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Criminal Defense · Civil Litigation · Phoenix & Maricopa County
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Practice Areas

Criminal defense, professional license matters, orders of protection, appeals and civil litigation across Maricopa County, Arizona. Free consultation.

What we handle

We Offer Focused Legal Services in the Following Areas

Criminal Defense

If you or your loved one is facing criminal charges, you need someone aggressive, persistent and skillful defending your rights.

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Parental Rights

Being a parent is a labor of love, and a thankless one. Few experiences are more crushing than facing the risk of losing your child or your right to be their parent.

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Juvenile Delinquency

Every parent’s worst nightmare is getting the call that your child has been arrested. What follows are sleepless nights filled with stressful questions.

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Practice Areas

Criminal defense is the core of this firm

Most people who call us are calling about a criminal charge, and most of them are calling within a day or two of an arrest. Each page below explains one charge type: what it means under Arizona law, what the realistic penalty range is, and what actually happens between now and your first court date. If you are not certain which one fits your situation, that is normal, the charging paperwork often does not say what people expect it to say.

  • DUI Defense: First-offense, extreme, super extreme, aggravated and under-21 DUI, plus the separate MVD license case that runs alongside the criminal one.
  • Drug Charges: Possession, possession for sale, transportation and manufacturing under Arizona’s threshold-amount structure, including fentanyl and marijuana.
  • Domestic Violence: What the A.R.S. § 13-3601 domestic violence designation adds to an underlying charge, and how release conditions and firearm rights are affected.
  • Assault & Aggravated Assault: Misdemeanor assault through the aggravating factors that turn a case into a Class 2, 3, 4, 5 or 6 felony.
  • Felony Defense: How felony classes and prior convictions drive sentencing ranges, and what the grand jury and Rule 32 process look like.
  • Misdemeanor Defense: Class 1, 2 and 3 misdemeanors in city and justice courts: smaller cases with consequences that follow you for years.
  • Theft & Shoplifting: Where the dollar-value lines fall, when shoplifting becomes a felony, and how civil demand letters fit in.
  • Disorderly Conduct & Criminal Damage: Two charges that look minor on paper and routinely are not, especially when a weapon or a domestic violence designation is attached.
  • White Collar Crimes: Fraud, forgery, embezzlement, theft by a fiduciary and computer offenses: document-heavy cases that are often investigated long before charges are filed.
  • Federal Criminal Charges: Cases in the District of Arizona, where detention hearings, the Sentencing Guidelines and the pre-indictment window change the entire strategy.
  • Traffic Tickets & MVD Hearings: Criminal traffic offenses, suspended licenses, and the short window you have to request an MVD hearing before a suspension takes effect.
  • Probation Violation: Petitions to revoke, the lower burden of proof at a violation hearing, and what a judge can do with the original sentencing range.

For an overview of how a Maricopa County criminal case moves from arrest through resolution, start with Criminal Defense in Maricopa County.

What we handle

Other matters we handle

Criminal charges are not the only thing that puts someone’s livelihood or family at risk. We also represent clients in administrative law and professional board matters, where a license is on the line; orders of protection and injunctions against harassment, which move fast and often overlap with a criminal case; juvenile delinquency proceedings; post-conviction relief and appeals; parental rights; business and civil litigation, including breach of contract; defamation; and personal injury and wrongful death.

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!”

Local G.Google
★★★★★

“Sydney was extremely thorough regarding every single detail of my criminal case… it ultimately resulted in a clear and powerful win for my case.”

Avvo clientAvvo
★★★★★

“They fought tirelessly for my case and helped me achieve a favorable outcome. Exceptional service and results.”

K.C.Yelp
★★★★★

“The firm provided me with the most professional legal representation possible. Mr. Ryan Tait patiently explained… beyond my expectations.”

Joe K.Google
★★★★★

“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.”

Kristie G.Yelp
★★★★★

“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.”

Tina W.Google
★★★★★

“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.”

Oscar C.Yelp
★★★★★

“…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.”

Jarrod B.Google
★★★★★

“Helpful and clear direction in a time of uncertainty. Highly recommended.”

Daniel K.Google
★★★★★

“Ryan Tait was amazing and really helpful. I would recommend him.”

Alen S.Google
★★★★★

“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.”

Jenna H.Google
★★★★★

“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.”

Nate G.Google
★★★★★

“Spectacular representation! Sydney was very compassionate, diligent and professional. I can’t recommend enough.”

Jesus L.Google
★★★★★

“…Ryan and his team are kind, understanding, and very good listeners. Each member of his team was well educated, knowledgable and very professional.”

John N.Google
★★★★★

“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…”

Bruce K.Google
★★★★★

“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.”

C. S.Google
★★★★★

“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!”

Qian C.Google
★★★★★

“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…”

Christopher N.Google
★★★★★

“These guys are great!! They did a great job on my case, super consistent and helpful. Definitely will recommend them to anyone.”

Whitney G.Google
★★★★★

“Excellent lawyers… and their honesty, and they helped me even though I do not live in Arizona.”

Juan R.Google, translated from Spanish

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!”

Local G.Google
★★★★★

“Sydney fue sumamente minuciosa con cada detalle de mi caso penal… al final, eso resultó en una victoria clara y contundente para mi caso.”

Cliente de AvvoAvvo
★★★★★

“Lucharon incansablemente por mi caso y me ayudaron a lograr un resultado favorable. Servicio y resultados excepcionales.”

K.C.Yelp
★★★★★

“La firma me brindó la representación legal más profesional posible. El Sr. Ryan Tait me explicó con paciencia… más allá de mis expectativas.”

