Joshua A. Lopez, Esq.

Trusted Criminal Defense Attorney Serving Scottsdale, Phoenix, and Maricopa County

Smart Defense. Strong Results.

Attorney Josh

Scottsdale Fraud Lawyer

Fraud charges in Scottsdale carry severe penalties and lasting consequences. Arizona’s primary fraud statute—Fraudulent Schemes and Artifices (ARS § 13-2310)—is a Class 2 Felony regardless of the amount involved, carrying potential prison sentences up to 12.5 years. Other fraud-related offenses including identity theft, credit card fraud, and check fraud are commonly charged in Scottsdale, often arising from the city’s business community, resort industry, and residential population.

Because fraud requires proof of intentional deception, these cases are highly dependent on evidence of what you knew and intended. An experienced attorney can challenge the prosecution’s evidence and protect your rights.

Attorney Josh Lopez represents clients throughout Scottsdale facing fraud allegations, with an office at 6991 East Camelback Road.

→ For comprehensive Arizona fraud law information, see: Phoenix Fraud Lawyer

Fraud Classifications and Penalties

Fraudulent Schemes and Artifices (ARS § 13-2310)

The most serious fraud charge—a Class 2 Felony regardless of amount:

Offense	Prison Range (First Offense)
Presumptive	5 years
Mitigated	3 years
Aggravated	12.5 years

Check Fraud (ARS § 13-1807)

Amount	Classification
Under $100	Class 1 Misdemeanor
$100 – $999	Class 6 Felony
$1,000 – $2,499	Class 5 Felony
$2,500+	Class 4 Felony

Credit Card Fraud (ARS § 13-2105)

Most credit card fraud violations are Class 5 Felonies. Using counterfeit cards is a Class 4 Felony.

Identity Theft (ARS § 13-2008)

Victims	Classification
1-4 victims	Class 4 Felony
5+ victims	Class 3 Felony
Victims 65+ or disabled	Class 3 Felony

Common Fraud Scenarios in Scottsdale

Business and Commercial Fraud

Scottsdale’s business community generates fraud allegations involving:

Disputes between business partners
Allegations of misappropriated funds
Contract disputes characterized as fraud
Investment-related allegations

Real Estate Fraud

Scottsdale’s active real estate market sees fraud allegations involving:

Mortgage applications
Property transaction disputes
Rental scams
HOA-related disputes

Identity Theft

Residential identity theft cases arise from:

Mail theft in residential neighborhoods
Data breaches affecting Scottsdale residents
Employment-related identity fraud

Resort and Tourism Fraud

Scottsdale’s tourism industry generates fraud allegations involving:

Credit card chargebacks
Booking and reservation disputes
Timeshare-related allegations

Healthcare Fraud

Scottsdale’s significant healthcare industry creates allegations involving:

Billing disputes
Insurance claims
AHCCCS (Arizona Medicaid) fraud

Defense Strategies

Lack of Intent to Defraud

Fraud requires knowing conduct with intent to defraud:

Good faith belief statements were true
Mistake about facts, not intentional deception
No intent to deprive

No Material Misrepresentation

The misrepresentation must be material—significant enough to influence the victim’s decision. Minor inaccuracies may not constitute fraud.

Authorization or Consent

If you had authorization to use accounts or believed you did, this may provide a defense.

Insufficient Evidence

Fraud cases often involve circumstantial evidence. Defense may focus on:

Lack of direct evidence of knowledge
Alternative explanations
Witness credibility issues

Collateral Consequences

Professional Licensing

Fraud convictions typically result in denial or revocation of licenses in:

Real estate
Finance and accounting
Healthcare
Insurance
Law

Employment

A fraud conviction makes future employment extremely difficult in any position involving financial responsibility or trust.

Immigration

Fraud is generally considered a crime involving moral turpitude (CIMT), with serious immigration consequences for non-citizens.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is fraud always a felony in Arizona?

Most fraud offenses are felonies. Fraudulent Schemes (ARS § 13-2310) is always a Class 2 Felony regardless of amount. Some bad check offenses involving small amounts are misdemeanors.

What if I intended to repay the money?

Intent to repay may be relevant to defense, but this is fact-specific. The question is whether you intended to deceive at the time of the transaction.

Can fraud charges be dismissed?

Yes. If the prosecution cannot establish knowing deception or intent to defraud beyond a reasonable doubt, charges may be dismissed or reduced.

What is the statute of limitations for fraud?

For most felony fraud, the statute of limitations is 7 years from when the offense was committed or discovered.

Can I face both state and federal fraud charges?

Yes. Many fraud schemes involve federal jurisdiction through mail, wire communications, or federally regulated institutions. Federal prosecution carries separate penalties.

How do fraud charges affect my career?

Fraud is a “crime of dishonesty” that essentially disqualifies you from positions involving money, trust, or professional licensing. The impact is severe and long-lasting.

Contact a Scottsdale Fraud Defense Attorney

Fraud charges threaten your freedom, career, and financial future. These cases often involve complex evidence and require careful defense strategy focused on intent and knowledge.

Attorney Josh Lopez defends fraud charges throughout Scottsdale.

Scottsdale Office:
6991 East Camelback Rd, Suite D-300
Scottsdale, AZ 85251

Call (480) 386-1824 or complete the contact form to schedule your free consultation.