Facing allegations of a fraudulent scheme can feel overwhelming. Arizona fraudulent schemes charges under ARS §13-2310, carry severe penalties and long‑term consequences for your freedom, finances, and reputation. When every detail matters, you need an attorney who combines deep white‑collar experience with a proactive, client‑focused approach.
At Diaz Law, founding attorney Hector Diaz brings over two decades of experience in criminal defense, defending high‑stakes fraud cases. With big‑firm polish from Quarles & Brady LLP and a passion for early intervention, Hector offers tailored strategies designed to shape the course of your case. Get in touch with Diaz Law today for your free, no‑obligation consultation and take the first step toward safeguarding your rights.
Table of Contents
● Understanding White-Collar Crimes in Arizona
● Arizona Law and Fraudulent Activity
● What are Examples of Fraudulent Schemes?
● The Role of a Defense Lawyer
● Potential Penalties and Consequences
● Options for First-Time Offenders
● The Importance of Early Intervention
● Building a Strong Case
● Diaz Law’s Proactive Defense Strategy
● Discreet Crisis and Reputation Management
● What to Expect When You Hire Hector Diaz
● Contact Diaz Law for a Free Consultation
White-collar crime refers to a category of non-violent offenses typically committed for financial gain. These crimes encompass a wide range of fraudulent activities, which may include the following:
● fraudulent schemes
● insurance fraud
● credit card fraud
● identity theft
In Arizona, white-collar crimes are taken very seriously and can result in severe penalties, including lengthy prison sentences and substantial fines.
Understanding the nature of white-collar crime is crucial for individuals and businesses to protect themselves from fraudulent activity and navigate the complexities of Arizona law. Whether it’s a sophisticated investment scam or a simple case of identity theft, the repercussions can be devastating, making it essential to stay informed and vigilant.
Under Arizona law, as outlined in the Arizona Revised Statutes, fraudulent schemes are classified as a class 2 felony. According to Arizona Revised Statute 13-2310, a person who knowingly obtains any benefit by means of false or fraudulent pretenses, representations, promises, or material omissions is guilty of a fraudulent scheme. This broad definition covers a wide range of activities, from Ponzi schemes and investment scams to other forms of fraudulent activity.
The penalties for those convicted of fraudulent schemes are severe, including up to 12.5 years in prison and significant fines. Arizona law aims to deter such crimes by imposing strict penalties, reflecting the serious nature of these offenses and their impact on victims.
Under Arizona law, a fraudulent scheme occurs when someone knowingly engages in deception, whether through false statements, omissions, or altered documents, with the intent to obtain money, property, or services. Prosecutors often characterize these offenses as patterns of conduct. Even a single large‑scale transaction can qualify if it involved deliberate misrepresentation.
Common examples include:
● Investment fraud, where victims are promised guaranteed returns on fictitious ventures
● Insurance fraud, involving false claims or inflated billing
● Embezzlement by corporate insiders who falsify records to siphon funds
● Identity theft and check kiting, exploiting banking systems, or another person’s credentials
● A Ponzi scheme is a fraudulent investment operation where returns to early investors are paid using funds from newer investors, rather than from legitimate profits, creating an unsustainable cycle that collapses once new contributions dry up.
Because fraudulent‑scheme cases hinge on proving intent and causation, the government often relies on financial audits, email trails, and expert testimony. A thorough and effective defense examines every piece of evidence—bank statements, digital logs, and witness accounts—to challenge the narrative that you knowingly intended to defraud.
A defense lawyer plays a critical role in representing individuals accused of fraudulent scheme charges. A skilled defense lawyer helps clients understand their rights and options, working tirelessly to build a strong defense against the charges. This involves challenging the evidence presented by prosecutors, identifying weaknesses in the case, and negotiating with prosecutors to achieve a favorable outcome.
In Arizona, having a former prosecutor as your defense lawyer can be particularly advantageous. Their deep understanding of the law and the tactics used by prosecutors can be instrumental in defending against fraudulent scheme charges, ensuring that every possible angle is explored to protect your interests.
Under ARS 13‑2310, a fraudulent scheme conviction is a Class 2 felony, carrying mandatory prison time in most cases. The chart below and accompanying breakdown explain how prior convictions and the dollar amount of the fraud affect your exposure:
No prior felonies
● Probation possible
● County jail up to 1 year
● Prison range: 3 – 12.5 years
One prior felony
● Probation not possible
● County jail is not possible
● Prison range: 4.5 – 23.25 years
Two or more prior felonies
● Probation not possible
● County jail is not possible
● Prison range: 10.5 – 35 years
How the Dollar Amount of the Scheme Affects Sentencing
When the state values your ill‑gotten gains—cash, property, or other assets—at $100,000 or more, probation and county jail are off the table, even for first‑time offenders. In these high‑loss cases, the judge must impose a prison term; the precise length is determined during the sentencing hearing, taking into account both the scale of the fraud and any mitigating evidence.
Beyond incarceration and fines, a fraud conviction almost always brings additional hardships:
● Restitution orders requiring full repayment to victims, which can extend over decades
● Asset forfeiture, where the state seizes property linked to the alleged scheme
● Licensing revocations, especially for professionals in finance or law
● Civil lawsuits, as victims pursue separate damage claims
● Permanent record, which can have long-term impacts on your future, affecting employment and other opportunities
These collateral consequences can derail your career, drain your finances, and stain your reputation. That’s why mounting an aggressive, nuanced defense from day one is essential to limit exposure or avoid prosecution altogether.
