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 85210
Mesa record sealing and set-asides
Record Sealing and Set-Aside Lawyer in Mesa, AZ
Get the first petition right.
An old Mesa case has a way of resurfacing: a citation from a long night on Main Street, a plea at the 1st Avenue courthouse you would rather forget, an arrest that never became a charge at all. Years later it appears on a background check for a job, an apartment or a license, and it can feel as though the case never really ended.
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
Record Sealing and Set-Aside Lawyer in Mesa, AZ
Where an old Mesa case is kept, and where the petition goes
Sealing
Petitions to seal records are filed under A.R.S. § 13-911.
Set-aside
A conviction can be set aside under A.R.S. § 13-905 after the sentence is complete.
City cases
Filed with Mesa Municipal Court, 250 E. 1st Ave.
County cases
Filed with the Clerk of the Superior Court, 175 W. Madison St., 12th Floor, Phoenix.
Arizona gives three separate tools for an old record, and they are not interchangeable. A § 13-905 set-aside sets aside the judgment of guilt and dismisses the charge, but the record stays public with a note that it was set aside. Sealing under A.R.S. § 13-911 takes the case records out of public access. Expungement under A.R.S. § 36-2862 exists only for certain marijuana offenses; outside marijuana, Arizona has no general expungement statute. Many people pursue a set-aside and sealing for the same case.
For a city misdemeanor, the petition goes back to the court that handled it, which for a Mesa Police case is usually Mesa Municipal Court, 250 E. 1st Ave. The court's forms page carries what a Mesa petitioner needs: a Criminal Application to Set Aside Judgment captioned for Mesa Municipal Court and addressed to the judge who pronounced sentence or imposed probation, or that judge's successor; a Petition to Seal Criminal Record, which is the Arizona Supreme Court's statewide form; a Petition to Expunge Marijuana Related Offense Records with a Mesa caption; and an Application for Certificate of Second Chance. The forms page itself gives no filing instructions, so confirm the method with the court at 480-644-2255 before you send anything.
Not every Mesa-area case was a city case. A misdemeanor written by DPS on a freeway, or by the Sheriff's Office in a county island, may have been heard in the East Mesa, West Mesa, North Mesa or Highland Justice Court on Javelina Avenue, and that court is where its petition belongs. A felony from a Mesa arrest was a Superior Court case, and the Superior Court's sealing packet says a conviction petition belongs in the court where you were convicted; a person who appealed from a limited jurisdiction court also needs a petition in Superior Court.
Cases that never produced a conviction follow their own routing. The statewide sealing form says that where no charges were brought but you had an initial appearance, the petition goes to the court where that appearance was held, and that where you were arrested with no initial appearance and no charges, it goes to the superior court in the county of arrest. A dismissed case goes to the court where the charge was brought.
Building the petition usually means gathering records first. The Mesa Police Criminal Justice Information Division, the central repository for the department's police reports, is working temporarily from 59 S. Hibbert and offers an online request portal and a certified Mesa Adult Arrest Record Search. The court has a records request form and an online case lookup at ecourt.mesaaz.gov. The sealing form strongly encourages attaching a certificate of absolute discharge or an order of discharge, and the marijuana form warns that the arresting agency cannot expunge its records unless you identify it.
One Mesa detail is easy to miss. The court's public defender page says that a public defender does not represent you in vacating or expunging a conviction, and it points instead to the set-aside form. If an appointed lawyer handled your original Mesa case, the petition is still yours to bring.
Your record
Record relief we handle for Mesa clients
Set-AsidesSet-asides of Mesa convictions, available once you have fulfilled the conditions of probation or sentence and been discharged, subject to four statutory exclusions such as dangerous offenses. Details: Set-Asides.Sealing a Mesa conviction after the waiting period, counted from dischargeImmediately for a petty offense, two years for a class 2 or 3 misdemeanor, three years for a class 1 misdemeanor, five years for a class 4, 5 or 6 felony, ten years for a class 2 or 3 felony. Every fine, fee and restitution amount must be paid when the petition is brought. Details: Record Sealing.
