U.S. District Court, Sandra Day O'Connor U.S. Courthouse
Federal cases in Phoenix, from the first appearance before a magistrate judge to trial and sentencing.
401 W. Washington St., Phoenix, AZ 85003
Scottsdale federal investigation defense
Federal Investigation Lawyer in Scottsdale, AZ
Federal cases are built early. The defense should start early too.
A federal investigation often reaches Scottsdale before any charge exists: an agent waiting in a company's lobby, a grand jury subpoena for bank and email records, a letter from a federal prosecutor, or a call asking about a former employer. Nothing has been decided yet, and how you respond over the next few days can shape what the government does.
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
Federal Investigation Lawyer in Scottsdale, AZ
Who is asking, and who decides
Prosecutor
The U.S. Attorney's Office for the District of Arizona, 40 N. Central Ave., Phoenix.
Court
Federal cases from Scottsdale are heard at the Sandra Day O'Connor U.S. Courthouse, 401 W. Washington St., Phoenix.
First appearance
Before a magistrate judge at the same courthouse.
Talk first
Call a lawyer before you answer an agent's questions.
Prosecutors split the work by jurisdiction and venue, the U.S. Attorney's Office for the District of Arizona explains in its public FAQ, and Scottsdale's Prosecution Division marks the city's side of that line: it brings misdemeanors, while federal matters belong to the U.S. Attorney. That office calls itself "not an investigative law enforcement agency." Its evidence comes from agencies such as the FBI, DEA, ATF, ICE, Homeland Security, Customs and Border Protection and tribal, state and local police, so the visitor is usually an agent, and the decision to seek an indictment rests with a federal prosecutor at Two Renaissance Square on Central Avenue.
Several Scottsdale routes lead into that system. Police identity theft guidance links to IC3, the FBI's online complaint portal, along with the Secret Service and the FTC, and the department's victim packet refers tax, mail and Social Security problems to the agencies that handle them. A 2024 City Auditor report shows the department participates in federal Equitable Sharing, the forfeiture program for agencies that worked a federal case. The department's digital examiners include Internet Crimes Against Children cases in their workload, and CBP inspects private international arrivals at Scottsdale Airport. A local complaint, a seized phone or a flight can resurface as a federal inquiry, even alongside a state case; we handle these matters whichever office brought the charge.
One District rule governs target letters. Under the District of Arizona's Criminal Justice Act Plan, a written target notice from federal prosecutors has to point a recipient who wants counsel but cannot pay toward the Federal Public Defender.
Scottsdale has no federal courtroom. Arizona forms a single judicial district (28 U.S.C. § 82), and indictments from Maricopa County are heard downtown at the Sandra Day O'Connor U.S. Courthouse on West Washington Street. Nova Law Group appears in the U.S. District Court for the District of Arizona.
The law
What federal law says while you are under investigation
Being investigated is not a crime and has no class or sentence; the risk at this stage lies mostly in how a person responds.
Statements to agentsStatements to agents, 18 U.S.C. § 1001. Making a materially false statement, hiding a material fact by a trick, scheme or device, or using a writing known to contain a material falsehood is a federal crime when done knowingly and willfully in a matter within federal executive, legislative or judicial jurisdiction. The maximum is 5 years, or 8 for terrorism and for certain sex offense and trafficking matters. A party's or its lawyer's submissions to the judge in the party's own case fall outside it (§ 1001(b)).
Records and devicesRecords and devices, 18 U.S.C. § 1519. Knowingly destroying, altering, mutilating, hiding or falsifying a record, document or tangible object, or entering something false in it, intending to impede, obstruct or influence a matter under a federal department's or agency's jurisdiction, or doing so in contemplation of such a matter, can bring 20 years in prison.
The clockThe clock, 18 U.S.C. § 3282(a). Most non-capital federal crimes must be charged, by indictment or information, inside five years from the offense, unless another law expressly sets a different period.
The grand juryThe grand jury, 18 U.S.C. § 3321. A federal grand jury seats no fewer than 16 and no more than 23 people.
