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Ryan Spencer Tait

also known as Ryan Tait
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Avvo Rating10
  • Phoenix, AZ
  • Licensed for 13 years
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About Ryan

Mr. Tait is a founding partner of Tait & Hall and practices in the areas of criminal and civil litigation, where he is a fearless, aggressive and effective advocate. Mr. Tait began his career as a prosecutor in the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office, where he prosecuted in the Pretrial, Juvenile, Adult, and Major Crimes trial bureaus. His trial skills earned him recognition in each bureau he was assigned. As a Major Crimes prosecutor, Mr. Tait took more cases to trial and boasted a higher trial success rate than any other attorney in his bureau.

After learning the tactics employed by prosecutors, Mr. Tait became convinced that his talents would be better utilized by protecting the accused against the injustice of over-zealous prosecution. His effectiveness as a Criminal Prosecutor quickly translated into success when he joined one of Arizona’s largest criminal defense firms. There, he was tasked with handling the most serious and complex cases retained by the firm, ranging from Aggravated DUI to First Degree Murder.  His passion for defending the Constitutional rights of the accused combined with his natural, polished courtroom presentation quickly translated into consistent trial victories for his clients, saving them, in some cases, from decades of incarceration. 

Mr. Tait attended UCLA Law School, where he participated in Moot Court, was an editor on the Entertainment Law Review, and participated in the Business Law Program. He also cofounded the UCLA Chapter of the J. Reuben Clark Law Society, which focused on ensuring integrity in the practice of law.

Mr. Tait’s legal education did not stop at Law School.  He has attended hundreds of hours of specialized training in identifying weaknesses in his opponents’ cases. Mr. Tait is a member and graduate of the inaugural class of the Arizona Criminal Forensic Academy, where he developed a sharp ability to identify and attack weaknesses in even the most complex cases. Coupled with his passion for defending individuals against government overreach, Mr. Tait’s acquired knowledge and natural abilities have resulted in an impressive collection of dismissals and jury acquittals for his clients.

Practice areas

DUI and DWICriminal defenseCar accident
  1. Car accident: 40%

    9 years, 150 cases

  2. Criminal defense: 40%

    Ryan spent his first five years practicing Criminal Law as a felony prosecutor. He worked for one of the largest prosecuting agencies in the country, where he boasted the highest trial success rate in his Major Crimes Bureau. He was recognized multiple times for his trial work and assigned to train new attorneys on effective trial skills. As a criminal defense attorney, Ryan uses those trial skills to defend all types of criminal charges, from DUI's to First Degree Murder.

    14 years, 1,000 cases

  3. DUI and DWI: 20%

    14 years, 175 cases

Languages spoken

English, Spanish

Photos and videos

4241801 1580835021

4241801 1580835117

Contact

4455 E. Camelback Rd., Ste. C250
address map

Tait and Hall, PLLC

4455 E. Camelback Rd., Ste. C250
Phoenix, AZ, 85018

    Resume

    License
    StateStatusAcquiredUpdated
    AZActive 200711/28/2020
    We have not found any instances of professional misconduct for this lawyer.
    Avvo Contributions
    Legal answers45
    Legal guides0
    Awards
    Award nameGrantorDate granted
    Top 40 under 40National Trial Lawyers Association2016
    Work Experience
    TitleCompany nameDuration
    Managing PartnerTait & Hall, PLLC2015 - Present
    Associate AttorneyAlcock & Associates, PC2012 - 2015
    Deputy County AttorneyMaricopa County Attorney's Office2007 - 2012
    Associations
    Association namePosition nameDuration
    Maricopa County Bar AssociationMember2017 - Present
    DUI Defense Lawyers AssociationMember2015 - Present
    United States District Court for the District of ArizonaMember2015 - Present
    Arizona Forensic Science AcademyGraduate2010 - 2011
    Publications
    Publication nameTitleDate
    State Bar of Arizona - Young Lawyers DivisionArizona Disaster Assistance Manual2011
    State Bar of Arizona - Young Lawyers DivisionArizona Disaster Assistance Manual2011
    Education
    School nameDegreeGraduated
    University of California at Los Angeles School of LawJD - Juris Doctor2007
    Brigham Young UniversityBS - Bachelor of Science2002
    Speaking Engagements
    Conference nameTitleDate
    Paralegal Training SeminarManaging Criminal Case Flow2014
    New Hire TrainingEffective Cross-Examination2012
    Juvenile Law SymposiumIntroduction to Juvenile Delinquency Law2010
    Legal cases
    Case nameOutcome
    State v. JFAll charges dismissed!
    State v. NSAll charges dropped!
    State v. RCAll charges dismissed!
    State v. J.A.Dismissal
    State v. R.C.Dismissed
    State v. RCONot Guilty
    State v. R.C.Not Guilty
    State v. A.K.Case dismissed
    State v. F.M.Not Guilty on all major charges
    State v. L.B.Case Dismissed

