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 negligent homicide defense
Negligent Homicide Lawyer in Mesa, AZ
Before any interview, talk to a lawyer.
Most people accused of negligent homicide in Mesa never imagined facing a criminal charge: a driver after a crash, a parent after an accident at home, a supervisor after a death at work. The State does not claim anyone meant to cause a death, but it is still a felony, and what you say in the first days can shape whether you are charged.
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
Negligent Homicide Lawyer in Mesa, AZ
How Mesa negligent homicide cases begin
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.
Who investigates depends on where and how the death happened. For a crash on a Mesa street, the police Traffic Section is the likely home: it lists Vehicular Crimes detectives, and some of its motor officers assist those investigations. A collision on US-60, Loop 202 or another freeway through the city is generally investigated by state troopers instead. Deaths away from the road can go to the Homicide Unit, whose published case list names drownings, workplace deaths from industrial accidents, unusual accidental or natural deaths, and the deaths of children and infants.
The county Medical Examiner decides in each case whether toxicology is needed, and its report often sits next to the reconstruction, the car's recorded data and any blood test.
Many of these cases begin without handcuffs. The report goes to the Maricopa County Attorney, which the Mesa City Prosecutor's page names as the office for felonies from the city. There, a reviewing attorney may bring charges, decline, refer the matter or ask for further investigation. Crash cases generally land with the Vehicular Crimes Bureau, whose lawyers also assist officers at fatal crash scenes around the clock. If there is an arrest, Mesa Police transfers the person from its holding facility to the county's intake center in Phoenix, where Rule 4.1 sets a 24-hour limit for the first appearance.
A separate citation can arrive too. Mesa Municipal Court requires a personal appearance on criminal traffic and misdemeanor charges, and its ticket page says defensive driving school is not available to anyone involved in a serious injury or fatal accident.
The felony itself is heard downtown in Superior Court; confirm the building on your current notice. Do not contact the family of the person who died, the other drivers, passengers or witnesses, even with an apology, and keep the event off social media.
The law
What § 13-1102 requires
Under A.R.S. § 13-1102(A), a person commits negligent homicide by causing another person's death, including an unborn child's, with criminal negligence. It is a class 4 felony (§ 13-1102(C)). For an unborn child, § 13-1102(B) excludes consented abortions, medical treatment and the child's mother.
Criminal negligence, under § 13-105(10)(d), means failing to perceive a substantial and unjustifiable risk where that failure is a gross deviation from the care a reasonable person would use. Ordinary carelessness does not meet that standard. Being aware of the risk and consciously disregarding it is recklessness instead (§ 13-105(10)(c)), the mental state for manslaughter under § 13-1103(A)(1), a class 2 felony.
If the State alleges a dangerous offense, for example by calling a vehicle a dangerous instrument (§ 13-105(12)), a first offense carries 4 to 8 years with 6 presumptive (§ 13-704(A)) and no probation except as § 13-704(G) allows. Without that allegation, § 13-702(D) sets a first offense range running from 1 year mitigated to 3.75 aggravated, with 2.5 presumptive, and probation may be possible; for a class 4 felony it can last as long as four years unless terminated early (§ 13-902(A)(3)).
A related misdemeanor exists for some crashes. Under § 28-672, committing one of the listed moving violations, when it results in an accident causing serious physical injury or death, is a class 1 misdemeanor (§ 28-672(I)). A first violation involving a death requires the court to have MVD suspend or restrict driving privileges for between 180 days and one year (§ 28-672(C)(1)), plus completion of traffic survival school (§ 28-672(B)). That charge must be brought within two years after discovery (§ 28-672(H)); negligent homicide, a homicide under § 13-1101(2), has no deadline (§ 13-107(A)).
Negligent Homicide Lawyer in Mesa, AZ
What we examine in a Mesa negligent homicide case
Avoiding jail is not the same as avoiding a conviction. Once a conviction for a homicide resulting from driving is final, MVD must revoke the license (§ 28-3304(A)(1)). Negligent homicide is not on the serious offense list in § 13-706(F)(1), so a non-dangerous conviction may later be set aside under § 13-905 or sealed under § 13-911, with a five-year wait for a class 4 felony that starts once the sentence's nonmonetary terms are done and the court discharges the person (§ 13-911(E)(2)). A set-aside is unavailable for a dangerous offense or a victim under fifteen (§ 13-905(P)). The felony also brings Arizona's prohibited possessor status until rights are restored (§ 13-3101(A)(7)(b)) and the bar in 18 U.S.C. § 922(g)(1), and 8 U.S.C. § 1227(a)(2) makes noncitizens deportable for certain convictions.
