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 marijuana defense
Marijuana Lawyer in Scottsdale, AZ
How the evidence was found matters.
Adults 21 and older can buy and use marijuana legally in Arizona, so a Scottsdale marijuana citation or arrest can catch people off guard. The city has its own rules for public and city property, the state still sets amount and age limits, and the largest cases remain felonies. The kind of case decides the court.
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
A city ordinance, three possible courts
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 has its own ordinance. After voters passed Proposition 207, the city adopted recreational marijuana Ordinance No. 4484. Its council report described banning the use, possession, sale, cultivation or smoking of marijuana on property the city owns or controls, such as parks and city buildings, and smoking it in public places under the Smoke-Free Arizona Act's definition, while leaving private, non-public spaces alone.
Those charges stay in the city. The city describes ordinance penalties as running from civil offenses up to class 1 misdemeanors, and the council report said the cases would go to the City Prosecutor's Office and Scottsdale City Court, 3700 N. 75th St., not to the County Attorney.
State citations can land there too. A Scottsdale Police citation inside city limits for an over-limit amount or an under-21 violation can be heard on 75th Street. A DPS or Sheriff's Office ticket can instead go to a county justice court, and the county lists McDowell Mountain Justice Court's area as including Scottsdale; the court printed on the citation controls.
After a city arrest. Someone booked on a city charge can be held at the city jail on 75th Street, where jail court sits from 9 a.m. to noon; a plea there is still a conviction. For jail video, the Prosecution Division wants a written request within 30 days of the arrest.
Felonies go downtown. More than 2.5 ounces, any possession for sale or sale, and a grow larger than Prop 207 permits are felonies for the County Attorney and Superior Court downtown; check your current notice for the building.
Old records. Scottsdale City Court posts its own marijuana expungement petition, and the petitioner must get a copy to the prosecutor. See marijuana expungement in Scottsdale (see Scottsdale marijuana expungement).
The charges
What Arizona still treats as a marijuana offense
Adults 21 and overUnder § 36-2852(A), an adult may possess or transport an ounce or less (no more than five grams as concentrate), grow six plants for personal use at a primary residence (twelve if two or more adults 21 or older live there) in a locked enclosure out of public view, give an ounce or less to another adult without payment or advertising, and own marijuana paraphernalia.
What stayed illegalSmoking in a public place or open space, and using marijuana behind the wheel or as a passenger in a vehicle being operated, are not protected (§ 36-2851(8)), and cities may restrict conduct on property they own or control (§ 36-2851(9)).
Petty offensesHolding over an ounce, up to 2.5 ounces with no more than 12.5 grams of concentrate, is a petty offense (§ 36-2853(A)); so is public smoking (§ 36-2853(C)). The fine for a petty offense tops out at $300 (A.R.S. § 13-802(D)). A home grow visible from public view or not locked away is a petty offense, then a class 3 misdemeanor on a repeat (§ 36-2853(D)).
Younger than 21With an ounce or less, § 36-2853(B) moves from a civil penalty capped at $100 (the court may add up to four hours of drug education or counseling) to a petty offense on the second violation and a class 1 misdemeanor on the third.
Felonies by weightSection 13-3405(B) grades possession from class 6 (under two pounds) to class 4 (four pounds or more), possession for sale from class 4 to class 2, production from class 5 to class 3, and sale or transport for sale at class 3 or, from two pounds, class 2.
Two poundsThat is the threshold amount (§ 13-3401(36)(g)); at or above it, the two-pound-plus sale, possession for sale and production tiers carry no probation (§ 13-3405(C)). Every § 13-3405 conviction brings a nonsuspendable fine of the greater of $750 or triple the marijuana's value (§ 13-3405(D)).
Common questions
Questions that shape a Scottsdale marijuana defense
Avoiding jail is not the same as avoiding a conviction. A guilty plea to a petty offense still leaves a conviction. A felony conviction makes a person a prohibited possessor under A.R.S. § 13-3101(A)(7)(b) until the right is restored, and federal law separately bars gun possession by an unlawful user of a controlled substance (18 U.S.C. § 922(g)(3)). For immigration, the only drug deportability exception is a single offense of possessing 30 grams or less of marijuana for one's own use (8 U.S.C. § 1227(a)(2)(B)(i)).
