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 felony murder defense
Felony Murder Lawyer in Mesa, AZ
Before any interview, talk to a lawyer.
Under Arizona's felony murder rule, a death during a robbery, a burglary or another offense on a fixed statutory list can be charged as first degree murder against each person accused of that underlying crime, even someone who neither caused the death nor intended it. If a Mesa investigation points that way at you or a relative, the early choices 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
Felony Murder Lawyer in Mesa, AZ
Two investigations inside one Mesa 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.
A felony murder case in Mesa usually runs on two tracks. The death goes to the Homicide Unit of the Criminal Investigations Division, whose detectives are on call at any hour citywide. The robbery, burglary or other listed offense needs proof of its own, and Mesa supplies much of it: Crime Scene Specialists, a police Forensic Services lab for DNA, prints and firearms, a Real Time Crime Center linking city cameras with plate readers, and a pawn unit reviewing the transaction reports of pawnshops and secondhand dealers. A plate hit places a car and a pawn slip names a seller; neither proves who took part in a felony.
When several people are suspected, each is usually questioned alone, and one person's account, or a cooperation deal, can be used against another.
Charging is the County Attorney's call; Mesa's City Prosecutor brings misdemeanor and city code cases, and its page says felony cases go to the county. There, senior homicide prosecutors on a Capital Review Committee look at each first degree murder case and recommend whether to pursue death. The Capital Litigation Bureau handles cases where death is sought, and units such as the Gang Bureau or the Criminal Trial Division take the rest.
A felony arrestee is booked at the Mesa Police holding facility, where only people on city misdemeanor charges stay, then moved to the county's ITR center on 28th Drive in Phoenix for a hearing within Rule 4.1's 24 hours. The Sheriff's Office says prosecutors have not yet accepted the charges read there, and release terms can be revisited later.
Hearings then move to the Superior Court complex downtown; confirm the building on your current notice. Administrative Order 2021-127 has first degree murder cases designated complex when arraigned, putting them on a schedule of case management conferences.
Please do not contact anyone else who was arrested, any witness or the family of the person who died, directly or through others. Assume the jail records calls and visits.
Penalties
How § 13-1105(A)(2) defines felony murder
A.R.S. § 13-1105(A)(2) requires proof that the accused, acting alone or with other people, committed or attempted a listed felony; that a death happened during that felony or the immediate flight from it and in furtherance of the offense; and that the accused or "another person" caused it.
The list is closed: robbery, burglary, kidnapping, arson, sexual assault, molestation of a child, sexual conduct with a minor, one form of child abuse, drive by shooting, escape, terrorism, involving minors in drug offenses, certain drug offenses named by subsection, and unlawful flight from a pursuing police vehicle. An unlisted offense cannot carry this theory, though the facts may fit another homicide.
Section 13-1105(B) requires no mental state beyond the one the listed felony needs. Intent to kill is not an element, but the felony's own intent or knowledge must still be proven.
The offense is a class 1 felony (§ 13-1105(D)). After a death notice, § 13-751(A)(3) permits death, natural life or life. With no notice, or if death is rejected, the judge selects life or natural life (§ 13-752(A)) and must consider aggravating and mitigating factors and what any victim says (§ 13-752(Q)). Under § 13-751(A)(3), natural life never permits release, and life permits none on any basis for 25 calendar years, or 35 where the person who died was younger than 15 or the death was of an unborn child.
For a defendant under 18 at the time, death is off the table: life or natural life are the options (§§ 13-751(A)(2), 13-752(A)). Section 13-501(A)(1) makes adult prosecution mandatory for anyone 15 to 17 who is accused of first degree murder. And § 13-107(A) lets a homicide charge be brought at any time.
The charges
What our felony murder defense examines
Avoiding jail is not the same as avoiding a conviction. First degree murder is a serious offense (§ 13-706(F)(1)(a)), which § 13-911(O)(3) bars from sealing. A felony conviction brings Arizona's prohibited possessor status until rights are restored (§ 13-3101(A)(7)(b)) and the federal bar in 18 U.S.C. § 922(g)(1), and 8 U.S.C. § 1227(a)(2) makes noncitizens deportable for certain convictions, so immigration advice comes before any plea.
