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 money laundering defense
Money Laundering Lawyer in Tempe, AZ
What the records show matters more than the accusation.
A money laundering charge in Tempe rarely arrives alone. It tends to ride along with another accusation, a drug case, a fraud complaint, a business deal gone sour, or it starts with a bank closing your account, a payment app freezing transfers or a stranger who asked you to "receive and forward" funds. The question is often what you knew about the money.
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 Tempe laundering cases come from
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.
Laundering is a second step, punishing the moving or hiding of money tied to another offense, so a Tempe count usually sits inside a larger investigation. Tempe Police detectives working a narcotics, theft or fraud case may follow the money; a bank, money transmitter or payment platform may flag activity; or a fraud victim's report may lead to the account that received the funds. The department's Investigations Division page lists a Property Crimes Unit and a Crime Analysis and Intel Center by name, but it does not say which unit traces money.
Financial records do most of the work: bank and payment app records, phone extractions and an investigator's deposit spreadsheet. Cash, accounts or vehicles may be seized early, sometimes before any charge.
Every degree of the offense is a felony, so it leaves Fifth Street: Tempe's city prosecutors and Tempe Municipal Court handle misdemeanors only. At the County Attorney's Office, the reviewing prosecutor may seek more investigation, decline, refer or charge; charges come by indictment or direct complaint, and a summons can replace an arrest warrant. Laundering allegations that span counties, or that a state agency developed, may be prosecuted by the Arizona Attorney General's Office. We handle these matters whichever office brought the charge.
When someone is arrested and booked into the county jail on the felony, the initial appearance comes within 24 hours at the Intake, Transfer and Release facility on South 28th Drive in Phoenix. After that, the case belongs to Superior Court downtown. Confirm the building on your current notice.
Federal prosecutors bring many laundering cases, especially where banks, wires or interstate activity are involved. Nova Law Group appears in the U.S. District Court for the District of Arizona (see Tempe federal crimes).
The law
Three degrees under A.R.S. § 13-2317
The classes are in § 13-2317(E): class 6 for third degree, class 3 for second degree, class 2 for first degree.
Second degreeSecond degree, § 13-2317(B), lists ten forms. Examples: dealing in or hiding racketeering proceeds with knowledge, or reason to know, of their criminal source; a transaction in what one knows or has reason to know are offense proceeds, done to hide where the money came from, where it is or who controls it, or to help racketeering; intentionally or knowingly dodging state reporting rules, structuring included; disguising someone's identity with a bank or money transmitter; and operating a money transmitting business without the required license.
First degree, § 13-2317(A)Knowingly organizing, financing, directing or managing second degree conduct, being in the laundering business, or second degree conduct tied to terrorism or murder.
Third degree, § 13-2317(C)Bribes or rewards, offered or accepted, for a money transmitter ignoring the state's transmitter requirements.
Three definitions matter. Under § 13-2317(H)(2), the underlying "offense" may even be a federal crime carrying jail or prison. A "transaction" is almost any movement of property, from a gift or loan to a deposit, withdrawal or account transfer (§ 13-2317(H)(3)). "Racketeering" comes from § 13-2301, which covers listed acts punishable by more than a year in prison.
A pattern of first or second degree violations reaching $100,000 within twelve months exposes the person to forfeiture of substitute assets equal to triple that sum, in addition to other remedies (§ 13-2317(D)).
First felony ranges in § 13-702(D): class 2, 3 to 12.5 years (5 presumptive); class 3, 2 to 8.75 (3.5); class 6, .33 to 2 (1). Probation is possible for an eligible person (§ 13-901(A)), and the fine ceiling is $150,000 (§ 13-801(A)). A non-dangerous third degree count may be entered as a class 1 misdemeanor under § 13-604(A), except for someone with two or more prior felonies.
Federally, 18 U.S.C. § 1956 punishes certain transactions in proceeds of specified unlawful activity by up to twenty years, and § 1957 punishes a knowing monetary transaction above $10,000 in criminally derived property by up to ten.
