U.S. District Court, Sandra Day O'Connor U.S. Courthouse
Federal cases in Phoenix, from the first appearance before a magistrate judge to trial and sentencing.
401 W. Washington St., Phoenix, AZ 85003
Scottsdale federal gun crime defense
Federal Gun Crime Lawyer in Scottsdale, AZ
Call before you answer an agent.
A pistol found in a car stopped on Scottsdale Road usually stays a state case. Sometimes it does not, and the next steps are a federal agent, a magistrate judge in downtown Phoenix and a detention hearing that decides whether you go home while the case is pending. If that is where your case, or a relative's, is headed, the first days count.
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
Federal Gun Crime Lawyer in Scottsdale, AZ
How a Scottsdale gun case becomes a federal one
Prosecutor
The U.S. Attorney's Office for the District of Arizona, 40 N. Central Ave., Phoenix.
Court
Federal cases from Scottsdale are heard at the Sandra Day O'Connor U.S. Courthouse, 401 W. Washington St., Phoenix.
First appearance
Before a magistrate judge at the same courthouse.
Talk first
Call a lawyer before you answer an agent's questions.
The city's prosecution page describes three lanes for a gun case: misdemeanor weapons counts stay with city prosecutors, state felonies such as prohibited possessor belong to the County Attorney or the Attorney General, and federal cases belong to the U.S. Attorney's Office, whose District of Arizona office is listed below. Each office makes its own charging decision, so one firearm can lead to a state case, a federal case or both.
Some of what a Scottsdale officer collects already runs through national systems. The police lab can search unknown prints in ABIS and NGI and may enter DNA profiles in CODIS, and Property and Evidence returns a releasable firearm only after a background check, with NICS denials appealed through the FBI.
Two federal categories trace back to Scottsdale City Court. A misdemeanor domestic violence conviction can trigger 18 U.S.C. § 922(g)(9), and a qualifying protective order can trigger § 922(g)(8). City Court hears DV misdemeanors and notes that only certain charges are jury eligible, which matters because § 921(a)(33)(B) asks whether a jury right existed and was used or waived.
Federal cases from Scottsdale are heard at the Sandra Day O'Connor U.S. Courthouse, 401 W. Washington St., Phoenix.
The government can move for detention in any felony that involves possessing or using a firearm (18 U.S.C. § 3142(f)(1)(E)). Unless someone asks for more time, the hearing is held at the first appearance; without good cause, a defense continuance is capped at five days and a government one at three, weekends and holidays excluded, and the person stays in custody in between. If the judicial officer finds probable cause for a § 924(c) offense, the law presumes, subject to rebuttal, that no release conditions are enough (§ 3142(e)(3)(B)).
The law
The federal firearm statutes in a Scottsdale case
The nine § 922(g) categories cover felony-level convictions (a crime punishable by more than one year), fugitives from justice, unlawful users of or addicts to controlled substances, mental health adjudications and commitments, unlawful presence and most nonimmigrant visas, dishonorable discharge, renounced citizenship, qualifying protective orders, and misdemeanor crimes of domestic violence. Each bars possessing a firearm or ammunition "in or affecting commerce," and a knowing violation can bring up to 15 years (§ 924(a)(8)).
Section 921(a)(20) leaves out a state misdemeanor punishable by two years or less, lets the convicting jurisdiction's law decide what counts as a conviction, and ignores a conviction that was expunged, set aside, pardoned or followed by restored civil rights, unless the relief expressly bars firearms.
For the DV category, § 921(a)(33) requires a misdemeanor with an element of physical force or threatened use of a deadly weapon, a listed relationship such as spouse, parent, guardian, co-parent or current or recent dating partner, counsel or a knowing waiver, and, where a jury right existed, a jury trial or a knowing waiver. A protective order counts under § 922(g)(8) only if it followed a hearing with actual notice and a chance to participate, restrains harassing, stalking or threatening an intimate partner or that partner's child, and either finds a credible threat or explicitly prohibits physical force.
Section 924(c) stacks a mandatory term onto a federal drug trafficking crime or crime of violence when a gun was used or carried during and in relation to it, or possessed to further it: a 5-year minimum, 7 if the gun was brandished, 10 if fired. That term cannot be probation and must run consecutively (§ 924(c)(1)(A), (D)). With three prior violent felony or serious drug convictions from separate occasions, a § 922(g) defendant faces at least 15 years and cannot receive probation (§ 924(e)(1)).
The state counterpart is A.R.S. § 13-3102(A)(4), a class 4 felony under § 13-3102(M), using Arizona's own list in § 13-3101(A)(7).
