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 identity theft defense
Identity Theft Lawyer in Tempe, AZ
Every receipt, video and report gets a second look.
An identity theft accusation in Tempe can grow out of a shared apartment near campus, a card a partner once let you use, an account opened with a family member's help, or simply a delivery that came to your address. Card statements and login records seldom prove who was behind a transaction as clearly as they seem to.
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 identity theft report turns into a charge
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.
Starting a report is easy. Section 13-2008(B) requires a peace officer to take one on request in any jurisdiction where an element of the offense happened, where a result occurred, or where the person whose identity was taken lives. Tempe Police add an online option: "Identity Theft (No Suspect)" is on the department's online reporting list for Tempe residents only, and unlike the other online categories, it does not require the incident to have occurred in Tempe. Reports that name a suspect, or that come from a business, go through the non-emergency line, 480-350-8311.
So a Tempe report can describe conduct that happened elsewhere. Under § 13-2008(C), a prosecutor with several alleged violations in one county may file them, with related charges not already filed, in any precinct where one occurred, and statewide in any county where one occurred.
Detectives may gather card issuer records, IP and device data, delivery records and store video. The city's Investigations Division page does not say which unit handles identity cases.
Every form is a felony, so Tempe Municipal Court and the city prosecutors on Fifth Street are not the forum. The County Attorney's Office reviews the submitted report and may ask for more investigation, decline, refer the matter to another jurisdiction or bring charges through a grand jury or a direct complaint. When a judge reviews a direct complaint, the judge may summon the person to court rather than issue a warrant. Some go to the Arizona Attorney General's Office, typically when a state agency built the case or it spans counties. We handle these matters whichever office brought the charge.
After a felony arrest and booking into the county jail, the initial appearance takes place within 24 hours at the Intake, Transfer and Release facility on South 28th Drive in Phoenix, and the case continues in Superior Court downtown. Confirm the building on your current notice. Federal prosecutors bring some identity cases too, and Nova Law Group appears in the U.S. District Court for the District of Arizona.
The law
Arizona's three identity offenses
Under § 13-2008(A), the offense is committed by someone who knowingly takes, buys, makes, records, possesses or uses the identifying information of another person or entity (even a fictitious one) without that person's consent, intending an unlawful use of the identity, intending to cause a loss (actual loss is not required), or intending to get or keep a job. It is a class 4 felony (§ 13-2008(E)). Personal identifying information, under § 13-2001(10), includes names, signatures, addresses, driver license numbers, access devices, student identification numbers, Social Security numbers and much more.
Aggravated taking, class 3 (§ 13-2009(A), (E))The same conduct involving three or more victims; a single victim plus an economic loss of at least $1,000; or use of another's information to get a job. Holding data on three or more people outside the normal course of business can support an inference of unlawful purpose (§ 13-2009(C)).
Trafficking, class 2Knowingly selling, transferring or transmitting another's identifying information without consent for an unlawful purpose or to cause loss, or to let someone obtain or continue employment (§ 13-2010(A), (C)).
For a first felony, § 13-702(D) sets presumptive terms of 2.5 years (class 4), 3.5 years (class 3) and 5 years (class 2), with aggravated terms up to 3.75, 8.75 and 12.5 years. An eligible person may receive probation (§ 13-901(A)). The court orders restitution (§ 13-603(C)) and may impose a fine up to $150,000 (§ 13-801(A)).
Federal law has its own add-on: 18 U.S.C. § 1028A(a)(1) imposes two years in prison, on top of the underlying sentence, for knowing misuse of another person's means of identification tied to an enumerated felony, with no probation and, apart from a narrow exception, no concurrent time (§ 1028A(b)).
Identity Theft Lawyer in Tempe, AZ
What we check in a Tempe identity theft case
Avoiding jail is not the same as avoiding a conviction. A felony conviction suspends civil rights, including the right to possess a firearm (§ 13-904(A)), and makes a person a prohibited possessor until restored (§ 13-3101(A)(7)(b)); 18 U.S.C. § 922(g)(1) adds a federal bar. Taking, aggravated taking and trafficking in identity are listed offenses that bar a level I fingerprint clearance card while charges are pending or after conviction, unless a good cause exception is granted (§ 41-1758.07(C)). Noncitizens should get immigration advice before a plea because 8 U.S.C. § 1227(a)(2) can apply. Sealing may be available later (Tempe record sealing).
