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 diversion programs
Diversion Programs in Scottsdale, AZ
Raise diversion early.
Hearing the word diversion after a Scottsdale arrest can feel like a lifeline: finish a program, and the case goes away. For some people it does work that way. But no court simply hands it out. A prosecutor decides, the programs differ from one office to the next, and on a felony there may be only days to ask.
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
Diversion Programs in Scottsdale, AZ
Which office decides diversion on a Scottsdale case
Who decides
Diversion is offered by the prosecutor. Each office sets its own programs and rules.
Treatment routes
Drug court and treatment options under A.R.S. § 13-3422 and § 13-901.01.
City cases
The Scottsdale City Attorney's Prosecution Division, 480-312-2710.
County cases
The Maricopa County Attorney's Office, 225 W. Madison St., Phoenix.
Diversion is an offer from whichever office is prosecuting, and a Scottsdale case can sit with any of three. Look at the court on your paperwork. Scottsdale City Court means the city's own prosecutors. A justice court means the County Attorney, handling a misdemeanor. Superior Court means a felony, which the County Attorney prosecutes in most cases and the Attorney General in certain others. A.R.S. 11-361 describes a county attorney program that can put a prosecution on hold or redirect it "before a guilty plea or a trial," and under A.R.S. 11-365 the choice rests in the county attorney's sole discretion. It is requested, not ordered.
City misdemeanors. Misdemeanors committed in Scottsdale, from domestic violence and theft to DUI, are prosecuted in Scottsdale City Court by the City Attorney's Prosecution Division. On a city case, eligibility for diversion is decided by the city's prosecutors, one case at a time. What reaches them with the request can matter: a clean history, counseling already under way, a job and the people who depend on you.
The court's own routes. Apart from anything a prosecutor offers, Scottsdale City Court lists five specialty courts. The Community Intervention Court is for defendants facing homelessness or mental health related issues; the Domestic Violence Court is for DV defendants who have been ordered into treatment; the East Valley Regional Veterans Court is for veterans; the Maricopa County Regional Homeless Court is listed for defendants experiencing homelessness; and the Inmate Release Court Program is for people currently incarcerated. The court gives one line on each and says nothing about eligibility or how a case ends there.
Juvenile cases. For a juvenile cited into Scottsdale City Court, the court's juvenile page does name a diversion outcome: once the juvenile accepts the City Prosecutor's offer and an admission is entered, a juvenile hearing officer can order a diversion program with the City Prosecutor's Office.
County felonies. A Scottsdale felony puts the decision with the County Attorney, which publishes much more. Its diversion page lists the Felony Diversion Program for specific lower-level felonies; separate felony tracks for adults with an SMI designation and for those with a qualifying developmental disability diagnosis; Veterans Diversion, for eligible service members facing a lower-level felony; a program called Domestic Violence Excessive Response (DVER), aimed at eligible felony defendants whose response toward an intimate partner went too far; and Parenting Skills Diversion, open to some first-time defendants charged with child abuse. A deputy county attorney evaluates both whether the offense is eligible and whether the person is suitable.
County misdemeanors. When a trooper or deputy writes the citation and it is assigned to a justice court such as McDowell Mountain, the County Attorney prosecutes. Its programs there are Justice Court Diversion, an education class for eligible people charged with specific misdemeanors, and a domestic violence program for certain DV misdemeanors.
The felony window. Under the County Attorney's Felony Diversion Program policy (revision dated August 7, 2025), nothing is offered before charges are brought, and offers belong in the period before arraignment. After a felony arrest, that period can be brief.
Avoiding jail is not the same as avoiding a conviction. A plea to probation is still a conviction that employers, licensing boards and immigration officials can find. A finished County Attorney program ends another way: the deputy county attorney asks the court to dismiss the charges with prejudice.
Diversion Programs in Scottsdale, AZ
Routes away from a conviction on a Scottsdale case
A request to the city prosecutorA request to the city prosecutor on a city misdemeanor.A theft or shoplifting caseA theft or shoplifting case, where the charge and your record shape the answer.Domestic violence diversionDVER, the justice court DV program, or a city decision.The Felony Diversion ProgramThe Felony Diversion Program for eligible lower-level felonies.Drug possessionDrug possession, where diversion, drug court and Prop 200 differ.
County Attorney tracks for serious mental illnessCounty Attorney tracks for serious mental illness, developmental disability or military service.
Parenting Skills Diversion on a child abuse chargeScottsdale City Court's specialty docketsScottsdale City Court's specialty dockets, including the veterans and Community Intervention courts.
The justice court programsThe justice court programs, when a trooper or deputy wrote the ticket.
A juvenile citation in Scottsdale City Court.
No offer? Defending the felony itselfAfter a dismissalAfter a dismissal, sealing the records.Arizona's general diversion rules apply too; this page covers who decides in Scottsdale, and when.
Diversion Programs in Scottsdale, AZ
From the request to a dismissal, or back to the case
Start with the court
Only the office behind the court on your complaint, citation or summons can make an offer, so the request has to go to that office.
City timing
In Scottsdale City Court the arraignment and the pretrial conferences are the natural openings, since the court says a case can be resolved at those settings when both sides agree. A lawyer can reach the assigned prosecutor before either date.
Felony timing
After charging and before arraignment, one prosecutor, the deputy county attorney on the case, reviews the offense and your background, and the handout says that prosecutor alone makes the referral.
