Fraudulent schemes and artifices in Arizona involve knowingly pursuing a pecuniary benefit through deceptive means and are charged under ARS §13-2310 as a class 2 felony. Our team — led by a former city court judge, prosecutor and police officer — reviews allegations closely and explains how the statute could apply to your case.
Charged with fraud in Arizona? Our former judge, prosecutor, and police officer fight aggressively to protect your rights, your freedom, and your future.
Under A.R.S. 13-2310, it is illegal to knowingly obtain any benefit by means of fraud, deception, or false pretenses — or to knowingly create a scheme or artifice to defraud. Fraud schemes are classified as a Class 2 felony in Arizona, one of the most serious non-violent criminal charges you can face.
The prosecution must prove that you knowingly participated in a scheme designed to defraud another person or entity. At Oliverson Law, we challenge every element of the state’s case — from the alleged intent to the methods used to gather evidence.
Fraud schemes carry some of the harshest penalties in Arizona’s criminal code. Sentencing depends on your prior record and the amount of benefit obtained:
3 to 12.5 years in prison. If the benefit obtained exceeds $100,000, mandatory prison time applies — probation is not an option.
4.5 to 23.25 years in prison. Prior convictions significantly increase the sentencing range and limit options for plea negotiations.
10.5 to 35 years in prison. With multiple prior felonies, you face some of the longest sentences available under Arizona law.
Mandatory prison time regardless of prior record. The court has no discretion to grant probation when the benefit exceeds this threshold.
Our attorneys use every available strategy to fight fraud charges:
Fraud requires proof that you acted knowingly and with intent to defraud. If the prosecution cannot prove intent beyond a reasonable doubt, the charges cannot stand.
Many people are unwittingly drawn into fraud schemes by business partners, employers, or associates. If you did not knowingly participate, you have a strong defense.
Fraud investigations often rely on complex financial records, digital evidence, and circumstantial connections. We challenge evidence that may point to the wrong person.
The state must prove every element beyond a reasonable doubt. We scrutinize financial records, witness testimony, and investigative methods to expose weaknesses.
When it comes to your defense, experience isn’t optional — it’s essential. At Oliverson Law, you get a full legal team that’s been on every side of the courtroom.
Over the length of their careers, the attorneys at Oliverson Law have helped thousands of people successfully fight their criminal charges.
As former prosecutors, police officers, and judges, our attorneys have experience on all sides of the law. This insight allows them to better defend your case.
Under A.R.S. 13-2310, a fraudulent scheme involves knowingly obtaining any benefit through fraud, deception, or false pretenses. This includes Ponzi schemes, investment fraud, insurance fraud, real estate fraud, and any plan designed to deceive others for financial gain.
Fraud schemes are a Class 2 felony carrying 3 to 12.5 years in prison for a first offense. With prior felonies, sentences can reach up to 35 years. If the benefit exceeds $100,000, mandatory prison time applies and probation is not available.
Common defenses include lack of intent to defraud, unknowing involvement in the scheme, mistaken identity, insufficient evidence, entrapment, and constitutional violations such as unlawful searches. An experienced defense attorney can evaluate the facts and identify the strongest defense strategy for your case.
We fight for your case as if it were our own — because your freedom deserves nothing less. Former judge, prosecutor, and police officer on your side.
