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 DUI refusal defense
DUI Refusal Lawyer in Mesa, AZ
Every step of the stop gets a second look.
The officer marked "refused" on the paperwork after your Mesa DUI stop, and now your license faces a suspension of a year or longer, separate from the court date on 1st Avenue. Maybe you did decline. Maybe you tried and the instrument never took a sample. Either way, the notice you were handed is already counting 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
DUI Refusal Lawyer in Mesa, AZ
One Mesa stop, two separate cases
Alcohol levels
0.08 is DUI, 0.15 is extreme DUI and 0.20 is the top extreme tier, under A.R.S. § 28-1381 and § 28-1382.
MVD deadline
30 days to request a hearing on the license suspension, under A.R.S. § 28-1385.
City DUI
Most Mesa DUI cases are misdemeanors in Mesa Municipal Court, 250 E. 1st Ave.
Aggravated DUI
A felony under A.R.S. § 28-1383, prosecuted by the County Attorney in Superior Court in downtown Phoenix.
Arizona's implied consent statute answers a refusal with a license suspension, not with a criminal count of its own. The DUI charge still goes to court: usually the Mesa City Prosecutor and Mesa Municipal Court after a Mesa Police arrest, or the justice court named on a trooper's citation. Mesa's ticket page lists DUI among its jury-eligible charges, and the State may offer the refusal as evidence, leaving the jury to decide whether one happened (A.R.S. § 28-1388(D)).
A refusal rarely ends the blood question. Officers may still test under a search warrant or, with probable cause, obtain part of a sample drawn for some other purpose, such as hospital care (A.R.S. § 28-1321(D)(1); § 28-1388(E)). A Mesa Police warrant sample can go to the department's own Toxicology unit, and its records belong on our discovery request.
No Mesa court decides the license. ADOT's Executive Hearing Office does. ADOT accepts the request by mail (Mail Drop 507M, P.O. Box 2100, Phoenix, AZ 85001-2100), by fax at (602) 241-1624 or at its counter on the third floor of 3838 N. Central Ave., and asks for one method only. Its DUI page says a request halts the suspension until the hearing is completed, and that the special interlock license is unavailable while a hearing is pending but can be issued afterward.
The hearing's location can surprise drivers from outside Maricopa County. Under § 28-1321(I), MVD sets it within sixty days, in person, by telephone or by videoconference; an in-person hearing goes to the county where the driver lives unless the arresting agency asked, with its report, for the county of the refusal.
The law
Implied consent, A.R.S. § 28-1321
ConsentAnyone who drives in Arizona has agreed in advance to a breath, blood, urine or other bodily substance test after an arrest for a DUI-type offense; the agency picks the test and an officer with reasonable grounds directs it (§ 28-1321(A)).
Refusal definedNot expressly agreeing to a test, or not successfully completing one, is treated as refusing (§ 28-1321(B)).
LengthTwelve months; two years for a second or subsequent refusal inside eighty-four months (§ 28-1321(B), (G)(3)).
At the sceneThe officer takes any Arizona license, issues a thirty-day temporary permit for a valid one, and either serves an order effective thirty days later or tells you a letter from MVD will follow if it enters an order (§ 28-1321(D)(2)). Without a certified report sent within thirty days after the arrest, MVD cannot enter the suspension unless someone died or was seriously injured (§ 28-1321(D)(2)(a)).
The sworn reportSubject to the perjury penalty, it must give the officer's reasonable grounds, the manner of refusal and the fact that consequences were explained (§ 28-1321(E)).
A test result, not a refusal, brings a different suspension under A.R.S. § 28-1385, so check which statute your notice names.
DUI Refusal Lawyer in Mesa, AZ
Where a Mesa refusal case is tested
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.
Start with the recording
Mesa Police body-worn video often captures the request, the answer and what came between. Silence, asking for a lawyer or a sample the instrument rejected can look different on screen than in a report.
Check the admonition
Being told the consequences is one of the four hearing issues (§ 28-1321(K)(4)), so a garbled warning matters.
Hold the report against the video
The sworn report must describe how you refused (§ 28-1321(E)(2)); we compare it with the footage and confirm when it reached MVD.
Read any warrant closely
The affidavit, the timing, who drew the blood and the lab records all get reviewed.
Weigh the interlock license
After any MVD-ordered screening, you may apply for a special ignition interlock restricted license unless this is a second refusal inside eighty-four months (§ 28-1321(P)). One issued under § 28-1321(Q) gives up the hearing, and device time on a (P) license counts toward a later interlock requirement (A.R.S. § 28-3319(F)).
Stay off the road meanwhile
Driving during the suspension is a class 1 misdemeanor (A.R.S. § 28-3473), and a DUI committed while suspended is aggravated DUI, a class 4 felony (A.R.S. § 28-1383(A)(1), (O)(1)).
The law
Sources: Arizona statutes and Cornell Law School
The rules described on this page come from these texts.
- § 28-1321, consent to testing and refusals (azleg.gov)
- § 28-1388, warrant and hospital samples; refusal evidence (azleg.gov)
- § 28-1385, the separate test-result suspension (azleg.gov)
- § 28-3319, credit for interlock time (azleg.gov)
- § 28-3473, driving while suspended (azleg.gov)
- § 28-1383, DUI during a suspension (azleg.gov)
- Wex: implied consent (Cornell LII)
- Wex: driving under the influence (Cornell LII)
DUI Refusal Lawyer in Mesa, AZ
Both tracks at the first meeting
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 DUI 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 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. § 28-1388, Blood and breath tests; violation; classification; admissible evidence
- A.R.S. § 28-1321, Implied consent; tests; refusal to submit to test; order of suspension; hearing; review
- A.R.S. § 28-1385, Administrative license suspension for driving under the influence or for homicide or assault involving a motor vehicle
- A.R.S. § 28-3319, Action after license suspension, revocation or denial for driving under the influence or refusal of test
- A.R.S. § 28-1383, Aggravated driving or actual physical control while under the influence; county jail program
Common questions
Mesa DUI refusal questions
No. The judge at 250 E. 1st Ave. rules on the DUI charge; the suspension belongs to ADOT's Executive Hearing Office in Phoenix. The request must be received within thirty days after the notice date, and neither a Mesa court date nor a plea offer stretches that. Mail it early or use the fax.
Not necessarily. MVD can hold the hearing by telephone or videoconference, and an in-person hearing belongs in your home county unless the arresting agency asked, when it sent its report, for the county where the refusal occurred (§ 28-1321(I)). A Pinal County resident stopped in east Mesa may never be heard in Maricopa County.
MVD may treat it as one, since not successfully completing a test counts as refusing (§ 28-1321(B)). Whether you refused is still a question of fact, and the reason matters. A medical condition, unclear instructions or an instrument fault may show on the Mesa Police video, so we request it at once.
Sometimes, but it is a trade. A license issued under § 28-1321(Q) means giving up any hearing on the suspension, and ADOT says none is issued while a hearing is pending. A second refusal within eighty-four months rules out the (P) license. We size up the hearing before you decide.
It continues. A ruling that does not sustain the suspension has no effect on any administrative, civil or criminal proceeding (§ 28-1321(N)), so the Mesa DUI moves forward on its own evidence. If MVD sustains the order instead, you have thirty days to ask the Superior Court for review (§ 28-1321(M)).
DUI Refusal Lawyer in Mesa, AZ
Before the notice deadline passes
Call (480) 405-6767. A suspension notice is a reason to phone this week, well before any court date.
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…”
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“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…”
★★★★★
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★★★★★
“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!”
★★★★★
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★★★★★
“¡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.