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 trafficking in stolen property defense
Trafficking in Stolen Property Lawyer in Mesa, AZ
The paperwork tells a story. We read all of it.
A Mesa trafficking case usually begins with a sale rather than a theft: a drill set at a pawn counter, a bike handed off after a marketplace chat, a load of copper at a scrap yard. Weeks or months later a detective calls to say the item was reported stolen and asks how it came to you.
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
The charges
The Mesa paper trail behind a trafficking charge
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.
Most of these cases run through one Mesa Police unit. Recovered Property and Pawn inspects pawnshops for compliance with state and city rules, investigates stolen property connected to pawn activity, recovers stolen guns and other items, and reviews the transaction reports that pawnshops, auction houses, scrap metal yards and secondhand dealers send in. Each Mesa pawnshop gets at least one unannounced inspection a year, and the city's job description has its investigators log those transactions in a database and check them for stolen property.
Victims supply the other half of a match. The unit asks owners to send in serial numbers found after the first report on a mail-in form, and notes that engraved, monogrammed or otherwise distinctive jewelry is far easier to recover than plain pieces. A serial number added long after a burglary can tie an old pawn ticket to a new report, which is why a detective's call can come so late.
Not every item stays behind a counter: after the holding period, the page says, many shops sell through online marketplaces or liquidators, and private sales leave listings, chats and payment records behind.
The same page draws a civil line. Property that was loaned or rented and then pawned is treated as generally civil, even where the rental contract banned pawning, and the page says police will not enforce where ownership itself is in dispute.
Both degrees of trafficking are felonies. After an arrest, the person is taken out of the Mesa Police holding facility and into the county's intake center on 28th Drive, where Rule 4.1 sets 24 hours for the initial appearance. A County Attorney prosecutor makes the charging call, Superior Court hears the case downtown, and your notice names the building. Felony diversion under the County Attorney's policy covers class 4 to 6 felonies, so class 3 and class 2 trafficking sit outside it as charged.
The law
What A.R.S. § 13-2307 and its companion sections say
Section 13-2307 creates two degrees and no dollar tiers.
Second degree, class 3Recklessly trafficking in stolen property that belongs to someone else (§ 13-2307(A), (C)).
First degree, class 2Knowingly taking on one of the roles the statute lists, from initiating and planning to financing and supervising, for both the theft and the trafficking (§ 13-2307(B), (C)).
Trafficking, under § 13-2301(B)(3), means handing stolen property on to another person, whether by selling, transferring or otherwise disposing of it, or getting or holding it with that goal.
Property counts as stolen if it belonged to another and was unlawfully taken in any manner (§ 13-2301(B)(2)).
Recklessness is consciously ignoring a substantialRecklessness is consciously ignoring a substantial, unjustifiable risk you are aware of, where ignoring it grossly departs from reasonable conduct (§ 13-105(10)(c)).
The inference statute, § 13-2305, lists three circumstances that may let a jury find you were aware of the risk, unless they are satisfactorily explained: possessing recently stolen goods, buying or selling at a price far under fair market value, and a deal by a dealer in property (someone who buys and sells property as a business, § 13-2301(B)(1)) made outside its regular course of business or without the usual signs of ownership. Controlling someone else's property you know, or have reason to know, was stolen is theft under § 13-1802(A)(5); it is graded by value (§ 13-1802(G)), and the same inferences reach it (§ 13-1802(D)).
Under § 13-702(D), the first-offense range is 2 to 8.75 years for class 3 (presumptive 3.5) and 3 to 12.5 years for class 2 (presumptive 5). Probation is available to someone eligible (§ 13-901(A)), for up to five years at class 3 and seven at class 2 (§ 13-902(A)), and restitution covers the owner's full economic loss (§ 13-603(C)).
