Initial appearance court (Intake, Transfer and Release)
The first court date after an arrest, within 24 hours. Release conditions, including any no-contact order, are set here.
2670 S. 28th Dr., Phoenix, AZ 85009
Scottsdale identity theft defense
Identity Theft Lawyer in Scottsdale, AZ
Every receipt, video and report gets a second look.
A relative told Scottsdale Police that a card in their name was yours, a former partner says you kept using an account after the breakup, or a detective called about an application listing your address. Identity theft is a felony at every level, and many cases grow out of shared homes and permission nobody wrote down.
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
Identity Theft Lawyer in Scottsdale, AZ
How an identity theft report becomes a Scottsdale case
First court date
Within 24 hours of an arrest. On a felony, release conditions are set at the jail court, 2670 S. 28th Dr. in Phoenix.
Misdemeanor
The Scottsdale City Attorney's Prosecution Division brings it in Scottsdale City Court, 3700 N. 75th St.
Felony
The County Attorney brings it in Superior Court in downtown Phoenix, 201 W. Jefferson St. or 175 W. Madison St.
Other agencies
A DPS or Sheriff's case can be assigned to a county justice court, such as McDowell Mountain Justice Court.
Arizona law decides where the report can begin. Under § 13-2008(B), an officer must take one on request wherever an element or result of the offense occurred, or wherever the person whose identity was used lives or is located, so a Scottsdale resident whose name turned up on an out-of-state account can report it here.
Scottsdale's online report form lists identity theft among a handful of incident types, but only for someone with a valid Scottsdale address, and the department's identity theft page then asks for a signed affidavit and a victim's packet.
That packet puts much of the early investigation in the reporting person's hands. It cites the federal FACT Act as letting a victim obtain records of the disputed accounts and give them to police, which it says lets the department "bypass the very long process of obtaining subpoenas." An affidavit that is not notarized needs a witness who is not a relative. If no suspect can be identified, the packet says the case will be inactive unless new leads develop.
So the opening records were gathered by the accuser rather than by subpoena, and their completeness is worth checking.
Packets go to the Financial Crimes Unit at the Via Linda District station, which forwards them to the assigned detective. Delivery addresses, phone numbers and login data then link an account to a person, and seized phones can go to the Digital Forensics Unit.
Every form of the offense is a felony, so charging decisions rest with the County Attorney, or with the Attorney General in some cases, often where the conduct spanned counties. We handle these matters whichever office brought the charge. A booking leads to the county's initial appearance court at 2670 S. 28th Dr. in Phoenix, and the case is heard in Superior Court downtown. Confirm the building on your current notice.
The charges
Arizona's three identity offenses
Taking the identity of another is a class 4 felony (§ 13-2008(E)). It means knowingly taking, buying, making, recording, possessing or using another person's or entity's identifying information, real or fictitious, without consent, with the aim of using it unlawfully or causing someone a loss (whether or not anyone actually loses money), or to obtain or keep a job (§ 13-2008(A)). Identifying information runs from a signature or screen name to Social Security, card and bank account numbers, photographs and fingerprints (§ 13-2001(10)).
Aggravated taking, class 3 (§ 13-2009(A), (E))Information of three or more people or entities held for an unlawful purpose or to cause loss; one person's information used in a way that causes a loss of $1,000 or more; or another person's identity used to obtain employment. If the State proves the data of three or more people was held outside the regular course of business, jurors may infer it was held for an unlawful purpose (§ 13-2009(C)).
Trafficking, class 2 (§ 13-2010(A), (C))Knowingly selling, handing over or sending another's identifying information, without consent, for an unlawful purpose or to cause a loss.
VenueWhen violations are alleged in several counties, the prosecutor may bring them all in any county where one occurred (§ 13-2008(C)).
Under § 13-702(D), a first felony's presumptive prison term is 2.5 years at class 4, 3.5 years at class 3 and 5 years at class 2. Probation remains possible for an eligible defendant (§ 13-901(A)), and restitution covers the economic loss the court finds (§ 13-603(C)).
Federal law has a sentence add-on. Under 18 U.S.C. § 1028A(a)(1), knowingly using, possessing or transferring another person's means of identification without lawful authority during certain listed federal felonies brings 2 years in prison on top of the underlying sentence. That count allows no probation and, except alongside other § 1028A counts, no concurrent time (§ 1028A(b)).
