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 release and bond
Release and Bond Lawyer in Mesa, AZ
Release terms are set fast. They can be revisited.
Someone you love may have been arrested in Mesa, and you are waiting to hear whether they can come home. Or you left a morning hearing holding a release order you barely read. Either way, the bond and the conditions are set fast, and afterward only a court can change them.
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
Release and Bond Lawyer in Mesa, AZ
Two release tracks after a Mesa arrest
Where it is decided
At the first appearance, within 24 hours of an arrest. On a felony, that is the jail court at 2670 S. 28th Dr. in Phoenix.
The law
A.R.S. § 13-3967 lists the release conditions a judge can set.
Paying a bond
County bonds are paid at the Fourth Avenue Jail, 201 S. 4th Ave., Phoenix. Mesa city bonds are paid at Mesa Municipal Court during business hours.
Changing terms
A request to change release terms goes to the court that has the case.
Which judge sets release depends on the charge. A person held by Mesa Police on a City of Mesa misdemeanor stays at the department's holding facility until a Mesa Municipal Court judge holds the initial appearance, every morning including weekends and holidays. According to the City Prosecutor, that judge decides between release on the person's own recognizance and a bond and may add terms of release, and the alleged victim, notified by Mesa Police, may attend and speak about safety and contact. The holding facility's line, 480-644-2323, gives instructions for joining the hearing virtually.
Every other arrest follows the county track. Felony suspects and people wanted by other agencies are processed in Mesa and taken to the Sheriff's Intake, Transfer and Release facility (ITR) in Phoenix, whose Initial Appearance Court is open daily. Adult Probation's Initial Appearance Unit first hands the judge a criminal history and a Public Safety Assessment, which estimates the risk of a new offense and of missing court. Rule 4.1 allows no more than 24 hours from arrest to either first hearing.
County release often means supervision. Pretrial Services officers from Adult Probation oversee terms such as alcohol and drug testing, stay-away orders for the scene, no-contact orders protecting alleged victims and ankle monitors.
Posting money also differs by track. A Mesa bond goes to Mesa Municipal Court during business hours or to police headquarters on Hibbert after hours and on weekends, and the city takes cash, major credit cards or a bail bond agent's bond. A person arrested on a warrant that lists a bond must still see an initial appearance judge, unless the bond was paid through the municipal court. A county bond is accepted only in person at the Fourth Avenue Jail's Bond and Fine Room in Phoenix, and the Superior Court warns that release can take up to a day after payment.
Anyone the Mesa judge orders held is housed at CoreCivic in Florence; county detainees stay in the Sheriff's jails.
The law
What Arizona's release statutes require
Release is the default. A person charged with an offense that is bailable as a matter of right must be released before trial, either on recognizance or on bail, with the amount fixed by the judge (A.R.S. § 13-3967(A)). Among the factors the judge weighs are the alleged victim's views, the charge and the strength of the evidence, any danger to others, a domestic violence risk assessment if one is offered, family ties and employment, past record and court attendance (§ 13-3967(B)). The information presented need not satisfy the rules of evidence (§ 13-3967(H)).
Conditions. After notice to the victim, the judge may add conditions such as supervision, limits on travel, associates or residence, a refundable deposit, a ban on deadly weapons, alcohol or certain drugs, or check-ins with a court officer (§ 13-3967(D)). Every felony release requires good behavior, and the judge may revoke it on probable cause of any offense committed while out (§ 13-3967(C)). Monitoring where available and a ban on all contact with the victim are required for felonies under chapter 14 or 35.1 or § 13-3212, and for a felony domestic violence offense causing physical harm (§ 13-3967(E)). A domestic violence release order must also carry the terms needed to protect the alleged victim (§ 13-3601(I)).
The order and later changes. The release order lists each condition, and the judge must explain the penalties and warn that a violation can lead to an immediate warrant (§ 13-3967(F)). The order may be amended at any time, including raising or lowering bail, and the defendant has a right to a review on application, with reasonable notice to the county attorney and the victim (§ 13-3967(G)).
Bail denied. When the proof is evident or the presumption great, § 13-3961(A) bars bail for capital offenses, sexual assault, certain age-defined child sex charges and certain serious felonies involving unlawful presence in the United States; the initial appearance judge decides that question first (§ 13-3961(C)). For other felonies the State can request detention, which requires clear and convincing proof of danger or a listed violent offense, no conditions that would reasonably protect others, and proof evident or presumption great (§ 13-3961(D)). Case law also shapes how these categories apply.
Violations on a felony. A prosecutor's verified application can lead to a warrant and a superior court hearing; a willful breach may bring different or added conditions, and probable cause of a new felony may end release altogether (§ 13-3968).
Our approach
How we work on a Mesa release
Prepare for the first hearing
A family that calls before the hearing can give us pay stubs, a lease, caregiving duties and past court attendance, the details § 13-3967(B) puts in front of the judge. The city's in-custody notice indicates that private attorneys can join the Friday through Sunday and holiday sessions.
Ask the Mesa court for a change
Per the City Prosecutor's office, a defendant requests new release terms by a motion emailed to the court; the alleged victim may tell the Victim Services Unit whether contact or a return home is acceptable; the prosecutor says whether it opposes; the judge decides.
Answer a violation claim
Under § 13-3968, the question is whether a breach was willful, so the exact wording of the order and the instructions given matter.
Follow the terms in the meantime
If the protected person reaches out, do not respond; keep the message for us.
The law
Sources: Arizona statutes and Cornell Law School
Release and Bond Lawyer in Mesa, AZ
Release work by a former prosecutor
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 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.
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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.
Fourth Avenue Jail, Bond and Fine Room
Bonds and warrant amounts are paid here, at any hour.
201 S. 4th Ave., 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 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. § 13-3967, Release on bailable offenses before trial; definition
- A.R.S. § 13-3961, Offenses not bailable; purpose; preconviction; exceptions
- A.R.S. § 13-3968, Violation of conditions of release; hearing
- A.R.S. § 13-3601, Domestic violence; definition; classification; sentencing option; arrest and procedure for violation
Common questions
Mesa release and bond questions
Within 24 hours of the arrest, under Rule 4.1. A City of Mesa misdemeanor goes to a Mesa Municipal Court judge's in-custody session, held every morning, weekends and holidays included. Felonies and other agencies' charges go to the county's Initial Appearance Court at ITR in Phoenix, which is open daily. At either hearing the judge can release on recognizance, set a bond or keep the person in custody.
That depends on the court. A Mesa city bond is paid at the 1st Avenue courthouse during business hours or at police headquarters on Hibbert at other times. A county bond for someone at ITR is accepted only in person at the Fourth Avenue Jail's Bond and Fine Room downtown, never through an app or a text link.
Yes, but only by the judge. The request goes to Mesa Municipal Court as a motion; the alleged victim can give a view through the City Prosecutor's Victim Services Unit, and the prosecutor tells the judge whether it objects. Until a new order is signed, the original term controls, whoever initiates contact, and breaking it can mean a warrant and a new charge.
Expect a warrant for failure to appear. The court's warrants page tells people with an outstanding warrant to take a number at the Customer Service counter, and warrants that are not about unpaid fines are cleared by going before a judge. Posted money can be lost too. If a conflict is coming, call a lawyer before the date.
Release and Bond Lawyer in Mesa, AZ
Held in Mesa or released with conditions?
Call (480) 405-6767. Tell us the bond amount, the court and any condition that keeps someone from home, work or family.
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.”
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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.