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 85251
Scottsdale domestic violence diversion defense
Domestic Violence Diversion Lawyer in Scottsdale, AZ
A treatment path is worth asking about early.
Many people charged with domestic violence in Scottsdale hope a class or counseling program can make the case go away. Sometimes that is possible, but no Arizona law guarantees it, and the answer turns on which prosecutor has your case and what that office has chosen to offer.
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
Domestic Violence Diversion Lawyer in Scottsdale, AZ
Three prosecutors, three different diversion pictures
Who decides
Diversion is offered by the prosecutor. Each office sets its own programs and rules.
Treatment routes
Drug court and treatment options under A.R.S. § 13-3422 and § 13-901.01.
City cases
The Scottsdale City Attorney's Prosecution Division, 480-312-2710.
County cases
The Maricopa County Attorney's Office, 225 W. Madison St., Phoenix.
Start with the agency named on your paperwork. Scottsdale Police DV misdemeanors are prosecuted by the City Attorney's Prosecution Division at Scottsdale City Court. A misdemeanor written by a state trooper or a deputy may instead be assigned to a county justice court, McDowell Mountain being one example, with the County Attorney prosecuting. Felonies go to the County Attorney and the downtown Superior Court.
On the city side, nothing is published. We found no scottsdaleaz.gov page setting out DV diversion terms. The City Attorney's annual report names a Diversion Program but lists no eligibility rules or offenses, so any offer on a city DV charge rests with the city prosecutor. Keep it separate from City Court's Domestic Violence Court, a specialty calendar the court describes for DV defendants under court-ordered treatment.
In justice court, the County Attorney's program for DV misdemeanors (DVDP-JC) dates from July 2023. The office's handout, revised March 27, 2026, gives the deputy county attorney sole control over referrals, says a person with little criminal history may qualify, and bars cases involving serious physical injury. People who enter are screened for reoffense risk and assigned to treatment they pay for, and on finishing, the prosecutor asks the court to dismiss with prejudice. Leaving without completing it puts the prosecution back on track.
For felonies, the office's DVER program (Domestic Violence Excessive Response), running since 2021, is narrow. It covers certain lower-level DV felonies against an intimate partner, committed by someone that partner has a history of abusing, with the history shown by more than the accused's word, and it excludes serious physical injury. Felony hearings take place downtown at the Central Court Building or the South Court Tower; confirm the building on your current notice.
No-contact terms keep running. Any release order following a DV arrest must include protections for the alleged victim (A.R.S. § 13-3601(I)), and those protections do not pause while a program is being discussed. Do not contact the other person about diversion, or about anything else the order covers.
The law
What Arizona law says, and does not say, about DV diversion
Arizona has no free-standing DV crime. Section 13-3601(A) adds a DV designation to offenses on its list (assault, criminal damage, threatening or intimidating and parts of the disorderly conduct statute among them) when the people involved share a qualifying relationship, which ranges from marriage to a past romantic relationship. The underlying class stays the same (§ 13-3601(M)).
No diversion right appears in § 13-3601 or in § 13-3601.01. For county attorneys, A.R.S. § 11-361 defines a program as special supervision through which the county attorney "may divert or defer" a case before any guilty plea or trial, and A.R.S. § 11-365 gives the county attorney sole discretion to decide, while preserving other prosecuting agencies' ability to divert where other law allows.
Without diversion, a conviction carries its own consequences:
Mandatory DV offender treatmentMandatory DV offender treatment, at the person's expense (A.R.S. § 13-3601.01(A), (C)).
Possible supervised probationPossible supervised probation, with jail as a condition, if a prior DV conviction falls within 60 months (§ 13-3601.01(B)).
Exposure to a class 5 aggravated domestic violence charge if a third DV offense follows within 84 months (A.R.S. § 13-3601.02(A), (F)).
A dismissal is different: the person may petition to seal the case records (A.R.S. § 13-911(A)(2)), in the court where the dismissed charge was brought (§ 13-911(C)(2)).
Our approach
How we approach a diversion request
Check whether DV even applies
If the relationship falls outside § 13-3601(A), the DV designation and the treatment tied to it may fall away. Former roommates and ex-partners are often covered; a casual acquaintance may not be.
Build the request before asking
Prosecutors decide, so we bring them something to decide on: counseling already under way, employment, a clean or limited record, and the context of the incident.
