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 second degree murder defense
Second Degree Murder Lawyer in Scottsdale, AZ
Serious charges deserve a careful defense.
A second degree murder charge accuses someone of causing a death on purpose, knowingly, or through conduct showing extreme indifference to human life, without premeditation. In Scottsdale these cases often come out of events that unfolded in moments, and the first explanation someone offers can shape everything that comes after it.
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 law
Inside a Scottsdale second degree murder investigation
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.
District patrol officers are usually first on scene; Scottsdale's bureaus page lists initial criminal investigations among their duties. Follow-up belongs to Investigations, whose specialized detectives and analysts handle persons crimes.
Video is often the first thing to secure, because business and home systems record over old footage.
The Forensic Services Division's Crime Scene Unit may respond to homicides and other death investigations, and the city lists diagramming, photography and a 3-D laser scanner among its methods. Where self-defense is raised, positions and distances matter, so we ask for the scan data and diagrams themselves.
The County Attorney's Office decides the charge; the Scottsdale Prosecution Division's page leaves state felonies to that office or the Attorney General. Homicides in which death is not sought go to specialist units such as the Gang Bureau, the Family Violence Bureau or the Criminal Trial Division. This charge can be brought from the start, or a first degree count can later be reduced to it.
Scottsdale holds its own initial appearances only for city charges, the Sheriff's Office says, so an arrest on this charge leads to the county's Initial Appearance Court, 2670 S. 28th Dr., Phoenix, within the 24 hours set by Rule 4.1. Prosecutors have not yet accepted the charges read at that hearing, the Sheriff's Office explains, and a case can go back to the arresting agency for more work.
Trial takes place in the downtown Superior Court complex; confirm the building on your current notice. Complex status is not automatic for this charge. Under Administrative Order 2021-127, either side can ask for it by motion during the first 60 days after arraignment, or the judge can designate the case with supporting factual findings.
Do not contact the family of the person who died or anyone who saw what happened, and keep the events off social media. If a release order names someone, contact can also put your release at risk.
The law
The three forms in § 13-1104(A)
Second degree murder is a death caused without premeditation in one of three ways:
(A)(1)Intentionally causing another person's death.
(A)(2)Causing a death while knowing the conduct will cause death or serious physical injury.
(A)(3)Under circumstances manifesting extreme indifference to human life, recklessly engaging in conduct that creates a grave risk of death, and thereby causing a death.
A person acts intentionally when causing the result is the goal, and knowingly when aware or believing the conduct is of that nature (§ 13-105(10)(a), (b)). Recklessness is awareness and conscious disregard of a substantial and unjustifiable risk, and someone unaware of the risk solely because of voluntary intoxication still acts recklessly (§ 13-105(10)(c)). Under § 13-105(39), an injury carrying a reasonable risk of death counts as serious physical injury. The statute also covers an unborn child, with exceptions in § 13-1104(B).
Every form is class 1 (§ 13-1104(C)). A first offense usually falls under § 13-710(A): a minimum of 10 calendar years, a presumptive 16, a maximum of 25. With a prior conviction for second degree murder or for a dangerous class 2 or 3 felony, the range becomes 15, 20 and 29 (§ 13-710(B)), and either presumptive term can be raised or lowered for aggravating or mitigating circumstances (§ 13-710(C)). A calendar year is 365 days actually served, without release, suspension, probation, pardon or parole (§ 13-105(4)). Section 13-705 controls instead if the person who died was younger than fifteen or unborn, and § 13-706(A) does if the accused already has at least two serious offense convictions from separate occasions.
A 15, 16 or 17 year old accused of this offense is prosecuted as an adult (§ 13-501(A)(2)), and no time limit applies (§ 13-107(A)).
Our approach
How we defend a Scottsdale second degree murder charge
Avoiding jail is not the same as avoiding a conviction. Second degree murder is listed as both a serious offense and a violent or aggravated felony (§ 13-706(F)(1)(b), (F)(2)(b)), so § 13-911(O)(3) bars sealing, and § 13-905(P)(1) bars a set-aside for any dangerous offense. A felony conviction triggers Arizona's prohibited possessor rule until rights are restored (§ 13-3101(A)(7)(b)) and the federal bar in 18 U.S.C. § 922(g)(1), and 8 U.S.C. § 1227(a)(2) makes noncitizens deportable for certain convictions.
