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
Phoenix aggravated harassment defense
Aggravated Harassment Lawyer in Phoenix, AZ
Release terms come first. The defense comes right after.
An aggravated harassment arrest in Phoenix usually traces back to a piece of paper: an order an officer handed you, an injunction someone had served, or a no-contact term set at your first appearance. A message sent while it was in force is now treated as a felony, and you may not know which order the State is relying on.
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
How this charge reaches a Phoenix courtroom
First court date
Within 24 hours of an arrest, at the jail court at 2670 S. 28th Dr., where release conditions are set.
Misdemeanor
The City Prosecutor brings it in Phoenix Municipal Court, 300 W. Washington St.
Felony
The County Attorney brings it in Superior Court downtown, 201 W. Jefferson St. or 175 W. Madison St.
Other agencies
A DPS or Sheriff's case can go to one of the justice courts in Phoenix instead.
Two Phoenix Police units handle follow-up. The Assaults Unit, in the Violent Crimes Bureau, lists non-DV harassment and aggravated harassment among its cases; between partners, relatives or household members, the Domestic Violence Unit investigates domestic related crimes, court order violations among them.
The order behind the charge often comes from the city court's Protective Order Center, where petitions start in person or online through AZPOINT. The court assigns service of an order of protection to the law enforcement agency closest to the defendant's address; for an injunction against harassment, the person who obtained it arranges service. Until an officer or a process server delivers it, the court treats the order as not valid.
For nights and weekends, A.R.S. § 13-3624(A) has the presiding judge of the Superior Court keep a judicial officer on call by telephone for emergency orders of protection, and the Phoenix Police victim pamphlet says the department can obtain one while the courts are closed. Such an order expires seven calendar days after it issues unless a court continues it (§ 13-3624(E)).
Booking leads to an initial appearance at Intake, Transfer and Release, the county facility on 28th Drive, inside the 24 hours that Rule 4.1 allows. The judge setting release must take into account the views of the alleged victim (A.R.S. § 13-3967(B)(1)), and a term barring all contact begins that day.
Plain harassment is a class 1 misdemeanor (A.R.S. § 13-2921(C)), and a Phoenix Police report of one is generally sent to the City Prosecutor upstairs in the municipal courthouse. Add an aggravating circumstance and the case generally moves to the County Attorney, with hearings in the downtown Superior Court complex. Confirm the building on your current notice.
The law
Elements and classes under A.R.S. § 13-2921.01
The State has to prove harassment plus one aggravating circumstance.
Harassment, A.R.S. § 13-2921(A). Knowingly and repeatedly committing acts that harass someone, or knowingly committing one listed act in a manner that harasses. Listed acts include contacting or causing a communication by verbal, electronic, mechanical, telegraphic, telephonic or written means, surveilling, and following someone in a public place after being asked to desist.
The harassment standardThe harassment standard, § 13-2921(E). Conduct aimed at a specific person that would seriously alarm, annoy, humiliate or mentally distress a reasonable person, and that actually does.
The aggravating circumstanceThe aggravating circumstance, § 13-2921.01(A). At the time: (1) a served, valid order of protection, injunction against harassment or other criminal-related injunction protected the alleged victim; (2) an emergency order of protection against the person was still in effect; (3) the person had a prior conviction for a § 13-3601 offense against the same alleged victim; or (4) a release condition barring any contact with that person was still in effect.
Section 13-2921.01(B) makes paragraphs 1, 2 and 4 a class 6 felony the first time and a class 5 felony after that, and paragraph 3 a class 5 felony from the start. If prison is imposed on a first felony offense, A.R.S. § 13-702(D) sets .33 to 2 years for class 6 (presumptive 1 year) and .5 to 2.5 years for class 5 (presumptive 1.5 years). A.R.S. § 13-604(A) adds an option for any non-dangerous class 6 felony: if a felony sentence would be unduly harsh, the judge may enter a class 1 misdemeanor, or hold off on designating the offense until probation ends. A person with two or more prior felony convictions cannot use it.
Aggravated Harassment Lawyer in Phoenix, AZ
What we check in a Phoenix aggravated harassment case
Service and dates
We match the return of service against the time stamp on each message. An order of protection takes effect on service and runs two years from it (A.R.S. § 13-3602(N)); an injunction against harassment runs one year from service (A.R.S. § 12-1809(J)); either one lapses if it is not served within a year of issuance.
The exact terms
Paragraph 4 needs a condition barring any contact; some orders allow contact through lawyers or for parenting exchanges.
Harassment, not mere contact
A calm note about a lease or a child's schedule may not meet the reasonable person test, and the State must also prove actual effect.
Who sent it
Shared phones, group threads and spoofed numbers bear on whether the conduct was knowingly yours.
Collateral effects
A felony conviction makes a person a prohibited possessor in Arizona until the right is restored, and DV probation does so while it runs (A.R.S. § 13-3101(A)(7)(b), (d)); 18 U.S.C. § 922(g)(1) adds a federal bar after a conviction punishable by more than one year. Under 8 U.S.C. § 1227(a)(2)(E)(ii), a court finding that a noncitizen violated the protective part of such an order (credible threats of violence, repeated harassment or bodily injury) can make that person deportable, so speak with an immigration lawyer before deciding on a plea.
The law
Sources: Arizona statutes and Cornell Law School
Every legal statement above was checked against these texts.
