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 criminal speeding defense
Criminal Speeding Lawyer in Phoenix, AZ
What happened on the road matters more than the citation.
The officer wrote a number on your citation, checked the criminal box and gave you a date at a Phoenix courthouse. It looks like a speeding ticket, and it is easy to treat it like one. In Arizona, though, criminal speeding is a misdemeanor, and a guilty or no contest plea to it ends in a criminal conviction.
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
Where we practice
Who clocks it in Phoenix, and which court hears it
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.
On surface streets, enforcement belongs to Phoenix Police. The city's Street Transportation Department says so plainly, adds that it has no law enforcement authority of its own, and sends driving complaints to (602) 534-7733. The department's July 2026 organization chart lists a Traffic Bureau, and its Air Support Unit says its aircraft can follow speeding vehicles. Their tickets go to Phoenix Municipal Court on West Washington Street, where the City Prosecutor, whose caseload includes driving offenses, takes the charge.
The freeways run differently. Phoenix Police's Vehicular Crimes Unit notes that interstate and freeway crashes belong to DPS, and a speed stop on I-10 or I-17 is usually a trooper's, with a justice court named on the citation.
That court matters. Phoenix Municipal Court limits its Defensive Driving Program to civil moving violations. The Maricopa County Justice Courts say some of their courts allow defensive driving school for criminal speeding under § 28-701.02(A)(1), (2) or (3), with the judge's permission first.
At the city court, the date on the citation is your arraignment, and the court says a request there to dismiss the charges will not be granted. A not guilty plea leads to a pretrial disposition conference, where the State's evidence can be reviewed with the assigned prosecutor and an offer is made if none came at arraignment; no witnesses testify. The justice courts require a judge appearance for any criminal count and warn that ignoring one can bring a suspension and a warrant.
Speed cameras came back to Phoenix in February 2026 under the city's Photo Safety program, aimed at corridors with speed-related crashes, and some move week to week between 15 mph school zones while classes are in session. Notices arrive by mail from the city court; the complaint itself marks each count civil or criminal.
Do not assume the court will appoint you a lawyer. Arizona Rule of Criminal Procedure 6.1(b) entitles an indigent defendant to appointed counsel in a proceeding that may result in punishment by loss of liberty. In misdemeanor court, the prosecutor can avow that no jail will be requested and the judge can rule that no jail will be imposed, and once that happens, there is no right to appointed counsel at all. Arizona's Court of Appeals upheld exactly that in Campa v. Fleming, 134 Ariz. 330 (App. 1982), on a class 1 misdemeanor carrying up to six months in jail, for a defendant who was on probation and facing immigration consequences.
The law
Criminal speeding under A.R.S. § 28-701.02
Arizona's basic rule, A.R.S. § 28-701(A), requires a speed that is reasonable and prudent for the conditions. Under § 28-701(B), going above 15 mph approaching a school crossing, 25 in a business or residential district or 65 elsewhere is prima facie evidence of unreasonable speed unless another limit applies. That is the civil baseline. Section 28-701.02(A) draws the criminal lines:
School crossingExceeding 35 mph while approaching one, under § 28-701.02(A)(1). The number is fixed and does not depend on the sign.
Business or residential districtGoing over the posted limit by more than 20 mph, or above 45 where nothing is posted, under § 28-701.02(A)(2).
Other locationsGoing over the posted limit by more than 20 mph, under § 28-701.02(A)(3).
Every form is a class 3 misdemeanor under § 28-701.02(B), and § 28-701.02(C) bars issuing a civil § 28-701 complaint arising out of the same circumstances once the criminal charge is brought.
The ceilings: 30 days in jail under A.R.S. § 13-707(A)(3), a $500 fine under A.R.S. § 13-802(C) and one year of probation under A.R.S. § 13-902(A)(7). None of them is a mandatory minimum.
In a 15 mph school zone, (A)(1) asks only whether the car exceeded 35 approaching the crossing, so where the crossing is and where the reading was taken matter.