Which mental state was charged
Each form has its own proof. Recklessness without extreme indifference points to reckless manslaughter under § 13-1103(A)(1), a class 2 felony under subsection (D).
Sudden quarrel or heat of passion
Under § 13-1103(A)(2), what would be second degree murder becomes manslaughter when it happens on a sudden quarrel or heat of passion after adequate provocation, meaning provocation enough, in the words of § 13-1101(4), "to deprive a reasonable person of self-control."
Self-defense and the scene
Deadly force is justified only within § 13-405, and a person who is where they may legally be, and is not engaged in an unlawful act, has no duty to retreat first (§ 13-405(B)). After the defense presents evidence of justification, the State must prove beyond a reasonable doubt that the force was not justified (§ 13-205(A)).
Cause of death
Autopsy and toxicology findings, medical treatment and the sequence of events can go to independent experts.
How the evidence was gathered
Interviews, phone searches and warrants are tested for constitutional defects.
The law
Sources: Arizona statutes and Cornell Law School
Every Arizona section and federal reference used above, at its official home.
- § 13-1104, second degree murder defined (azleg.gov)
- § 13-105, intent, knowledge and recklessness (azleg.gov)
- § 13-710, sentencing for second degree murder (azleg.gov)
- § 13-705, dangerous crimes against children (azleg.gov)
- § 13-706, repeat offenders and offense lists (azleg.gov)
- § 13-1103, the forms of manslaughter (azleg.gov)
- § 13-1101, homicide chapter definitions (azleg.gov)
- § 13-405, justification for deadly force (azleg.gov)
- § 13-205, the State's burden on justification (azleg.gov)
- § 13-501, juveniles prosecuted as adults (azleg.gov)
- § 13-107, prosecution time limits (azleg.gov)
- § 13-3101, prohibited possessors (azleg.gov)
- § 13-905, set-asides and exclusions (azleg.gov)
- § 13-911, sealing exclusions (azleg.gov)
- Wex: murder (Cornell LII)
- Wex: second degree murder (Cornell LII)
- 18 U.S.C. § 922, firearm possession limits (Cornell LII)
- 8 U.S.C. § 1227, removal after a conviction (Cornell LII)
The law
Built for a second degree murder trial
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 murder 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. Scottsdale clients meet with us 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. § 13-1104, Second degree murder; classification
- A.R.S. § 13-105, Definitions
- A.R.S. § 13-710, Sentence for second degree murder
- A.R.S. § 13-705, Dangerous crimes against children; sentences; definitions
- A.R.S. § 13-706, Serious, violent or aggravated offenders; sentencing; life imprisonment; definitions
- A.R.S. § 13-1103, Manslaughter; classification; definition
- A.R.S. § 13-1101, Definitions
- 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. § 13-501, Persons under eighteen years of age; felony charging; definitions
- A.R.S. § 13-107, Time limitations
- A.R.S. § 13-3101, 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
Common questions
Scottsdale second degree murder questions
Scottsdale's records section lists on-body camera recordings among the records it releases, and it reports a backlog on those requests. Once a charge is pending, the faster route is usually through the prosecutor in the criminal case, along with 911 audio, scene photographs and scan data. Do not try to collect footage from businesses or neighbors yourself; tell us where cameras were, and we can send preservation requests.
Sometimes. If the evidence shows recklessness but not extreme indifference, or a sudden quarrel or heat of passion after adequate provocation, manslaughter may fit, by verdict or by agreement. Manslaughter is a class 2 felony with lower ranges, but whether a reduction is realistic depends on the evidence, and no lawyer can promise one.
Not necessarily. Police can send their findings to the County Attorney for review, and the reviewing prosecutor can charge the case, send it back for more investigation, decline it or refer it to another office. A quiet stretch after a police contact is often a useful time to involve a lawyer.
No. When a 15, 16 or 17 year old is accused of second degree murder, Arizona requires the county attorney to prosecute the case the same way as an adult's (§ 13-501(A)(2)), so it is heard in Superior Court downtown. Her age, development and history still matter to the defense and to any sentence, and she should not answer detectives' questions until a lawyer is involved.
Second Degree Murder Lawyer in Scottsdale, AZ
Before any statement, a phone call
Call (480) 405-6767. If someone is being held for a first hearing, or a detective wants a recorded interview, phone us rather than using the form.
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…”
★★★★★
“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.