Treat the release order as fixed
One text to the protected person or one missed condition can end the discussion and bring a new charge. If a term needs changing, we ask the court.
Read the paperwork line by line
Fees, session counts, restitution and any statement about the facts all matter, and noncitizens should get immigration advice before signing a factual statement.
Prepare the case anyway
While a request is pending we gather the 911 recording, Scottsdale Police video, photos and messages, and after a city jail booking we make the written jail video request inside the Prosecution Division's 30-day window.
Stay on schedule once enrolled
Under both County Attorney handouts, an unsuccessful exit restarts the prosecution, so tell us early if a payment or session is at risk.
Weigh what a conviction would cost
Avoiding jail is not the same as avoiding a conviction. A misdemeanor crime of domestic violence triggers the federal firearm bar in 18 U.S.C. § 922(g)(9); DV probation makes a person a prohibited possessor in Arizona for its duration (A.R.S. § 13-3101(A)(7)(d)); and a crime of domestic violence is a deportation ground for noncitizens (8 U.S.C. § 1227(a)(2)(E)(i)).
The law
Sources: Arizona statutes and Cornell Law School
The statutes and references behind this page:
- § 13-3601, when an offense carries the DV label (azleg.gov)
- § 13-3601.01, offender treatment after conviction (azleg.gov)
- § 11-361, the county program definition (azleg.gov)
- § 11-365, authority to decide on diversion (azleg.gov)
- § 13-3601.02, a third DV offense in 84 months (azleg.gov)
- § 13-911, sealing the record of a dismissed case (azleg.gov)
- § 13-3101, gun prohibitions under Arizona law (azleg.gov)
- Wex entry on domestic violence (Cornell LII)
- Wex entry on diversion (Cornell LII)
- 18 U.S.C. § 922, federal firearm bars (Cornell LII)
- 8 U.S.C. § 1227, deportable noncitizens (Cornell LII)
Domestic Violence Diversion Lawyer in Scottsdale, AZ
Ready for trial, open to a program
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 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, including the conversation about diversion. 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 Attorney, Prosecution Division
Decides whether a city misdemeanor is charged and how it is resolved. Phone 480-312-2710.
Cases heard at 3700 N. 75th St., Scottsdale, AZ 85251Maricopa County Attorney's Office
Decides felony charges in Maricopa County and prosecutes them in Superior Court.
225 W. Madison St., 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 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. § 13-3601, Domestic violence; definition; classification; sentencing option; arrest and procedure for violation
- A.R.S. § 11-361, Definition of program
- A.R.S. § 11-365, Diversion and deferred prosecution of offenders
- A.R.S. § 13-3601.01, Domestic violence; treatment; definition
- A.R.S. § 13-3601.02, Aggravated domestic violence; classification; definition
- A.R.S. § 13-911, Sealing of arrest, conviction and sentencing records; requirements; fee; appeal; definition
- A.R.S. § 13-3101, Definitions
Common questions
Scottsdale DV diversion questions
Not one the city has published. We found no city page describing DV diversion terms, and the City Attorney's annual report names a Diversion Program without eligibility details. That leaves any offer on a city DV charge to the prosecutor, one case at a time. The court's Domestic Violence Court is not the same thing; the court lists it for DV defendants under court-ordered treatment.
The prosecutor does. Cases in a county justice court are handled by the County Attorney, whose justice court DV program began in July 2023. Only the assigned deputy county attorney can refer someone, a limited criminal history may be acceptable, and a serious physical injury allegation excludes the case. If you complete it, the prosecutor asks the court to dismiss with prejudice. Check the court name on your citation, not just the address.
No. Finishing a County Attorney program leads to a dismissal with prejudice, which means no conviction, yet the arrest and court records stay visible until a court seals them. Arizona allows a petition to seal after a dismissal (A.R.S. § 13-911(A)(2)), brought in the court that had the case. For a city case, ask how it will be closed before agreeing to anything.
Find out before you sign. Neither County Attorney handout says a written admission is required, and the city has published no terms. We read the paperwork for any statement about the facts, what becomes of it if the program ends early, and whether it could affect firearm rights or immigration status. A noncitizen should speak with an immigration lawyer first.
Domestic Violence Diversion Lawyer in Scottsdale, AZ
Before you accept any offer, call
Call (480) 405-6767. With an arraignment coming or a release term keeping you from home, a call is quicker 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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“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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★★★★★
“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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★★★★★
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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.