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 manslaughter defense
Manslaughter Lawyer in Scottsdale, AZ
Prepared for trial from the first setting.
Manslaughter in Scottsdale can follow a collision on a city street or a confrontation that ended in a death nobody planned. Either way it is a class 2 felony, and whether prison is mandatory can depend on a single allegation the State chooses to add.
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
Manslaughter Lawyer in Scottsdale, AZ
Crash cases and other deaths: two Scottsdale tracks
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.
How a Scottsdale manslaughter case starts depends on how the death happened. The police bureaus page gives district officers the initial criminal and traffic collision investigations and places a Traffic Enforcement Section in the Special Operations Division; deaths away from the road go to Investigations, the department's detectives for persons crimes. On Loop 101, the agency on the report can be the Department of Public Safety instead.
In a crash case, impairment testing is often central. Scottsdale's accredited crime laboratory determines blood alcohol content by headspace gas chromatography, and its Crime Scene Unit can document a scene with diagrams, photographs and a 3-D laser scanner.
Charging belongs to the County Attorney's Office, since the city's Prosecution Division page sends state felonies there or to the Attorney General. For a crash, expect the Vehicular Crimes Bureau, whose lawyers handle collision-related crimes such as impaired and reckless driving and are on call around the clock to assist officers at fatal scenes. Deaths that did not involve a vehicle are assigned elsewhere in the office.
Many crash cases begin without an arrest. Officers can forward their findings for review, and the reviewing prosecutor can charge, decline, refer the case or send it back for more work. If there is an arrest, the first hearing is at the county's Initial Appearance Court, 2670 S. 28th Dr., Phoenix, within 24 hours (Rule 4.1), because the Sheriff's Office says Scottsdale's own initial appearances cover city charges only.
Any trial happens in Superior Court downtown, not at Scottsdale City Court; confirm the building on your current notice.
Stay out of contact with everyone else involved, including the family of the person who died, other drivers, passengers and witnesses, and keep the event off social media.
The law
What § 13-1103 covers and what it can cost
Section 13-1103 sets out several forms, each a class 2 felony under subsection (D). Two are the focus here:
Reckless, (A)(1)Recklessly causing another person's death. Recklessness means knowing of a substantial and unjustifiable risk and consciously disregarding it, a gross departure from how a reasonable person would act (§ 13-105(10)(c)).
Heat of passion, (A)(2)What would otherwise be second degree murder, done in a sudden quarrel or heat of passion brought on by adequate provocation (defined in § 13-1101(4)).
The other forms, (A)(3) to (A)(5), cover intentionally providing the physical means for a suicide, conduct coerced by threatened deadly force, and the death of an unborn child caused by injuring the mother.
The sentence often turns on whether the State alleges a dangerous offense: one where serious physical injury was inflicted intentionally or knowingly, or a deadly weapon or dangerous instrument was discharged, used or exhibited in a threatening way (§ 13-105(13)). A vehicle can be alleged to be a dangerous instrument, which § 13-105(12) defines by whether, as used, the thing was readily capable of causing death or serious physical injury.
- Proven dangerous, first offense: 7 to 21 years, presumptive 10.5 (§ 13-704(A)). Under § 13-704(G), probation, a suspended sentence and early release are unavailable except through narrow statutory exceptions.
- Without a dangerous finding, first offense: presumptive 5 years in a 4 to 10 year range, which can stretch from 3 when mitigated to 12.5 when aggravated (§ 13-702(D)); those outer terms require at least two mitigating or aggravating factors (§ 13-702(B)). Probation may be possible, for up to seven years on a class 2 felony unless ended sooner (§ 13-902(A)(1)).
Prior convictions raise these ranges, and a manslaughter conviction after two earlier serious offense convictions from separate occasions requires a life sentence (§ 13-706(A)). Because § 13-1101(2) defines homicide to include manslaughter, § 13-107(A) allows a prosecution at any time.
