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 possession for sale defense
Possession for Sale Lawyer in Tempe, AZ
The lab report is evidence, not the final word.
A Tempe possession for sale accusation often rests on a story built from small things: a digital scale, small bags, cash, a few texts read a certain way. That story can turn a possession case into a class 2 felony with no Proposition 200 protection. It is still a story the State has to prove.
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 sale case is assembled
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.
Two starting points. Some Tempe sale allegations grow out of a patrol stop or an apartment call where an officer judges the packaging to be more than personal use. Others start with detectives; the Tempe Police directory lists narcotics investigations separately. On land the Arizona Board of Regents controls, ASU Police may be the agency writing the report.
The physical evidence. Drugs, scales, bags and cash are logged into the Tempe Police Property Facility at 1875 E. Apache Blvd. The department's Forensic Services Unit collects and examines evidence, but no city page names the lab that weighs and identifies seized drugs. That information arrives with the lab report, and in a sale case the net weight on that report can decide whether a threshold applies.
The phone. Sale cases often lean on messages. Searching a phone needs legal authority, and the extraction report shows what was pulled and from which dates and apps.
Who brings the charge. Tempe's City Attorney's Office prosecutes misdemeanors, and there is no misdemeanor form of possession for sale. Most of these cases belong to the Maricopa County Attorney. The Attorney General's Office takes some, often when conduct is said to cross county lines, a state agency investigated, or the County Attorney made a referral. The U.S. Attorney can bring a sale case in federal court. Nova Law Group appears in the U.S. District Court for the District of Arizona. We handle these matters whichever office brought the charge.
Booking and court. A felony booking into the county jail leads to an initial appearance at the Intake, Transfer and Release facility, 2670 S. 28th Dr., Phoenix, and Rule 4.1 sets a 24-hour limit for it. A state case is then heard in Maricopa County Superior Court downtown, at the Central Court Building or the South Court Tower. Confirm the building on your current notice.
The law
The elements and the grades
The State must prove two things: you knowingly possessed the drug, and you held it for sale. Each drug group has its own paragraph: marijuana in § 13-3405(A)(2), prescription-only drugs in § 13-3406(A)(2), dangerous drugs in § 13-3407(A)(2), and narcotics in § 13-3408(A)(2). A "sale" is any exchange for something of value or advantage, now or promised (§ 13-3401(32)).
- Marijuana, by weight. Under two pounds is class 4; two to four pounds is class 3; over four pounds is class 2 (§ 13-3405(B)(4), (5), (6)).
- Prescription-only drugs. Possession for sale without a license or permit is a class 6 felony (§ 13-3406(B)(2)).
- Threshold amounts. One gram of heroin; nine grams each of cocaine, methamphetamine and fentanyl; two pounds of marijuana; and a value of $1,000 for an unlisted drug (§ 13-3401(36)). Weight generally means the whole mixture containing a detectable amount (§ 13-3401(39)).
- What the threshold changes. When the total in one offense, or in offenses consolidated for trial, meets the threshold, a narcotic or dangerous drug sale conviction rules out probation and a suspended sentence, apart from narrow release exceptions (§§ 13-3407(D), 13-3408(D)). Marijuana sale counts at two pounds or more are treated the same way (§ 13-3405(C)).
- Meth is separate. A meth possession for sale conviction carries 5 to 15 calendar years, 10 presumptive, and no probation at any weight (§ 13-3407(E), (F)).
- Fines that cannot be suspended. The floor is $2,000 on a narcotic count, $750 on marijuana and $1,000 on a dangerous drug, or three times the drugs' value if higher (§§ 13-3408(J), 13-3405(D), 13-3407(H)).
- No Prop 200. Possession for sale is excluded from Proposition 200's mandatory probation (§ 13-901.01(C)).
Possession for Sale Lawyer in Tempe, AZ
Testing the sale theory in a Tempe case
Avoiding jail is not the same as avoiding a conviction. A felony conviction, or time on felony probation, makes someone a prohibited possessor in Arizona until rights are restored (A.R.S. § 13-3101(A)(7)(b), (d)). Federal law separately bars firearm possession after a conviction punishable by more than a year (18 U.S.C. § 922(g)(1)). A controlled substance conviction can make a noncitizen deportable (8 U.S.C. § 1227(a)(2)(B)(i)), so immigration advice should come before any plea.