- § 13-2921.01, the aggravated harassment felony (azleg.gov)
- § 13-2921, misdemeanor harassment and its definition (azleg.gov)
- § 13-3602, serving and ending an order of protection (azleg.gov)
- § 12-1809, how long an injunction lasts (azleg.gov)
- § 13-3624, telephone emergency orders (azleg.gov)
- § 13-3967, no-contact and other release terms (azleg.gov)
- § 13-702, class 5 and class 6 sentencing ranges (azleg.gov)
- § 13-604, the unduly harsh misdemeanor option (azleg.gov)
- § 13-3601, harassment on the DV offense list (azleg.gov)
- § 13-3101, losing gun rights in Arizona (azleg.gov)
- 18 U.S.C. § 922, the federal felon gun ban (Cornell LII)
- 8 U.S.C. § 1227, protection order violators (Cornell LII)
The charges
Defense built by a former felony 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 aggravated harassment 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
Phoenix courts and official links
Where a Phoenix case is heard depends on the charge and the agency. Each card has directions and the official website, so you can check details before you go.
Phoenix Municipal Court
City misdemeanors, from arraignment to trial. Monday to Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., except city holidays.
300 W. Washington St., Phoenix, AZ 85003Orders of Protection Center
Takes petitions for orders of protection. That case runs on its own track, separate from the criminal case.
Phoenix Municipal Court, 2nd floor, 300 W. Washington St., Phoenix, AZ 85003Office of the Phoenix City Prosecutor
Decides whether a city case is charged, offered diversion or dismissed.
300 W. Washington St., 8th 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 85003Maricopa County justice courts
A misdemeanor reported by DPS or a Sheriff's deputy can land in one of the justice courts in Phoenix.
620 W. Jackson St., Phoenix, AZ 85003, and 18380 N. 40th St., Phoenix, AZ 85032Laws cited on this page
- A.R.S. § 13-3967, Release on bailable offenses before trial; definition
- A.R.S. § 13-3601, Domestic violence; definition; classification; sentencing option; arrest and procedure for violation
- A.R.S. § 13-604, Class 6 felony; designation
- A.R.S. § 13-3602, Order of protection; procedure; contents; arrest for violation; penalty
- A.R.S. § 13-3101, Definitions
Common questions
Phoenix aggravated harassment questions
No. While an order or a release condition bars contact, any reply can bring a fresh allegation, and the Superior Court's Law Library Resource Center warns protected persons that the defendant can be arrested even when they begin the contact. Keep the messages, unanswered, for us. If you truly need to communicate about children or property, we can ask for a hearing on the order or a review of release terms under A.R.S. § 13-3967(G).
It can. Section 13-2921(A) reaches repeated acts, and it also reaches one listed act, such as a communication, committed knowingly in a manner that harasses. Whether a single message meets that test depends on its words, its context and its real effect on the person who received it. If it was sent while any of the four aggravating circumstances applied, that one message can be charged as a felony.
For an order of protection or an injunction against harassment, paragraph 1 of § 13-2921.01(A) requires that it was served on you and valid when the conduct happened, and the city court's own guidance treats an order as invalid until it has been served. Emergency orders and release conditions are worded differently: the statute asks whether they were still in effect on the date of the offense, so we examine what notice you had and when.
It can. Plain harassment and aggravated harassment are both on the § 13-3601(A) domestic violence list when the relationship qualifies. A conviction for a listed offense, even a misdemeanor, can become the prior that turns a later harassment allegation involving the same person into a class 5 felony under § 13-2921.01(A)(3). Probation for a DV offense also makes a person a prohibited possessor in Arizona while the probation lasts.
Aggravated Harassment Lawyer in Phoenix, AZ
Served, released or contacted by a detective?
Call (480) 405-6767. If you were served this week or released from 28th Drive with a no-contact term, a phone call reaches us faster than the form.
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.”
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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.”
★★★★★
“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.”
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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.”
★★★★★
“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…”
★★★★★
“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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★★★★★
“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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★★★★★
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★★★★★
“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 Phoenix criminal defense lawyer
If you have been arrested, charged, or contacted by a detective in Phoenix, the decisions you make in the first few days matter. We defend misdemeanors in Phoenix Municipal Court and the 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.
Phoenix courts
- Phoenix Municipal CourtMisdemeanors from inside Phoenix city limits. Monday to Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.300 W. Washington St., Phoenix, AZ 85003Court 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
- Justice courtsSome DPS and Sheriff's Office misdemeanors. Your citation names the court.620 W. Jackson St., Phoenix, AZ 85003, and 18380 N. 40th St., Phoenix, AZ 85032Find your court
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 Phoenix
Si lo arrestaron, lo acusaron o un detective lo contactó en Phoenix, las decisiones que tome en los primeros días importan. Defendemos delitos menores en la Corte Municipal de Phoenix y en las cortes de justicia, y delitos graves en la Corte Superior del Condado de Maricopa en el centro.
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 Phoenix
- Corte Municipal de PhoenixDelitos menores dentro de los límites de Phoenix. De lunes a viernes, de 8:00 a.m. a 5:00 p.m.300 W. Washington St., Phoenix, AZ 85003Sitio 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
- Cortes de justiciaAlgunos delitos menores del DPS y de la Oficina del Sheriff. Su citación indica la corte.620 W. Jackson St., Phoenix, AZ 85003, and 18380 N. 40th St., Phoenix, AZ 85032Busque su corte
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.