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 drug DUI defense
Drug DUI Lawyer in Tempe, AZ
Two deadlines start on the day of the stop.
Nobody handed you a breath number after your Tempe stop. An officer asked about medications or marijuana, blood went to a lab, and now the case depends on a result you have not read, about a substance you may have every right to use.
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 stop to a toxicology report
Alcohol levels
0.08 is DUI, 0.15 is extreme DUI and 0.20 is the top extreme tier, under A.R.S. § 28-1381 and § 28-1382.
MVD deadline
30 days to request a hearing on the license suspension, under A.R.S. § 28-1385.
City DUI
A misdemeanor DUI from inside Tempe is heard in Tempe Municipal Court, 140 E. Fifth Street.
Aggravated DUI
A felony under A.R.S. § 28-1383, prosecuted by the County Attorney in Superior Court in downtown Phoenix.
Alcohol and drugs share one DUI statute in Arizona, so a Tempe Police drug case goes to the Criminal Division of the Tempe City Attorney's Office, which lists DUI complaints in its work, and to Tempe Municipal Court on Fifth Street. A trooper's or deputy's citation may instead name a county justice court. Follow the court printed on your paperwork.
Ask early which lab ran the blood. Tempe Police list a Forensic Services Unit, but the toxicology report is what names the lab, and we then request its methods and analyst notes through the Prosecutor's Office discovery form.
Blood work takes time, so many Tempe drug DUIs begin with a roadside release and a summons weeks later. A silent month is not a closed case; it is a good stretch to gather video and records.
Booked instead? Under Arizona criminal Rule 4.1, a judge must see you within 24 hours of arrest or you are released, and the terms set then can restrict driving and drug use at once.
A bottle of pills found during the search can create a second case. The County Attorney prosecutes felony possession in Superior Court downtown, and plenty of possession counts are felonies, while the DUI may remain a city matter.
The license track does not wait for the lab. Under A.R.S. 28-1385(A), an officer can send the MVD report while results are still pending, and a hearing request "must be received by the department within thirty days after the date of the notice" (28-1385(G)(2)(c)).
The law
The statute behind a Tempe drug DUI
The impairment formThe impairment form, 28-1381(A)(1). The State says you drove, or were in actual physical control, while under the influence of a drug, or a drug combined with liquor or a toxic vapor releasing substance, and impaired to the slightest degree. Having a legal right to use the drug in Arizona is no defense to this form (28-1381(B)).
- The metabolite form, 28-1381(A)(3). Here the claim is that a drug listed in A.R.S. 13-3401, or a metabolite of it, was in your body. A prescription from a licensed practitioner with authority to prescribe that drug, followed as written, defeats this form only (28-1381(D)).
- Marijuana. A.R.S. 36-2852(B) says marijuana metabolites or components support the (A)(3) form only when the driver was also impaired to the slightest degree. Adult use never permits impaired driving (A.R.S. 36-2851(3)).
- Class and caps. Each form is a class 1 misdemeanor (28-1381(C)): six months of jail at most (A.R.S. 13-707(A)(1)) and a $2,500 fine ceiling (A.R.S. 13-802(A)). A jury trial is available on request, and the judge says so at arraignment (28-1381(F)).
- A first conviction. Ten consecutive jail days as a floor, $250 or more in fines, a pair of $500 assessments and traffic survival school (28-1381(I)). Finishing court-ordered screening, education, treatment or evidence-based psychotherapy lets the judge suspend every day but one (28-1381(J)). Every DUI conviction brings a screening order (A.R.S. 28-1387(B)).
- Interlock. MVD must require a device under 28-1381(I)(6) only when intoxicating liquor was part of the violation; for a drug-only conviction a judge has discretion to order one (28-1381(P)).
Drug DUI Lawyer in Tempe, AZ
What we test in a Tempe drug DUI
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 set-aside conviction can still serve as a prior and be used by the Department of Transportation (A.R.S. 13-905(E)(3) and (5)). Students, commercial drivers, licensed professionals and noncitizens should get advice before any plea.
Presence and impairment differ
A positive result goes to the (A)(3) count; the (A)(1) count requires proof of impaired driving, and for marijuana both counts do.
