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 first degree murder defense
First Degree Murder Lawyer in Scottsdale, AZ
The details decide the charge.
Few accusations carry more weight than first degree murder: for an adult, natural life or, if the County Attorney pursues it, death. If a Scottsdale detective has asked you to come in, or someone close to you was arrested after a death in the city, get a lawyer involved before anything more is said.
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
First Degree Murder Lawyer in Scottsdale, AZ
How a Scottsdale premeditation case comes together
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.
Premeditation is about what came before a death, so a Scottsdale first degree murder investigation often reaches back through weeks of someone's life. Detectives in the police Investigations section, which the city describes as handling persons crimes, may seek warrants for phones, accounts, location history and purchase records.
The department's Forensic Services Division includes a Digital Forensics Unit, accredited by ANAB with the Crime Laboratory and Crime Scene Unit. A phone extraction is the product of software and an examiner, so we ask for the whole extraction and the examiner's notes, not just the lines a report quotes.
County prosecutors may know the case before it is charged. The Capital Litigation Bureau page describes 24/7 availability for homicide scenes and says a prosecutor usually carries a case from the investigation to its resolution. Scottsdale's city prosecutors have no role; their page leaves state felonies to the County Attorney or the Attorney General.
Whether to seek death is a separate call. A Capital Review Committee of senior homicide prosecutors reviews these cases and makes a recommendation to the County Attorney, so we begin gathering health, family and background information at the first meeting.
The Sheriff's Office lists Scottsdale among the cities that hold initial appearances for city charges only, so a first degree murder arrest goes to the county's Initial Appearance Court, 2670 S. 28th Dr., Phoenix. Rule 4.1 requires that hearing within 24 hours, and the judge there makes the first ruling on bail.
The County Attorney's process page puts arraignment within ten days of an indictment or direct complaint, and Administrative Order 2021-127 has the case marked complex then. Hearings follow in the downtown Superior Court complex; confirm the building on your current notice.
Starting now, avoid any contact with possible witnesses and with the family of the person who died, in person, online or through someone else.
The law
What § 13-1105 and § 13-1101 require
There are three forms in § 13-1105(A):
Premeditated, (A)(1)Causing another person's death, with premeditation, while intending or knowing that the conduct will cause death.
Felony murder, (A)(2)A death connected to a listed felony, covered on our Scottsdale felony murder page.Officer, (A)(3)Causing the death of a law enforcement officer in the line of duty while intending or knowing that the conduct will cause the officer's death.
Under § 13-1101(1), premeditation means the intention or knowledge to kill came before the killing "by any length of time to permit reflection." The State does not have to prove actual reflection, but an act that is the instant effect of a sudden quarrel or heat of passion is not premeditated. An intentional or knowing killing without premeditation may instead fit second degree murder (§ 13-1104).
Each form is class 1 and is sentenced under §§ 13-751 and 13-752 (§ 13-1105(D)). An adult convicted of the premeditated or officer form faces death or natural life after a notice of intent to seek death (§ 13-751(A)(1)). Without a notice, or if death is rejected, the court must impose natural life (§ 13-752(A)). Anyone under 18 at the time receives life or natural life (§§ 13-751(A)(2), 13-752(A)).
When death is sought, the State must notice its aggravating circumstances before trial (§ 13-752(B)) and prove each one beyond a reasonable doubt (§ 13-751(B)), and jurors must agree unanimously to find one proven (§ 13-752(E)). The defense proves mitigation by a preponderance, and jurors need not agree on it (§ 13-751(C)). A death verdict must be unanimous (§ 13-752(H)).
Adult prosecution is required for a 15, 16 or 17 year old accused of this offense (§ 13-501(A)(1)), and a homicide may be charged at any time (§ 13-107(A)).
The law
What a Scottsdale first degree murder defense tests
Avoiding jail is not the same as avoiding a conviction. First degree murder is on both the serious offense list and the violent or aggravated felony list in § 13-706(F), and § 13-911(O)(3) excludes both from sealing. A felony conviction ends the right to possess firearms in Arizona until it is restored (§ 13-3101(A)(7)(b)), 18 U.S.C. § 922(g)(1) adds a federal bar, and 8 U.S.C. § 1227(a)(2) makes noncitizens deportable for certain convictions.
The timeline before the death
We rebuild the preceding days and hours from phone records, video, receipts and witnesses, asking whether the record shows time for reflection or a sudden event.
