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 felony defense
Felony Defense Lawyer in Tempe, AZ
Prepared for trial from the first setting.
A Tempe felony can start with handcuffs outside a Mill Avenue bar, a detective's voicemail, or officers at an apartment door near campus, and within a day the case belongs to people you have never met in buildings across the Valley. That shift is unsettling, but it also opens a window, and what happens in it can shape everything after.
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
Where a Tempe felony goes after Fifth Street
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 Fifth Street courthouse is not where a Tempe felony is decided. Tempe Municipal Court takes misdemeanors and criminal traffic matters arising in the city, and the Prosecutor's Office one floor up, in the Criminal Division of the Tempe City Attorney's Office, brings misdemeanors only. Once an allegation crosses the felony line, both offices drop out of the picture.
The Maricopa County Attorney's Office picks up most of these cases. A smaller number are brought by the Arizona Attorney General's Office, typically when the conduct is alleged across county lines, when a state agency led the investigation, or when the County Attorney referred the matter there. We handle these matters whichever office brought the charge, and the courthouse does not change: Maricopa County Superior Court, 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. A Maricopa felony makes no justice court stop on the way there.
The investigation, though, stays local for a while. Inside city limits it is usually Tempe Police. The department's Investigations Division page lists a Violent Crimes Section and a Major Crimes Section (with Critical Investigations, Family Crimes and Special Victims units), and the department has a Forensic Services Unit. The page names those units without saying which cases each one takes, so the report itself shows who is working yours. On property that the Arizona Board of Regents owns or controls, ASU Police hold original jurisdiction, and the report may carry their name instead.
If there was a booking. The Tempe Police department directory lists a Detention Facility. A person booked into the county jail on a felony has the initial appearance at the Intake, Transfer and Release facility, 2670 S. 28th Dr., Phoenix, a site the Superior Court lists as open 24 hours. Arizona Rule of Criminal Procedure 4.1 caps the time between arrest and that first appearance at 24 hours, and past that point the person must be released. The County Attorney describes this hearing as the moment a judge or commissioner reviews the charges, explains the right to counsel and sets release conditions. Those conditions bind from the moment of release.
If there was no booking. Plenty of Tempe felonies start with a report and no arrest. The County Attorney's reviewing prosecutor has options: return it to the detective for more work, turn it down, pass it to another jurisdiction, or bring charges by direct complaint or by grand jury. When a judge approves a direct complaint, a summons usually follows, and a warrant is used when the judge has reason to think the person will not come in voluntarily. A report Tempe first treated as a misdemeanor can also land with the County Attorney as a felony. The weeks between the incident and that decision are often where a defense lawyer has room to bring the prosecutor records, witnesses and context the report never captured.
Avoiding jail is not the same as avoiding a conviction. A felony probation grant is still a final judgment of conviction for nearly every purpose. A felony conviction makes a person a prohibited possessor of firearms until that civil right is restored, and the record can surface in hiring, housing, licensing and, for anyone who is not a U.S. citizen, immigration review. The outcomes that avoid a felony conviction are different ones: a dismissal, a completed County Attorney diversion program, or, for an eligible class 6 offense, designation as a misdemeanor.
Felony Defense Lawyer in Tempe, AZ
Tempe felony charges we take on
- Aggravated assault. It is a felony because the State has alleged one of the circumstances listed in A.R.S. 13-1204.
- Drug allegations. A possession count is often routed to the Early Disposition Court.
- Gun charges, sometimes added to another felony from the same incident.
- Sex offense allegations, where release terms can reach into the home.
- Felony theft, where value or circumstances move it out of city court.
- County Attorney diversion, which a prosecutor offers, not a right.
- A probation petition triggered by the new arrest.
- Federal charges, which run under federal rules. Nova Law Group appears in the U.S. District Court for the District of Arizona.
The statewide felony page holds the class charts, the sentencing ranges and the prior-conviction rules.
The charges
The county steps, one at a time
A request to talk
Tempe detectives often reach out before anything is charged, by phone, by a card at the door or through a family member. Agreeing to an interview is optional. You can decline politely and ask the detective to contact your lawyer, and an account given before anyone has seen the lab results or the video is very hard to revise later.
Evidence and disclosure
A pending lab result can slow the charging decision. After charges, the reports, recordings and lab records come through disclosure, and testing them against the narrative is much of the work.
Status conference, then a preliminary hearing
On a direct complaint, the County Attorney describes the status conference as the first chance for the two sides to resolve the case by a plea. When nothing is agreed, a preliminary hearing comes next. A judge listens to the State's evidence and either finds probable cause and orders the person to stand trial or dismisses the case.
The grand jury instead
Prosecutors in this county send many felonies to a grand jury, a panel of citizens chosen at random that hears the prosecutor's presentation without the defense in the room. It can indict on the charges proposed, on different ones, or not at all, and once it indicts, the earlier status conference and preliminary hearing come off the calendar. A presentation that was legally deficient, or that left out clearly exculpatory evidence, can support a motion to remand for a new probable cause finding.