Federal Gun Crime Lawyer in Scottsdale, AZ
What we examine in a Scottsdale federal gun case
Does the prior count? An Arizona class 1 misdemeanor carries at most six months in jail (A.R.S. § 13-707(A)(1)), so by itself it generally falls outside (g)(1) under § 921(a)(20). DV convictions get tested against § 921(a)(33), protective orders against § 922(g)(8).
Avoiding jail is not the same as avoiding a conviction. A federal felony brings the § 922(g)(1) bar, and Arizona's list in A.R.S. § 13-3101(A)(7)(b) counts felonies "within or without this state." Firearm offenses are a removal ground for non-citizens (8 U.S.C. § 1227(a)(2)(C)). Arizona's set-aside and sealing statutes work through the Arizona court that entered the conviction (A.R.S. §§ 13-905(A), 13-911(C)(1)), so a federal judgment is outside their reach.
What you knew
Because the penalty applies to someone who knowingly violates § 922(g), what you knew about the gun, and about your own status, can be contested.
Whose gun it was
Where a car or apartment is shared, the government must still connect the firearm to you, and print or DNA results, or the lack of them, can matter.
The Scottsdale stop
A federal case built on a Scottsdale Police stop or warrant inherits it, so the on-body camera video and any affidavit get a suppression review.
The § 924(c) link
A gun that was merely close by can fall short of the statute, which asks whether it was possessed "in furtherance" of a drug crime, or carried "during and in relation to" one.
The law
Sources: Arizona statutes and Cornell Law School
Each Arizona statute below opens on azleg.gov, and each federal statute opens in Cornell's U.S. Code.
- § 13-3101, prohibited possessor defined (azleg.gov)
- § 13-3102, misconduct involving weapons (azleg.gov)
- § 13-707, misdemeanor jail limits (azleg.gov)
- § 13-905, setting aside a judgment (azleg.gov)
- § 13-911, sealing case records (azleg.gov)
- 18 U.S.C. § 922, who may not possess a firearm (Cornell LII)
- 18 U.S.C. § 924, penalties for gun offenses (Cornell LII)
- 18 U.S.C. § 921, terms defined for gun offenses (Cornell LII)
- 18 U.S.C. § 3142, release or detention (Cornell LII)
- 8 U.S.C. § 1227, deportable aliens (Cornell LII)
Why Nova
Why a former prosecutor matters in a federal gun 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. 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. Meetings are by appointment.
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Resources
The federal courthouse for Scottsdale cases 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.
U.S. Attorney's Office, District of Arizona
Brings federal charges in Arizona. Its main office is in Two Renaissance Square.
Two Renaissance Square, 40 N. Central Ave., Phoenix, AZ 85004Laws cited on this page
- A.R.S. § 13-3102, Misconduct involving weapons; defenses; classification; definitions
- A.R.S. § 13-707, Misdemeanors; sentencing
- A.R.S. § 13-3101, Definitions
- A.R.S. § 13-905, Setting aside judgment of convicted person on discharge; application; release from disabilities
- A.R.S. § 13-911, Sealing of arrest, conviction and sentencing records; requirements; fee; appeal; definition
Common questions
Scottsdale federal gun questions
The prosecutors, each on its own. The city's prosecution page sends state felonies to the County Attorney or the Attorney General and federal cases to the U.S. Attorney's Office. Federal agents can bring a Scottsdale arrest to the U.S. Attorney even while a state case is moving. Do not discuss the gun with agents or officers without a lawyer.
It can. Section 922(g)(9) applies when the misdemeanor had an element of physical force or threatened use of a deadly weapon, the relationship is one § 921(a)(33) lists, and the case met its counsel and jury conditions. City Court notes that only certain charges are jury eligible, so whether a jury right existed, and how it was handled, is a real question.
It means the gun will not be released for now. Scottsdale returns a releasable firearm only after the owner passes a law enforcement background check, and its page explains the appeal: get the NICS transaction number from property staff, then follow the FBI's NICS appeal steps. Before appealing, find out what record caused the denial, because that answer can matter more than the gun.
Not necessarily, but it is decided early. If the government seeks detention, the judge weighs the charge, including any firearm, the weight of the evidence, and his history and ties, such as family, work and how long he has lived in the community, plus whether he was on probation or release at the time (§ 3142(g)). A verified Scottsdale address, a job and a responsible adult willing to supervise him can help.
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!”
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“They fought tirelessly for my case and helped me achieve a favorable outcome. Exceptional service and results.”
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“The firm provided me with the most professional legal representation possible. Mr. Ryan Tait patiently explained… beyond my expectations.”
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“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.”
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“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.”
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“Spectacular representation! Sydney was very compassionate, diligent and professional. I can’t recommend enough.”
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“…Ryan and his team are kind, understanding, and very good listeners. Each member of his team was well educated, knowledgable and very professional.”
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“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…”
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“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.”
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“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.”
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“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.”
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★★★★★
“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.