    Reviews

    (19)
    5 Star
    		95%
    4 Star
    		0%
    3 Star
    		0%
    2 Star
    		0%
    1 Star
    		5%
    Review Ryan Tait

    Life changer

    Posted by

    I was facing a few felony counts with two prison priors and facing another prison term and I was being accused of some serious allegations. I made one of my best choices in life by hiring Ryan S Tait and he fought hard and aggressively and was able to get my case dismissed and I honestly don't have words to describe how thankful I am. Thanks to his hard work and dedication I'm able to get back with my life. I highly recommend this attorney. So if you find yourself in a difficult situation please don't hesitate and call and ask for Ryan and the rest will be taken care of trust me. He knows the system. Thanks once again Ryan, You guys are the best!!!
    This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
    Hired attorney

    Client

    Posted by

    He was hired last minute re arranged his schedule while taking the time to compassionately talk with me to prepare. He came into court and owned it.
    This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
    Hired attorney
    Ryan Tait's response: Thank you Cheryl! It was a pleasure to help you on this case! We are thrilled with the outcome.

    Confident. Capable. Experienced. Dedicated. Passionate. Caring. Not Arrogant.

    Posted by

    We hired Tait and Hall at the recommendation of one of the best lawyers we know. Now we consider Ryan, AJ and Grace as some of the best lawyers and people we know too. It was at a very difficult time in our life that we hired this firm. They devoted many hours and resources to knowing our case and preparing to help us in any way possible. I felt that they listened to every thought I shared and took it into consideration as we prepared for trial. I valued their counsel and really the integrity with which they work. "Truth is more powerful than a bullet proof statement," will always be something I attribute to Ryan as he empowered us and helped us to be prepared for whatever came. I absolutely recommend these attorneys and know that walking a hard time in the criminal justice system will never be easy, but with Ryan, AJ and Grace you are in the best of hands.
    This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
    Hired attorney

    Great Lawyer

    Posted by

    Ryan Tait was very professional In every sense of the meaning in regards to my case or anytime we met to discuss my case. He made sure I understood everything that was going on or what was going to happen..was always courteous in giving me information ahead of time so I was not blindsided by anything.He took his time with my case and didn't rush through it he made sure I got the best deal possible for my case..he was able to get 2 of my 3 counts to drop off during the process..anything I asked for he made sure it was accommodated..I would recommend Ryan to anyone with any legal issues or questions
    This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
    Hired attorney

    Moore Case

    Posted by

    we were very happy the way they talked to us,kept us up to date on the progress and followed up after it was over
    This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
    Hired attorney

    Auto accident settlement

    Posted by

    It was a weight off our shoulders to have representation after we were rear ended by a driver with no insurance and our car was totaled. These guys took great care of all the details.
    This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
    Hired attorney
    Ryan Tait's response: Thank you for for your review, Denise. I'm so pleased we could take care of you!

    Professional, devoted, honest and reliable! Couldnt have asked for a better outcome

    Posted by

    Ryan Tait and AJ Hall's professionalism, experience and knowledge is unparalleled. They take their clients and cases very seriously. They are devoted to make sure you get the outcome that is fair and justified. They have assisted me in more than one criminal case and made me feel very comfortable knowing i was in good hands. There service is honest, reliable and gets results. I would recomend them to anyone. I cant thank them enough for there services and great prices! Thank you!!
    This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
    Hired attorney
    Ryan Tait's response: Thank you Vince. We are ecstatic that we were able to help you!

