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
Tempe computer tampering defense
Computer Tampering Lawyer in Tempe, AZ
The paperwork tells a story. We read all of it.
Perhaps a Tempe tech company says your credentials touched its servers weeks after your last day, a campus department wants to know why you pulled up student records, or a City of Tempe audit flagged searches under your name. Whatever started it, the accusation arrives as a stack of log entries chosen and explained by someone else.
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 Tempe internal review to a felony courtroom
First court date
Within 24 hours of an arrest. On a felony booking into the county jail, release conditions are set at the jail court, 2670 S. 28th Dr. in Phoenix.
Misdemeanor
The Tempe City Attorney's Office, Criminal Division, brings it in Tempe Municipal Court, 140 E. Fifth Street.
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. The citation names the court.
These accusations usually surface inside an organization first: an odd login, an access record that postdates a resignation, a privacy audit. By the time police hear about it, the complainant has already chosen which records to export and what they mean.
Tempe Police take the report. Its online reporting menu has no computer category, so complaints arrive by phone or through a detective. The Investigations Division lists a Property Crimes Unit in its Major Crimes Section and a Forensic Services Unit for evidence examination, but its published page names no computer or cyber unit.
Because every classed form is a felony, the case leaves Fifth Street. Tempe's city prosecutors and municipal court handle misdemeanors; this charge goes to the Maricopa County Attorney's Office. That office says a prosecutor reviewing a report may return it for more work, decline it, refer it elsewhere or charge it, by grand jury indictment or by a direct complaint that a judge reviews and may answer with a summons rather than a warrant.
A person booked into the county jail on the felony sees a judge or commissioner within 24 hours at the Intake, Transfer and Release facility, 2670 S. 28th Dr., Phoenix. Later hearings are at Superior Court downtown, the Central Court Building, 201 W. Jefferson St., or the South Court Tower, 175 W. Madison St. Confirm the building on your current notice. The Arizona Attorney General's Office brings some computer cases, often where a state agency did the investigating or the conduct spread across counties. We handle these matters whichever office brought the charge.
Venue under § 13-2316(B) is broad: the county of the targeted system, of the computer used, or of a user who lost service. Federal agents may also look at the same activity under 18 U.S.C. § 1030, and Nova Law Group appears in the U.S. District Court for the District of Arizona.
The law
How A.R.S. § 13-2316 is built
Every form begins with acting without authority or beyond authorized use (§ 13-2316(A)). Under § 13-2301(E)(1), "access" includes storing data in, retrieving data from or otherwise using any resources of a system. Section 13-2316(E) sets the classes:
(A)(1), access or damage meant to carry out a scheme to defraud or deceive, or to obtain property or services by false pretenses: class 3 felony.
(A)(2) to (A)(4), knowingly deleting or altering data or programs, knowingly introducing a contaminant, or recklessly disrupting or denying service: class 4, or class 2 if the system is a critical infrastructure resource.
(A)(5), a reckless course of conduct by computer, aimed at a person, that seriously alarms, torments, threatens or terrorizes: class 5.
(A)(6), trapping a user on a siteNot a felony class; an unlawful practice for the Attorney General under § 13-2316(D).
(A)(7), knowingly obtaining legally confidential information or nonpublic records from a government, health care provider or clinical laboratory system, or one run for them: class 6.
(A)(8), knowingly accessing any computer, network, software or dataClass 6.
The critical infrastructure definition in § 13-2301(E)(8) covers systems involved in services necessary to ensure or protect public health, safety or welfare; its list includes government agencies, financial institutions, medical institutions and public educational institutions. A Tempe city department or a public university system can draw a claim for the higher class, a point worth testing.
Under § 13-702(D), first offense ranges run from .33 to 2 years at class 6 up to 3 to 12.5 years at class 2, and § 13-901(A) allows probation for an eligible person. For a non-dangerous class 6 count, § 13-604(A) lets the judge enter a class 1 misdemeanor, but not for someone with two or more prior felonies. A conviction also triggers forfeiture under § 13-2316(C): any computer system or communication instrument that was both used in the offense and owned, or used only, by the defendant.
Computer Tampering Lawyer in Tempe, AZ
What we test in a Tempe computer tampering case
Avoiding jail is not the same as avoiding a conviction. A felony conviction makes a person a prohibited possessor under § 13-3101(A)(7)(b) until the right is restored, and 18 U.S.C. § 922(g)(1) adds a federal bar. Noncitizens should get immigration advice before any plea, since 8 U.S.C. § 1227(a)(2) can apply. Sealing may help later (Tempe record sealing).
Authority comes first
Offer letters, use policies, the date access should have ended and actual workplace practice all bear on "without authority." A login that still worked proves neither permission nor its absence.
Each paragraph has its own mental state
The State must prove a knowing act under (A)(2), (A)(3), (A)(7) and (A)(8), recklessness under (A)(4) and (A)(5), and a purpose to defraud or deceive under (A)(1). A failed migration is not deliberate deletion.