Prescriptions need documents
The label, pharmacy history and prescriber's directions can support the 28-1381(D) defense to the metabolite count, though not to an impairment count.
The evaluation meets the video
Exhaustion, illness and anxiety can read like drug impairment in a report, so we put the body camera footage next to the narrative and any drug recognition evaluation.
The sample has a history
We trace who drew the blood, how it was sealed and stored, and which lab tested it. A.R.S. 28-1388(C) also requires a reasonable chance to arrange your own test by a qualified person; we ask whether you had one.
Screening can shape the sentence
On Tempe Municipal Court cases, screening can be done through Tempe Counseling Services (480-350-5400), with Tempe Community Supervision forwarding approved proof to the judge, proof that can support a 28-1381(J) reduction.
The law
Sources: Arizona statutes and Cornell Law School
We checked the law on this page against the following.
- § 28-1381, the drug and metabolite forms (azleg.gov)
- § 28-1385, the MVD report and hearing request (azleg.gov)
- § 28-1387, screening after a conviction (azleg.gov)
- § 28-1388, independent testing (azleg.gov)
- § 13-3401, drug definitions (azleg.gov)
- § 36-2852, marijuana metabolites and DUI (azleg.gov)
- § 36-2851, Prop 207 and driving (azleg.gov)
- § 13-707, misdemeanor jail limits (azleg.gov)
- § 13-802, misdemeanor fines (azleg.gov)
- § 13-905, limits of a set-aside (azleg.gov)
- Controlled substance (Cornell LII)
- Driving under the influence (Cornell LII)
Drug DUI Lawyer in Tempe, AZ
When the case rests on a toxicology report
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 drug DUI 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. Tempe clients meet with us there 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 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. § 28-1385, Administrative license suspension for driving under the influence or for homicide or assault involving a motor vehicle
- A.R.S. § 13-3401, Definitions
- A.R.S. § 36-2852, Allowable possession and personal use of marijuana, marijuana products and marijuana paraphernalia
- A.R.S. § 36-2851, Employers; driving; minors; control of property; smoking in public places and open spaces
- A.R.S. § 13-707, Misdemeanors; sentencing
- A.R.S. § 13-802, Fines for misdemeanors
- A.R.S. § 28-1387, Prior convictions; alcohol or other drug screening, education and treatment and evidence-based psychotherapy; license suspension; supervised probation; civil liability; procedures
- A.R.S. § 28-1388, Blood and breath tests; violation; classification; admissible evidence
- A.R.S. § 13-905, Setting aside judgment of convicted person on discharge; application; release from disabilities
- A.R.S. § 28-1381, Driving or actual physical control while under the influence; trial by jury; presumptions; admissible evidence
Common questions
Tempe drug DUI questions
Because the prescription defense covers only one of the two drug forms. Under 28-1381(D), use as a licensed practitioner prescribed answers the metabolite count, not a claim that the medication left you impaired, and a complaint can list both. Bring the bottle, a pharmacy printout and your prescriber's directions when we meet.
Not by itself. Under 36-2852(B), marijuana metabolites count toward the metabolite form only with proof of slight impairment as well, and 36-2851(3) keeps impaired driving unlawful. So the case usually turns on the officer's observations, the roadside tests, any drug recognition evaluation and the video, which we compare against the report.
The lab report in discovery should say. The city pages we read do not name the laboratory that tests Tempe DUI blood for drugs. Once the lab is known, we ask for its methods, quality records and the analyst's data for your sample, where many toxicology questions get answered.
It can have. Section 28-1385(A) lets the officer's report go to MVD before results are available, and the hearing request must be received within thirty days after the date of the notice. Count from the notice date, not from the lab result or your Tempe arraignment.
Often, yes. A felony possession count goes to the County Attorney and Superior Court downtown, and the DUI may stay at Tempe Municipal Court. With two prosecutors and two courts involved, a statement or plea in one case can affect the other, so we plan both together from the first meeting.
Drug DUI Lawyer in Tempe, AZ
A pending blood result is a reason to call
Call (480) 405-6767. Waiting on a lab result, holding a summons or counting down an MVD notice? 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 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.