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
Scottsdale drug DUI defense
Drug DUI Lawyer in Scottsdale, AZ
Two deadlines start on the day of the stop.
There was no breath number after your Scottsdale stop. There was a blood draw, a release, and a charge that may rest on a medication you take as prescribed or on marijuana you used lawfully days before. Waiting for a lab result you have not seen, with your license and your record at stake, is its own kind of stress.
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
Drug DUI in Scottsdale: the court, the lab and the wait
Alcohol levels
0.08 is DUI, 0.15 is extreme DUI and 0.20 is the top extreme tier, under A.R.S. § 28-1381 and § 28-1382.
MVD deadline
30 days to request a hearing on the license suspension, under A.R.S. § 28-1385.
City DUI
Most Scottsdale DUI cases are misdemeanors in Scottsdale City Court, 3700 N. 75th St.
Aggravated DUI
A felony under A.R.S. § 28-1383, prosecuted by the County Attorney in Superior Court in downtown Phoenix.
A drug DUI falls under the same statute as an alcohol DUI, so a Scottsdale Police case is ordinarily prosecuted by the City Attorney's Prosecution Division at Scottsdale City Court. If a state trooper or a deputy made the arrest, the court named on your citation may be a county justice court instead.
Ask which lab tested the blood. Scottsdale's crime lab describes a blood alcohol unit that measures ethanol and a Controlled Substances unit that identifies drugs seized from cars, people and homes. Neither city page describes testing blood or urine for drugs, and the City Attorney's posted lab disclosures center on alcohol. The toxicology in a Scottsdale drug DUI may therefore come from another laboratory, whose methods and batch records we request.
That testing takes time, so a Scottsdale drug DUI can begin with a release at the scene and a complaint later, once the report reaches a prosecutor. A quiet stretch after a blood draw does not mean the matter is closed.
Drugs found in the car can split one stop into two cases. Many possession charges are felonies, which the Maricopa County Attorney's Office prosecutes downtown, while the DUI can remain a city misdemeanor. Seized items go to Scottsdale Police Property and Evidence on McKellips Road.
The license case does not wait for the lab either. Under A.R.S. § 28-1385(A), the officer's report can go to MVD when results are not yet available, and the request for a hearing or summary review "must be received by the department within thirty days after the date of the notice" (§ 28-1385(G)(2)(c)).
The law
The drug forms of A.R.S. § 28-1381
Impairment formImpairment form, (A)(1). The State must show you drove or were in actual physical control while under the influence of a drug, a toxic vapor releasing substance or a mix that includes alcohol, and that your driving ability was impaired even slightly. A legal right to use the drug in Arizona does not answer this charge (§ 28-1381(B)).
Metabolite formMetabolite form, (A)(3). The State relies on the presence in your body of a drug listed in A.R.S. § 13-3401 or a metabolite of one. Taking the drug the way a licensed practitioner with prescribing authority directed is an answer to this form only (§ 28-1381(D)).
MarijuanaA marijuana metabolite or component supports the (A)(3) form only when slight impairment is also proved (A.R.S. § 36-2852(B)), and the adult use law gives no permission to drive impaired (A.R.S. § 36-2851(3)). Marijuana odor alone is not reasonable suspicion, but that protection does not reach a DUI investigation (§ 36-2852(C)).
Class and limitsEvery form is a class 1 misdemeanor (§ 28-1381(C)): six months is the most jail (A.R.S. § 13-707(A)(1)) and $2,500 the largest fine (A.R.S. § 13-802(A)). The judge must tell you at arraignment that a jury is yours on request (§ 28-1381(F)).
A first convictionTen consecutive days in jail at minimum, with probation or a suspended sentence available only once that full term is served; $250 or more in fines plus two separate $500 assessments; traffic survival school (§ 28-1381(I)). After completed court-ordered screening, education, treatment or evidence-based psychotherapy, the judge can suspend every day but one (§ 28-1381(J)). Each conviction brings an order for screening (A.R.S. § 28-1387(B)).
Drug DUI Lawyer in Scottsdale, AZ
What we look at in a Scottsdale drug DUI
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.
Avoiding jail is not the same as avoiding a conviction. A set-aside under A.R.S. § 13-905 still lets the conviction be used as a prior and by ADOT (§ 13-905(E)(3), (5)). Commercial drivers, licensed professionals and noncitizens should get advice before any plea.
Present is not the same as impaired
A toxicology finding speaks to the (A)(3) form only. The (A)(1) form needs proof that the drug impaired your driving, and for marijuana § 36-2852(B) demands impairment under either form.
The prescription defense needs paperwork
Pharmacy printouts, the label and the prescriber's directions can establish § 28-1381(D) for the metabolite form; it does not reach the impairment form.
The evaluation is checked against video
Fatigue, illness and nerves can look like impairment on paper, so we compare the footage with the report and any drug recognition evaluation.
The sample gets traced
We review who drew it, how it was stored and which lab ran it, and whether you had a reasonable chance to arrange a test of your own (A.R.S. § 28-1388(C)).
Treatment can shape the sentence
Scottsdale City Court's compliance staff want the program from an Arizona licensed agency, an estimated completion date and, typically, a final report; that proof supports the § 28-1381(J) reduction.
