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 driving on a suspended license defense
Driving on a Suspended License Lawyer in Tempe, AZ
A criminal traffic charge deserves a real defense.
Plenty of people learn their license is suspended from the officer at the window, not from MVD. A Tempe stop for a taillight can end with a criminal citation, a court date on Fifth Street and sometimes a tow, all over a license you may have thought was valid.
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
How a Tempe suspended license case travels
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.
The charge usually appears after a records check. When a Tempe Police officer writes it, the Criminal Division of the Tempe City Attorney's Office prosecutes it and Tempe Municipal Court, 140 E. Fifth Street, hears it, since that court takes misdemeanors and criminal traffic matters arising inside the city. A trooper's or deputy's ticket on a freeway through Tempe can instead be assigned to a Maricopa County justice court. The citation tells you which.
Your first date is the arraignment. The Tempe court treats the appearance date on the citation or complaint as the arraignment date, or the date on a release order if you were booked. City Prosecutor programs can replace trial for some offenses, according to the court, with details at arraignment. Whether a license count qualifies is the prosecutor's decision.
Many of these suspensions start in a courtroom, sometimes this one. A missed date on a traffic complaint can lead MVD to suspend a license until the person appears, and fines left unpaid afterward can keep a suspension or restriction in place. Tempe Municipal Court runs a Compliance Assistance Program that offers a time payment contract for past due obligations. The court says entering it releases a suspension based on criminal traffic fines and fees owed to the Tempe court; a suspension for any other reason is cleared through MVD.
The car may or may not be held. Tempe's Vehicle Impound Unit includes driving on a revoked license in its 20-day tow law list. A plain suspension does not appear there. Post storage hearings are requested through the unit's message line at 480-350-8465, and that hearing concerns the vehicle only.
Do not assume the court will appoint you a lawyer. Arizona Rule of Criminal Procedure 6.1(b) entitles an indigent defendant to appointed counsel in a proceeding that may result in punishment by loss of liberty. In misdemeanor court, the prosecutor can avow that no jail will be requested and the judge can rule that no jail will be imposed, and once that happens, there is no right to appointed counsel at all. Arizona's Court of Appeals upheld exactly that in Campa v. Fleming, 134 Ariz. 330 (App. 1982), on a class 1 misdemeanor carrying up to six months in jail, for a defendant who was on probation and facing immigration consequences.
Avoiding jail is not the same as avoiding a conviction. A § 28-3473 conviction is a criminal record, and it does nothing to reinstate the license. Commercial drivers and noncitizens should get advice before any plea.
The law
Section 28-3473, and when the driving is only civil
ElementsDriving a motor vehicle on a public highway when the State shows your privilege was suspended, revoked, canceled or refused at the time, or that you were disqualified (§ 28-3473(A)).
ClassA class 1 misdemeanor (§ 28-3473(B)). The maximum jail term for that class is six months (§ 13-707(A)(1)) and the maximum fine is $2,500 (§ 13-802(A)). Section 28-3473 itself sets no minimum jail term.
The § 28-3308 carve-out§ 28-3308 suspensions follow a missed appearance on a title 28 criminal complaint, or fines left unpaid after appearing. Driving on one of those is civil, § 28-3511 removal and impound do not apply, and proof of a restored unrestricted privilege lets the court dismiss (§ 28-3482).
Revocation and the tow§ 28-3511(A)(1)(a) requires removal and immobilization or impoundment when the privilege is revoked; a suspension is not named in that subdivision. The usual hold is twenty days (§ 28-3511(E)).
When DUI is addedA DUI while the privilege is suspended, revoked, canceled or refused is aggravated DUI under § 28-1383(A)(1), a class 4 felony (§ 28-1383(O)(1)). See DUI on a suspended license in Tempe (Tempe dui suspended license).Later reliefA class 1 misdemeanor conviction can be the subject of a sealing petition three years after the nonmonetary terms are completed and the court discharges the person (§ 13-911(E)(3)).
Driving on a Suspended License Lawyer in Tempe, AZ
Dates, reasons and the stop
Discovery comes from Fifth Street, through the Tempe Prosecutor's Office request form.