Court rules, the Constitution and your facts answer the rest: who is allowed inside while a grand jury sits, whether a subpoena's reach can be cut back, and when the right against self-incrimination covers testimony or documents. Get advice first.
Our approach
How we handle a Scottsdale investigation
Avoiding jail is not the same as avoiding a conviction. An investigation alone can unsettle jobs, professional licenses and banking relationships, and a federal felony conviction bars possessing firearms or ammunition (18 U.S.C. § 922(g)(1)). A noncitizen should get immigration advice before any plea.
We return the agent's call
A lawyer can find out what the inquiry concerns and arrange, limit or decline an interview, so you never face the questions alone.
We work out where you stand
Prosecutors may regard a person as a target, a subject or simply a witness, and each calls for a different approach.
We manage the subpoena
Return dates, scope, privilege and the format of electronic records can often be settled with the prosecutor named on it, and a court can be asked to limit an overbroad demand.
We keep everything intact
Deleting email, resetting a phone or rewriting a ledger once an inquiry is known can invite a separate § 1519 charge.
We check the dates
Conduct more than five years old may be beyond § 3282(a), unless another statute sets a longer period.
We get ready for a charge
When an indictment seems likely, we prepare for the first appearance at the federal courthouse, including a release proposal, and watch for a parallel state case.
The law
Sources: Arizona statutes and Cornell Law School
Every legal point above is federal, so each source is a federal text on Cornell LII.
- 18 U.S.C. § 1001, concealment and false statements (Cornell LII)
- Fed. R. Crim. P. 17, subpoenas for testimony and records (Cornell LII)
- 18 U.S.C. § 1519, obstruction through records (Cornell LII)
- Fed. R. Crim. P. 6, how federal grand juries work (Cornell LII)
- 18 U.S.C. § 3321, number of grand jurors (Cornell LII)
- Fifth Amendment privilege (Cornell LII)
- 18 U.S.C. § 3282, limitation period for most offenses (Cornell LII)
- 28 U.S.C. § 82, Arizona's single federal district (Cornell LII)
- 18 U.S.C. § 922, who may not possess firearms (Cornell LII)
The charges
Careful work before anyone is charged
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. With no charge yet, we spend that time on the subpoena and the records it reaches. 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. Meetings are by appointment.
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Resources
The federal courthouse for Scottsdale cases 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.
U.S. Attorney's Office, District of Arizona
Brings federal charges in Arizona. Its main office is in Two Renaissance Square.
Two Renaissance Square, 40 N. Central Ave., Phoenix, AZ 85004Common questions
Scottsdale federal investigation questions
You may decline, politely, and take the agent's card. Your words can be used as evidence, and a knowingly and willfully false statement about a material fact is chargeable by itself under 18 U.S.C. § 1001, even in a hallway conversation. A lawyer can learn what the agent wants before you decide whether to talk at all.
Because state and federal authorities can examine the same conduct. Scottsdale Police steers some victims to federal agencies and shares in federal forfeitures, and the U.S. Attorney reviews whatever agencies refer. Each office makes its own charging call, so a local case and a federal inquiry can run side by side. Route both through one lawyer.
Not before a lawyer reviews it. A subpoena can reach privileged material, personal devices or far more data than the inquiry needs, and once records are produced the government has them. Preserve everything, email and phones included, and let counsel discuss scope and timing with the prosecutor; a court can be asked to limit a demand that goes too far.
Not into the room. Witnesses answer the grand jury's questions without their own lawyer present, in front of a panel of 16 to 23 people (18 U.S.C. § 3321). That makes preparation the main protection: what the inquiry covers, where self-incrimination concerns arise and whether testifying makes sense at all.
It tells you a federal prosecutor considers you connected to a grand jury investigation, often as a possible defendant; the letter itself charges nothing. Under the District's CJA Plan, the notice must tell a recipient who wants counsel but cannot pay that the Federal Public Defender can be contacted. Let a lawyer answer it; do not call the prosecutor or agents yourself.
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.