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 DUI with a child passenger defense
DUI with a Child Passenger Lawyer in Tempe, AZ
The test result is where the review begins.
A DUI arrest in Tempe with your child in the back seat lands twice: once as a criminal case and once at home, where the worry is about your family as much as your record. The felony label comes from the passenger's age alone, and the State still has to prove the DUI underneath 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 charges
How a child passenger case leaves the city system
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.
Tempe's city prosecutors handle misdemeanors only. Their Criminal Division describes its role as prosecuting misdemeanors that occur in Tempe, so a DUI with a child under fifteen aboard, which is a felony, belongs to state prosecutors instead. The Maricopa County Attorney's Office brings most of these; the Arizona Attorney General's Office brings some, often where the conduct spanned counties, a state agency did the investigating, or a county attorney made a referral. We handle these matters whichever office brought the charge.
The first citation may still say Tempe Municipal Court. Officers sometimes write the DUI as a misdemeanor at the scene, and the report then goes to the County Attorney for a felony charging decision, which can take weeks when a blood result is pending. When the felony is filed, the newest charging document controls where you appear.
A person booked into the county jail on a felony has an initial appearance at the Intake, Transfer and Release facility, 2670 S. 28th Dr., Phoenix, within 24 hours of arrest under Rule 4.1. The judge sets release terms, and A.R.S. 13-3967(D) allows conditions such as travel limits or a ban on alcohol.
The case is then heard by Maricopa County Superior Court in the downtown criminal complex, at the Central Court Building, 201 W. Jefferson St., or the South Court Tower, 175 W. Madison St. Confirm the building on your current notice. No justice court hearing comes first on a felony in this county, and counsel attaches, so a person who qualifies and has not hired a lawyer will have one appointed.
The car is likely on a 20-day hold. Tempe's Vehicle Impound Unit lists aggravated DUI among the violations it impounds for 20 days under state law. Hearing requests go to the Post Storage Hearing Message Line, 480-350-8465.
The MVD notice has its own clock. If you received one after a test, the hearing request "must be received by the department within thirty days after the date of the notice" (A.R.S. 28-1385(G)(2)(c)), whatever is happening in Superior Court.
The law
Aggravated DUI under A.R.S. 28-1383(A)(3)
Two elementsThe State must prove a DUI under A.R.S. 28-1381 or an extreme DUI under A.R.S. 28-1382, and that a person under fifteen was in the vehicle at the time (28-1383(A)(3)).
- The underlying DUI. Under 28-1381(A), that means impairment to the slightest degree, a concentration of 0.08 or more within two hours of driving or actual physical control, or a listed drug or its metabolite in the body. Under 28-1382(A), it means 0.15 or more within two hours, with a separate tier at 0.20.
- Class. The passenger form is classed as a class 6 felony (28-1383(O)(2)); the first-offense sentencing range in A.R.S. 13-702(D) runs from .33 to 2 years, 1 year presumptive.
- Incarceration. The four-month prison floor in 28-1383(D) lists the license, third-violation and wrong-way forms, not this one. Instead, the person must serve at least the jail minimum of the underlying offense: 28-1381 for a DUI (28-1383(F)) or 28-1382 for an extreme DUI (28-1383(G)).
- Other terms. Court-ordered screening, education, treatment or evidence-based psychotherapy (28-1383(H)); a fine of at least $750 with additional assessments (28-1383(J)); traffic survival school (28-1383(K)); and revocation of the driving privilege by MVD, with an interlock when liquor was involved (28-1383(J)(1)). Revocation and device periods are on our statewide child passenger page.
DUI with a Child Passenger Lawyer in Tempe, AZ
What we examine in a Tempe child passenger case
Avoiding jail is not the same as avoiding a conviction. A class 6 felony is punishable by more than one year, so a conviction can trigger the federal firearm bar in 18 U.S.C. 922(g)(1). Some convictions are also grounds for removal under 8 U.S.C. 1227(a)(2), so noncitizens should get immigration advice before any plea.
