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 DUI refusal defense
DUI Refusal Lawyer in Scottsdale, AZ
Every step of the stop gets a second look.
An officer in Scottsdale asked for your breath or blood, and the report now says you refused. Maybe you said no, maybe you asked to call someone first, or maybe the machine never registered a sample. Whatever happened, a year without a license is on the table, and the paperwork you were handed is already counting days.
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
DUI Refusal Lawyer in Scottsdale, AZ
What a refusal sets moving in Scottsdale
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.
Declining the test does not create a separate crime. Arizona answers it with an MVD suspension, while the DUI charge itself still goes to court. After a Scottsdale Police arrest, that is ordinarily the City Attorney's Prosecution Division at Scottsdale City Court, 3700 N. 75th St. When a trooper or a sheriff's deputy made the arrest, the case can land in a county justice court instead, and McDowell Mountain Justice Court's listed service area takes in Scottsdale.
When the test was requested at the station rather than the roadside, the jail recording may be the clearest account of what was said. Scottsdale's prosecutors ask that any request for jail footage arrive in writing no later than 30 days after the arrest, and warn that older recordings may be erased in the ordinary course.
A refusal seldom closes the blood question. Officers can still seek a search warrant, and the City Attorney posts the Scottsdale crime lab's blood alcohol procedures, criminalist permits and phlebotomist records for defense counsel.
No Scottsdale judge decides the license. ADOT's Executive Hearing Office does, and City Court's FAQ says the court cannot even tell you whether your license is suspended. ADOT's request form, 40-5008, takes hearing requests by email, fax or mail (details below). ADOT says a request stops the suspension until the hearing ends, a missed deadline leaves it beyond challenge, and the hearing does not decide guilt on the 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.
The law
Arizona's implied consent statute, A.R.S. § 28-1321
Advance consentDriving in Arizona means agreeing to a blood, breath, urine or other bodily substance test after an arrest for an offense tied to impaired driving; the agency picks which test, given at the direction of an officer holding reasonable grounds (§ 28-1321(A)).
Deemed refusalAnything short of expressly agreeing and then successfully completing the test counts as a refusal (§ 28-1321(B)).
LengthTwelve months, or two years for a second or later refusal inside 84 months; reinstatement afterward requires alcohol or other drug screening (§ 28-1321(B), (G)(3), (G)(4)).
No test follows a refusal unless a search warrant allows it or an officer receives part of a sample drawn for another reason under § 28-1388(E) (§ 28-1321(D)(1)).
The officer's stepsA certified report must reach MVD within 30 days after the arrest; if it does not, no suspension can be entered except where someone died or was seriously injured. The officer serves an order effective 30 days after service, or says MVD will write, and gives a 30-day temporary permit for a surrendered valid license (§ 28-1321(D)(2)).
The requestIt must be received within 30 days after the notice date, or the order is final, and MVD will refuse it unless you turned in your Arizona license or certify that it was lost or destroyed (§ 28-1321(G)(2), (H)(2)). On time, it stays the suspension (§ 28-1321(J)).
The hearingSet within 60 days, in person, by telephone or by videoconference, and limited to reasonable grounds, arrest, refusal and the warning (§ 28-1321(I), (K)). A driver who loses has 30 days to seek Superior Court review (§ 28-1321(M)).
Out-of-state driversMVD reports a nonresident's suspension to the home state and any state that issued a license (§ 28-1321(O)).
At trialRefusal evidence is admissible, and whether a refusal occurred is for the trier of fact (§ 28-1388(D)).
If you did test and the result was high, the suspension runs under A.R.S. § 28-1385 instead; your notice names the section.
DUI Refusal Lawyer in Scottsdale, AZ
How we examine a Scottsdale refusal
Avoiding jail is not the same as avoiding a conviction. Driving while the refusal suspension is in effect is a class 1 misdemeanor (A.R.S. § 28-3473), and a DUI committed during it is aggravated DUI, a class 4 felony (A.R.S. § 28-1383). For that charge, see this page: a DUI while suspended.
The recordings come first
Body-worn camera footage and, where the request happened at the station, the jail video show the exact exchange. Hesitating, asking for a lawyer or failing to give an adequate breath sample may look different on video than in a summary.
The admonition gets its own review
It is one of the four questions a hearing officer may decide, so we check whether yours was complete and understandable.
We test the sworn report
Section 28-1321(E) requires it to give the officer's grounds, how you refused and the warning you received, under the perjury penalty. We read it against the footage and check its arrival date at MVD.
A warrant draw is examined too
We read the affidavit, the time of the draw, the phlebotomist's posted records and the lab batch.
Weigh the interlock license carefully
Once MVD-ordered screening is finished, a driver suspended for a first refusal within 84 months may seek a special ignition interlock restricted license (§ 28-1321(P)). Accepting a license under § 28-1321(Q) waives the hearing, and ADOT will not issue one while a hearing is pending. Device months under a (P) license are credited against the interlock period MVD sets after a later conviction (A.R.S. § 28-3319(F)).
The law
Sources: Arizona statutes and Cornell Law School
Each rule above traces to one of these texts.
- § 28-1321, implied consent, refusal and the MVD hearing (azleg.gov)
- § 28-1388, refusal evidence and shared samples (azleg.gov)
- § 28-1385, the suspension that follows a test result (azleg.gov)
- § 28-3319, interlock credit from a special license (azleg.gov)
- § 28-3473, driving during a suspension (azleg.gov)
- § 28-1383, aggravated DUI while suspended (azleg.gov)
- Implied consent, Wex entry (Cornell LII)
- Driving under the influence, Wex entry (Cornell LII)
The process
The hearing and the courtroom, planned together
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 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 there 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. § 28-3319, Action after license suspension, revocation or denial for driving under the influence or refusal of test
- A.R.S. § 28-3473, Driving on a suspended, revoked or canceled license; violation; classification
- A.R.S. § 28-1383, Aggravated driving or actual physical control while under the influence; county jail program
- A.R.S. § 28-1321, Implied consent; tests; refusal to submit to test; order of suspension; hearing; review
- A.R.S. § 28-1388, Blood and breath tests; violation; classification; admissible evidence
Common questions
Scottsdale DUI refusal questions
MVD does, through ADOT's Executive Hearing Office. The judge on 75th Street handles only the DUI charge, and the court's FAQ says it cannot tell you your license status. Send the hearing request early and make sure it arrives within 30 days after the date printed on the notice. A City Court continuance does not extend it.
Arizona suspends your privilege to drive here, and § 28-1321(O) has MVD report the action to the motor vehicle agency in your home state. What that state does next depends on its own law. You can still request the Arizona hearing, which MVD may hold by telephone or video, so going home is no reason to let the deadline pass.
The statute bars testing after a refusal except under a search warrant, or when part of a sample already taken for another purpose, such as hospital treatment, goes to an officer with probable cause (§ 28-1388(E)). The refusal can still come into evidence alongside the blood result, so we review both.
No. A ruling that does not sustain the suspension cannot be used in, and has no effect on, the criminal case (§ 28-1321(N)), so the Scottsdale DUI continues on its own evidence. Losing at MVD does not settle guilt either, as ADOT itself points out.
DUI Refusal Lawyer in Scottsdale, AZ
The 30 days start with the notice
Call (480) 405-6767. Holding an MVD notice, or is a relative still in the Scottsdale jail? 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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“Ryan Tait was amazing and really helpful. I would recommend him.”
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“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.”
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“Spectacular representation! Sydney was very compassionate, diligent and professional. I can’t recommend enough.”
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“…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…”
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“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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“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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★★★★★
“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.”
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“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.”
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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 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.