    Ryan Taitt

    Posted by

    Hiring Ryan Taitt was the best decision we made in our sons case. Legal matters involving prosecutor's and the court's is extremely confusing and stressful to say the least. Our son was originally assigned a public defender that left us in the dark with no answers for months. After hiring Ryan I actually had my first full night of sleep in over a year. He answered our questions and explained the process so we could better understand the situation. He responded to us quickly at any given day or time that we reached out with concerns. He did not back down and fought hard for our son. His staff was professional and a great help. More importantly he really cared about our sons future. He did not view him as another criminal or case file but as the great young man we know him to be. Our experience with him was amazing. Ryan may never know the comfort and peace of mind he gave our family through this unfortunate situation. We are thankful for his hard work and professional knowledge. As I hope we may never need his services again I would consider none other than Ryan
    This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
    Hired attorney
    Ryan Tait's response: Thank you for trusting us with your son's case, Tara. It was a pleasure representing him!

    Best Lawyer EVER

    Posted by

    It was a very sticky situation for my son. If it weren't for Ryans expertise my son would still be in jail to this day. My son was out of jail in 80 days which truly is a miracle. He would have had to be in Jail at least a year and up to 2 years if it weren't for Ryan Tait . He is amazing. I can't say enough about his skills, very friendly and a go getter. Thank you so much Ryan. We love your dedication to my sons case and will tell everyone what a fantastic lawyer you are, your office crew were wonderful too. Thank you Ryan from the bottom of our hearts.
    This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
    Hired attorney

    Best Law Firm

    Posted by

    I used Tait & Hall to set aside some past misdemeanor convictions. The results were outstanding as the set asides were granted by the court and thats due to their hard working. They always kept me updated on the process of my set aside cases and kept good communication through it all. I highly recommend Tait & Hall for any legal advice in the criminal field, personal injury, civil litigation & real estate.
    This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
    Hired attorney
    Ryan Tait's response: Thank you, Jeanette! So glad we could help!
    See all reviews

    Attorney endorsements

    (18)
    Are you an attorney? Endorse this lawyer

    Joy Riddle, Criminal defense Attorney on Apr 5, 2016
    Relationship: Worked together on matter

    I have had the great pleasure of working with Mr. Tait for several years. Mr. Tait was a thoughtful and effective supervisor and teacher while at the county attorney's office. I was fortunate enough to work with him on a jury trial where I saw first hand how well he prepared motions, opening and closing statements and cross examination. It was a valuable lesson for me in trial preparation. As a defense attorney Mr. Tait and I worked together for just under a year. He again was an inspiring person to work with and learn from. I relied on his advice and legal knowledge heavily when I began working in criminal defense. He is easily one of the most brilliant legal minds, any case he takes rest assured is in good hands.

    Robert Smith, White collar crime Attorney on Mar 11, 2016
    Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

    Mr. Tait is a tireless advocate for his clients. He explores and pursues all legal avenues of defense on behalf of his clients, insuring the best possible outcome. I endorse him completely.

    Raymond Kimble, Criminal defense Attorney on Mar 9, 2016
    Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

    I endorse this lawyer. I have known Ryan for several years. We have worked together on several cases where he and I have represented co-defendants. Ryan is a great lawyer, is always prepared and does a tremendous job for his clients

    Jordan Clegg, Criminal defense Attorney on Jan 28, 2016
    Relationship: Worked together on matter

    I have worked with Mr. Tait on a number of cases involving mutual clients facing immigration consequences. Mr. Tait's skillful advocacy skills helped him successfully defend these clients. He is an exceptional attorney with years of trial and courtroom experience. I wholeheartedly endorse Mr. Tait.

