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 sex offender registration defense
Sex Offender Registration Lawyer in Tempe, AZ
Prepared for trial from the first setting.
Registration rules touch almost every part of life in Tempe: where you sleep, a new job, a class at ASU, a new car or a new online account. A missed deadline can become a new felony even when nothing else has gone wrong, and a call from a detective about compliance is worth taking seriously.
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
Who keeps track of registrants living in Tempe
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 duty runs to the county sheriff, not to the city. For a Tempe address, that is the Maricopa County Sheriff's Office, whose Records Section on the 4th floor at 111 S. 3rd Ave. takes registrations. Its page asks people to bring an ID card, plus court or sentencing papers and registration records from other places if they have them, and it posts current hours, with an earlier cutoff for a first visit.
Tempe Police still receive the paperwork. Under A.R.S. § 13-3821(I), the sheriff fingerprints and photographs each registrant, and copies go within three days to the state Department of Public Safety and to the local police chief for the registrant's home. For community notification, § 13-3825(D) has the sheriff forward the risk information to the chief law enforcement officer of the community, and the Tempe Police directory points residents to Tempe Offender Watch for sex offender information and notices.
Levels come from a standardized Arizona risk assessment. The Sheriff's Office describes nineteen scored criteria whose total recommends level 1, 2 or 3. Notification is mandatory for levels 2 and 3, and for a level 1 offender convicted of a dangerous crime against children, and it goes to neighbors, area schools, appropriate community groups and prospective employers (§ 13-3825(C)).
The campus adds a layer. A registrant who studies, works or volunteers at a college or university must notify the sheriff for the county where the school sits, and report each change in that status (§ 13-3821(N)). For a registrant subject to notification, the sheriff passes the information to the agency responsible for notification, which must tell the school's administration and complete campus notice (§ 13-3825(I)). On the ASU Tempe campus, the university has its own police department.
When a compliance problem turns into a charge, it is a felony. The County Attorney's Office decides whether to prosecute, the case is heard in Superior Court downtown at 201 W. Jefferson St. or 175 W. Madison St. (confirm the building on your current notice), and after a felony booking into the county jail, the initial appearance is held at the Intake, Transfer and Release facility, 2670 S. 28th Dr., Phoenix.
The law
The duties in A.R.S. §§ 13-3821 and 13-3822
The registration list in § 13-3821(A) reaches attempts and similar convictions from other states too. It covers sexual assault, sexual conduct with a minor, molestation of a child, continuous sexual abuse, sexual exploitation of a minor, both luring offenses, certain repeat exposure and indecency offenses, and violations of the registration statutes themselves, among others. A sentencing judge may also order registration for any chapter 14 or 35.1 offense, or any offense with a sexual motivation finding (§ 13-3821(C)).
First registrationWithin ten days after conviction, or within 72 hours, not counting weekends and legal holidays, after entering and remaining 72 hours in an Arizona county (§ 13-3821(A)).
Annual report§ 13-3821(J) requires a visit to the sheriff in person during your birth month each year, along with a new nonoperating ID or driver license that is valid one year and must be carried.
Moving, a new name or addressNotice to the sheriff in person and in writing within 72 hours, excluding weekends and legal holidays. Anyone with more than one residence, or with no fixed address, registers at least every 90 days (§ 13-3822(A)).
Online identifiersThe sheriff must hear of any new or changed identifier before it is used to communicate online, and no later than 72 hours (again excluding weekends and legal holidays) after the change (§ 13-3822(C)). A different vehicle, or a change in the school enrollment of a child in your custody, triggers that same 72-hour notice (§ 13-3822(D), (E)).
Failure to complyA class 4 felony (§ 13-3824(A)), with a first-offense range of 1 to 3.75 years, presumptive 2.5 (§ 13-702(D)).
Missing the annual reportA class 6 felony, plus a $250 assessment the court must order (§ 13-3824(B)).
Federal dutyUnder 34 U.S.C. § 20913(c), a registrant updates in person no later than 3 business days after changing a name, home, job or student status. Federal law punishes a knowing failure to register or update, after travel between states, with as much as 10 years in prison (18 U.S.C. § 2250(a)).