The law
Sources: Arizona statutes and Cornell Law School
Each point of law above was checked against one of these texts.
- § 28-1381, DUI by drug or metabolite (azleg.gov)
- § 28-1385, the MVD report and hearing deadline (azleg.gov)
- § 28-1387, court-ordered screening (azleg.gov)
- § 28-1388, arranging an independent test (azleg.gov)
- § 13-3401, the drug definitions (azleg.gov)
- § 36-2852, marijuana and impairment (azleg.gov)
- § 36-2851, limits on adult use (azleg.gov)
- § 13-707, the class 1 jail ceiling (azleg.gov)
- § 13-802, misdemeanor fine limits (azleg.gov)
- § 13-905, set-asides and later use of a conviction (azleg.gov)
- Controlled substance, Wex entry (Cornell LII)
- DUI, Wex entry (Cornell LII)
Drug DUI Lawyer in Scottsdale, AZ
When the evidence is a toxicology report
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 drug DUI 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
Scottsdale courts and official links
Where a Scottsdale case is heard depends on the charge and the agency. Some courts are in Scottsdale and some are in Phoenix. Each card has directions and the official website, so you can check details before you go.
Scottsdale City Court
City misdemeanors, from arraignment to trial. Monday to Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
3700 N. 75th St., Scottsdale, AZ 85251Maricopa 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 85003McDowell Mountain Justice Court
A misdemeanor reported by DPS or a Sheriff's deputy can be assigned to a county justice court like this one. Your citation names the court.
18380 N. 40th St., Suite 130, Phoenix, AZ 85032Laws cited on this page
- A.R.S. § 28-1385, Administrative license suspension for driving under the influence or for homicide or assault involving a motor vehicle
- A.R.S. § 13-3401, Definitions
- A.R.S. § 36-2852, Allowable possession and personal use of marijuana, marijuana products and marijuana paraphernalia
- A.R.S. § 36-2851, Employers; driving; minors; control of property; smoking in public places and open spaces
- A.R.S. § 13-707, Misdemeanors; sentencing
- A.R.S. § 13-802, Fines for misdemeanors
- A.R.S. § 28-1387, Prior convictions; alcohol or other drug screening, education and treatment and evidence-based psychotherapy; license suspension; supervised probation; civil liability; procedures
- A.R.S. § 28-1388, Blood and breath tests; violation; classification; admissible evidence
- A.R.S. § 13-905, Setting aside judgment of convicted person on discharge; application; release from disabilities
- A.R.S. § 28-1381, Driving or actual physical control while under the influence; trial by jury; presumptions; admissible evidence
Common questions
Scottsdale drug DUI questions
Yes, under the impairment form. Section 28-1381(D) protects a driver who used a drug as prescribed, but only against the metabolite form, so a complaint can still claim the medication left you impaired even slightly. Bring the bottle, the pharmacy record and your prescriber's directions to the first meeting, with anything that explains how you seemed at the stop.
Not on a positive test alone. Section 36-2852(B) says marijuana metabolites or components support the metabolite form only if you were also impaired to the slightest degree. The State still has to prove impairment, which usually means the officer's observations, the field tests and any drug recognition evaluation.
Find out early. Scottsdale's crime lab publishes a blood alcohol unit and a seized drug unit, but no city page describes testing blood for drugs, so a drug DUI sample may have gone elsewhere. The lab report in discovery should name the laboratory, and that tells us whose procedures, analyst records and batch data to request.
It can be. Many possession charges are felonies, prosecuted by the County Attorney in Superior Court downtown, while the DUI can stay in Scottsdale City Court. A statement or plea in one case can matter in the other, so plan both cases together from the start.
Drug DUI Lawyer in Scottsdale, AZ
A blood draw starts more than one clock
Call (480) 405-6767. A pending blood result and an MVD notice are both reasons to phone this week instead of filling in 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.”
★★★★★
“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 Scottsdale criminal defense lawyer
If you have been arrested, charged, or contacted by a detective in Scottsdale, the decisions you make in the first few days matter. We defend misdemeanors in Scottsdale City 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.
Scottsdale courts
- Scottsdale City CourtMisdemeanors prosecuted by the Scottsdale City Attorney. Free parking in front and in the Civic Center garage.3700 N. 75th St., Scottsdale, AZ 85251Court website Directions
- McDowell Mountain Justice CourtSome DPS and Sheriff's Office cases. Your citation names the court.18380 N. 40th St., Suite 130, Phoenix, AZ 85032Court 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 Scottsdale
Si lo arrestaron, lo acusaron o un detective lo contactó en Scottsdale, las decisiones que tome en los primeros días importan. Defendemos delitos menores en la Corte de la Ciudad de Scottsdale y en las cortes de justicia, 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 Scottsdale
- Corte de la Ciudad de ScottsdaleDelitos menores que procesa el Fiscal de la Ciudad de Scottsdale. Estacionamiento gratuito al frente y en el garaje del Civic Center.3700 N. 75th St., Scottsdale, AZ 85251Sitio de la corte Cómo llegar
- Corte de Justicia McDowell MountainAlgunos casos del DPS y de la Oficina del Sheriff. Su citación indica la corte.18380 N. 40th St., Suite 130, Phoenix, AZ 85032Sitio 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.