The age gets proven or not
Proof that the passenger was under fifteen has to come from somewhere, and we check how the officer learned and recorded it.
The stop comes first
We hold the officer's stated reason up against the body camera footage and the dispatch log.
Impairment needs evidence
Field exercises can be thrown off by nerves, footwear, lighting, injuries and medical conditions, and a child crying in the back seat is its own distraction. The recording often shows more than the narrative.
The number has a history
A test result is only as good as the instrument, the method and the timing inside the two-hour window, and a lower accurate figure can turn an extreme form into a standard one with a smaller minimum.
Driving or control matters
The statute covers actual physical control too, so the car's position and whether it was moving are facts we check.
Without the age, it shrinks
If the passenger element fails, what remains may be a misdemeanor DUI, which a Tempe case would ordinarily litigate in the city system.
Probation planning starts early
Adult Probation in Maricopa County offers a DUI Court for probationers assessed as higher risk; it bears on sentencing, not guilt.
The law
Sources: Arizona statutes and Cornell Law School
The legal rules above come from these texts.
- § 28-1383, the under-fifteen passenger form (azleg.gov)
- § 28-1381, the standard DUI (azleg.gov)
- § 28-1382, extreme DUI (azleg.gov)
- § 28-1385, the MVD hearing request (azleg.gov)
- § 13-702, first felony sentencing ranges (azleg.gov)
- § 13-3967, release conditions (azleg.gov)
- Driving under the influence (Cornell LII)
- 18 U.S.C. § 922, firearm prohibitions (Cornell LII)
- 8 U.S.C. § 1227, deportable noncitizens (Cornell LII)
DUI with a Child Passenger Lawyer in Tempe, AZ
A felony DUI with a family in the picture
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 aggravated 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. § 13-3967, Release on bailable offenses before trial; definition
- 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. § 28-1381, Driving or actual physical control while under the influence; trial by jury; presumptions; admissible evidence
- A.R.S. § 28-1382, Driving or actual physical control while under the extreme influence of intoxicating liquor; trial by jury
- A.R.S. § 13-702, First time felony offenders; sentencing; definition
- A.R.S. § 28-1383, Aggravated driving or actual physical control while under the influence; county jail program; annual report
Common questions
Tempe child passenger DUI questions
Because the passenger's age is a felony element, and Tempe's city prosecutors take misdemeanors only. A DUI can be cited at the scene and then reviewed by the County Attorney, who can file the felony in Superior Court. Once that happens, follow the newest charging document.
Not to the charge itself. The statute asks only whether a person under fifteen was in the vehicle during a DUI or extreme DUI. It does not require an injury and does not ask whose child it was. Those facts can still matter to how a case is negotiated or sentenced, and to any family matter that follows.
Not under the four-month floor in 28-1383(D), which does not list this form. The law instead requires at least the jail minimum of the DUI underneath: the 28-1381 minimum for a standard DUI, or the 28-1382 minimum for an extreme DUI. As a class 6 felony, a first offense carries a range of .33 to 2 years. What actually happens depends on the evidence and the record.
Tempe's Vehicle Impound Unit lists aggravated DUI among its 20-day violations. To ask for a hearing, leave a message on the Post Storage Hearing Message Line at 480-350-8465; the city schedules in-person hearings by appointment and charges an administrative fee separate from towing and storage. Keep the tow paperwork and bring it to our meeting.
It can. An arrest with a child aboard can come up in custody or parenting time disputes, and a child welfare inquiry is possible. Do not discuss the facts of the arrest with anyone involved in those matters before talking to a lawyer, because what you say can be used in the criminal case.
DUI with a Child Passenger Lawyer in Tempe, AZ
Before the felony charge is filed
Call (480) 405-6767. A family member in custody, a car on a 20-day hold or a summons to Superior Court are all reasons to phone now.
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.