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 murder defense
Felony Murder Lawyer in Tempe, AZ
Before any interview, talk to a lawyer.
Families are often stunned to learn that a person who never intended a death, and never caused one with their own hands, can be charged with first degree murder in Arizona. If Tempe detectives have linked you or someone close to you to a robbery, burglary or other listed felony during which a person died, this is that charge, and what happens early matters.
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 felony murder case is built and charged
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 investigation. Tempe Police list a Homicide unit in their Violent Crimes Section, beside day and night Violent Crimes squads, and a Police Analytics Bureau with Forensic Services and a Real-Time Operations Center. The city does not publish what each unit handles. A felony murder case has two halves, the death and the felony behind it, and both get investigated. On Arizona State University property, ASU Police hold original jurisdiction, so their officers may appear in the record too.
The prosecutor. Tempe's City Attorney handles misdemeanors only, so the Maricopa County Attorney's Office decides this charge. Inside that office, a Capital Review Committee of senior homicide prosecutors reviews first degree murder cases, felony murder among them, and advises the County Attorney on whether death will be sought. The Capital Litigation Bureau tries the cases where it is, and its lawyers may advise detectives at homicide scenes.
The first hearing. The Sheriff's Office says Tempe holds its own initial appearances for city charges. This is a felony, so someone booked into the county jail on it goes before a judge at the Initial Appearance Court on 28th Drive, within 24 hours under Rule 4.1. The charges read there, the Sheriff notes, are not yet accepted by prosecutors.
The courthouse. Later hearings are downtown, in the Central Court Building or the South Court Tower; confirm the building on your current notice. A court order designates first degree murder cases complex at arraignment, so expect a managed calendar and a long timeline.
Silence and distance. Talk about the facts only with your lawyer. Stay away from co-defendants, witnesses and the family of the person who died, and do not ask friends to carry messages. Assume calls and visits at the jail are recorded.
The law
The elements of § 13-1105(A)(2)
Under A.R.S. § 13-1105(A)(2) the State must prove three things: that the accused, on their own or together with others, committed or attempted a felony from the statute's list; that a death occurred while that felony was under way and being furthered, or during the immediate flight afterward; and that the accused "or another person" caused it.
Only listed offenses count. They include robbery, burglary, arson, kidnapping, escape, terrorism, drive by shooting, sexual assault, child molestation, sexual conduct with a minor, one form of child abuse, involving minors in drug offenses, certain drug offenses identified by subsection, and fleeing a pursuing police vehicle. An unlisted offense cannot support this charge.
Intent to kill is not an element. Under § 13-1105(B), the only mental state required is the one the underlying felony itself requires, and the State must still prove that.
The penalty. This is a class 1 felony, with death or life imprisonment as provided in §§ 13-751 and 13-752 (§ 13-1105(D)). After a notice that the State seeks death, the possible sentences are death, natural life or life (§ 13-751(A)(3)). Without a notice, or if death is not imposed, the judge chooses life or natural life (§ 13-752(A), (Q)). Natural life allows release on no basis at all. A life sentence allows none until 25 calendar years are served, or 35 years when the person who died was younger than 15 or an unborn child (§ 13-751(A)(3)).
Age and time. Someone under 18 at the time cannot be sentenced to death (§ 13-751(A)(2)). A 15, 16 or 17 year old accused of this offense must be prosecuted as an adult (§ 13-501(A)(1)). Prosecution for a homicide can begin at any time (§ 13-107(A)).
Felony Murder Lawyer in Tempe, AZ
Testing a Tempe felony murder charge
Avoiding jail is not the same as avoiding a conviction. A plea to the felony or to a lesser homicide still leaves a felony record. First degree murder is a serious offense (§ 13-706(F)(1)(a)), which § 13-911(O)(3) excludes from sealing. A felony conviction ends the right to possess firearms in Arizona until it is restored (§ 13-3101(A)(7)(b)), federal law adds 18 U.S.C. § 922(g)(1), and 8 U.S.C. § 1227(a)(2) makes certain convictions grounds for deportation, so noncitizens need immigration advice before any plea.
Start with the underlying felony
If the State cannot prove the listed offense, completed or attempted, this theory fails with it. We test that offense element by element, such as entry and intent in a burglary.