Where it happened
Whether the spot was city property, a public place or a private room can decide whether the city ordinance applies at all. Location also explains how police got involved, since private owners such as resorts may prohibit marijuana on their premises (§ 36-2851(7)).
How much, and of what
Each legal line (an ounce, 2.5 ounces, two pounds, four pounds) depends on what was weighed, and § 13-3401(19) leaves mature stalks and sterilized seed out of the definition. Flower and concentrate also have to be sorted correctly.
Gift or sale
An unpaid, unadvertised transfer of an ounce or less between adults 21 and older is lawful (§ 36-2852(A)(3)).
Driving is separate
Under § 36-2852(B), marijuana metabolites establish a § 28-1381(A)(3) DUI only for a driver who was also impaired to the slightest degree; see Scottsdale drug DUI.
The law
Sources: Arizona statutes and Cornell Law School
The marijuana rules above come from these texts, saved Oct 29, 2026.
- § 36-2852, lawful adult use, grows and gifts (azleg.gov)
- § 36-2851, limits Prop 207 left in place (azleg.gov)
- § 36-2853, violations and penalties (azleg.gov)
- § 13-3405, felony weights and classes (azleg.gov)
- § 13-3401, definition and threshold (azleg.gov)
- § 13-802, the petty offense fine cap (azleg.gov)
- § 28-1381, DUI and the odor exception (azleg.gov)
- § 36-2862, marijuana expungement (azleg.gov)
- § 13-3101, prohibited possessors (azleg.gov)
- Wex entry on marijuana (Cornell LII)
- 18 U.S.C. § 922, drug users and guns (Cornell LII)
- 8 U.S.C. § 1227, the small marijuana carve-out (Cornell LII)
The charges
The right defense for the charge you actually have
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. On a Scottsdale marijuana case, that starts with the law cited, the location and the weight. 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
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. § 13-802, Fines for misdemeanors
- A.R.S. § 13-3101, Definitions
- A.R.S. § 36-2852, Allowable possession and personal use of marijuana, marijuana products and marijuana paraphernalia
- A.R.S. § 36-2851, Employers; driving; minors; control of property; smoking in public places and open spaces
- A.R.S. § 36-2853, Violations; classification; civil penalty; additional fine; enforcement
- A.R.S. § 13-3405, Possession, use, production, sale or transportation of marijuana; classification; exceptions
- A.R.S. § 13-3401, Definitions
- A.R.S. § 28-1381, Driving or actual physical control while under the influence; trial by jury; presumptions; admissible evidence
- A.R.S. § 36-2862, Expungement; petition; appeal; dismissal of complaints; rules
Common questions
Scottsdale marijuana questions
It can be. Scottsdale's ordinance targets marijuana use on city-owned or city-controlled property, with penalties the city describes as running from civil offenses to class 1 misdemeanors, and state law makes public smoking a petty offense (A.R.S. § 36-2853(C)). The citation names the law and the court, which for a city charge the city said would be Scottsdale City Court.
For an ounce or less, a first violation by someone under 21 is a civil penalty of up to $100, sometimes with a few hours of drug education or counseling (A.R.S. § 36-2853(B)). A second is a petty offense and a third a class 1 misdemeanor, so handle the first one carefully.
Not on its own. A.R.S. § 36-2852(C) says the smell of marijuana, raw or burnt, does not alone establish reasonable articulable suspicion of a crime; the exception is an investigation into whether a driver committed DUI. Officers can still point to other facts, so the body-worn camera footage and the exact order of events during the stop are what we review.
Often. Section 36-2862 allows a petition to expunge certain older records for up to 2.5 ounces, up to six plants grown at a primary residence for personal use, or marijuana paraphernalia, and the court grants it unless the prosecutor shows ineligibility by clear and convincing evidence. City cases go to Scottsdale City Court on its own form; other cases return to the court that handled them.
Marijuana Lawyer in Scottsdale, AZ
Have the citation in hand when you call
Call (480) 405-6767 and keep the ticket or release paperwork nearby.
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…”
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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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★★★★★
“…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…”
★★★★★
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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!”
★★★★★
“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.