Identity Theft Lawyer in Scottsdale, AZ
What we check in a Scottsdale identity theft case
Avoiding jail is not the same as avoiding a conviction. Taking, aggravated taking and trafficking in identity each preclude a level I fingerprint clearance card while a case is pending or after a conviction, unless the Board of Fingerprinting grants a good cause exception (§ 41-1758.07(C)). A felony conviction makes a person a prohibited possessor until rights are restored (§ 13-3101(A)(7)(b)), and 18 U.S.C. § 922(g)(1) adds a federal bar. Sealing waits five years after discharge for a class 4 felony and ten for a class 2 or 3 (§ 13-911(E)), and a sealed identity theft record may still have to be disclosed for jobs handling other people's money (§ 13-911(I)(5)(g)). Noncitizens should get immigration advice before a plea; 8 U.S.C. § 1227(a)(2) can apply.
Consent is often the whole case
Couples, parents, adult children and business partners share cards, logins and paperwork every day, and informal permission can answer the "without consent" element, even if the relationship later soured.
Marked statements are a starting point
We compare every circled or underlined entry with the full account history for refunds, charges the reporting person made, and purchases they approved.
Addresses and devices need linking
A shared shipping address, phone plan or family computer does not identify who acted.
Intent is a separate element
Merely having someone's information is not the offense.
Aggravating facts get counted carefully
Were three people really involved, and did the loss really reach $1,000?
The law
Sources: Arizona statutes and Cornell Law School
Each statement of law on this page was matched to these texts.
- § 13-2008, the identity-taking offense (azleg.gov)
- § 13-2009, the aggravated version (azleg.gov)
- § 13-2010, identity trafficking (azleg.gov)
- § 13-2001, the personal identifying information definition (azleg.gov)
- § 13-702, first felony sentencing (azleg.gov)
- § 13-901, probation (azleg.gov)
- § 13-603, restitution (azleg.gov)
- § 41-1758.07, fingerprint clearance cards (azleg.gov)
- § 13-3101, prohibited possessor (azleg.gov)
- § 13-911, sealing (azleg.gov)
- § 13-107, time limits (azleg.gov)
- 18 U.S.C. § 1028A (Cornell LII)
- 18 U.S.C. § 922 (Cornell LII)
- 8 U.S.C. § 1227 (Cornell LII)
Identity Theft Lawyer in Scottsdale, AZ
A former prosecutor and a flat fee
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. In an identity case, that means the full account histories behind the marked pages. 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, our only office, 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.
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 85251Maricopa County Attorney's Office
Decides felony charges in Maricopa County and prosecutes them in Superior Court.
225 W. Madison St., 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. § 13-2008, Taking identity of another person or entity; classification
- A.R.S. § 13-2009, Aggravated taking identity of another person or entity; knowingly accepting the identity of another person; classification
- A.R.S. § 13-2010, Trafficking in the identity of another person or entity; classification
- A.R.S. § 13-2001, Definitions
- A.R.S. § 13-702, First time felony offenders; sentencing; definition
- A.R.S. § 13-901, Probation
- A.R.S. § 13-603, Authorized disposition of offenders
- A.R.S. § 41-1758.07, Level I fingerprint clearance cards; definitions
- A.R.S. § 13-3101, Definitions
- A.R.S. § 13-911, Sealing of arrest, conviction and sentencing records; requirements; fee; appeal; definition
- A.R.S. § 13-107, Time limitations
Common questions
Scottsdale identity theft questions
Consent is central, because each Arizona identity offense requires use without consent. Save every text or email showing the arrangement, and do not contact your sister about the report, even to sort things out. Let a lawyer speak with the detective, who may already hold her affidavit and marked statements.
It is how the department's packet works. It tells reporting victims that the FACT Act lets them get records of the disputed accounts and hand them to police, sparing the department the subpoena process. Those pages may be accurate yet incomplete, so the defense can seek the creditor's full files and compare.
Not necessarily. The packet says a case with no identified suspect stays inactive unless new leads develop, so it can revive. For most felonies the State has seven years from actual or reasonably diligent discovery to begin a prosecution, and that clock stops while the accused is outside Arizona (§ 13-107(B), (D)). Silence is not a dismissal.
It can. Federal prosecutors can charge the underlying fraud and add an 18 U.S.C. § 1028A count, which brings 2 more years in prison that generally must run after the other sentence. Which system takes the case is each office's decision. Nova Law Group appears in the U.S. District Court for the District of Arizona, at 401 W. Washington St. in Phoenix.
Identity Theft Lawyer in Scottsdale, AZ
Before you talk to the detective or the family member
Call (480) 405-6767. A voicemail from a Scottsdale detective or a letter about a disputed account is reason enough.
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.
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.