Money Laundering Lawyer in Tempe, AZ
What we examine in a Tempe money laundering case
Avoiding jail is not the same as avoiding a conviction. A laundering conviction is a felony, which makes a person a prohibited possessor until rights are restored (§ 13-3101(A)(7)(b)), and 18 U.S.C. § 922(g)(1) adds a federal bar. An offense under title 13, chapter 23, which includes § 13-2317, bars a level I fingerprint clearance card while charges are pending or after conviction, unless a good cause exception is granted (§ 41-1758.07(C)). A set-aside may be sought later (§ 13-905), and sealing waits ten years after the sentence for class 2 or 3 and five years for class 6, with fines, fees and restitution paid (§ 13-911(E), (G)). Noncitizens should get immigration advice before a plea because 8 U.S.C. § 1227(a)(2) can apply.
Start with the money's source
Wages, business revenue, a loan or a family gift may have nothing to do with any offense, so we rebuild the funds' history from original records.
Knowledge is usually contested
Many forms turn on knowing, or having reason to know, the money's origin, and people move funds for relatives and employers constantly.
Purpose must be proved
The concealment form requires intent to conceal or disguise, or to facilitate racketeering, and ordinary spending may not show it. The reporting forms require intentional or knowing evasion.
Tracing narrows totals
When clean and disputed money share an account, the disputed portion can be far smaller than the charge suggests, which matters for the $100,000 pattern, forfeiture and any plea.
Role is an element
First degree requires a leadership or financing role, or being in the business of laundering.
The law
Sources: Arizona statutes and Cornell Law School
Each legal point above was checked against these official texts.
- § 13-2317, money laundering; classification; definitions (azleg.gov)
- § 13-2301, definitions including racketeering (azleg.gov)
- § 13-702, first time felony sentencing (azleg.gov)
- § 13-901, probation (azleg.gov)
- § 13-801, felony fines (azleg.gov)
- § 13-604, class 6 felony designation (azleg.gov)
- § 13-3101, prohibited possessor (azleg.gov)
- § 41-1758.07, level I fingerprint clearance cards (azleg.gov)
- § 13-905, set-aside (azleg.gov)
- § 13-911, sealing (azleg.gov)
- 18 U.S.C. § 1956 (Cornell LII)
- 18 U.S.C. § 1957 (Cornell LII)
- 18 U.S.C. § 922 (Cornell LII)
- 8 U.S.C. § 1227 (Cornell LII)
Money Laundering 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. In a laundering case, that includes every bank statement behind the investigator's chart. 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. It is our only office; meetings are 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. § 13-2317, Money laundering; classification; definitions
- A.R.S. § 13-2301, Definitions
- A.R.S. § 13-702, First time felony offenders; sentencing; definition
- A.R.S. § 13-901, Probation
- A.R.S. § 13-801, Fines for felonies
- A.R.S. § 13-604, Class 6 felony; designation
- A.R.S. § 13-3101, Definitions
- A.R.S. § 41-1758.07, Level I fingerprint clearance cards; definitions
- A.R.S. § 13-905, Setting aside judgment of convicted person on discharge; application; release from disabilities
- A.R.S. § 13-911, Sealing of arrest, conviction and sentencing records; requirements; fee; appeal; definition
Common questions
Tempe money laundering questions
It can be investigated that way. Several § 13-2317 forms depend on knowing or having reason to know the money was proceeds of an offense, so what you were told, what you were paid and any warning signs will be examined. People are sometimes recruited into these arrangements without understanding them. Stop moving funds, keep every message and talk to a lawyer before speaking with the bank or police.
It can be. Section 13-2317(B)(5) covers intentionally or knowingly evading certain state reporting requirements, including by structuring transactions, and it does not depend on the money coming from an offense. Federal law has its own structuring rules too. Whether the deposits were meant to evade a report, or had another explanation, is the central question.
Possibly, but forfeiture runs on its own track and deadlines can be short. A criminal case and a forfeiture proceeding may proceed separately, and statements in one can be used in the other. Bring every notice and its envelope so your lawyer can respond in time.
Some do. Federal prosecutors can charge laundering under 18 U.S.C. § 1956 or § 1957, especially when banks, wires or interstate activity are involved, while others stay with the County Attorney or Attorney General in Superior Court. Nova Law Group appears in the U.S. District Court for the District of Arizona.
Money Laundering Lawyer in Tempe, AZ
Account frozen or a detective calling? Call us
Call (480) 405-6767 before explaining any transfers.
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.