and confident in my case. I would definitely recommend her for anyone that needs an excellent defense attorney.”
★★★★★
“Spectacular representation! Sydney was very compassionate, diligent and professional. I can’t recommend enough.”
★★★★★
“…Ryan and his team are kind, understanding, and very good listeners. Each member of his team was well educated, knowledgable and very professional.”
★★★★★
“We hired Mr. Tait to handle a legal affair for a member of our family. It was a complex criminal case that required over two years of work! Through the entire effort, Mr. Tait kept us informed…”
★★★★★
“My family hired Ryan Tait to fight for my family member… He went over all the pros and cons. He answered all our questions and calls. He knows what he is doing.”
★★★★★
“Ryan is absolutely awesome and professional. He gave me all detailed advice I needed. He is nice and patient. I definitely recommend Ryan and his law firm!”
★★★★★
“Very good at what they do… they were always on top of everything didn’t really have to do much they took care of everything…”
★★★★★
“These guys are great!! They did a great job on my case, super consistent and helpful. Definitely will recommend them to anyone.”
★★★★★
“Excellent lawyers… and their honesty, and they helped me even though I do not live in Arizona.”
Past results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Reseñas de clientes
Lo que dicen nuestros clientes
De nuestras reseñas en Google, además de Yelp y Avvo. Son las palabras de nuestros clientes, tomadas de nuestros perfiles de reseñas y traducidas del inglés.
★★★★★
“Son los mejores abogados de todo Arizona. Sin duda es el grupo de abogados más profesional… ¡Recomiendo esta firma!”
★★★★★
“Sydney fue sumamente minuciosa con cada detalle de mi caso penal… al final, eso resultó en una victoria clara y contundente para mi caso.”
★★★★★
“Lucharon incansablemente por mi caso y me ayudaron a lograr un resultado favorable. Servicio y resultados excepcionales.”
★★★★★
“La firma me brindó la representación legal más profesional posible. El Sr. Ryan Tait me explicó con paciencia… más allá de mis expectativas.”
★★★★★
“La mejor firma de abogados con la que he tratado. La pasión y el compromiso que dedicaron a mi caso… es lo que realmente los distinguió de otras firmas.”
★★★★★
“¡Dios mío, nuestro abogado Ryan Tait fue increíble! Cumple lo que dice que va a hacer. Un abogado muy paciente… Hace milagros.”
★★★★★
“Me acusaban de varios cargos por delitos graves y me enfrentaba a unos años de prisión… Tomé la mejor decisión de mi vida al llamar a esta firma.”
★★★★★
“…se comunicaron con uno de sus abogados y confirmaron mis sospechas; había estado preocupado todo este tiempo por posibles cargos penales, y calmaron mis temores. Los recomiendo MUCHÍSIMO.”
★★★★★
“Orientación útil y clara en un momento de incertidumbre. Muy recomendables.”
★★★★★
“Ryan Tait fue increíble y de gran ayuda. Lo recomendaría.”
★★★★★
“Si busca un despacho que de verdad se preocupe por usted y haga que una situación difícil sea menos estresante, esta es su gente… Alexis fue mi abogada, y fue una verdadera bendición.”
★★★★★
“Alexis Brooks fue mi abogada… Fue sumamente profesional y a la vez sencilla, y siempre me hizo sentir tranquilo y seguro con mi caso. Sin duda la recomendaría a cualquiera que necesite una excelente abogada defensora.”
★★★★★
“¡Representación espectacular! Sydney fue muy compasiva, diligente y profesional. No puedo recomendarla lo suficiente.”
★★★★★
“…Ryan y su equipo son amables, comprensivos y saben escuchar. Cada miembro de su equipo demostró estar bien preparado, con conocimiento y gran profesionalismo.”
★★★★★
“Contratamos al Sr. Tait para encargarse de un asunto legal de un miembro de nuestra familia. Fue un caso penal complejo que requirió más de dos años de trabajo. Durante todo el proceso, el Sr. Tait nos mantuvo informados…”
★★★★★
“Mi familia contrató a Ryan Tait para luchar por un familiar… Nos explicó todos los pros y los contras. Respondió todas nuestras preguntas y llamadas. Sabe lo que hace.”