For first-time offenders, a conviction for a fraudulent scheme can be particularly severe. However, there may be options available to reduce the penalties or avoid a conviction altogether.
A skilled defense lawyer can help first-time offenders understand their options and work to achieve the best possible outcome. This may involve negotiating a plea agreement, seeking a diversion program, or arguing for a reduced sentence.
In Arizona, a free consultation with a defense lawyer can be a crucial step in understanding the available options and making informed decisions about how to proceed. This initial consultation can provide valuable insights into the legal process and help first-time offenders navigate a challenging situation.
Hector Diaz’s defense philosophy emphasizes acting while allegations remain flexible. Once a formal indictment is filed, the prosecutorial narrative becomes much harder to reshape. In the pre‑indictment phase—when you might receive a target letter, subpoena, or grand‑jury notice—each hour counts.
Engaging Diaz Law immediately allows you to:
● Open direct lines of communication with investigators and prosecutors to present exculpatory facts before they draft charges
● Gather critical evidence, from retrieving electronic records to interviewing eyewitnesses, and preventing the government from locking down key documents
● Negotiate informally to resolve allegations or reduce potential charges without the public record of a criminal filing
Early intervention can help address allegations of attempting to obtain financial benefits through fraudulent means, which is crucial for investors who might be targeted by such schemes.
Clients who retain Hector at this stage often secure dismissals or steep reductions, sparing them from the stress and stigma of a formal prosecution.
Building a strong case against fraudulent scheme charges requires a thorough understanding of the law and the evidence presented by prosecutors. A skilled defense lawyer can help clients gather evidence, challenge the prosecution’s case, and present a robust defense. This may involve working with experts, such as forensic accountants, to analyze financial records and identify any discrepancies or irregularities.
It may also involve presenting alternative explanations for the alleged fraudulent activity and challenging the intent and knowledge required for a conviction. By working with a skilled defense lawyer, individuals accused of fraudulent scheme charges can build a strong case and achieve the best possible outcome, ensuring that their rights are protected throughout the legal process.
Navigating Arizona's complex sentencing rules demands an attorney who knows how to highlight mitigating factors, challenge aggravating claims, and negotiate aggressively on your behalf. Under the guidance of Hector Diaz, Diaz Law fights to keep you out of prison or to secure the shortest, least restrictive sentence possible. A structured, step‑by‑step approach ensures no opportunity is overlooked:
Comprehensive Case Review
Hector personally analyzes every government communication—target letters, subpoenas, search warrants—to identify legal weaknesses and factual gaps.
Independent Investigation
We partner with forensic accountants, digital data experts, and private investigators to build our own case files. Their findings often counter the prosecution’s assumptions and reveal alternative explanations.
Strategic Engagement
Drawing on Hector’s relationships with federal and state prosecutors, we advocate for charge reductions or dismissals early on, emphasizing mitigating evidence before formal charges are filed.
Trial‑Ready Preparation
If an indictment proceeds, Diaz Law moves swiftly into motion practice—challenging improper searches, suppressing evidence, and refining cross‑examination plans for key witnesses.
By maintaining this proactive rhythm, clients benefit from a defense that never waits for court dates but anticipates every prosecutorial step.
High‑profile clients—executives, public figures, and entrepreneurs—require more than legal advocacy. They need protection of their privacy and brand:
● Crisis Control Plans
We craft immediate responses to leaks or media inquiries, tailoring statements to minimize mischaracterization while safeguarding your legal position.
● Media Relations
Hector leverages trusted contacts at local outlets, such as 12News Phoenix, to correct inaccuracies and secure balanced coverage.
● Reputation Rehabilitation
When appropriate, Diaz Law collaborates with seasoned public relations professionals to rebuild public trust, from social media strategies to targeted messaging campaigns.
This holistic service ensures that your professional reputation doesn’t suffer collateral damage from mere allegations.
Choosing Diaz Law means direct access to an attorney who treats your case as his highest priority:
● Initial Consultation
In a private meeting—either at our Scottsdale office or via secure video—Hector listens to your story, reviews documents, and outlines potential defenses.
● Custom Defense Blueprint
You’ll receive a clear plan of action, detailing investigation needs, anticipated timelines, and transparent fee structures so there are no surprises.
● Hands‑On Case Management
From managing expert witnesses to coordinating discovery responses, Hector oversees every aspect personally, keeping you informed at each milestone.
● Bilingual, 24/7 Accessibility
Fluent in English and Spanish, Hector remains reachable for urgent questions or developments, ensuring you never feel left in the dark.
This client-centered approach transforms a complex legal battle into a manageable, step-by-step process.
The information you obtain at this site is not, nor is it intended to be, legal advice. The Diaz Law team is licensed to practice law in Arizona. We invite you to contact us, but please be aware that contacting us does not establish an attorney-client relationship. Please do not send any confidential information to us until an attorney-client relationship has been established.
If you’ve been accused of fraudulent‑scheme offenses in Scottsdale or anywhere in Maricopa County, swift action can make all the difference. Don’t wait until your indictment is locked in—enlist an attorney who will proactively shape your defense from the very start.
Call Diaz Law today or fill out our online form to schedule your free, no‑obligation consultation. Serving Scottsdale, Phoenix, Paradise Valley, Tempe, Chandler, Mesa, Gilbert, and Maricopa County, he stands ready to defend you at every stage and secure the best possible outcome for your case.
