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
Mesa criminal damage defense
Criminal Damage Lawyer in Mesa, AZ
Every receipt, video and report gets a second look.
A kicked-in door, a keyed car in an apartment lot or a broken window after a night out can become a Mesa criminal damage charge. The number attached to the damage often matters as much as what happened: it decides whether the case stays in the city court on 1st Avenue or becomes a felony downtown.
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
Criminal Damage Lawyer in Mesa, AZ
How a Mesa damage report becomes a 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 Mesa City Prosecutor brings it in Mesa Municipal Court, 250 E. 1st Ave., open Monday to Thursday.
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 go to the justice courts at the Southeast Justice Center, 222 E. Javelina Ave.
Many Mesa damage complaints never involve a patrol car. Mesa Police accepts online criminal damage reports when the total loss is $5,000 or less, nothing is in progress, no firearm was involved and there is no physical evidence to collect, and it tells people with suspect information to use that category. A neighbor, landlord or former partner can name you that way.
The amount then decides who prosecutes. Under $1,000 the charge is a misdemeanor, which the Mesa City Prosecutor takes to Mesa Municipal Court when it happened inside city limits; a trooper's or deputy's case can go to a justice court on Javelina Avenue. From $1,000 up it is a felony, and the Maricopa County Attorney's Office generally handles it in Superior Court downtown. Confirm the building on your current notice.
A city booking means a first hearing before a Mesa judge while the person is held at the Mesa Police holding facility, within the 24 hours Rule 4.1 allows; a felony arrest goes on to the county's intake center in Phoenix. When the owner is a spouse, partner, relative or housemate, the DV label requires release terms that protect the alleged victim (A.R.S. § 13-3601(I)).
Repayment runs alongside the case. The City Prosecutor's Victim Services Unit helps owners request documented losses, including repair or replacement, and restitution is taken up at a hearing after a conviction.
The law
What A.R.S. § 13-1602 covers
Three of its forms are reckless damage to or defacing of someone else's property; reckless tampering that substantially impairs its function or value; and graffiti on a surface other than the ground without the owner's permission (§ 13-1602(A)(1), (2), (5)). Tagging has its own page: Mesa graffiti charges.
Acting recklessly means consciously disregarding a substantial, unjustifiable risk you are aware of, in gross deviation from reasonable conduct (A.R.S. § 13-105(10)(c)). Property counts as another's whenever anyone besides the accused holds an interest in it, and that includes community property (A.R.S. § 13-1601(4)).
Under § 13-1602(B), the class depends on the damage:
Class 4 felony at $10,000 or more, or $5,000 or more to a utility.
Class 5 felony from $2,000 to just under $10,000, or for damage meant to promote a gang or criminal syndicate with intent to intimidate.
Class 6 felony from $1,000 to just under $2,000.
Class 1 misdemeanor above $250 and below $1,000.
Class 2 misdemeanor in every other case.
Misdemeanor jail tops out at six months for class 1 and four months for class 2 (A.R.S. § 13-707(A)), with fines of up to $2,500 and $750 (A.R.S. § 13-802(A), (B)). If prison is imposed on a first felony that is not dangerous, A.R.S. § 13-702(D) sets .33 to 2 years on class 6, .5 to 2.5 years on class 5 and 1 to 3.75 years on class 4. A judge may turn a non-dangerous class 6 into a class 1 misdemeanor, or hold off on designating it until probation is over, on finding a felony sentence unduly harsh, unless the person has two or more prior felonies (A.R.S. § 13-604(A)). Every conviction requires restitution of the economic loss the court determines (A.R.S. § 13-603(C)). Criminal damage is on the DV list in A.R.S. § 13-3601(A), with no change in class (§ 13-3601(M)).
Criminal Damage Lawyer in Mesa, AZ
Where a Mesa criminal damage case can turn
Do not assume the court will appoint you a lawyer. Arizona Rule of Criminal Procedure 6.1(b) entitles an indigent defendant to appointed counsel in a proceeding that may result in punishment by loss of liberty. In misdemeanor court, the prosecutor can avow that no jail will be requested and the judge can rule that no jail will be imposed, and once that happens, there is no right to appointed counsel at all. Arizona's Court of Appeals upheld exactly that in Campa v. Fleming, 134 Ariz. 330 (App. 1982), on a class 1 misdemeanor carrying up to six months in jail, for a defendant who was on probation and facing immigration consequences. Mesa's public defender page adds that no one is appointed before the first court date and that the judge decides who qualifies.
Avoiding jail is not the same as avoiding a conviction. A felony conviction makes a person a prohibited possessor in Arizona until the right is restored, and DV probation does so while it lasts (A.R.S. § 13-3101(A)(7)(b), (d)); 18 U.S.C. § 922(g)(1) adds a federal bar after a felony. Noncitizens should get immigration advice before any plea, because 8 U.S.C. § 1227(a)(2) lists criminal grounds for removal.
Question the dollar figure
A single quote, a new-item price for something old or a bill that includes earlier wear can push the amount over a line, and photos, invoices or a second estimate can bring it back under.
Recklessness has a definition
A genuine accident, such as clipping a fence while parking at night, may involve no conscious disregard of a known risk.
Look at who owns it
The State must show that someone other than you held an interest in the property.