Quantity does not prove purpose
No drug statute treats a threshold as proof of intent to sell; heavy users may buy in bulk.
Read the messages in full
A detective's reading of slang is an opinion. We want the full extraction, its legal authority, and who else used the phone.
Check the weight the lab reported
Near a threshold, how bags were combined and whether packaging was weighed can matter. We ask for bench notes and the Property Facility custody record.
Connect the drugs to the person
Possession under § 13-105(34) means knowing physical possession or dominion or control. A shared apartment near campus, a car with passengers or a party house raises real questions about whose bag it was.
Cash has many explanations
Restaurant tips, a cashed paycheck or rent money can look like proceeds in a report; records can show the source.
Start with the search
A stop held too long, consent that was not voluntary, or a warrant affidavit with gaps can lead to suppression of the scale, the cash or the phone.
The law
Sources: Arizona statutes and Cornell Law School
The sale rules on this page were checked against these texts.
- § 13-3405, marijuana offenses (azleg.gov)
- § 13-3406, prescription-only drug offenses (azleg.gov)
- § 13-3407, dangerous drug offenses (azleg.gov)
- § 13-3408, narcotic drug offenses (azleg.gov)
- § 13-3401, sale, threshold and weight definitions (azleg.gov)
- § 13-702, first-offense felony ranges (azleg.gov)
- § 13-901.01, Proposition 200 probation (azleg.gov)
- § 13-105, possess defined (azleg.gov)
- § 13-3101, prohibited possessors (azleg.gov)
- 8 U.S.C. § 1227 (Cornell LII)
- 18 U.S.C. § 922 (Cornell LII)
- Cornell LII Wex: drug trafficking
Possession for Sale Lawyer in Tempe, AZ
Built to question the sale label
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 Tempe sale case, that includes the phone extraction, the lab bench notes and every fact the report treats as a sign of dealing. 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. 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.
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. § 13-3101, Definitions
- A.R.S. § 13-3405, Possession, use, production, sale or transportation of marijuana; classification; exceptions
- A.R.S. § 13-3406, Possession, use, administration, acquisition, sale, manufacture or transportation of prescription-only drugs; misbranded drugs; classification; definition
- A.R.S. § 13-3407, Possession, use, administration, acquisition, sale, manufacture or transportation of dangerous drugs
- A.R.S. § 13-3408, Possession, use, administration, acquisition, sale, manufacture or transportation of narcotic drugs
- A.R.S. § 13-3401, Definitions
- A.R.S. § 13-702, First time felony offenders; sentencing; definition
- A.R.S. § 13-901.01, Probation for persons convicted of possession or use of controlled substances or drug paraphernalia; treatment
- A.R.S. § 13-105, Definitions
Common questions
Tempe possession for sale questions
No. Every form of possession for sale is a felony, and the Fifth Street court hears only misdemeanors and criminal traffic cases. A state charge goes to Superior Court downtown after the County Attorney or the Attorney General decides to file a complaint or seek an indictment. A federal case goes to the U.S. District Court. Your charging paperwork names the court and the prosecuting office.
No statute makes the amount proof of intent to sell. The threshold matters mainly for sentencing once a sale conviction exists. The State still has to show a purpose of sale through evidence such as messages, packaging or transactions. Heavy personal use is a real explanation, and the facts around the arrest decide how strong it is.
Not on the sale count. Section 13-901.01(C) keeps possession for sale outside Proposition 200. Whether probation is possible at all depends on the drug, the amount and your record: a threshold amount of a narcotic or dangerous drug rules it out, and a meth sale conviction rules it out at any weight. A reduction to simple possession, if negotiated, can change that picture.
They are usually held as evidence at the Police Property Facility while the case is open. Forfeiture can run on a separate track with its own deadlines, so bring any notice to your consultation quickly, and do not sign away a claim to the property before getting advice.
Possession for Sale Lawyer in Tempe, AZ
Call before you explain the scale
Call (480) 405-6767. When someone is still in custody or detectives are asking for an interview, the phone is 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.
★★★★★
“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.