Dismissed chargesDismissed charges, not guilty verdicts, and Mesa arrests that never led to charges, which can be sealed without the conviction waiting periods.
Marijuana expungement in Mesa Municipal Court for listed older offenses2.5 ounces or less with no more than 12.5 grams of concentrate, six or fewer plants at a primary residence for personal use, and marijuana paraphernalia. Details: Marijuana Expungement.Certificates of Second ChanceCertificates of Second Chance, including a later application where a Mesa set-aside order did not include one.
Mesa DUIMesa DUI records, which are not on either exclusion list but still count as a prior after either remedy. See Mesa DUI.DV-designated Mesa convictionsThe designation is not itself a bar; eligibility turns on the underlying offense, and victim notice can bring an objection.Firearm rightsA set-aside restores the Arizona right to possess a firearm except after a serious offense, and federal law has its own rules.The full comparison of the three remedies, the sealing exclusions and the 2024 changes are on our Arizona record sealing and set-asides page at Record Sealing & Set-Asides.
Record Sealing and Set-Aside Lawyer in Mesa, AZ
From the old case number to a signed order
Find the case
Before anything is drafted we confirm the court, the case number, the arresting agency, the disposition and the discharge date, since an older Mesa case is often remembered by the night rather than the paperwork.
Clear what is owed
For sealing, everything the court ordered you to pay has to be paid at the time the petition is brought; an unpaid balance blocks the petition rather than pausing the clock. Mesa's set-aside application asks the same question in its own words, whether you complied with every term of the sentence, including probation, classes, community restitution, victim restitution and other monetary obligations.
The set-aside application
The judge weighs the factors listed in § 13-905(C): the nature of the offense, your compliance with probation, any prior or later convictions, the victim's input and the status of restitution, the time since you completed the sentence, your age at conviction, and anything else relevant. If the State or the victim objects within thirty days, the court may set a hearing, and a denial must be explained in writing and on the record. On a misdemeanor, a granted order includes a Certificate of Second Chance, and Mesa's form notes it must do so if you have not received one before.
The sealing petition
The prosecutor receives a copy and may respond and ask for a hearing, and a victim who requested postconviction notice must be told and may be heard. The court cannot rule until sixty days after receiving the petition unless the prosecutor and those victims say they do not object, and without a hearing request it may decide on the papers. The court also requests a Department of Public Safety report of your arrests and convictions, which we check for errors. The statutory standard is whether granting relief is "in the best interests of the petitioner and the public's safety," so the petition should make that case.
The marijuana petition
The prosecuting agency has thirty days to respond, a hearing can be held on request or where facts are genuinely disputed, and the court must grant the petition unless the State proves ineligibility by clear and convincing evidence.
If a petition fails
A denied sealing petition cannot be brought again for three years, which is the strongest reason to get the first one right.
Where we practice
Where the old case happened decides the court
A Mesa Police case from Main Street downtown, the Fiesta District, Riverview or Superstition Springs was most likely a city case, and its petition goes to 1st Avenue. A DPS stop on US-60 or Loop 202 may have been sent to a justice court in the Javelina Avenue building instead, and the suite on the old paperwork points to the right one. A call from a county island inside Mesa's borders could have been a Sheriff's Office case in the same justice court building. A felony was a Superior Court case even when the arrest was in Dobson Ranch or Las Sendas, and an arrest that never reached any court is routed under the statewide form's no-charges rule.
Record Sealing and Set-Aside Lawyer in Mesa, 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 matter have time to read the old court record and the background report line by line before a petition goes in. 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. Mesa clients meet us at the Camelback office 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.
Clerk of the Superior Court, criminal filing counter
Where petitions in county cases are filed. South Court Tower, 12th Floor.
