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 release and bond
Release and Bond Lawyer in Scottsdale, AZ
Release terms are set fast. They can be revisited.
After a Scottsdale arrest, families want to know two things: when a judge will see the person, and what it will take to get them home. If you were already released, reread the order you signed. Each term is a court order, and breaking one can bring a warrant.
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
Release and Bond Lawyer in Scottsdale, AZ
Which judge sets release after a Scottsdale arrest
Where it is decided
At the first appearance, within 24 hours of an arrest. On a felony, that is the jail court at 2670 S. 28th Dr. in Phoenix.
The law
A.R.S. § 13-3967 lists the release conditions a judge can set.
Paying a bond
County bonds are paid at the Fourth Avenue Jail, 201 S. 4th Ave., Phoenix. Scottsdale city bonds are posted at City Court on weekdays, or at the Jail Release Area behind the court building after hours.
Changing terms
A request to change release terms goes to the court that has the case.
The charge picks the courtroom. The Sheriff's Office counts Scottsdale among six cities that conduct their own initial appearances on city charges. For a Scottsdale city charge, that generally means jail court at the City of Scottsdale Jail in the Downtown Scottsdale Police Station (District 2), 3700 N. 75th St., which the police department lists from 9 a.m. to noon, varying with the number of initial appearances. Visitors enter from the second floor of the Civic Center Library parking garage.
A felony, or an arrest on a charge that is not a Scottsdale city charge, generally goes to the county's Initial Appearance Court at the Intake, Transfer and Release facility, 2670 S. 28th Dr., Phoenix, which the Sheriff's Office runs daily, holidays included, with a county calendar every three hours. There, Adult Probation officers hand the judge a criminal history and a Public Safety Assessment estimating the chance of a new offense and of a missed court date. Arizona Rule of Criminal Procedure 4.1 caps the wait for either hearing at 24 hours.
Posting a Scottsdale city bond. Scottsdale City Court does not take bond online. Someone with identification posts it in person: at the court during the work week, or at the Jail Release Area behind the City Court building after hours and on holidays, per the jail page. Cash, a cashier's check, a money order or a card with the cardholder present are accepted unless the judge orders cash only; personal checks and mail are not. A bail bond agent or other third party may post.
A county bond is paid at the Fourth Avenue Jail's Bond and Fine room downtown, exact amount only. Release can take as long as 24 hours once the money is in, the Sheriff's Office says, and an immigration or other agency hold keeps the person inside.
Pretrial Services, in the South Court Tower, can supervise county releases, monitoring testing, no-contact and stay-away orders and ankle monitors.
Nothing is permanent. Conditions can change at a later court date or on a motion, the Sheriff's Office notes, and Scottsdale City Court holds an appearance bond until the defendant no longer has to appear.
The law
Release, bail and conditions under Arizona law
The default. A person charged with an offense that is bailable as of right must be released before trial, on recognizance or on bail the judge sets (A.R.S. § 13-3967(A)). The judge weighs listed factors, the victim's views first among them, along with the offense, the strength of the evidence, any danger, a domestic violence risk or lethality assessment if presented, family ties, work and court attendance history (§ 13-3967(B)).
Why conditions exist. Arizona names three purposes: getting the accused to court, protecting witnesses from intimidation, and keeping the victim, others and the community safe (A.R.S. § 13-3961(B)).
What can be ordered. After notice to the victim, the judge may impose supervision by a designated person or organization, limits on travel, associates or residence, a refundable cash deposit, a ban on deadly weapons, alcohol or certain drugs, check-ins with a court officer, or an order to return to custody after specified hours (§ 13-3967(D)). Felony releases always require good behavior (§ 13-3967(C)). Felonies under § 13-3212 or chapters 14 and 35.1 of title 13, and a felony DV offense that caused physical harm, require electronic monitoring where available plus a no-contact term (§ 13-3967(E)). After any DV arrest, the order must carry terms protecting the alleged victim (A.R.S. § 13-3601(I)).
