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 stalking defense
Stalking Lawyer in Scottsdale, AZ
Release terms come first. The defense comes right after.
A Scottsdale detective calling about messages, visits or a location app is often the first sign of a stalking investigation. Both forms of stalking are felonies in Arizona, so the case is likely headed to the County Attorney and Superior Court, and what you say before you have a lawyer can shape whether charges follow.
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
Stalking Lawyer in Scottsdale, AZ
How a stalking case is put together in Scottsdale
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.
Stalking cases are built from records. The reporting person usually brings screenshots, call logs, photos or a GPS tag discovered on a vehicle, and detectives may then seek carrier, platform or account records. Scottsdale Police can send phones and other devices to the Digital Forensics Unit in its Forensic Services Division, which the city says recovers and analyzes digital evidence from a wide range of electronic devices. A full extraction can show a history that a handful of screenshots leaves out, in either direction.
Charging can take time. The County Attorney's DV protocol, revised in 2015, tells prosecutors who see stalking elements in a submitted case to request a detective for further investigation if needed, and to resolve questions about where victims and witnesses can be found before stalking charges are submitted. That stretch between report and charge can be the most useful time to bring in a lawyer.
An arrest puts the case on the county track at once. Per the Sheriff's Office, Scottsdale's jail court hears only city charges, so a stalking booking goes to the county's Initial Appearance Court on South 28th Drive, where an in-custody defendant must be seen within 24 hours and the alleged victim may attend or send a statement. The judge must weigh the victim's views (A.R.S. § 13-3967(B)(1)) and must condition felony release on good behavior (§ 13-3967(C)); in a DV case, terms protecting the alleged victim are required (A.R.S. § 13-3601(I)).
The County Attorney decides whether to charge, and the case reaches Superior Court downtown by indictment or preliminary hearing; confirm the building on your current notice. The same facts are sometimes charged instead as misdemeanor harassment (A.R.S. § 13-2921), which the city's Prosecution Division brings in Scottsdale City Court. A civil order from City Court can run beside either case.
Stay away from the reporting person entirely: no calls, messages, posts or go-betweens. And delete nothing.
The law
The two forms of stalking in A.R.S. § 13-2923
Section 13-2923(A) has three parts: a course of conduct, aimed at someone, carried out intentionally or knowingly; and a result. The result decides the class under § 13-2923(C):
Class 5 (paragraph 1). The conduct caused emotional distressClass 5 (paragraph 1). The conduct caused emotional distress, or a reasonable fear that the person's property would be damaged or destroyed, or that the person would be physically hurt. Fear of injury to the person's relatives, pets or livestock, a present or past romantic or sexual partner, or a member of the household within the six months before the last conduct also counts.
Class 3 (paragraph 2). The conduct caused a reasonable fear of deathClass 3 (paragraph 2). The conduct caused a reasonable fear of death, either the person's own or that of one of those others.
A course of conduct, defined in § 13-2923(D)(1)(a), may be carried out in person, indirectly or by way of third parties, and takes one of three shapes:
- Physical or visual proximity to the person, or express or implied threats directed at them, on two or more occasions, however brief the span.
- Unauthorized use of an electronic, digital or GPS device to monitor the person or their online or wireless activity, either nonstop for at least twelve hours or on two or more occasions.
- Electronic communications aimed at the person on more than one occasion, without authorization and with no legitimate purpose.
The definition carves out constitutionally protected activity, and also activity that law authorizes or that the person, an authorized representative, or a minor's parent or guardian authorizes (§ 13-2923(D)(1)(b)). The statute defines "emotional distress" as significant mental suffering or distress, with no requirement that it be treated or counseled (§ 13-2923(D)(2)).
Where a first, non-dangerous felony ends in a prison term, A.R.S. § 13-702(D) ranges run .5 to 2.5 years for class 5, 1.5 presumptive, and 2 to 8.75 years for class 3, 3.5 presumptive. When the relationship qualifies, stalking carries the DV designation under A.R.S. § 13-3601(A) without a change in class (§ 13-3601(M)). Federal prosecution is possible too: 18 U.S.C. § 2261A reaches interstate travel, and certain uses of the mail or online and electronic services, when paired with an intent to kill, injure, harass, intimidate or surveil. Nova Law Group appears in the U.S. District Court for the District of Arizona.