Trafficking in Stolen Property Lawyer in Mesa, AZ
Where a Mesa trafficking defense focuses
Avoiding jail is not the same as avoiding a conviction. Any felony conviction makes you a prohibited possessor under § 13-3101(A)(7)(b), and 18 U.S.C. § 922(g) adds a federal bar. A class 2 or 3 felony can be sealed only ten years after the nonmonetary terms end and the court discharges you (§ 13-911(E)(1)). Work in pawn, resale or scrap may suffer, and noncitizens should get advice on 8 U.S.C. § 1227(a)(2) first.
Identifying the item
The State has to show this item, not one like it, was taken; unmarked goods and an owner's uncertain description make that harder.
Selling versus keeping
Without a sale, a transfer or a plan for one, there is no trafficking, though theft by control may still be charged.
The price and the seller
A market price, a seller who looked like the owner, and a receipt or bill of sale can explain the deal under § 13-2305.
Civil or criminal
Mesa Police's own pawn guidance calls loans, rentals and ownership disputes generally civil.
The first degree role
Leading both the theft and the resale is different from reselling, and the State must prove the leading.
The investigation
Warrants for phones and storage units, undercover buys and recorded statements are all reviewed.
The law
Sources: Arizona statutes and Cornell Law School
Statutes relied on above, then Cornell entries.
- § 13-2307, trafficking in stolen property (azleg.gov)
- § 13-2301, traffic, stolen property and dealer defined (azleg.gov)
- § 13-2305, permissible inferences (azleg.gov)
- § 13-105, recklessness defined (azleg.gov)
- § 13-1802, theft by control of stolen property (azleg.gov)
- § 13-702, first offense prison ranges (azleg.gov)
- § 13-901, probation eligibility (azleg.gov)
- § 13-902, how long probation can last (azleg.gov)
- § 13-603, repaying the owner's loss (azleg.gov)
- § 13-3101, prohibited possessors (azleg.gov)
- § 13-911, the ten-year sealing wait (azleg.gov)
- Wex: receiving stolen property (Cornell LII)
- 18 U.S.C. § 922, unlawful firearm possession (Cornell LII)
- 8 U.S.C. § 1227, deportable offenses (Cornell LII)
Trafficking in Stolen Property 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 case have time to actually watch the video and read the reports line by line. We take trafficking 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.
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 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 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. § 13-2307, Trafficking in stolen property; classification
- A.R.S. § 13-2301, Definitions
- A.R.S. § 13-105, Definitions
- A.R.S. § 13-1802, Theft; classification; definitions
- A.R.S. § 13-702, First time felony offenders; sentencing; definition
- A.R.S. § 13-901, Probation
- A.R.S. § 13-902, Periods of probation; monitoring; fees
- A.R.S. § 13-603, Authorized disposition of offenders
- A.R.S. § 13-3101, Definitions
- A.R.S. § 13-911, Sealing of arrest, conviction and sentencing records; requirements; fee; appeal; definition
Common questions
Mesa trafficking in stolen property questions
Say little until you have advice. The ticket proves you brought the item in, not that you knew or suspected it was stolen, and the detective's questions are likely aimed at that gap. Gather receipts, messages with the person you got it from and payment records, and let a lawyer handle the reply.
Only if the State can prove trafficking, meaning a sale or transfer, or a plan for one, plus recklessness about where the item came from. A purchase for your own use is not trafficking, though it can be charged as theft if you had reason to know it was stolen. An ordinary price and a seller with a history help answer the inferences.
Only after a change of charge. If the evidence shows the item was simply kept, with nothing sold or planned, the charge may fit theft by controlling stolen property, graded by value; below $1,000 that is generally a class 1 misdemeanor, and a Mesa Police case of that kind goes to the City Prosecutor. The prosecutor decides whether to amend.
Good records. The inference statute targets a dealer whose purchase falls outside the regular course of business or lacks the usual indicia of ownership, unless satisfactorily explained. Consistent intake forms, seller identification, fair pricing and turning away doubtful items can be that explanation. Talk with a lawyer before handing records to a detective.
Trafficking in Stolen Property Lawyer in Mesa, AZ
A pawn hold or a seized item? Call first
Call (480) 405-6767 if an item you sold is on hold, police have seized something, or a detective has left a message.
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.”
★★★★★
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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.