A username is not a person
Shared administrator accounts, saved sessions, VPN addresses and reused passwords weaken attribution, so we compare login times with badge records and schedules, often with an independent examiner.
Searches have limits
Did the device or cloud search stay inside the warrant, and does the examiner's report match the raw extraction?
Preserve, do not repair
Leave devices and accounts alone.
The law
Sources: Arizona statutes and Cornell Law School
Each legal point on this page was compared with these texts.
- § 13-2316, computer tampering; venue; forfeiture; classification (azleg.gov)
- § 13-2301, definitions of access and critical infrastructure resource (azleg.gov)
- § 13-702, first time felony sentencing ranges (azleg.gov)
- § 13-901, probation (azleg.gov)
- § 13-604, class 6 felony designation (azleg.gov)
- § 13-603, restitution (azleg.gov)
- § 13-105, definition of economic loss (azleg.gov)
- § 13-3101, prohibited possessor (azleg.gov)
- 18 U.S.C. § 1030 (Cornell LII)
- 18 U.S.C. § 922 (Cornell LII)
- 8 U.S.C. § 1227 (Cornell LII)
Computer Tampering Lawyer in Tempe, AZ
A former prosecutor and a flat fee
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. In a computer tampering case, that means the raw logs and extraction files, not only the company's summary. 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. It is our only office, and meetings are by appointment.
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Resources
Tempe courts and official links
Where a Tempe case is heard depends on the charge and the agency. Some offices are in Tempe and some are in Phoenix. Each card has directions and the official website, so you can check details before you go.
Tempe Municipal Court
Tempe misdemeanors and criminal traffic cases, from arraignment to trial. Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Phone (480) 350-8271.
140 E. Fifth Street, Tempe, AZ 85281Maricopa 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 85003Laws cited on this page
- A.R.S. § 13-2316, Computer tampering; venue; forfeiture; classification
- A.R.S. § 13-2301, Definitions
- A.R.S. § 13-702, First time felony offenders; sentencing; definition
- A.R.S. § 13-901, Probation
- A.R.S. § 13-604, Class 6 felony; designation
- A.R.S. § 13-603, Authorized disposition of offenders
- A.R.S. § 13-105, Definitions
- A.R.S. § 13-3101, Definitions
Common questions
Tempe computer tampering questions
Not always. Often the company finishes its review, Tempe Police take a report, and the County Attorney decides later whether to charge. A judge reviewing a direct complaint can issue a summons rather than a warrant. Meanwhile, stay out of that employer's systems, do not contact former coworkers about it and do not clean up your devices. Let a lawyer respond to the detective.
Prosecutors may treat it as one. Paragraph (A)(7), a class 6 felony, reaches confidential information or nonpublic records knowingly obtained from a system that a political subdivision, such as a city, operates. What your role allowed, what the record was and what you knew all matter. Talk with a lawyer before any internal interview or written statement.
Sometimes, for (A)(7) and (A)(8), the two class 6 forms. If the offense was not dangerous and a felony sentence would be unduly harsh, § 13-604(A) lets the judge enter a class 1 misdemeanor or leave the question open until probation ends; two or more prior felonies rule this out. Until a designation is entered, subsection (B) keeps felony treatment for firearm rights and probation.
Possibly two separate tracks. ASU Police has jurisdiction over property owned or controlled by the Board of Regents, so a criminal report can start there, and the Dean of Students enforces the Student Code of Conduct on its own track. Statements in one process can surface in the other. Follow the agency and court named on any paperwork, and get advice before a conduct meeting.
Computer Tampering Lawyer in Tempe, AZ
A detective or employer asking about your access? Call first
Call (480) 405-6767 before explaining your logins to anyone.
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 Tempe criminal defense lawyer
If you have been arrested, charged, or contacted by a detective in Tempe, the decisions you make in the first few days matter. We defend misdemeanors in Tempe Municipal 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.
Tempe courts
- Tempe Municipal CourtMisdemeanors and criminal traffic cases from inside Tempe. Monday to Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.140 E. Fifth St., Tempe, AZ 85281Court website Directions
- Justice courtsSome DPS and Sheriff's Office misdemeanors. Your citation names the court.Find your court
- 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 Tempe
Si lo arrestaron, lo acusaron o un detective lo contactó en Tempe, las decisiones que tome en los primeros días importan. Defendemos delitos menores en la Corte Municipal de Tempe 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 Tempe
- Corte Municipal de TempeDelitos menores y casos penales de tránsito dentro de Tempe. De lunes a viernes, de 8:00 a.m. a 5:00 p.m.140 E. Fifth St., Tempe, AZ 85281Sitio de la corte Cómo llegar
- Cortes de justiciaAlgunos delitos menores del DPS y de la Oficina del Sheriff. Su citación indica la corte.Busque su corte
- 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.