Criminal Speeding Lawyer in Phoenix, AZ
What we check in a Phoenix criminal speeding case
The reading
Radar, lidar, pacing, aircraft timing and an officer's estimate each have limits. We ask for calibration, maintenance and training records, and look at the officer's position, how long the reading lasted and whether another car could have produced it.
The sign and the spot
Each threshold turns on the posted limit at that location or on a school crossing. Zones begin and end, signs move, and a citation can describe the place wrongly. A reading barely past the line leaves little room for error.
The video
Body-worn and patrol car footage, dispatch records and business cameras can support or undercut the report, so we request them early.
A crash
Phoenix Municipal Court cautions that a guilty plea in a traffic accident case can later be used in a civil suit. Serious collisions go to the Vehicular Crimes Unit and can bring charges heavier than speeding.
The resolution
With a civil § 28-701 complaint barred, any lesser outcome has to be negotiated. Depending on the facts, the court and your driving history, a clean record, a driving course or a documented reason for the speed can help.
Afterward
A conviction can matter to insurers, employers who have you drive and background checks. Anyone who is not a U.S. citizen should get immigration advice before any plea.
The law
Sources: Arizona statutes and Cornell Law School
Each statement of law above traces to one of these sections, read in their current azleg.gov text, plus two Cornell references.
- § 28-701.02, excessive speeds; classification (azleg.gov)
- § 28-701, reasonable and prudent speed (azleg.gov)
- § 13-707, misdemeanor sentencing (azleg.gov)
- § 13-802, fine caps for misdemeanors (azleg.gov)
- § 13-902, length of probation terms (azleg.gov)
- § 13-905, set-aside after discharge (azleg.gov)
- § 13-911, petitions to seal records (azleg.gov)
- Wex: misdemeanor (Cornell LII)
- 8 U.S.C. § 1227, deportable aliens (Cornell LII)
Criminal Speeding Lawyer in Phoenix, 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 criminal speeding 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 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 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 85032Maricopa 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 85003Laws cited on this page
- A.R.S. § 13-902, Periods of probation; monitoring; fees
- 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
Common questions
Phoenix criminal speeding questions
It depends on the sign and the setting. Under § 28-701.02(A), it is criminal to exceed the posted limit by more than 20 mph, or to go above 45 in a business or residential district with nothing posted. Approaching a school crossing, the line is a flat 35 mph. The citation should name the subsection, and we compare it with the signs and the location.
Usually a justice court, since freeway stops are generally made by DPS troopers, not Phoenix Police. The court printed on the citation controls. Justice courts require a judge appearance for any criminal count, and some of them allow defensive driving school for criminal speeding if the judge permits it. Ask about that before the court date rather than after a plea.
The city court opens its program to civil moving violations and does not list criminal charges. A Phoenix Police criminal speeding case therefore usually moves through arraignment to a pretrial disposition conference, where the evidence is reviewed and the prosecutor makes an offer. That conference is also where problems with the reading or the location can be raised.
Not simply. Section 28-701.02(C) says that once you are charged with criminal speeding, a civil complaint under § 28-701 may not be issued for the same circumstances. Depending on the facts, your record and the court, a prosecutor may still agree to a less serious resolution, and we evaluate that before any plea.
It is a criminal conviction and can appear on background checks. After the sentence is complete, you may apply to set aside the judgment under § 13-905(A). Under § 13-911(E)(4), a class 3 misdemeanor can be the subject of a sealing petition two years after you complete the nonmonetary terms and are discharged. Neither step erases the conviction for every purpose.
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.”
★★★★★
“Me acusaban de varios cargos por delitos graves y me enfrentaba a unos años de prisión… Tomé la mejor decisión de mi vida al llamar a esta firma.”
★★★★★
“…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…”
★★★★★
“Mi familia contrató a Ryan Tait para luchar por un familiar… Nos explicó todos los pros y los contras. Respondió todas nuestras preguntas y llamadas. Sabe lo que hace.”
★★★★★
“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 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.