Changing the order. The written order lists every condition, and the judge must explain the penalties and warn that a violation can bring an immediate warrant (§ 13-3967(F)). The releasing judge or the court handling the case may later amend the terms, including bail, and on application the defendant is entitled to a review, with notice to the county attorney and the victim (§ 13-3967(G)).
Detention. Bailability is first decided at the initial appearance (§ 13-3961(C)). Some listed offenses are not bailable when the proof is evident or the presumption great (§ 13-3961(A)), though Arizona courts have limited some of those categories. On other felonies the State can move to detain, but only on clear and convincing proof of the findings § 13-3961(D) requires, at a hearing held no later than 24 hours after the initial appearance unless continued, where the accused may have counsel and present evidence (§ 13-3961(E)). An indictment adds nothing to the strength of the proof (§ 13-3961(F)).
Felony violations. A prosecutor's verified application can produce a warrant and a superior court hearing; a willful violation may bring new or added conditions, and probable cause of a felony committed on release may end release (A.R.S. § 13-3968).
Release and Bond Lawyer in Scottsdale, AZ
Our work on a Scottsdale release
Prepare before jail court
A family that calls early can gather pay records, a lease, caregiving duties and proof of past court attendance for the judge.
Aim the request at the right court
City and county cases have different judges and bond windows; a § 13-3967(G) review goes to the releasing judge or the court where the case is pending.
Make the request specific
An unreachable bond, a travel limit that blocks work or a no-contact term covering your home can be raised, with support.
Contest detention element by element
Each § 13-3961(D) finding is the State's to prove.
Answer a violation with the order
Under § 13-3968, willfulness decides it.
Protect the bond money
After a missed date, Scottsdale City Court sets a forfeiture hearing and asks whether whoever posted made reasonable efforts to secure the defendant's appearance.
Live inside the terms
If the protected person reaches out, stay silent, save the message for your lawyer and leave changes to the court. Ask us before moving any firearm.
The law
Sources: Arizona statutes and Cornell Law School
These texts support the legal statements above.
The process
A former prosecutor at the first hearing
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 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.
Fourth Avenue Jail, Bond and Fine Room
Bonds and warrant amounts are paid here, at any hour.
201 S. 4th Ave., 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 85251Maricopa 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. § 13-3967, Release on bailable offenses before trial; definition
- A.R.S. § 13-3961, Offenses not bailable; purpose; preconviction; exceptions
- A.R.S. § 13-3601, Domestic violence; definition; classification; sentencing option; arrest and procedure for violation
- A.R.S. § 13-3968, Violation of conditions of release; hearing
Common questions
Scottsdale release and bond questions
It depends on the charge. A Scottsdale city misdemeanor goes to jail court at the Downtown Scottsdale Police Station on 75th Street, held in the late morning. A felony, or another agency's charge, generally goes to the county's Initial Appearance Court on South 28th Drive in Phoenix. Rule 4.1 requires a judge within 24 hours.
No. The city jail's page says it accepts only misdemeanor warrant bonds from other jurisdictions, in the exact cash amount, while the person is still there. Felony warrant bonds are not accepted. A felony warrant is handled in the county system; call us with the warrant details.
The judge may order a bond returned to the person who posted it or that person's designee. Scottsdale City Court needs a current mailing address on its Bond Information Update form, notarized or with a copy of the poster's identification, and refunds by mailed check or to the original card. A missed court date puts the money at risk.
Stay silent: no calls, texts, social media replies or messages passed through friends. The condition binds you regardless of who starts the contact. Keep what they send for your lawyer. Only a judge can change it, and a § 13-3967(G) review request means the prosecution and the alleged victim get notice first.
Release and Bond Lawyer in Scottsdale, AZ
Someone in custody in Scottsdale?
Call (480) 405-6767. Tell us the charge, any bond amount and any condition keeping someone from home or work.
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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★★★★★
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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.