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
Tempe drug sale and transportation defense
Drug Sale and Transportation Lawyer in Tempe, AZ
The lab report is evidence, not the final word.
A stop on a Tempe freeway ramp turns up a duffel bag in the trunk. Detectives knock on an apartment door with a warrant after weeks of messages. A friend asks you to drop off a package near campus. Each can become an accusation of sale or transport for sale, one of the most heavily sentenced drug allegations in Arizona, and the first days often shape what the State ends up charging.
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
The charges
How a Tempe sale or transport case is built
First court date
Within 24 hours of an arrest. On a felony booking into the county jail, release conditions are set at the jail court, 2670 S. 28th Dr. in Phoenix.
Misdemeanor
The Tempe City Attorney's Office, Criminal Division, brings it in Tempe Municipal Court, 140 E. Fifth Street.
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. The citation names the court.
Some cases start with a Tempe patrol stop where quantity, packaging or cash leads the officer to write transport for sale. Others build slowly. The Tempe Police directory lists a Narcotics Investigations line, and longer investigations can involve controlled buys, informants and warrants before any arrest.
Location matters. A stop on Rural Road or Broadway Road is usually Tempe Police; one on a freeway through Tempe may involve a state trooper instead.
Who prosecutes is not fixed. The Tempe City Attorney's Criminal Division handles misdemeanors only, so a sale case leaves the city. Most state drug felonies go to the Maricopa County Attorney's Office. The Arizona Attorney General's Office brings some instead, often when the conduct crossed county lines, a state agency investigated, or the county attorney referred it. We handle these matters whichever office brought the charge. The same conduct can also be charged federally. Nova Law Group appears in the U.S. District Court for the District of Arizona.
After a state felony booking, the initial appearance takes place at the Intake, Transfer and Release facility, 2670 S. 28th Dr., Phoenix, within the 24 hours set by Rule 4.1. The case then moves to Maricopa County Superior Court downtown, by grand jury indictment or by complaint and preliminary hearing. The criminal buildings are the Central Court Building, 201 W. Jefferson St., and the South Court Tower, 175 W. Madison St. Confirm the building on your current notice.
Cash, phones and cars seized with the drugs are held by Tempe Police, with evidence at the Police Property Facility, 1875 E. Apache Blvd., and the department directory lists separate contacts for impounded property and vehicles. Forfeiture of that property can proceed on its own track with its own deadlines, separate from the criminal case.
The law
The sale and transport paragraphs, drug by drug
The conductKnowingly transporting for sale, importing into Arizona, selling or transferring, or offering to, is barred in three places: narcotic drugs (heroin, cocaine, fentanyl) in § 13-3408(A)(7), dangerous drugs (methamphetamine) in § 13-3407(A)(7), and marijuana in § 13-3405(A)(4).
Sale and transferUnder A.R.S. § 13-3401(32) and (37), selling covers "an exchange for anything of value or advantage, present or prospective," and transferring means to "furnish, deliver or give away." No payment is needed, and an offer counts.
ClassesNarcotic and dangerous drug counts are class 2 felonies (§ 13-3408(B)(7); § 13-3407(B)(7)). Marijuana is class 3 below two pounds and class 2 at two pounds or more (§ 13-3405(B)(10), (11)).
ThresholdsAmong the § 13-3401(36) amounts: heroin, one gram; cocaine, methamphetamine and fentanyl, nine grams each; marijuana, two pounds. When the drugs in a single offense, or across offenses tried together, add up to the threshold, a sale or transport conviction rules out probation and a suspended sentence, with narrow release exceptions (§ 13-3408(D), § 13-3407(D) and § 13-3405(C)). Weight generally covers the whole mixture containing a detectable amount (§ 13-3401(39)).
MethamphetamineA first conviction under § 13-3407(A)(7) involving methamphetamine carries 5 to 15 calendar years, 10 presumptive (§ 13-3407(E)), with no probation (§ 13-3407(F)).
Fentanyl at 100 gramsA § 13-3408(A)(7) conviction involving the sale of at least 100 grams of fentanyl to another person, or possession of at least 100 grams in a motor vehicle, carries 5 to 15 calendar years on a first offense (§ 13-3408(F), (H)).
FinesThe minimum is $2,000 (narcotic), $1,000 (dangerous drug) or $750 (marijuana), or triple the drugs' value when higher, and no part may be suspended (§ 13-3405(D), § 13-3407(H), § 13-3408(J)).
No Proposition 200Mandatory probation for personal possession does not include transportation for sale or possession for sale (A.R.S. § 13-901.01(C)).
Prison rangeOn a first offense, a class 2 felony runs 3 to 12.5 years, 5 presumptive (A.R.S. § 13-702(D)).
Drug Sale and Transportation Lawyer in Tempe, AZ
Where a Tempe sale case can be contested
Avoiding jail is not the same as avoiding a conviction. A person convicted of a felony is a prohibited possessor under A.R.S. § 13-3101(A)(7)(b) until the right to possess a firearm is restored, and federal law bars firearms after a conviction for a crime punishable by more than one year (18 U.S.C. § 922(g)(1)). A noncitizen convicted under a state law relating to a controlled substance is deportable (8 U.S.C. § 1227(a)(2)(B)(i)), so immigration advice belongs before any plea.
Sale or personal use
The State has to prove a sale purpose. Scales, baggies, cash and messages can each have another explanation, and personal use is a possession case where Proposition 200 may apply.