    Armando Nava, Criminal defense Attorney on Jan 27, 2016
    Relationship: Worked together on matter

    I had the pleasure of working side-by-side with Mr. Tait for over two years. During that time, he handled multiple matters with ease. These ranged from every day misdemeanors to serious felonies. I was always impressed with his work, and I learned a lot about being an effective lawyer from Mr. Tait. He is one of the best trial attorneys I have ever seen. He cares about his clients and uses his experience to explain everything happening in their case. You can tell from the moment you meet Mr. Tait that he genuinely cares about what he is doing. You are in great hands if you choose Mr. Tait to represent you.

    Matthew Bartz, Criminal defense Attorney on Jan 27, 2016
    Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

    I've known Ryan since he began practicing in Arizona. When he was a prosecutor, he had a great reputation. It is one that has carried with him in all the years he has practiced criminal defense. He is well liked by his clients and respected by his peers. We often discuss current legal issues when we see each other in court and I hold him in high regard.

    Kareen O'Brien, Criminal defense Attorney on Jan 7, 2016
    Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

    I endorse this lawyer. Ryan and I had a major felony trial together. He fights for his clients. He's smart, charismatic, and very skilled in the art of cross examination. You won't regret hiring him!

    Roland Rillos

    Ryan is an excellent attorney, he is dedicated to his clients and diligently works on their cases. His courtroom demeanor and litigation skills are exceptional and he is highly respected in the legal community.

    E Maupin, Criminal defense Attorney on Oct 16, 2015
    Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

    Ryan Tait is an exceptional attorney and is well respected in the community among prosecutors, defense attorneys and judges. He is especially talented at oral argument and in conducting trials. He is incredibly smart and convincing. I would trust him to handle a matter of my own.

    Yasser Sanchez, Criminal defense Attorney on Sep 21, 2015
    Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

    Ryan Tait is a fantastic attorney. I strongly endorse this lawyer. Hire him with with the ease of knowing that he is one of the top attorneys in Arizona.

    Shane Miller, Criminal defense Attorney on Jun 22, 2015
    Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

    Ryan is a skilled and intelligent trial lawyer. He is relentless in his quest to achieve the best possible results for his clients.

    Cody Curry, Criminal defense Attorney on May 29, 2015
    Relationship: Co-worker

    Great attorney. Smart and aggressive.

    Jerry Hannant, Criminal defense Attorney on May 21, 2015
    Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

    Mr. Tait is one the best attorneys in Phoenix. Highly recommended and highly skilled.

    Arthur Hall, Litigation Attorney on Apr 8, 2015
    Relationship: Worked together on matter

    Mr. Tait is an extremely smart and persuasive trial attorney and has managed to achieve some incredible results for his clients. He was a prosecutor for the State of Arizona and worked diligently in that position and has carried that same passion into private practice. I've personally observed Mr. Tait in trial and have been very impressed with the knowledge, presence and strategy that he uses to accomplish enviable results. I don't hesitate when I endorse this lawyer.

    Darius Amiri, Criminal defense Attorney on Jul 31, 2014
    Relationship: Worked together on matter

    I have worked as immigration counsel on a few matters that were first handled by Mr. Tait as criminal matters. He has always been very responsive when I have needed information about the case and helpful in framing any issues from the criminal matter that I needed help understanding. From what I can see, his clients have had nothing but positive things to say about his professionalism, punctuality, fee affordability, and results in the court room. Highly recommend for any type of criminal litigation matter.

    Kaitlin Verdura, Criminal defense Attorney on Jun 18, 2014
    Relationship: Co-worker

    Mr. Tait is a highly skillful trial lawyer and litigator. I recommend him to anyone looking for an aggressive criminal defense attorney.

    Paul Knost, Criminal defense Attorney on Jun 15, 2014
    Relationship: Worked together on matter

    Ryan is a great trial lawyer. I have personally observed him in trial here in Phoenix. He is a master of the facts and the law. He truly cares about his clients and he achieves impressive results. He is also quite friendly and approachable. I endorse this lawyer without reservation.

    James Tinker, Criminal defense Attorney on Jun 14, 2014
    Relationship: Supervised lawyer

    I wholeheartedly endorse this lawyer. Ryan can take on the most difficult and serious felony cases, and get great results. I would trust him with my own case if I were facing such dire circumstances.