Stalking Lawyer in Scottsdale, AZ
Where a stalking accusation can be tested
The thresholds are specific
Proximity and threats need two or more occasions, messages need more than one, and device tracking needs twelve straight hours or two occasions. A timeline of every date shows whether the line was reached.
Purpose and permission matter
A note about a child's school pickup, rent or a joint account can serve a legitimate purpose, and contact the reporting person agreed to is excluded.
Direction and intent
Turning up at the same gym, school event or restaurant is not the same as following someone; the conduct must be aimed at the person and done intentionally or knowingly.
Reasonable fear, real distress
Fear has to be reasonable, and emotional distress means significant mental suffering, not irritation.
Devices cut both ways
Family location sharing, a shared car's tracking service and shared accounts raise real questions about who did what, and a full extraction or account record can answer them.
Consequences after the case
Avoiding jail is not the same as avoiding a conviction. A felony conviction makes a person a prohibited possessor in Arizona until the right is restored (A.R.S. § 13-3101(A)(7)(b)) and brings the federal bar in 18 U.S.C. § 922(g)(1). A conviction for a crime of stalking is a ground of deportability (8 U.S.C. § 1227(a)(2)(E)(i)), so noncitizens need immigration advice before any plea.
The law
Sources: Arizona statutes and Cornell Law School
The statutes behind this page, with links to the official text:
- § 13-2923, stalking (azleg.gov)
- § 13-2921, misdemeanor harassment (azleg.gov)
- § 13-3967, release decisions and conditions (azleg.gov)
- § 13-3601, DV offense list and release terms (azleg.gov)
- § 13-702, first-time felony prison ranges (azleg.gov)
- § 13-3101, prohibited possessors (azleg.gov)
- 18 U.S.C. § 922, felony firearm bar (Cornell LII)
- 8 U.S.C. § 1227, stalking as a deportation ground (Cornell LII)
- 18 U.S.C. § 2261A, interstate stalking (Cornell LII)
Your record
Records first, then the courtroom
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.
Scottsdale 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 85251Scottsdale City Court, protective orders
Takes petitions for orders of protection on weekdays. That case runs on its own track, separate from the criminal case.
3700 N. 75th St., Scottsdale, AZ 85251Scottsdale City Attorney, Prosecution Division
Decides whether a city misdemeanor is charged and how it is resolved. Phone 480-312-2710.
Cases heard at 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. § 13-3601, Domestic violence; definition; classification; sentencing option; arrest and procedure for violation
- A.R.S. § 13-2921, Harassment; classification; definition
- A.R.S. § 13-702, First time felony offenders; sentencing; definition
- A.R.S. § 13-3101, Definitions
- A.R.S. § 13-2923, Stalking; classification; exceptions; definitions
Common questions
Scottsdale stalking questions
Talk with a lawyer before returning the call. Nothing requires you to sit for an interview, and your words can end up in the report the prosecutor reads. Do not reach out to the person who made the report, whether to explain or to apologize, and do not send anyone on your behalf. Preserve every message, photo and account record unchanged. We can handle the detective.
Authorization is the dividing line. The device form of stalking requires surveillance without authorization, so location sharing both people agreed to differs from a tracker someone did not know about. Agreement can end, though, and checking a location after permission was withdrawn may be viewed differently. The app's settings history and account records are often the best evidence of who agreed to what.
Strictly as your paperwork allows. Release orders and civil orders differ: one may permit contact through counsel or a co-parenting app, another may bar contact entirely. A term that makes parenting unworkable is changed by asking the court, through your lawyer, to review it under § 13-3967(G); the county attorney and the alleged victim get notice of that request. Informal workarounds risk a new charge.
Stalking itself is a felony, so it belongs to the County Attorney and Superior Court. City Court can still be part of the picture: the same facts are sometimes charged as misdemeanor harassment instead, and a civil order from City Court may run beside the criminal case. Read every document you receive, because each court sets its own dates.
Stalking Lawyer in Scottsdale, AZ
Before you speak with a detective
Call (480) 405-6767. If police want a statement, or a family member is in custody awaiting the county's first hearing, phone rather than filling in 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…”
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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.