We compare three dates
The certified MVD record shows when the suspension or revocation began and whether anything was reinstated, and the citation shows when you drove. If the privilege was valid that day, the State cannot prove the charge.
We look at why MVD acted
A single § 28-3308 suspension, such as one stemming from an old missed Tempe court date, points to the civil statute. A second, unrelated suspension on the same record can keep the charge criminal, so every entry gets read.
Notice gets a close look
Section 28-3473 does not say what the State must prove about your knowledge of the suspension; that question depends on the facts and on case law, which the statewide page discusses. We check where MVD sent notice and whether the address was current.
The stop has to be lawful
A records check usually follows a stop for something else, and if that stop lacked a lawful basis, a motion to suppress can reach what came after.
Reinstatement can change the conversation
Clearing a Tempe fine suspension through the Compliance Assistance Program, or an MVD requirement, before the pretrial conference can matter to how a prosecutor sees the count, and under § 28-3482 it is the condition for a dismissal request.
The law
Sources: Arizona statutes and Cornell Law School
The statute links below open the official azleg.gov text; the Cornell entry is background.
- § 28-3473, the criminal offense (azleg.gov)
- § 28-3482, the civil exception (azleg.gov)
- § 28-3308, suspension for a missed appearance or unpaid fines (azleg.gov)
- § 28-3511, vehicle removal and twenty-day hold (azleg.gov)
- § 28-1383, DUI while suspended (azleg.gov)
- § 13-707, jail limits for misdemeanors (azleg.gov)
- § 13-802, fine limits for misdemeanors (azleg.gov)
- § 13-911, petitions to seal (azleg.gov)
- Misdemeanor, Wex (Cornell LII)
Driving on a Suspended License Lawyer in Tempe, AZ
A former prosecutor who starts with the MVD record
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 license 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; 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 85281Tempe City Attorney's Office, Criminal Division
The Prosecutor's Office for Tempe misdemeanors in Tempe Municipal Court. Phone 480-350-8280.
140 E. Fifth Street, Suite 301, Tempe, AZ 85281Maricopa 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. § 28-3473, Driving on a suspended, revoked or canceled license; violation; classification
- A.R.S. § 28-3482, Driving on a license suspended for failure to appear; restricted privilege to drive; civil penalty; dismissal
- A.R.S. § 28-3308, Mandatory suspension; failure to appear
- A.R.S. § 28-3511, Removal and immobilization or impoundment of vehicle; Arizona crime information center database
- A.R.S. § 28-1383, Aggravated driving or actual physical control while under the influence; county jail program; annual report
- A.R.S. § 13-707, Misdemeanors; sentencing
- A.R.S. § 13-802, Fines for misdemeanors
- A.R.S. § 13-911, Sealing of arrest, conviction and sentencing records; requirements; fee; appeal; definition
Common questions
Tempe suspended license questions
It can matter, but it is not automatic. Section 28-3473 does not spell out a knowledge requirement, and how courts treat notice depends on the facts, including where MVD mailed it and whether your address on file was current. We order the MVD record and the notice history before advising you, and the statewide page explains the issue in more detail.
Two things. First, a § 28-3308 suspension falls under § 28-3482, which makes the driving a civil matter and lets the court dismiss once your unrestricted license is back. Second, the court's Compliance Assistance Program offers a time payment contract and, per the court, releases a suspension for criminal traffic fines and fees owed there. Other suspensions go through MVD.
It depends on the status. The Tempe impound list includes a revoked license under the 20-day tow law but does not list a suspended license, and § 28-3482 rules out impound when the only suspension is a § 28-3308 one. If your car was taken, request a post storage hearing through the message line, 480-350-8465, and bring us the impound notice.
A criminal count is not a civil ticket, and paying it amounts to a guilty plea with a conviction on your record. The arraignment is on the date printed on your citation. Before then, it is worth checking whether reinstatement, a dismissal under § 28-3482 or a negotiated resolution is realistic, because those choices narrow once a plea is entered.
Driving on a Suspended License Lawyer in Tempe, AZ
Bring your MVD record to the first call
Call (480) 405-6767. With an arraignment this week, a warrant or a car in the impound lot, phoning beats 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…”
★★★★★
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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 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.