175 W. Madison St., 12th Floor, 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. § 13-911, Sealing of arrest, conviction and sentencing records; requirements; fee; appeal; definition
- A.R.S. § 36-2862, Expungement; petition; appeal; dismissal of complaints; rules
Common questions
Mesa record sealing questions
Back to Mesa Municipal Court, 250 E. 1st Ave. The court posts a set-aside application addressed to the judge who sentenced you or that judge's successor, the statewide petition to seal, a marijuana expungement petition and a Certificate of Second Chance application. Confirm the current submission method with the court at 480-644-2255. If DPS or the Sheriff's Office wrote the original report, check whether the case was actually in a justice court on Javelina Avenue.
You can usually petition now. Section 13-911 covers dismissed charges, not guilty verdicts and arrests that never led to charges, and the conviction waiting periods do not apply to those groups. The petition goes to the court where the charge was brought. If you were arrested but never charged, it goes to the court where you had an initial appearance, or, with no initial appearance, to the superior court in the county of the arrest.
Generally, a Mesa DUI is eligible for both. DUI is not on the set-aside exclusion list or the sealing exclusion list. Two limits remain: a set-aside does not undo penalties imposed by the Department of Transportation, such as an ignition interlock requirement, and neither remedy stops the DUI from counting as a prior if there is ever another DUI charge. An aggravated DUI involving serious physical injury raises a separate question.
Not according to Mesa Municipal Court. Its public defender page says a public defender does not represent you in vacating or expunging a conviction, and it points to the court's set-aside form instead. You can bring the application yourself or have a lawyer prepare it. Because the judge weighs factors such as your compliance, later history and time since the case, a supported application can say much more than the checkboxes.
It may be. Arizona's expungement statute covers older possession of 2.5 ounces or less, with no more than 12.5 grams of concentrate, up to six plants at a primary residence for personal use, and marijuana paraphernalia. Mesa Municipal Court posts its own petition, and its instructions say to bring it in the court that resolved the case, naming the arresting agency. The State must prove ineligibility by clear and convincing evidence.
You must wait three years from the date of the denial before bringing a new one under § 13-911(L). That is the practical reason to treat the first petition as the only one: confirm eligibility and payment status, review the background report, and show what has changed since the case. A denial of a set-aside is a separate matter, and the court must give its reasons in writing.
Possibly. Mesa Municipal Court posts an Application for Certificate of Second Chance for a person whose earlier set-aside order did not include one. The form says a misdemeanor applicant may apply immediately, while a class 4, 5 or 6 felony requires two years after fulfilling the conditions of probation or sentence and a class 2 or 3 felony requires five. A person who already received a certificate on a felony set-aside cannot receive a second.
Record Sealing and Set-Aside Lawyer in Mesa, AZ
Ask us whether you are eligible yet
Phone (480) 405-6767. Bring whatever you still have from the old case, even a citation or a release form, and we will work from there.
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.
Courts and offices: Mesa Municipal Court, 250 E. 1st Ave., Mesa, AZ 85210, 480-644-2255 (Monday to Thursday, 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.; public parking garage at 30 S. Pomeroy). Mesa Police Criminal Justice Information Division (records), temporary location 59 S. Hibbert, Mesa, AZ 85210, 480-644-2310 (Monday to Thursday, 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.). Southeast Justice Center, 222 E. Javelina Ave., Mesa, AZ 85210 (Highland, North Mesa, East Mesa and West Mesa Justice Courts, Suites A to D). Maricopa County Superior Court: Central Court Building, 201 W. Jefferson St., and South Court Tower, 175 W. Madison St., Phoenix, AZ 85003.
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.”
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“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.”
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“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.”
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“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.”
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“…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.”
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“Helpful and clear direction in a time of uncertainty. Highly recommended.”
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“Ryan Tait was amazing and really helpful. I would recommend him.”
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“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.”
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“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…”
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“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.”
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“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!”
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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.”
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★★★★★
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★★★★★
“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!”
★★★★★
“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.