The forensic and digital record
Extractions, location data, DNA and print comparisons are checked for completeness, context and method, with independent examiners where needed.
How statements were taken
Interviews, jail calls and posts are tested for voluntariness, accuracy and constitutional problems.
Self-defense claims
Section 13-405 limits deadly force and, under subsection (B), imposes no duty to retreat on a person lawfully present and not committing an unlawful act. Once the defense offers evidence of justification, the State bears the burden, beyond a reasonable doubt, of showing the force was not justified (§ 13-205(A)).
Mitigation as a parallel case
Health, history and family background can matter to the committee, to plea talks and at any sentencing.
The law
Sources: Arizona statutes and Cornell Law School
Follow these links to read each cited section.
- § 13-1105, premeditated, felony and officer murder (azleg.gov)
- § 13-1101, what premeditation means (azleg.gov)
- § 13-1104, the second degree statute (azleg.gov)
- § 13-751, sentences and aggravating factors (azleg.gov)
- § 13-752, the aggravation and penalty phases (azleg.gov)
- § 13-3961, when bail is not available (azleg.gov)
- § 13-501, prosecuting juveniles as adults (azleg.gov)
- § 13-107, the time limit exception for homicide (azleg.gov)
- § 13-405, deadly physical force (azleg.gov)
- § 13-205, justification is not an affirmative defense (azleg.gov)
- § 13-706, serious offense and violent felony lists (azleg.gov)
- § 13-3101, firearm possession after a felony (azleg.gov)
- § 13-911, which records may be sealed (azleg.gov)
- Wex: premeditation (Cornell LII)
- Wex: first-degree murder (Cornell LII)
- 18 U.S.C. § 922, unlawful acts involving firearms (Cornell LII)
- 8 U.S.C. § 1227, grounds for deportation (Cornell LII)
First Degree Murder Lawyer in Scottsdale, AZ
A capital-level defense, prepared for trial
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 murder 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.
Maricopa 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 85003Scottsdale 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 85251McDowell 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. § 13-1105, First degree murder; classification
- A.R.S. § 13-1101, Definitions
- A.R.S. § 13-1104, Second degree murder; classification
- A.R.S. § 13-751, Sentence of death or life imprisonment; aggravating and mitigating circumstances; definition
- A.R.S. § 13-752, Sentences of death, life imprisonment or natural life; imposition; sentencing proceedings; definitions
- A.R.S. § 13-3961, Offenses not bailable; purpose; preconviction; exceptions
- A.R.S. § 13-501, Persons under eighteen years of age; felony charging; definitions
- A.R.S. § 13-107, Time limitations
- A.R.S. § 13-405, Justification; use of deadly physical force
- A.R.S. § 13-205, Affirmative defenses; justification; burden of proof
- A.R.S. § 13-706, Serious, violent or aggravated offenders; sentencing; life imprisonment; definitions
- A.R.S. § 13-3101, Definitions
- A.R.S. § 13-911, Sealing of arrest, conviction and sentencing records; requirements; fee; appeal; definition
Common questions
Scottsdale first degree murder questions
Talk to a lawyer first. You can decline an interview, and declining is not an admission. Small details of timing and intent can decide a premeditation case, and a statement given before you know what the phone records or video show can be quoted back to a jury. We can contact the detective and learn what the inquiry is about first.
It is a prison sentence with no eligibility for commutation, parole, work furlough, work release or any other kind of release. When an adult is convicted of premeditated murder or the officer form, the court must impose it if the State has not sought death or death is found not appropriate (§ 13-752(A)). For felony murder, or a defendant who was under 18, the court can choose life instead.
Possibly. Under § 13-3961(A)(1), a person charged with a capital offense is held without bail when the proof is evident or the presumption great, and the judge at the initial appearance makes the first ruling. Whether that limit reaches a given case, including one with no notice of intent to seek death, can be contested, and release can be revisited later. Employment, family and residence details help in any release argument.
The designation is automatic. Administrative Order 2021-127 tells Court Administration to treat every first degree murder case as complex once it is arraigned. A non-capital case then gets a scheduling conference, recurring case management conferences with joint reports from both sides, and a final trial management conference before trial; a capital case runs under a separate order. The structure fits the volume of evidence and expert work.
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…”
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“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.”
★★★★★
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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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★★★★★
“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!”
★★★★★
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★★★★★
“¡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.