Sex Offender Registration Lawyer in Tempe, AZ
How we help Tempe registrants
Avoiding jail is not the same as avoiding a conviction.
- Record: § 13-905(P) rules out a set-aside for any offense that carries registration.
- Work: anyone subject to registration is barred from a level I fingerprint clearance card (§ 41-1758.07(B)).
- Immigration: a conviction under 18 U.S.C. § 2250 makes a noncitizen deportable (8 U.S.C. § 1227(a)(2)(A)(v)).
A charge for failing to register
We look at whether the duty applied, which deadline the State is relying on, what notice you were given and what the sheriff's records actually show.
Before any plea in a sex case
Listed offenses bring automatic registration, while § 13-3821(C) leaves other sexual offenses to the judge. That difference can shape negotiation and sentencing argument.
Planning ahead
A move, a second home, a new job, college enrollment and a new account each have their own window.
Limiting or ending the duty
Registration ordered on a juvenile adjudication stops at 25 (§ 13-3821(D), (F)). Where the offense happened before age 18, finishing probation successfully lets the court terminate the duty (§ 13-3821(G)). After a hearing held under a separate statute, a court can also suspend or terminate registration, or continue, defer or terminate notification (§§ 13-3821(H), 13-3825(N)).
The law
Sources: Arizona statutes and Cornell Law School
The official text of the statutes relied on above:
- § 13-3821, persons required to register (azleg.gov)
- § 13-3822, notice of changes (azleg.gov)
- § 13-3824, failure to comply (azleg.gov)
- § 13-3825, community notification (azleg.gov)
- § 13-3827, sex offender website (azleg.gov)
- § 13-702, first-offense felony ranges (azleg.gov)
- § 13-905, setting aside a judgment (azleg.gov)
- § 41-1758.07, level I clearance cards (azleg.gov)
- 34 U.S.C. § 20913, registry requirements (Cornell LII)
- 18 U.S.C. § 2250, failure to register (Cornell LII)
- 8 U.S.C. § 1227, deportable aliens (Cornell LII)
Sex Offender Registration 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. 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, by appointment only.
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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. § 13-3821, Persons required to register; procedure; identification card; assessment; definitions
- A.R.S. § 13-3822, Notice of moving from place of residence or change of name, electronic information or vehicle information; forwarding of information; definitions
- A.R.S. § 13-3824, Violation; classification; assessment
- A.R.S. § 13-3825, Community notification; definitions
- A.R.S. § 13-3827, Internet sex offender website; investigation of records; immunity; exception; definitions
- A.R.S. § 13-702, First time felony offenders; sentencing; definition
- A.R.S. § 13-905, Setting aside judgment of convicted person on discharge; application; release from disabilities
- A.R.S. § 41-1758.07, Level I fingerprint clearance cards; definitions
Common questions
Tempe registration questions
With the Maricopa County Sheriff's Office, not Tempe Police. Its Records Section takes registrations on the 4th floor of 111 S. 3rd Ave.; check the sheriff's page for current hours before you go. A move to a new residence or county must be reported in person and in writing within 72 hours, not counting weekends and legal holidays. Tempe Police then receive copies from the sheriff.
Tell the sheriff of the county where the school is located, and report each later change in your enrollment or job status there. If you are subject to community notification, the law enforcement agency responsible for notification must inform the university's administration and complete campus notice. Talk with a lawyer before classes start so the timing and paperwork are handled correctly.
Speak with a lawyer before you return the call. Failing to comply is a class 4 felony, and missing the annual report is a class 6 felony, so what you say can end up in a report. We can contact the detective, gather your registration history from the sheriff and the courts, and help correct any gap where that is possible.
That depends on your level and your offense. The state website lists level 2 and level 3 registrants, along with adults convicted of certain listed offenses at any level. Entries show name, address, age, a current photograph and the offense. Separately, Tempe Police point residents to Tempe Offender Watch for sex offender information and notifications in the city.
Sex Offender Registration Lawyer in Tempe, AZ
Questions about a deadline? Call first
Call (480) 405-6767. If a deadline is close or a detective has asked to talk, a phone call reaches us fastest.
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.