Check the time line
How far the "immediate flight" window reaches is shaped by case law. Phone location data, receipts and camera footage can help show where the felony ended.
Separate presence from participation
Riding along or knowing the others is not committing the felony. What the accused knew, agreed to and did is the core of the case.
Weigh every cooperating account
A co-defendant offered a deal has a reason to shape the story, so each statement is checked against video, messages and physical evidence.
Review the science independently
Autopsy findings, scene work, phone extractions and any firearm or DNA comparison can go to defense experts, and we ask where each examination was done.
Plan for sentencing early
Since the court may choose life over natural life, facts about role, age and background are collected from the start.
The law
Sources: Arizona statutes and Cornell Law School
The statutes and references behind this page are linked below.
- § 13-1105, first degree murder (azleg.gov)
- § 13-751, death, natural life or life (azleg.gov)
- § 13-752, sentencing proceedings (azleg.gov)
- § 13-501, juveniles prosecuted as adults (azleg.gov)
- § 13-107, time limits and homicide (azleg.gov)
- § 13-706, serious offenses (azleg.gov)
- § 13-911, sealing exclusions (azleg.gov)
- § 13-3101, prohibited possessors (azleg.gov)
- Wex: felony murder rule (Cornell LII)
- Wex: first-degree murder (Cornell LII)
- 18 U.S.C. § 922, firearm prohibitions (Cornell LII)
- 8 U.S.C. § 1227, deportable noncitizens (Cornell LII)
Felony Murder Lawyer in Tempe, AZ
A felony murder defense prepared for trial
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 murder 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 families 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.
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 85003Tempe 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 85281Laws cited on this page
- A.R.S. § 13-1105, First degree murder; classification
- A.R.S. § 13-751, Sentence of death or life imprisonment; aggravating and mitigating circumstances; definition
- A.R.S. § 13-752, Sentences of death, life imprisonment or natural life; imposition; sentencing proceedings; definitions
- A.R.S. § 13-501, Persons under eighteen years of age; felony charging; definitions
- A.R.S. § 13-107, Time limitations
- A.R.S. § 13-706, Serious, violent or aggravated offenders; sentencing; life imprisonment; definitions
- A.R.S. § 13-911, Sealing of arrest, conviction and sentencing records; requirements; fee; appeal; definition
- A.R.S. § 13-3101, Definitions
Common questions
Tempe felony murder questions
The statute does not ask whether he caused the death or wanted it. It asks whether he took part, alone or with others, in a listed felony, completed or attempted, and whether he "or another person" caused a death while it was happening or during the escape. His real role in that underlying offense becomes the central fight. He should not describe it to Tempe detectives, or to anyone in jail, without a lawyer.
No. That court hears misdemeanors and criminal traffic cases from inside Tempe, and the city's prosecutors handle only misdemeanors. Felony murder is charged by the Maricopa County Attorney's Office and heard in Superior Court downtown, in the Central Court Building or the South Court Tower. A minor related citation could still have its own date on Fifth Street, so bring every notice to the consultation.
The County Attorney decides. The office describes a Capital Review Committee of senior prosecutors with homicide experience that reviews first degree murder cases and recommends whether to seek death, and a Capital Litigation Bureau that tries the cases where it is sought. Death is not available for someone who was under 18 at the time. No lawyer can promise how that decision will go.
It depends on the charge and the evidence. Under § 13-3961(A)(1), a capital offense is not bailable where the proof is evident or the presumption great, and how that applies to one case is argued in court. The first ruling comes at the initial appearance and can be revisited. Collect details about work, family and community ties now so they are ready.
Felony Murder Lawyer in Tempe, AZ
Call before anyone answers a detective's questions
Call (480) 405-6767. If a family member is waiting for a first hearing, or a Tempe detective has asked for an interview, the phone reaches us faster 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.
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“These guys are the best attorneys in all of Arizona. It is definitely the most professional group of lawyers… I recommend this firm!”
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“They fought tirelessly for my case and helped me achieve a favorable outcome. Exceptional service and results.”
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“The firm provided me with the most professional legal representation possible. Mr. Ryan Tait patiently explained… beyond my expectations.”
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“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.”
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“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…”
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“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.”
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“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.”
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★★★★★
“¡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.”
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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.