Joe K.Google
★★★★★

“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.”

Kristie G.Yelp
★★★★★

“¡Dios mío, nuestro abogado Ryan Tait fue increíble! Cumple lo que dice que va a hacer. Un abogado muy paciente… Hace milagros.”

Tina W.Google
★★★★★

“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.”

Oscar C.Yelp
★★★★★

“…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.”

Jarrod B.Google
★★★★★

“Orientación útil y clara en un momento de incertidumbre. Muy recomendables.”

Daniel K.Google
★★★★★

“Ryan Tait fue increíble y de gran ayuda. Lo recomendaría.”

Alen S.Google
★★★★★

“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.”

Jenna H.Google
★★★★★

“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.”

Nate G.Google
★★★★★

“¡Representación espectacular! Sydney fue muy compasiva, diligente y profesional. No puedo recomendarla lo suficiente.”

Jesus L.Google
★★★★★

“…Ryan y su equipo son amables, comprensivos y saben escuchar. Cada miembro de su equipo demostró estar bien preparado, con conocimiento y gran profesionalismo.”

John N.Google
★★★★★

“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…”

Bruce K.Google
★★★★★

“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.”

C. S.Google
★★★★★

“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!”

Qian C.Google
★★★★★

“Muy buenos en lo que hacen… siempre estuvieron al tanto de todo; casi no tuve que hacer nada, ellos se encargaron de todo…”

Christopher N.Google
★★★★★

“¡Son excelentes! Hicieron un gran trabajo en mi caso, muy constantes y serviciales. Sin duda los recomendaré a cualquiera.”

Whitney G.Google
★★★★★

“Excelentes abogados… y su honestidad y eso que me ayudaron que yo no vivo en Arizona”

Juan R.Google, en español original

Los resultados anteriores no garantizan un resultado similar.

Talk to a lawyer before you talk to anyone else

Consultations are free and confidential. The earlier we are involved, the more options there usually are, before an interview, before a grand jury, before a plea deadline.

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.

RecognitionReconocimientos

Awards and ratingsPremios y calificaciones

  • Martindale-Hubbell AV Preeminent 2024
  • Phoenix Magazine Top Lawyer 2023
  • NACDA Nation’s Premier Top Ten Ranking 2023
  • The National Trial Lawyers Top 100
  • The National Trial Lawyers Top 40 Under 40
  • Super Lawyers Rising Stars, Sydney Oshinski
  • Avvo Rating 10.0 Top Attorney, Ryan Tait
  • NACDA Nation’s Premier Top Ten Ranking 2022
  • Avvo client reviews, Ryan Tait
  • Avvo Clients’ Choice Award, Sydney Oshinski
  • Avvo client reviews, Sydney Oshinski
  • Avvo client reviews, Alexis Brooks
  • Avvo Clients’ Choice Award 2017, Ryan Tait

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.

Common Questions

How do I know which practice area my case fits?

Start with the charging document if you have one. In Maricopa County that is usually a citation, a complaint, or an indictment, and it lists the statute number and the class of offense. The statute number is what actually controls, not the label an officer used at the scene. If the paperwork names a charge you see on this page, that page will explain it. If it names something you do not see here, or names several things at once, call and read it to us. We will tell you in plain language what it is and whether it is something we handle. That conversation is free and takes a few minutes.

My situation involves more than one case at the same time. Can you handle all of it?

Usually yes, and it matters that one firm sees the whole picture. Related matters are common in Arizona and they interact. A domestic violence charge and an order of protection often arrive together, and what happens at one hearing can be used in the other. A DUI arrest starts a criminal case and a separate MVD license case that run on two different tracks. A criminal charge against a nurse, a teacher, a contractor or a real estate agent can trigger a professional board investigation with its own timeline. Handled by separate lawyers who are not talking to each other, these cases can end up working against each other. Tell us everything that is pending, not just the piece that scares you most.

I have not been charged yet, but I think I am under investigation. Is it too early to call a lawyer?

It is the opposite of too early. The period before charges are filed is where a lawyer has the most room to work, because nothing has been filed and no position has been locked in. If a detective has called you, if police have asked you to come in and talk, if a search warrant was served, or if you have heard that someone made a report about you, that is the moment to get counsel involved. You are not required to sit for an interview, and asking for a lawyer before you answer questions is the safest thing you can do. People talk themselves into charges far more often than they talk themselves out of them.

Do you take cases outside Maricopa County?

Yes. We take cases in every county in Arizona, and we handle federal matters in the District of Arizona. Most of our work is in Maricopa County simply because most of our clients are here, and being in these courthouses constantly means we know how a particular division actually runs and who is across the table. That familiarity is real and it matters. But it is not a boundary. If your case is in Pima, Pinal, Yavapai, Mohave, Coconino, Yuma or anywhere else in the state, call us. Arizona criminal law is the same statewide even though local practice is not, and we will tell you honestly what a case in that court involves.

How fast do I need to move?

Faster than most people expect, and the deadlines are not the same across these areas. The MVD side of a DUI runs on a clock that is separate from the criminal case, and missing it can cost you a license even if the criminal case goes well. An order of protection stays in effect unless it is challenged, and challenging it requires an affirmative request. Professional licensing boards set their own response deadlines, and a missed response can be treated as a default. Injury claims are limited by a statute of limitations, and claims against a government entity carry a much shorter notice requirement than claims against a private party. If any of that sounds like your situation, call before you spend the evening researching it.

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