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 negligent homicide defense
Negligent Homicide Lawyer in Scottsdale, AZ
Before any interview, talk to a lawyer.
Negligent homicide is the charge Arizona uses when the State says someone caused a death by failing to see a serious risk that a reasonable person would have noticed. It can follow a collision on a Scottsdale street or an accident elsewhere in the city, and what is said and saved in the first days often shapes whether any charge is brought at all.
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
From a Scottsdale collision to a charging decision
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.
After a crash inside Scottsdale, district officers begin the collision investigation, according to the police bureaus page, and the department also has a Traffic Enforcement Section in its Special Operations Division. A death that did not involve a vehicle is a matter for Investigations and, where needed, the Crime Scene Unit, which the city says may respond to death investigations.
A charge can come well after the crash. Officers can send their findings to the County Attorney's Office, where a prosecutor decides whether to charge, decline, refer the matter or return it for more investigation. Collision cases there belong to the Vehicular Crimes Bureau, which also prosecutes drivers who leave the scene of an injury collision and keeps attorneys on call for fatal crash investigations.
A misdemeanor route also runs through the city. Scottsdale's Prosecution Division prosecutes misdemeanors committed within the city, so a § 28-672 charge (explained below) from a crash inside city limits can be heard in Scottsdale City Court, 3700 N. 75th St., where the city prosecutor at a pretrial conference represents the State, not the defendant.
If there is an arrest on the felony, the Rule 4.1 hearing within 24 hours takes place at the county's Initial Appearance Court, 2670 S. 28th Dr., Phoenix; the Sheriff's Office says Scottsdale holds initial appearances itself only for city charges. The felony is tried in Superior Court downtown; confirm the building on your current notice.
Even a sympathetic message to the family of the person who died, another driver, a passenger or a witness can be misread. Have no contact, and post nothing about the crash.
The law
What § 13-1102 requires, and the § 28-672 alternative
Section 13-1102 makes it a class 4 felony to cause the death of another person, an unborn child included, with criminal negligence (subsections (A) and (C)). Subsection (B) carves out a consented abortion, medical treatment and the child's own mother.
Criminal negligence means not perceiving a substantial and unjustifiable risk, when missing it is a gross deviation from the standard of care a reasonable person would observe (§ 13-105(10)(d)). Simple carelessness does not meet it. A person who did perceive the risk and consciously disregarded it acted recklessly instead (§ 13-105(10)(c)), which supports manslaughter, a class 2 felony (§ 13-1103(A)(1), (D)).
Dangerous offense proven (a vehicleDangerous offense proven (a vehicle, for instance, treated as a dangerous instrument under § 13-105(12)): 4, 6 and 8 years as the minimum, presumptive and maximum for a first offense (§ 13-704(A)); § 13-704(G) rules out probation and early release apart from its listed exceptions.
Section 28-672 is a separate, lesser offense: a listed moving violation that results in an accident causing serious physical injury or death, classed as a class 1 misdemeanor (§ 28-672(A), (I)). When a death results from a first violation, the court must have MVD suspend or restrict driving privileges for no less than 180 days and no more than one year (§ 28-672(C)(1)). Traffic survival school is required and community restitution may be ordered (§ 28-672(B)), and restitution in such a case cannot exceed $100,000 (§ 28-672(G)). A § 28-672 charge must be brought within two years after discovery (§ 28-672(H)). The felony has no such limit: § 13-1101(2) includes negligent homicide in the definition of homicide, and § 13-107(A) permits a homicide prosecution at any time.
Negligent Homicide Lawyer in Scottsdale, AZ
What a Scottsdale negligent homicide defense examines
Avoiding jail is not the same as avoiding a conviction. Once a conviction for a homicide resulting from driving is final, MVD must revoke the license (§ 28-3304(A)(1)). Negligent homicide is not on the § 13-706(F)(1) serious offense list, so a non-dangerous conviction may later be set aside (§ 13-905) or sealed five years after the nonmonetary terms are completed and the court discharges the person (§ 13-911(E)(2)), once fines, fees and restitution are paid (§ 13-911(G)). A dangerous offense closes both doors (§§ 13-905(P)(1), 13-911(O)(1)), and a victim under fifteen bars a set-aside (§ 13-905(P)(4)). A felony conviction bars firearm possession until rights are restored (§ 13-3101(A)(7)(b)), as does serving felony probation (§ 13-3101(A)(7)(d)); federal law adds 18 U.S.C. § 922(g)(1), and 8 U.S.C. § 1227(a)(2) makes noncitizens deportable for certain convictions.