Identify who did it
When several people were present, body-worn video, doorbell cameras and other witnesses may point to someone else.
The law
Sources: Arizona statutes and Cornell Law School
Texts cited:
- § 13-1602, criminal damage forms and amounts (azleg.gov)
- § 13-1601, definitions for damage offenses (azleg.gov)
- § 13-105, how Arizona defines recklessly (azleg.gov)
- § 13-707, six- and four-month jail caps (azleg.gov)
- § 13-802, fines by misdemeanor class (azleg.gov)
- § 13-702, class 4, 5 and 6 prison ranges (azleg.gov)
- § 13-604, the class 6 designation option (azleg.gov)
- § 13-603, restitution after a conviction (azleg.gov)
- § 13-3601, offenses that can carry a DV label (azleg.gov)
- § 13-3101, who loses gun rights in Arizona (azleg.gov)
- Restitution, Wex legal encyclopedia (Cornell LII)
- 18 U.S.C. § 922, firearm prohibitions (Cornell LII)
- 8 U.S.C. § 1227, removal for crimes (Cornell LII)
Criminal Damage Lawyer in Mesa, AZ
A former prosecutor checking the numbers
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, estimates included. We take criminal damage 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 appear in the Mesa courts regularly. Meetings are by appointment.
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Resources
Mesa courts and official links
Where a Mesa case is heard depends on the charge and the agency. Some courts are in Mesa and some are in downtown Phoenix. Each card has directions and the official website, so you can check details before you go.
Mesa Municipal Court
City misdemeanors, from arraignment to trial. Monday to Thursday, 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Closed Fridays. Public parking garage at 30 S. Pomeroy.
250 E. 1st Ave., Mesa, AZ 85210Maricopa 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 85003Southeast Justice Center
Home of the East Mesa, North Mesa, West Mesa and Highland Justice Courts. A misdemeanor reported by DPS or a Sheriff's deputy can land here. Your citation names the court.
222 E. Javelina Ave., Mesa, AZ 85210Laws cited on this page
- A.R.S. § 13-3601, Domestic violence; definition; classification; sentencing option; arrest and procedure for violation
- A.R.S. § 13-105, Definitions
- A.R.S. § 13-1601, Definitions
- A.R.S. § 13-707, Misdemeanors; sentencing
- A.R.S. § 13-802, Fines for misdemeanors
- A.R.S. § 13-702, First time felony offenders; sentencing; definition
- A.R.S. § 13-604, Class 6 felony; designation
- A.R.S. § 13-603, Authorized disposition of offenders
- A.R.S. § 13-3101, Definitions
- A.R.S. § 13-1602, Criminal damage; classification
Common questions
Mesa criminal damage questions
Not necessarily. Mesa's online form accepts damage reports of $5,000 or less, including ones naming a suspect, and says nothing about follow-up, so your first notice could be a detective's message, a summons or a court date. Do not contact the person who reported you to argue or settle it, and talk to a lawyer before giving any statement.
Because $1,000 is the felony line. At $1,200 the charge is a class 6 felony that generally goes downtown; below $1,000 it would be a class 1 misdemeanor in Mesa Municipal Court. A supported lower figure can change the class, and even at class 6, § 13-604(A) gives many people a misdemeanor option. So we test the estimate first.
Not by itself. The prosecutor, not the owner, decides whether to continue, and a conviction requires a restitution order anyway. Paying early, with receipts, can still help when a lawyer asks the assigned city prosecutor about a reduced charge or diversion; the City Prosecutor's victim services page mentions diversion for eligible defendants.
Not by itself. Arizona's definition of recklessly says a person unaware of a risk solely because of voluntary intoxication still acts recklessly. The State must still prove that you caused the damage, that someone else had an interest in the property, and the amount it claims. Do not guess about what happened with anyone but your lawyer.
Criminal Damage Lawyer in Mesa, AZ
Let us look at the numbers first
Call (480) 405-6767. A repair demand or a Mesa court date in hand is a reason to phone rather than fill in the form.
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 Mesa criminal defense lawyer
If you have been arrested, charged, or contacted by a detective in Mesa, the decisions you make in the first few days matter. We defend misdemeanors in Mesa Municipal Court and the Mesa-area 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.
Mesa courts
- Mesa Municipal CourtMisdemeanors from inside Mesa city limits. Monday to Thursday, 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.; closed Fridays.250 E. 1st Ave., Mesa, AZ 85210Court website Directions
- Southeast Justice CenterEast Mesa, North Mesa, West Mesa and Highland Justice Courts. Your citation names the court.222 E. Javelina Ave., Mesa, AZ 85210Court 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 Mesa
Si lo arrestaron, lo acusaron o un detective lo contactó en Mesa, las decisiones que tome en los primeros días importan. Defendemos delitos menores en la Corte Municipal de Mesa y en las cortes de justicia del área de Mesa, 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 Mesa
- Corte Municipal de MesaDelitos menores dentro de los límites de Mesa. De lunes a jueves, de 7:00 a.m. a 6:00 p.m.; cerrada los viernes.250 E. 1st Ave., Mesa, AZ 85210Sitio de la corte Cómo llegar
- Southeast Justice CenterCortes de justicia East Mesa, North Mesa, West Mesa y Highland. Su citación indica la corte.222 E. Javelina Ave., Mesa, AZ 85210Sitio 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.