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 refusal defense
DUI Refusal Lawyer in Tempe, AZ
Every step of the stop gets a second look.
Maybe you said no to the breath test. Maybe the machine did not register, or you asked to call someone first and it was written down as a refusal. Either way, you left the Tempe stop with forms, a temporary permit and a deadline already running.
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
One refusal, two decision makers
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.
The criminal side looks like any Tempe DUI. After a Tempe Police arrest, the Criminal Division of the Tempe City Attorney's Office, which names DUI among the complaints it prosecutes, generally brings the case at Tempe Municipal Court, 140 E. Fifth Street. A trooper or Sheriff's deputy may instead route it to a county justice court. The court name is on the citation.
The license side never goes to Fifth Street. A refusal is reported to the Motor Vehicle Division, and a contested suspension is heard by ADOT's Executive Hearing Office, which works under the ADOT director and offers an online portal for hearing requests. The Tempe judge does not decide whether you keep driving, and the hearing officer does not decide guilt.
Refusing rarely ends the testing question. After a refusal, officers can still seek a search warrant for blood, so many Tempe refusal cases also carry a blood result, and the warrant affidavit deserves as close a read as the arrest report.
Your court dates keep moving meanwhile. A booked driver must see a judge within 24 hours under Rule 4.1, or be released. A cited driver's arraignment is the date on the paperwork. Some later pretrial conferences can be held by video, but the court warns that missing one can lead to a warrant.
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.
The law
Arizona's implied consent law, A.R.S. 28-1321
Consent by drivingAnyone who operates a motor vehicle in Arizona consents to tests of blood, breath, urine or another bodily substance after an arrest for a DUI-related offense, given at an officer's direction when the officer has reasonable grounds (28-1321(A)).
- What counts as refusing. Not expressly agreeing to a test, or not successfully completing it, is deemed a refusal (28-1321(B)). The length of the suspension that follows is explained on our statewide refusal page.
- After a refusal. No test is given unless 28-1388(E) applies (part of a sample taken for any reason) or police have a search warrant (28-1321(D)(1)).
- At the roadside. The officer takes any Arizona license, issues a temporary permit good for thirty days if a valid one is surrendered, and either serves an order of suspension that takes effect thirty days after service or tells you MVD will write if it enters one (28-1321(D)(2)). Absent a certified report sent within thirty days after the arrest, no suspension is entered, except where someone died or was seriously injured.
- The request window. The request for a hearing "must be received by the department within thirty days after the date of the notice or the order of suspension will become final" (28-1321(G)(2)). A timely request stays the suspension until the hearing (28-1321(J)).
- The hearing. MVD sets it within sixty days and may hold it in person, by telephone or by video (28-1321(I)). Its scope is four questions: reasonable grounds, the arrest, the refusal and the warning about consequences (28-1321(K)). Superior Court review of a sustained order is available if sought within thirty days (28-1321(M)).
- Before driving again. Reinstatement after the suspension requires alcohol or other drug screening (28-1321(G)(4)).
- In the criminal case. Evidence of a refusal is admissible, and whether a refusal happened is a question of fact for the judge or jury (A.R.S. 28-1388(D)).
DUI Refusal Lawyer in Tempe, AZ
Where a Tempe refusal can be tested
Avoiding jail is not the same as avoiding a conviction. Driving while the privilege is suspended is a class 1 misdemeanor (A.R.S. 28-3473), and a DUI committed during the suspension can be charged as aggravated DUI, a class 4 felony (A.R.S. 28-1383(A)(1)). Noncitizens and people who drive for work should get advice first.
The video comes first
Body camera footage usually shows the request, your answer and the officer's words. Asking for a lawyer, hesitating, or being unable to finish a breath sample can each look different on tape than in a report, and whether you refused is a factual question.
The admonition matters
The warning is one of only four hearing questions, so a rushed, partial or confusing version deserves scrutiny.
The sworn report gets compared
Under 28-1321(E), the certified report carries the perjury penalty and has to set out the officer's grounds, the manner of refusal and the warning. We line it up against the video and check when it reached MVD.
Any warrant gets read
When blood was drawn on a warrant, we request the affidavit, the draw time, the phlebotomist's name and the lab file through the Tempe Prosecutor's Office discovery form.
The interlock license trade
MVD can issue a special ignition interlock restricted license, and 28-1321(Q) says a person issued one under that subsection waives the right to a hearing on the suspension. We weigh the hearing's strength before you apply.
The law
Sources: Arizona statutes and Cornell Law School
The statements of law above come from these texts.
DUI Refusal Lawyer in Tempe, AZ
Built for the hearing and 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 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. On a refusal we prepare the MVD hearing and the Tempe case together. 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. § 28-1388, Blood and breath tests; violation; classification; admissible evidence
- A.R.S. § 28-3473, Driving on a suspended, revoked or canceled license; violation; classification
- A.R.S. § 28-1383, Aggravated driving or actual physical control while under the influence; county jail program; annual report
- A.R.S. § 28-1321, Implied consent; tests; refusal to submit to test; order of suspension; hearing; review; temporary permit
Common questions
Tempe DUI refusal questions
No. The city court handles the criminal DUI charge. The refusal suspension is an MVD action, heard by ADOT's Executive Hearing Office on its own schedule, so a court date weeks away does nothing to extend the thirty days you have to ask MVD for a hearing.
Not necessarily. The statute lets the officer say that MVD will notify you in writing if it enters a suspension, instead of serving an order on the spot. If a letter arrives, the hearing request window runs from the date of that notice. Keep your MVD address current.
Arizona allows a test after a refusal in two situations: a search warrant, or a sample already drawn for another reason, such as hospital treatment, when an officer with probable cause asks for a portion. Both the refusal and the result can then be used in the Tempe case, and we review how each was obtained.
It can be treated that way, because the statute deems a failure to successfully complete a test a refusal. Whether you actually refused is still a question of fact, and the reason can matter. A medical problem, unclear instructions or an instrument issue may show up on the recording, which is why we ask for the video right away.
There is one more step. Within thirty days after the order is sustained, 28-1321(M) allows a petition to Superior Court for review, which the court hears on an expedited basis. And if the hearing officer does not sustain the suspension, that ruling has no effect on the criminal case in Tempe under 28-1321(N).
DUI Refusal Lawyer in Tempe, AZ
Your thirty days are already running
Call (480) 405-6767. Holding a refusal notice or a temporary permit? Phone this week, not after your court date.
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.