Read the whole account
A highlighted statement shows only disputed charges; the full history can reveal refunds, duplicates and purchases the holder made or approved.
Consent is often the case
Roommates, couples, relatives and business partners share cards, passwords and accounts. Permission given informally can defeat the "without consent" element, even if the relationship later soured.
Attribution must be proved
Shared Wi-Fi, borrowed phones, a common mailroom and data breaches blur who acted, so we test IP logs, devices, deliveries and video against each other.
Intent is a separate element
Having someone's information is not a crime by itself; the State must prove one of the purposes the statute lists.
Aggravating facts get counted
We verify the number of people and the $1,000 loss figure, and the § 13-2009(C) inference is permissive.
The law
Sources: Arizona statutes and Cornell Law School
The legal statements on this page rest on the official texts listed here.
- § 13-2008, taking identity of another (azleg.gov)
- § 13-2009, aggravated taking identity of another (azleg.gov)
- § 13-2010, trafficking in the identity of another (azleg.gov)
- § 13-2001, personal identifying information defined (azleg.gov)
- § 13-702, first time felony sentencing (azleg.gov)
- § 13-901, probation (azleg.gov)
- § 13-603, restitution (azleg.gov)
- § 13-801, felony fines (azleg.gov)
- § 13-904, suspension of civil rights (azleg.gov)
- § 13-3101, prohibited possessor (azleg.gov)
- § 41-1758.07, level I fingerprint clearance cards (azleg.gov)
- 18 U.S.C. § 1028A (Cornell LII)
- 18 U.S.C. § 922 (Cornell LII)
- 8 U.S.C. § 1227 (Cornell LII)
Identity Theft Lawyer in Tempe, AZ
A former prosecutor and a flat fee
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. For identity charges, that includes complete account histories and device records. We take 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. All meetings are 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 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. § 13-2008, Taking identity of another person or entity; classification
- A.R.S. § 13-2009, Aggravated taking identity of another person or entity; knowingly accepting the identity of another person; classification
- A.R.S. § 13-2010, Trafficking in the identity of another person or entity; classification
- A.R.S. § 13-2001, Definitions
- A.R.S. § 13-702, First time felony offenders; sentencing; definition
- A.R.S. § 13-901, Probation
- A.R.S. § 13-603, Authorized disposition of offenders
- A.R.S. § 13-801, Fines for felonies
- A.R.S. § 13-904, Suspension of civil rights and occupational disabilities
- A.R.S. § 13-3101, Definitions
- A.R.S. § 41-1758.07, Level I fingerprint clearance cards; definitions
Common questions
Tempe identity theft questions
Do not contact her about it or try to settle it by text. Gather what shows permission or shared use, such as old messages, payment app history or a pattern of paying each other back, and bring it to a lawyer. How that evidence reaches police matters, and a casual explanation can be quoted back later.
Arizona's identity theft statutes say they do not apply to a violation of § 4-241 by a person under 21, so an underage alcohol ID case is generally handled under that separate law instead. Read the citation for the law and court named. A student may also face ASU's own conduct process through the Dean of Students.
Yes. Section 13-2008(B) lets the reporting person go to police where they live, and Tempe's online identity theft report is open to Tempe residents even when the conduct happened outside the city. Where charges are filed depends on where elements of the offense occurred, and § 13-2008(C) lets a prosecutor join several alleged violations in one precinct or county where any occurred.
It is possible. Federal prosecutors can bring identity charges, and 18 U.S.C. § 1028A adds a mandatory two-year consecutive prison term when a means of identification is misused during certain listed federal felonies, including mail, bank and wire fraud. Whether a case stays in state court is a prosecution decision, so early advice is important.
Identity Theft Lawyer in Tempe, AZ
Before you explain the charges on the card, call
Phone (480) 405-6767. A detective's voicemail, a bank fraud interview or a summons are all reasons to call before responding.
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.