★★★★★
“Ryan es absolutamente increíble y profesional. Me dio todos los consejos detallados que necesitaba. Es amable y paciente. ¡Sin duda recomiendo a Ryan y a su bufete!”
★★★★★
“Muy buenos en lo que hacen… siempre estuvieron al tanto de todo; casi no tuve que hacer nada, ellos se encargaron de todo…”
★★★★★
“¡Son excelentes! Hicieron un gran trabajo en mi caso, muy constantes y serviciales. Sin duda los recomendaré a cualquiera.”
★★★★★
“Excelentes abogados… y su honestidad y eso que me ayudaron que yo no vivo en Arizona”
Los resultados anteriores no garantizan un resultado similar.
Talk to a Scottsdale criminal defense lawyer
If you have been arrested, charged, or contacted by a detective in Scottsdale, the decisions you make in the first few days matter. We defend misdemeanors in Scottsdale City Court and the justice courts, and felonies in Maricopa County Superior Court downtown.
Free, confidential consultation: (480) 405-6767
Prefer not to call? Send us your case details and a member of our team will follow up with you.
Scottsdale courts
- Scottsdale City CourtMisdemeanors prosecuted by the Scottsdale City Attorney. Free parking in front and in the Civic Center garage.3700 N. 75th St., Scottsdale, AZ 85251Court website Directions
- McDowell Mountain Justice CourtSome DPS and Sheriff's Office cases. Your citation names the court.18380 N. 40th St., Suite 130, Phoenix, AZ 85032Court website Directions
- Maricopa County Superior CourtFelonies, at the downtown criminal court complex.Central Court Building, 201 W. Jefferson St., and South Court Tower, 175 W. Madison St., Phoenix, AZ 85003Court website Directions
Our office: Nova Law Group, PLLC, 4455 E. Camelback Rd., Suite C250, Phoenix, AZ 85018. Monday to Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., by appointment. Directions
Hable con un abogado de defensa penal en Scottsdale
Si lo arrestaron, lo acusaron o un detective lo contactó en Scottsdale, las decisiones que tome en los primeros días importan. Defendemos delitos menores en la Corte de la Ciudad de Scottsdale y en las cortes de justicia, y delitos graves en la Corte Superior del Condado de Maricopa en el centro de Phoenix.
Consulta gratuita y confidencial: (480) 405-6767
¿Prefiere no llamar? Envíenos los detalles de su caso y un miembro de nuestro equipo se comunicará con usted.
Cortes de Scottsdale
- Corte de la Ciudad de ScottsdaleDelitos menores que procesa el Fiscal de la Ciudad de Scottsdale. Estacionamiento gratuito al frente y en el garaje del Civic Center.3700 N. 75th St., Scottsdale, AZ 85251Sitio de la corte Cómo llegar
- Corte de Justicia McDowell MountainAlgunos casos del DPS y de la Oficina del Sheriff. Su citación indica la corte.18380 N. 40th St., Suite 130, Phoenix, AZ 85032Sitio de la corte Cómo llegar
- Corte Superior del Condado de MaricopaDelitos graves, en el complejo penal del centro.Central Court Building, 201 W. Jefferson St., and South Court Tower, 175 W. Madison St., Phoenix, AZ 85003Sitio de la corte Cómo llegar
Nuestra oficina: Nova Law Group, PLLC, 4455 E. Camelback Rd., Suite C250, Phoenix, AZ 85018. De lunes a viernes, de 8:00 a.m. a 6:00 p.m., con cita previa. Cómo llegar
RecognitionReconocimientos
Awards and ratingsPremios y calificaciones
Awards and ratings reflect the standards of the organizations that issue them. They do not predict the outcome of any case.Los premios y las calificaciones reflejan los criterios de las organizaciones que los otorgan. No predicen el resultado de ningún caso.