The predicate felony
If the State cannot prove the listed offense, completed or attempted, the murder count fails too. For a burglary, that means unlawfully entering or remaining with the intent to steal or commit a felony; for a robbery, force or a threat used to take or keep property from someone's person or presence; for a drug predicate, the substance and the amount.
Timing and purpose
When the flight ended, and whether the death furthered the felony, are case-law questions that video, phone location records and plate reader data can help answer.
Actual role
Being nearby, riding along or knowing the others does not by itself prove someone committed or attempted the felony. Knowledge, agreement and conduct are what count.
Co-defendant accounts
Statements and cooperation deals are measured against the physical evidence and against what each person stood to gain.
Cause of death
Medical Examiner findings and hospital records can go to independent experts.
Mitigation from the start
Role, youth, health and history can matter to the committee, in negotiations and to the judge.
The law
Sources: Arizona statutes and Cornell Law School
Read the felony murder statute and its related sections at these official sources.
- § 13-1105, the felony murder subsection (azleg.gov)
- § 13-751, sentences after a death notice (azleg.gov)
- § 13-752, choosing life or natural life (azleg.gov)
- § 13-501, mandatory adult prosecution (azleg.gov)
- § 13-107, the homicide exception to time limits (azleg.gov)
- § 13-3961, the capital offense bail bar (azleg.gov)
- § 13-706, murder on the serious offense list (azleg.gov)
- § 13-911, records that cannot be sealed (azleg.gov)
- § 13-3101, Arizona's felony gun bar (azleg.gov)
- Wex: the felony murder doctrine (Cornell LII)
- 8 U.S.C. § 1227, deportation after a conviction (Cornell LII)
- 18 U.S.C. § 922, gun possession after a felony (Cornell LII)
- Wex: first degree murder explained (Cornell LII)
The charges
Our approach to a murder charge
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 murder 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
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.
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 85003Mesa 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 85210Southeast 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. § 13-1105, First degree murder; classification
- A.R.S. § 13-751, Sentence of death or life imprisonment; aggravating and mitigating circumstances; definition
- A.R.S. § 13-752, Sentences of death, life imprisonment or natural life; imposition; sentencing proceedings; definitions
- A.R.S. § 13-501, Persons under eighteen years of age; felony charging; definitions
- A.R.S. § 13-107, Time limitations
- A.R.S. § 13-3961, Offenses not bailable; purpose; preconviction; exceptions
- A.R.S. § 13-706, Serious, violent or aggravated offenders; sentencing; life imprisonment; definitions
- A.R.S. § 13-911, Sealing of arrest, conviction and sentencing records; requirements; fee; appeal; definition
- A.R.S. § 13-3101, Definitions
Common questions
Mesa felony murder questions
Felony murder covers a death caused by the accused "or another person" during a listed felony. The State need not show your son caused the death or wanted anyone to die. It must prove he committed or attempted the underlying felony, so his knowledge, his agreement and his own conduct become the heart of the case. He should not discuss any of it with Mesa detectives unless a lawyer is there.
It can. After a death notice, the statute allows death, natural life or life for felony murder. The Capital Review Committee reviews first degree murder cases and recommends to the County Attorney whether to seek death. Information about a limited role, age, health and background can be gathered early for prosecutors to weigh. Death is not available for anyone under 18 at the time.
That depends on the charge and the evidence. Section 13-3961(A)(1) denies bail for a capital offense when the proof is evident or the presumption great, and § 13-3961(C) puts the first decision at the initial appearance. Whether that bar fits a given case is argued in court, and release can be raised again later. Any secured bond must be paid in person at the Fourth Avenue Jail.
No. Talks with co-defendants, their relatives or witnesses can be recorded, misread or later offered as evidence. If a release order names any of them, contact can also cost someone their release. Keep the case off social media, and if someone reaches out, do not engage; note what was said and tell your lawyer.
Felony Murder Lawyer in Mesa, AZ
When detectives want a statement
Call (480) 405-6767. Phone us, rather than writing through the form, when a relative is held for ITR or a Homicide Unit detective has asked to talk.
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.