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 graffiti defense
Graffiti Lawyer in Scottsdale, AZ
Every receipt, video and report gets a second look.
A marker tag on a utility box, spray paint on a block wall behind a shopping center or a symbol scratched into a bus shelter can become a Scottsdale graffiti charge, which Arizona treats as criminal damage. A city crew may have painted over the mark before police call, so the cleanup bill and the proof of authorship often decide the case.
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
The charges
How Scottsdale cleans up, investigates and charges graffiti
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.
Scottsdale handles graffiti as a code problem first. Its Code Enforcement Unit paints out marks on walls, fences, light poles and utility boxes in the public right-of-way after reports to its Graffiti Hotline (480-312-2546) or online, and a private owner who wants city help signs a free Graffiti Waiver that lasts until revoked in writing.
That speed cuts both ways. The waiver says the abatement team works with Scottsdale Police, yet neither city page says whether crews log hours and materials or share photos with detectives. Once the wall is clean, proof of what was there and what removal cost may rest on whoever photographed it first, so we request the service ticket and crew records early.
Police reports run separately: the department's online form accepts "Damaged Item" reports up to $2,000, and an owner who signed its Trespassing Enforcement Authorization has made officers its agents for graffiti enforcement.
The cleanup figure then picks the prosecutor. Under $1,000 the count is a misdemeanor the City Attorney's Prosecution Division generally brings in Scottsdale City Court. At $1,000 or more it is a felony for the County Attorney, heard downtown at the Central Court Building or the South Court Tower; confirm the building on your current notice. A felony booking leads to the county's Intake, Transfer and Release facility on South 28th Drive for a first appearance within 24 hours.
Penalties
How Arizona law defines tagging
Tagging is charged under the criminal damage statute, which reaches anyone who recklessly draws or inscribes a message, slogan, sign or symbol, without permission from the owner, on a building, structure or other surface, public or private, the ground excepted (A.R.S. § 13-1602(A)(5)). Recklessness requires awareness of a substantial, unjustifiable risk and a conscious choice to disregard it that grossly departs from reasonable conduct (A.R.S. § 13-105(10)(c)).
Etched glass may instead be charged as reckless defacing under § 13-1602(A)(1), since defacing includes any unnecessary act of substantially marring a surface or place, by any means (A.R.S. § 13-1601(2)).
For graffiti, the State prices the damage by what it took to undo it: reasonable labor, materials and equipment used to abate or repair (§ 13-1602(C)). Under § 13-1602(B), $250 or less is a class 2 misdemeanor; more than $250 but less than $1,000, a class 1 misdemeanor; $1,000 but less than $2,000, a class 6 felony; $2,000 but less than $10,000, a class 5 felony; and $10,000 or more, a class 4 felony. Tagging to promote, further or assist a criminal street gang or syndicate with intent to intimidate is class 5 regardless of cost, unless a class 4 tier applies.
A class 1 conviction allows jail of no more than six months and a fine of no more than $2,500; for class 2 the limits are four months and $750 (A.R.S. §§ 13-707(A), 13-802(A), (B)). For a first felony that is not dangerous, § 13-702(D) sets the shortest mitigated term at .33 years (class 6) and the longest aggravated term at 3.75 years (class 4). On a class 6, the judge can enter a class 1 misdemeanor or keep the offense undesignated until probation is over, if felony punishment would be unduly harsh and the person does not have two or more prior felonies (A.R.S. § 13-604(A)). Every conviction also requires restitution (A.R.S. § 13-603(C)), and in a graffiti case that usually means the removal bill.
Common questions
Questions we press in a Scottsdale graffiti case
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.
Avoiding jail is not the same as avoiding a conviction. A felony graffiti conviction makes a person a prohibited possessor under Arizona law until the right is restored (A.R.S. § 13-3101(A)(7)(b)), and 18 U.S.C. § 922(g)(1) bars possession after a conviction for a crime punishable by more than a year. Noncitizens should get immigration advice before any plea (8 U.S.C. § 1227(a)(2)).
Consent is an element
The State has to prove the owner never agreed, so a commissioned mural, a business owner's text or an HOA approval can matter, and so can whether the person who said yes actually controlled that wall.
Authorship is usually inferred
A similar tag style or an online post does not prove who marked one wall on one night. If police took a phone, Scottsdale's Digital Forensics Unit may have extracted its photos and messages, and both the authority for that and what the images show deserve review.
The bill must be reasonable
We compare invoices with before and after photos and ask whether one tag prompted a full repaint, or whether older marks by others were folded into the total.
Location and purpose matter
Paragraph 5 excludes marks on the ground, and a gang theory needs proof of purpose and intent to intimidate, not a guess from a symbol.
The law
Sources: Arizona statutes and Cornell Law School
Each legal point above traces to one of these texts:
- § 13-1602, graffiti, the cost rule and the classes (azleg.gov)
- § 13-1601, what defacing means (azleg.gov)
- § 13-105, reckless as a mental state (azleg.gov)
- § 13-707, misdemeanor jail limits (azleg.gov)
- § 13-802, maximum misdemeanor fines (azleg.gov)
- § 13-702, ranges for a first felony conviction (azleg.gov)
- § 13-604, misdemeanor treatment of a class 6 (azleg.gov)
- § 13-603, paying the cleanup cost back (azleg.gov)
- § 13-3101, felony convictions and gun rights (azleg.gov)
- Wex definition of restitution (Cornell LII)
- 18 U.S.C. § 922, federal possession bars (Cornell LII)
- 8 U.S.C. § 1227, criminal grounds for deportation (Cornell LII)
Graffiti Lawyer in Scottsdale, AZ
A former prosecutor who asks what the cleanup really cost
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, abatement records included. We take graffiti 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.
Loading map…
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. § 13-1602, Criminal damage; classification
- A.R.S. § 13-105, Definitions
- A.R.S. § 13-1601, Definitions
- A.R.S. § 13-604, Class 6 felony; designation
- A.R.S. § 13-603, Authorized disposition of offenders
- A.R.S. § 13-3101, Definitions
- A.R.S. § 13-707, Misdemeanors; sentencing
- A.R.S. § 13-802, Fines for misdemeanors
- A.R.S. § 13-702, First time felony offenders; sentencing; definition
Common questions
Scottsdale graffiti questions
Section 13-1602(C) prices graffiti by the reasonable labor, materials and equipment used to remove or repair it, so a clean wall does not end the question, and free city removal does not settle the figure. We ask for the service ticket, any invoice or crew record, and photos showing whether unrelated marks went in the same visit.
Call a lawyer before he answers questions from police or school staff. Where a minor's case is heard depends on the charge: Scottsdale's Prosecution Division lists certain juvenile offenses among its cases, and other matters go through the juvenile system. Keep phones, drawings and online accounts as they are, because deleting things can create a separate problem.
Anything showing the owner said yes: messages, a contract, an invoice you were paid on, or photos of the owner watching the work. Missing permission is something the State must prove, so written approval carries weight. If a tenant, manager or HOA board approved the piece, we check whether that person could authorize it. Let your lawyer handle any contact with the owner.
It can be part of a sentence. Scottsdale's Adult Court Office says adults may be able to complete community restitution hours at city job sites unless they are on probation. Those hours do not replace what the owner is owed, since § 13-603(C) requires restitution on any conviction, so cleanup, payment and work hours are best raised together.
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.