The charge screen
Eligible under the policy: cases that would carry mandatory probation under A.R.S. 13-901.01, class 2 or 3 drug sales involving less than the threshold quantity, any class 4, 5 or 6 felony, and acquiring drugs by fraud. Shut out: every DUI including aggravated DUI, robbery, arson, sex offenses, child sex trafficking, cases where a firearm was used or significant physical injury was inflicted, domestic violence cases (with a narrow exception) and some assaults on first responders.
The person screen
The person must clear a second list. Disqualifying: an earlier conviction for a serious, dangerous or sexual offense; any historical prior felony, except a narrow allowance for an aggravated DUI older than five years; being on felony probation, or released while awaiting trial on a felony, when the new offense happened; and a felony diversion finished in the past five years.
The victim's input
Victims, under the policy, should be told the program's goals and requirements, and their views should be weighed fully before a decision. Your lawyer can answer that with a careful written presentation. Reaching out to the alleged victim, in person or through others, is never the answer.
The agreement
The County Attorney's handout, revised in March 2026, says the defense lawyer reviews, signs and returns the paperwork, treatment is individualized so its length varies, and restitution is mandatory and capped by the program. Treatment may be covered for AHCCCS members, and a fee discount may follow a financial assessment. Non-citizens should get immigration advice before signing any written account of the facts.
Finishing, or falling short
Completion, restitution included, leads the County Attorney to ask for dismissal with prejudice. A participant the provider terminates generally sees the prosecution reinstated, and the policy rules out a second diversion offer on that case.
Drug cases
Four routes are easy to mix up. Diversion ends without a conviction. Proposition 200, A.R.S. 13-901.01, is probation with a drug treatment or education program after a personal possession conviction, and the conviction stands. Drug court under A.R.S. 13-3422 is a Superior Court program in which, for listed possession offenses, completing probation can lead the court to dismiss the proceedings. And the Early Disposition Court is a fast downtown calendar where, the County Attorney says, defendants may enter treatment in lieu of prosecution.
Diversion Programs in Scottsdale, AZ
Where Scottsdale diversion decisions get made
A handful of addresses carry most of the decisions. City misdemeanors run through 3700 N. 75th St., where the court and the jail court sit side by side with the city's Youth and Family Services offices. County felonies are decided by deputy county attorneys and heard downtown on Jefferson and Madison Streets. A trooper's or deputy's misdemeanor can be assigned to McDowell Mountain Justice Court on North 40th Street.
Where you live, whether that is south Scottsdale, McCormick Ranch, Gainey Ranch or Troon, does not decide which program is open to you; the agency on the report and the court on the paperwork do. Classes, counseling and treatment take place through providers, not in the courthouse. Inside the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community, the Community's own police and court take over.
Diversion Programs in Scottsdale, AZ
Making the diversion case to the prosecutor
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 a diversion request, that also means running your history against the County Attorney's written screens before anything is sent. 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. We meet Scottsdale clients there by appointment.
Loading map…
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 Attorney, Prosecution Division
Decides whether a city misdemeanor is charged and how it is resolved. Phone 480-312-2710.
Cases heard at 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. § 11-361, Definition of program
- A.R.S. § 11-365, Diversion and deferred prosecution of offenders
- A.R.S. § 13-901.01, Probation for persons convicted of possession or use of controlled substances or drug paraphernalia
- A.R.S. § 13-3422, Drug court program; establishment; participation
Common questions
Scottsdale diversion questions
It depends on the prosecutor. On a city misdemeanor, the city's prosecutors decide case by case whether diversion or a similar resolution is available, and no adult eligibility rules are posted. A lawyer can raise it before the arraignment or at a pretrial conference, with your record, any counseling already started and the facts that matter. Scottsdale City Court's specialty courts are a separate route, listed by the court itself.
Effectively, yes. Under the County Attorney's Felony Diversion Program policy, no offer comes before charges are brought, and offers are meant to be made before arraignment. One prosecutor, the deputy county attorney handling your case, decides. Your history, any treatment you have started and the facts in your favor should be in that prosecutor's hands well before the arraignment date, because afterward the program may be off the table.
Yes. In a justice court the County Attorney prosecutes, and its programs there are Justice Court Diversion, an education program for eligible people charged with specific misdemeanors, and a separate one for certain domestic violence misdemeanors. Referred participants attend an intake with the office's contracted vendor, and completion can lead to dismissal with prejudice, the office says. Whether you are referred is still the prosecutor's decision.
Yes, on a County Attorney felony. The policy asks that victims be told what the program requires and that their views be weighed fully before any offer. Their views carry weight but do not settle the question alone. Do not try to influence them: obey every release condition, and stay out of contact with the alleged victim, whether directly or through friends or family, until the case is over.
No. Prop 200, A.R.S. 13-901.01, applies after a conviction for personal possession or use: the court places the person on probation with a drug treatment or education program, and the conviction remains. Diversion, when a prosecutor offers it, pauses the prosecution and ends in a dismissal if it is completed. Drug court under A.R.S. 13-3422 is a third path. The charge and your record decide which is realistic.
Partly. Completing a County Attorney program brings a motion to dismiss with prejudice, which means no conviction. Records of the arrest and the dismissed charge do not vanish on their own, though. Arizona lets a person petition to seal the case records after a dismissal, in the court where the charges were brought, and we can plan that step for when the dismissal is entered.
Diversion Programs in Scottsdale, AZ
Ask about diversion while it can still be offered
Call (480) 405-6767. A felony arraignment on the calendar, a first City Court date this week or a diversion agreement waiting for a signature: call us; the form is slower.
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.