Manslaughter Lawyer in Scottsdale, AZ
What a Scottsdale manslaughter defense examines
Avoiding jail is not the same as avoiding a conviction. Manslaughter is a serious offense (§ 13-706(F)(1)(c)), so § 13-911(O)(3) rules out sealing, and § 13-905(P) bars a set-aside for a dangerous offense or a felony with a victim under fifteen. Once a conviction for a homicide resulting from driving is final, MVD must revoke the license (§ 28-3304(A)(1)). The felony also brings Arizona's firearm prohibition until rights are restored (§ 13-3101(A)(7)(b)) and the federal one in 18 U.S.C. § 922(g)(1), and 8 U.S.C. § 1227(a)(2) makes noncitizens deportable for certain convictions.
The dangerous allegation
Whether a car or other object was used as a dangerous instrument must be proven, and the answer can separate mandatory prison from a probation-eligible case.
The blood result
When impairment is alleged, the draw, its timing and the laboratory's records for that sample get independent review.
Causation
Other drivers, road design, lighting, signals and the medical cause of death can each undercut causation.
Independent reconstruction
Event data recorder downloads, scanner data, video and phone records can go to an independent reconstructionist.
Self-defense, where it applies
Section 13-405 limits deadly force; when the defense presents justification evidence, the State has to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that the accused was not justified (§ 13-205(A)).
The law
Sources: Arizona statutes and Cornell Law School
Each cited law, in full.
- § 13-1103, manslaughter forms and class (azleg.gov)
- § 13-105, recklessness and dangerous offense defined (azleg.gov)
- § 13-1101, homicide and adequate provocation (azleg.gov)
- § 13-1102, negligent homicide by comparison (azleg.gov)
- § 13-704, sentences for dangerous offenses (azleg.gov)
- § 13-702, first felony offense ranges (azleg.gov)
- § 13-902, how long probation can last (azleg.gov)
- § 13-706, life sentences for repeat serious offenses (azleg.gov)
- § 13-107, when charges may be brought (azleg.gov)
- § 13-405, deadly force and justification (azleg.gov)
- § 13-205, burden of proof on justification (azleg.gov)
- § 28-3304, license revocation after certain convictions (azleg.gov)
- § 13-905, set-aside limits (azleg.gov)
- § 13-911, no sealing for serious offenses (azleg.gov)
- § 13-3101, Arizona firearm prohibitions (azleg.gov)
- Wex: homicide (Cornell LII)
- Wex: manslaughter (Cornell LII)
- 18 U.S.C. § 922, firearms and prior convictions (Cornell LII)
- 8 U.S.C. § 1227, criminal grounds for removal (Cornell LII)
Manslaughter Lawyer in Scottsdale, AZ
Preparing a manslaughter case as if it will be tried
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 manslaughter 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. We meet Scottsdale clients there 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. § 13-1103, Manslaughter; classification; definition
- A.R.S. § 13-105, Definitions
- A.R.S. § 13-1101, Definitions
- A.R.S. § 13-1102, Negligent homicide; classification
- A.R.S. § 13-704, Dangerous offenders; sentencing
- A.R.S. § 13-702, First time felony offenders; sentencing; definition
- A.R.S. § 13-902, Periods of probation; monitoring; fees
- A.R.S. § 13-706, Serious, violent or aggravated offenders; sentencing; life imprisonment; 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. § 28-3304, Mandatory revocation of license; definition
- A.R.S. § 13-905, Setting aside judgment of convicted person on discharge; application; release from disabilities
- 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 manslaughter questions
Scottsdale provides its collision reports online through CRASHDOCS.org, and the police records page says a request there needs an involved party's last name, the collision date and the report number. If you may be charged, let your lawyer obtain the full investigative materials through the criminal case instead. A collision report is only a summary.
A dangerous allegation claims a deadly weapon or dangerous instrument, which can include a vehicle, or the intentional or knowing infliction of serious physical injury. If it is proven, a first offense carries 7 to 21 years and no probation (§ 13-704). Without it, the § 13-702 range applies and probation may be possible. Because so much rides on it, the allegation is often contested on its own.
If the conviction is for a homicide resulting from driving a motor vehicle, MVD must revoke the license once it receives the record of a final conviction (§ 28-3304(A)(1)). That section does not itself state how long the revocation lasts, so ask us how reinstatement would work before you accept any plea.
Possibly, through the case. The city's Property and Evidence Unit needs the case officer's approval before it returns anything listed as evidence, and the vehicle impound page says nothing about evidence holds, so expect access to go through the case officer and the prosecutor. We ask early, so an independent reconstructionist can examine what the State's experts examined.
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.