The gross deviation question
We ask what a careful person in the same spot would really have noticed, looking at speed, visibility, signals, lighting, weather, supervision and timing.
The chain of causation
Another driver's choices, the design of a road or a piece of equipment, a mechanical failure, or the medical cause of death may break the link the State has to prove.
Independent reconstruction
We can send the vehicle's recorded crash data, scene measurements, video and phone records to a reconstruction expert we select.
Any impairment claim
When the State points to alcohol or drugs, we examine when and how blood was drawn and how the lab handled it.
Whether a lesser charge fits
Facts that match § 28-672, or a dangerous allegation the State cannot prove, can reshape the whole case.
The law
Sources: Arizona statutes and Cornell Law School
The statutes behind this page, at their official sources.
- § 13-1102, the negligent homicide statute (azleg.gov)
- § 13-105, the negligence and recklessness definitions (azleg.gov)
- § 13-1103, reckless manslaughter compared (azleg.gov)
- § 13-704, dangerous felony terms (azleg.gov)
- § 13-702, first offense felony ranges (azleg.gov)
- § 13-902, probation length by felony class (azleg.gov)
- § 28-672, the moving violation misdemeanor (azleg.gov)
- § 13-1101, what counts as homicide (azleg.gov)
- § 13-107, deadlines for bringing charges (azleg.gov)
- § 28-3304, revocation after a driving homicide (azleg.gov)
- § 13-706, the serious offense list (azleg.gov)
- § 13-905, setting aside a judgment (azleg.gov)
- § 13-911, sealing petitions and waits (azleg.gov)
- § 13-3101, firearm rights after a felony (azleg.gov)
- Wex: vehicular homicide (Cornell LII)
- Wex: manslaughter and its degrees (Cornell LII)
- 8 U.S.C. § 1227, deportable offenses (Cornell LII)
- 18 U.S.C. § 922, firearm possession under federal law (Cornell LII)
Negligent Homicide Lawyer in Mesa, AZ
Defense for a death no one intended
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 homicide 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. § 13-105, Definitions
- A.R.S. § 13-704, Dangerous offenders; sentencing
- A.R.S. § 13-702, First time felony offenders; sentencing; definition
- A.R.S. § 13-902, Periods of probation; monitoring; fees
- A.R.S. § 13-1101, Definitions
- A.R.S. § 13-107, Time limitations
- A.R.S. § 13-706, Serious, violent or aggravated offenders; sentencing; life imprisonment; definitions
- A.R.S. § 13-905, Setting aside judgment of convicted person on discharge; application; release from disabilities
- 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 negligent homicide questions
Talk to a lawyer first. Mesa Municipal Court requires an appearance on criminal traffic charges, and its ticket page says defensive driving school is not available after a fatal accident. A ticket and a later felony review can involve the same facts, so how the citation is resolved deserves a plan that looks at both.
Sometimes. Negligent homicide is always a class 4 felony, but § 28-672 makes causing death by certain listed moving violations a class 1 misdemeanor, with a court-directed suspension or restriction of driving privileges and traffic survival school. Whether that charge fits depends on the violation and the evidence, and no one can promise the State will accept it.
If you are convicted of a homicide resulting from driving and the conviction becomes final, § 28-3304(A)(1) requires MVD to revoke your license. A first § 28-672 conviction involving a death instead brings a suspension or restriction lasting from 180 days to one year. We go over the license consequences of any proposed plea before you decide.
In Mesa, the Homicide Unit's published case list includes drownings, child and infant deaths, industrial accidents and accidental deaths with unusual circumstances, so its detectives may respond even when no crime is suspected. If they ask for a recorded interview or access to your phone or home, speak with a lawyer before agreeing.
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.”
★★★★★
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★★★★★
“…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.