Gross deviation, not mere error
The question is what a careful person could have perceived in those conditions, so visibility, timing, road layout and other people's movements all matter.
What actually caused the death
A mechanical failure, a roadway problem, someone else's driving or a medical issue can each be examined as the true cause.
The data behind the diagram
Vehicle crash data, scanner and diagram work, video and phone records can be checked by an independent reconstructionist.
The right charge
A § 28-672 fit, or an unprovable dangerous allegation, can change the case and its consequences.
The law
Sources: Arizona statutes and Cornell Law School
Official texts, linked.
- § 13-1102, negligent homicide and its class (azleg.gov)
- § 13-105, criminal negligence and recklessness (azleg.gov)
- § 13-1103, manslaughter by recklessness (azleg.gov)
- § 13-704, dangerous offense sentencing (azleg.gov)
- § 13-702, first offense felony terms (azleg.gov)
- § 13-902, maximum probation terms (azleg.gov)
- § 28-672, a moving violation causing injury or death (azleg.gov)
- § 13-107, limitation periods (azleg.gov)
- § 13-1101, the homicide definition (azleg.gov)
- § 28-3304, when MVD must revoke a license (azleg.gov)
- § 13-706, the serious offense list (azleg.gov)
- § 13-905, setting aside a conviction (azleg.gov)
- § 13-911, sealing a record (azleg.gov)
- § 13-3101, firearm possession limits (azleg.gov)
- Wex: manslaughter (Cornell LII)
- Wex: vehicular homicide (Cornell LII)
- 18 U.S.C. § 922, the federal firearms statute (Cornell LII)
- 8 U.S.C. § 1227, deportation grounds (Cornell LII)
Negligent Homicide Lawyer in Scottsdale, AZ
Steady defense after a fatal accident
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 homicide 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. Appointments only.
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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. § 13-1102, Negligent homicide; classification
- A.R.S. § 13-105, Definitions
- A.R.S. § 13-1103, Manslaughter; classification; definition
- 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. § 28-672, Causing serious physical injury or death by a moving violation; time limitation; penalties; violation; classification; definition
- A.R.S. § 13-107, Time limitations
- A.R.S. § 13-1101, Definitions
- A.R.S. § 28-3304, Mandatory revocation of license; definition
- A.R.S. § 13-706, Serious, violent or aggravated offenders; sentencing; life imprisonment; definitions
- 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 negligent homicide questions
Not necessarily. A citation and a felony review can move separately: officers can send their findings to the County Attorney's Office while a misdemeanor citation proceeds, and a homicide charge has no time limit. Before you plead to anything in Scottsdale City Court, talk with a lawyer, because a plea in one case can have consequences for the other and for your license.
Possibly. The felony is always class 4, but some crash cases fit § 28-672, a class 1 misdemeanor for a listed moving violation that results in serious physical injury or death. Inside Scottsdale, a misdemeanor like that can be prosecuted by the city in Scottsdale City Court. It still brings a license suspension or restriction and traffic survival school, and whether it fits depends on the facts.
Not always. Because negligent homicide is not on Arizona's serious offense list, a conviction that was not a dangerous offense may later be set aside under § 13-905 and, after the five-year wait in § 13-911(E)(2), sealed, provided fines, fees and restitution have been paid. A dangerous designation blocks both, which is one more reason to contest that allegation early.
Leave them as they are and talk to us first. If police kept the vehicle, the city's evidence unit will not hand back anything listed as evidence unless the case officer authorizes it. If you still have it, do not repair, sell or scrap it until a lawyer decides whether an independent expert should inspect it, and save any dashcam video, photos and phone data.
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.