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 embezzlement defense
Embezzlement Lawyer in Scottsdale, AZ
The paperwork tells a story. We read all of it.
The owner of the Scottsdale practice where you kept the books wants a meeting, a homeowners association says its reserve account came up short, or your siblings claim money you managed for a parent went astray. Embezzlement is charged in Arizona as theft, and the dollar total decides how serious the case becomes.
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
How a Scottsdale embezzlement accusation reaches court
First court date
Within 24 hours of an arrest. On a felony, release conditions are set at the jail court, 2670 S. 28th Dr. in Phoenix.
Misdemeanor
The Scottsdale City Attorney's Prosecution Division brings it in Scottsdale City Court, 3700 N. 75th St.
Felony
The County Attorney brings it in Superior Court in downtown Phoenix, 201 W. Jefferson St. or 175 W. Madison St.
Other agencies
A DPS or Sheriff's case can be assigned to a county justice court, such as McDowell Mountain Justice Court.
The business usually does its own counting first. An owner, controller or outside accountant reviews the books, concludes money is gone and calls Scottsdale Police; the city's online form sends thefts valued over $2,000 to the phone line. A detective in the Investigations section then works from the ledgers, bank statements and loss summary the business hands over.
Value sets the route. A total under $1,000 is generally a class 1 misdemeanor, and Scottsdale's City Attorney names theft among the misdemeanors it prosecutes, so a small case from a Scottsdale Police report can be heard at Scottsdale City Court on 75th Street. Once the total reaches $1,000 the case is a felony, which the city leaves to the County Attorney or, for some matters, the Attorney General, often where money crossed county lines or a state agency investigated. We handle these matters whichever office brought the charge.
Inside city government, the City Auditor's Integrity Line gives theft of city money, equipment or other assets as an example of fraud it takes reports on, and its review can end in a referral to law enforcement and, when a complaint is substantiated, a written report that is a public record.
The County Attorney's chart includes a Property and Financial Crimes unit, and its process guide describes an optional settlement conference before a judge who will not try the case. Many workplace cases begin with a summons. After a felony booking, the county's initial appearance court sits at 2670 S. 28th Dr., and the case continues downtown in Superior Court. Confirm the building on your current notice.
Some cases go federal. In August 2026 the U.S. Attorney's Office announced the sentencing of a Scottsdale man, formerly a local company's finance director, who pleaded guilty to wire fraud after an FBI investigation into money he took from his employer and hid by editing its bank statements. Nova Law Group appears in the U.S. District Court for the District of Arizona.
The law
Embezzlement as theft under A.R.S. § 13-1802
Arizona charges embezzlement under its theft statute. The usual paragraph, § 13-1802(A)(2), covers knowingly, and without lawful authority, converting property or services that were entrusted to you, or placed in your possession, for a limited, authorized term or use to an unauthorized term or use. Prosecutors may add (A)(1), controlling another's property with intent to deprive, or (A)(3), obtaining it through a material misrepresentation.
Shared ownership"property of another" includes property the defendant also has an interest in (§ 13-1801(A)(13)).
ValueFair market value, measured when the property was taken (§ 13-1801(A)(15)).
CombiningTo set the class, amounts taken in one scheme or course of conduct can be added together, whether they came from a single victim or many (§ 13-1801(B)).
Classes (§ 13-1802(G))Class 6 starts at $1,000, class 5 at $2,000, class 4 at $3,000, class 3 at $4,000 and class 2 at $25,000. Below $1,000 the offense is generally a class 1 misdemeanor, though a firearm, among other exceptions, makes it a felony at any value.
Vulnerable adultsWhile acting in a position of trust and confidence, knowingly taking control of a vulnerable adult's property with intent to deprive is theft, and a transfer without adequate consideration may support an inference of that intent (§ 13-1802(B)). A gift pattern that began before the adult became vulnerable, or advance approval by the superior court, is an affirmative defense (§ 13-1802(C)).
First felony prison ranges under § 13-702(D) run from .33 years (mitigated class 6) to 12.5 years (aggravated class 2). When probation is granted to an eligible person, the court must order restitution for a victim's economic loss (§ 13-901(A)), and unpaid restitution can stretch felony probation by up to five more years (§ 13-902(C)). A class 6 count can sometimes be designated a misdemeanor (§ 13-604(A)). In the largest cases, the paragraph cited in the indictment or complaint can bear on whether probation is available.