What the driver knew
Drugs in a hidden compartment, a borrowed car or a passenger's bag raise a real question about knowledge.
Controlled buys and informants
Recordings, marked money, an informant's reliability and benefits, and each warrant affidavit deserve scrutiny.
The stop and its length
A freeway stop held past its lawful purpose, or consent that was not freely given, can support a motion to suppress.
Weight
The threshold can decide probation, so we look at net weight, packaging and how bags were added together.
The law
Sources: Arizona statutes and Cornell Law School
These are the official texts behind the legal points on this page, saved Oct 29, 2026.
- § 13-3408, narcotic drugs (azleg.gov)
- § 13-3407, dangerous drugs (azleg.gov)
- § 13-3405, marijuana sale and transport (azleg.gov)
- § 13-3401, sale, transfer, thresholds and weight (azleg.gov)
- § 13-901.01, Proposition 200 limits (azleg.gov)
- § 36-2852, adult marijuana transfers (azleg.gov)
- § 13-702, class 2 sentencing range (azleg.gov)
- § 13-3101, felony and firearm rights (azleg.gov)
- 8 U.S.C. § 1227 (Cornell LII)
- 18 U.S.C. § 922 (Cornell LII)
- Wex: drug trafficking (Cornell LII)
Drug Sale and Transportation Lawyer in Tempe, 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 a Tempe sale case, that means surveillance notes, phone data and the lab's weight 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. Meetings are by appointment.
Loading map…
Resources
Tempe courts and official links
Where a Tempe case is heard depends on the charge and the agency. Some offices are in Tempe and some are in Phoenix. Each card has directions and the official website, so you can check details before you go.
Maricopa 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 85003Tempe Municipal Court
Tempe misdemeanors and criminal traffic cases, from arraignment to trial. Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Phone (480) 350-8271.
140 E. Fifth Street, Tempe, AZ 85281Laws cited on this page
- A.R.S. § 13-3401, Definitions
- A.R.S. § 13-901.01, Probation for persons convicted of possession or use of controlled substances or drug paraphernalia; treatment
- A.R.S. § 13-702, First time felony offenders; sentencing; definition
- A.R.S. § 13-3101, Definitions
- A.R.S. § 13-3408, Possession, use, administration, acquisition, sale, manufacture or transportation of narcotic drugs
- A.R.S. § 13-3407, Possession, use, administration, acquisition, sale, manufacture or transportation of dangerous drugs
- A.R.S. § 13-3405, Possession, use, production, sale or transportation of marijuana; classification; exceptions
- A.R.S. § 36-2852, Allowable possession and personal use of marijuana, marijuana products and marijuana paraphernalia
Common questions
Tempe drug sale and transport questions
It can be charged that way. Arizona defines transfer as furnishing, delivering or giving away, and transfers sit in the same paragraph as sales, so a narcotic or dangerous drug handoff can be a class 2 felony with no money involved. Marijuana between adults 21 or older has a narrow carve-out in A.R.S. § 36-2852(A)(3): an ounce or less, five grams of concentrate at most, given without payment or promotion.
Look at the caption on your charging paperwork. Most Tempe sale cases are brought by the Maricopa County Attorney's Office in Superior Court. The Attorney General's Office brings some state cases, often multi-county or state agency investigations, and a federal case is captioned "United States of America." The Tempe City Attorney's office does not prosecute felonies, so a sale case will not be in Tempe Municipal Court.
It can. The State must show the drugs were moving toward a sale; drugs kept for personal use make a possession case, often within Proposition 200. The dispute usually turns on quantity, packaging, cash and messages. Do not explain your side to Tempe detectives; let your lawyer present it once the evidence is in hand.
Tempe Police hold evidence at the Police Property Facility on Apache Boulevard, and the department lists separate contacts for impounded property and impounded vehicles. If the State seeks forfeiture, that process runs separately from the criminal case and has its own deadlines, so a forfeiture notice should go to your lawyer the day it arrives.
Drug Sale and Transportation Lawyer in Tempe, AZ
Call before the grand jury meets
Call (480) 405-6767. A family member held after a sale arrest, a search warrant served at your home, or a forfeiture notice are all reasons to phone now.
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 Tempe criminal defense lawyer
If you have been arrested, charged, or contacted by a detective in Tempe, the decisions you make in the first few days matter. We defend misdemeanors in Tempe Municipal 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.
Tempe courts
- Tempe Municipal CourtMisdemeanors and criminal traffic cases from inside Tempe. Monday to Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.140 E. Fifth St., Tempe, AZ 85281Court website Directions
- Justice courtsSome DPS and Sheriff's Office misdemeanors. Your citation names the court.Find your court
- 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 Tempe
Si lo arrestaron, lo acusaron o un detective lo contactó en Tempe, las decisiones que tome en los primeros días importan. Defendemos delitos menores en la Corte Municipal de Tempe 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 Tempe
- Corte Municipal de TempeDelitos menores y casos penales de tránsito dentro de Tempe. De lunes a viernes, de 8:00 a.m. a 5:00 p.m.140 E. Fifth St., Tempe, AZ 85281Sitio de la corte Cómo llegar
- Cortes de justiciaAlgunos delitos menores del DPS y de la Oficina del Sheriff. Su citación indica la corte.Busque su corte
- 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.