Early Disposition Court
This Superior Court calendar is built for quick resolution of many first and second drug cases and some lower-level felonies, and the County Attorney notes that plea and sentencing are often combined there. A fast track can help, but choices made at that stage are difficult to undo, so the evidence deserves a look before the first setting.
Arraignment and pretrial
Arraignment is where the formal charges are read aloud, the right to counsel is repeated, a plea goes on the record and the court sets future dates. The County Attorney says an initial pretrial conference usually comes within 45 days of arraignment. That stretch is where disclosure arrives, motions are argued and settlement talks happen. Evidence from an unlawful stop, a warrantless search, a defective warrant or an unwarned statement can be suppressed.
Deadlines on offers
Since an August 2025 revision, County Attorney policy gives each plea offer an expiration date and presumes that a later offer, after one is turned down or expires, will be worse. Reviewing the evidence early is what lets a decision be made on time without guessing.
Allegations that move the floor
A dangerous offense allegation under A.R.S. 13-704, if admitted or proven, rules out probation. Historical prior felony allegations can push a case into the repetitive ranges of A.R.S. 13-703. Either can change the sentence without changing the charge, and each can be contested separately.
Trial
Proof beyond a reasonable doubt, on every charge, and a unanimous jury. Readiness for that day is what gives earlier negotiation its force.
Sentencing
Following a guilty plea or verdict, the county probation department usually prepares a presentence report on the offense, the person's history and a recommended sentence. Restitution is mandatory on conviction, measured by the victim's full economic loss as the court determines it, and the County Attorney's page says it does not reach pain and suffering. Proof of work, treatment and family obligations belongs in that process and takes time to gather.
Felony Defense Lawyer in Tempe, AZ
Tempe streets, a downtown courtroom
Tempe is ringed and crossed by freeways: Interstate 10 on the west edge, US 60 through the middle, Loops 101 and 202 as well. Downtown, Mill Avenue and Tempe Town Lake pull in crowds, the university campus sits just east, and student housing lines Apache Boulevard. South Tempe, out toward the Kyrene corridor, is mostly homes and shopping centers.
Geography does not pick the felony courthouse. A house in south Tempe and an apartment off Mill both send their felonies to the same downtown complex. What the location does decide is which agency ends up holding the reports, the recordings and anything seized.
Felony Defense Lawyer in Tempe, AZ
Trial-ready defense for Tempe felonies
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. On a Tempe felony, that means the forensic reports, the property logs and the grand jury transcript too. We take felony 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. We meet with Tempe felony clients 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.
Maricopa 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. § 13-1204, Aggravated assault; classification; definitions
- A.R.S. § 13-704, Dangerous offenders; sentencing
- A.R.S. § 13-703, Repetitive offenders; sentencing
- A.R.S. § 13-604, Class 6 felony; designation
Common questions
Tempe felony questions
If he was booked into the county jail on the felony, his first appearance is at the Intake, Transfer and Release facility, 2670 S. 28th Dr., Phoenix, not at the Fifth Street courthouse, which hears city misdemeanors. Under Rule 4.1 that hearing has to happen inside 24 hours of the arrest. The judge sets release terms there, and a stable job, family duties and a fixed address can matter, so reach a lawyer before the hearing if you can.
A County Attorney prosecutor will read the Tempe report and decide whether to ask for more investigation, decline it, refer it elsewhere, or charge it by complaint or indictment. A complaint is usually followed by a summons, though a judge can issue a warrant. While you wait, keep the case to yourself: no statements to officers and no conversations with people the report names. Before the decision, your lawyer can hand the prosecutor what the report missed.
Not while it is a felony. The Tempe court and the City Attorney's Criminal Division work only with misdemeanors, so felony charges are brought and heard in Superior Court downtown. If a felony case later ends with a plea to a misdemeanor, that happens inside the Superior Court case. A separate city matter, such as a misdemeanor from the same night, can still be pending on Fifth Street and keeps its own dates.
Sometimes. The County Attorney runs diversion programs, and a deputy county attorney decides who may take part; someone who completes the felony program can see the filed charges dismissed. A.R.S. 13-604 lets a judge, in some circumstances, enter a class 6 felony as a class 1 misdemeanor; no higher class qualifies. A plea to a misdemeanor or a dismissal are other routes. None of them is automatic.
The agency matters for the evidence, not for the courthouse. ASU Police have original jurisdiction on property the Arizona Board of Regents owns or controls, so an incident on the Tempe campus may come with an ASU report, ASU video and ASU property logs. A felony from either agency still goes to the County Attorney and the downtown complex. A student may also face a separate conduct process through the Dean of Students, so get advice before answering questions in either setting.
If you cannot afford a lawyer, the court appoints one, because the right to counsel attaches on a felony. Retaining private counsel is open to you at any point, even before a charge exists. Much of the case is shaped early, during the investigation and the County Attorney's review, so the timing of that choice can matter as much as the choice itself.
Felony Defense Lawyer in Tempe, AZ
Call before the County Attorney decides
Call (480) 405-6767 when a relative is waiting for a first hearing, a detective wants to talk, or a plea offer has a deadline. The phone is quicker than 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.