Embezzlement Lawyer in Scottsdale, AZ
What we examine in a Scottsdale embezzlement case
Avoiding jail is not the same as avoiding a conviction. A felony makes a person a prohibited possessor until rights are restored (§ 13-3101(A)(7)(b)), and a later set-aside restores the firearm right unless the conviction was a serious offense (§ 13-905(O)). Theft precludes a level I fingerprint clearance card while charges are pending or after a conviction, absent a good cause exception (§ 41-1758.07(C)). A felony also lets the court suspend or revoke a license issued by a state agency or a city (§ 13-603(G)). Noncitizens should get immigration advice before a plea; 8 U.S.C. § 1227(a)(2) can apply.
Authority is usually contested
Owner draws, verbal approvals, loose expense habits and informal loans can show the use was permitted, or that you reasonably believed it was.
Access is not proof
Shared logins, other signers on the account and accounting software errors can each explain a shortfall without pointing at you.
The total is rebuilt line by line
We trace each transaction, with a forensic accountant when needed, because dropping below a value line changes the class.
Your own words become evidence
Interview answers, recorded calls and signed repayment notes are often the State's best proof of intent, and § 13-1802 lists no repayment defense, though repayment can matter at sentencing.
The law
Sources: Arizona statutes and Cornell Law School
We matched the law on this page to these texts.
- § 13-1802, theft (azleg.gov)
- § 13-1801, theft definitions and aggregation (azleg.gov)
- § 13-702, first felony sentencing (azleg.gov)
- § 13-901, probation terms and restitution orders (azleg.gov)
- § 13-902, probation extensions (azleg.gov)
- § 13-604, class 6 designation (azleg.gov)
- § 13-3101, prohibited possessor (azleg.gov)
- § 13-905, set-asides (azleg.gov)
- § 41-1758.07, fingerprint clearance cards (azleg.gov)
- § 13-603, licenses after a felony (azleg.gov)
- § 13-911, sealing of records (azleg.gov)
- Cornell LII Wex, embezzlement
- 18 U.S.C. § 922 (Cornell LII)
- 8 U.S.C. § 1227 (Cornell LII)
Embezzlement Lawyer in Scottsdale, 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. In an embezzlement case, that includes every row of the loss spreadsheet. 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. 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, our only office, 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 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. § 13-1802, Theft; classification; definitions
- A.R.S. § 13-1801, Definitions
- A.R.S. § 13-702, First time felony offenders; sentencing; definition
- A.R.S. § 13-901, Probation
- A.R.S. § 13-902, Periods of probation; monitoring; fees
- A.R.S. § 13-604, Class 6 felony; designation
- A.R.S. § 13-3101, Definitions
- A.R.S. § 13-905, Setting aside judgment of convicted person on discharge; application; release from disabilities
- A.R.S. § 41-1758.07, Level I fingerprint clearance cards; definitions
- A.R.S. § 13-603, Authorized disposition of offenders
- A.R.S. § 13-911, Sealing of arrest, conviction and sentencing records; requirements; fee; appeal; definition
Common questions
Scottsdale embezzlement questions
Yes, it is possible: Arizona treats property as belonging to another even when the accused owns a share of it. The defense usually starts with the operating agreement, the history of distributions, side approvals by email or text, and any pending buyout or dissolution fight. A dispute over who gets paid first can be framed as theft, so we read the full books, not the partner's excerpt.
It can be charged that way if he is a vulnerable adult under Arizona law and the State says you took control of his property from a position of trust, intending to deprive him. A gift pattern that predates his decline, or prior superior court approval, is a defense, and receipts and care costs matter. Do not discuss the accusation with family; route it through a lawyer.
Yes. The city's prosecution page sends federal cases to the U.S. Attorney's Office, and an August 2026 federal case against a former Scottsdale finance director was charged as wire fraud after an FBI investigation. Whether a matter stays with the County Attorney or goes federal is each office's decision, and the two can look at the same money.
It may be hard. Sealing a theft record is possible after the waiting period for the class (§ 13-911(E)), but a sealed record can still surface, because the law requires disclosure for positions that involve accounting for or managing someone else's money or financial assets (§ 13-911(I)(5)(g)). For bookkeepers, controllers and advisers, the charge in any plea carries special weight.
Embezzlement Lawyer in Scottsdale, AZ
Before you sign anything about the money
Call (480) 405-6767. A meeting request from an owner, a promissory note to sign or a detective's card is reason enough.
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.