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
Scottsdale money laundering defense
Money Laundering Lawyer in Scottsdale, AZ
What the records show matters more than the accusation.
Your Scottsdale bank closed your accounts without a word, someone asked you to receive a transfer and pass it along, or a detective wants to know where the cash in your business came from. Laundering charges usually ride on another accusation, and the case often turns on what you knew, or had reason to know, about money that looked ordinary at the time.
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
Money Laundering Lawyer in Scottsdale, AZ
How a laundering count joins a Scottsdale case
First court date
Within 24 hours of an arrest. On a felony, release conditions are set at the jail court, 2670 S. 28th Dr. in Phoenix.
Misdemeanor
The Scottsdale City Attorney's Prosecution Division brings it in Scottsdale City Court, 3700 N. 75th St.
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, such as McDowell Mountain Justice Court.
Laundering is seldom the first allegation. It usually attaches to a theft, fraud or drug investigation, and the theory then follows that money through accounts, cash, wires and transfer apps. Scottsdale's police Investigations section, as the city describes it, covers property crimes and drug enforcement, and seized phones and computers can go to the Digital Forensics Unit, whose listed casework includes both financial fraud and narcotics.
Charging decisions are made elsewhere. Under the city prosecution page, a state felony belongs to the County Attorney or the Attorney General, and a federal case to the U.S. Attorney. The County Attorney's chart lists an Asset Recovery unit next to White Collar/Cyber Crime, while the Attorney General tends to take matters where money crossed county lines or a state agency developed the case. We handle these matters whichever office brought the charge.
Frozen accounts and seized cash can open a separate forfeiture proceeding that moves on its own schedule, apart from the criminal charge, so every notice deserves a prompt read.
State and federal agencies also work these cases side by side. A December 2020 U.S. Attorney's release described a complaint charging a Scottsdale company's chief executive with wire fraud and transactional money laundering after an FBI investigation, with four bank accounts and a vehicle seized as alleged proceeds, and it credited a fraud task force the office had launched with the Arizona Attorney General's Office. Nova Law Group appears in the U.S. District Court for the District of Arizona.
On a state felony, any booking leads to the county's initial appearance court at 2670 S. 28th Dr. in Phoenix within 24 hours, and the case is heard in Superior Court downtown. Confirm the building on your current notice.
The law
The three degrees of A.R.S. § 13-2317
Section 13-2317(E) sorts the offense into three degrees:
Second degreeSecond degree, class 3 (§ 13-2317(B)). Ten forms, among them: acquiring, moving, receiving or hiding racketeering proceeds when the person knows or has reason to know they are proceeds of an offense; conducting a transaction with offense proceeds intending to hide the money's nature, source, location, owner or controller, or to help racketeering along; intentionally or knowingly dodging state reporting rules, structuring included; misrepresenting someone's identity to a bank or money transmitter; and operating an unlicensed money transmitting business.
First degree, class 2 (§ 13-2317(A))Knowingly organizing, financing, directing or supervising second degree laundering, or being in that business, or committing it in connection with terrorism or murder.
Third degree, class 6 (§ 13-2317(C))Giving or taking something of value to reward or influence a failure to follow Arizona's money transmitter rules.
Key terms reach far. The word "offense" here also covers conduct that federal law punishes with incarceration (§ 13-2317(H)(2)). A "transaction" covers deposits, withdrawals, gifts, loans, account transfers and currency exchanges (§ 13-2317(H)(3)). Racketeering, borrowed from § 13-2301(D)(4), covers a long list of crimes when done for financial gain and carrying a possible prison term over one year, theft, forgery, schemes to defraud and drug offenses among them.
A pattern of first or second degree violations involving at least $100,000 within a twelve-month window exposes the person to forfeiture of substitute assets equal to triple that amount (§ 13-2317(D)). First felony presumptive terms are 5 years for class 2, 3.5 for class 3 and 1 for class 6 (§ 13-702(D)), and an eligible person may get probation (§ 13-901(A)).
Federal law has its own versions. Under 18 U.S.C. § 1956(a)(1), certain transactions in the proceeds of specified unlawful activity carry up to 20 years. Section 1957 reaches a knowing monetary transaction worth more than $10,000 in property derived from crime, with a 10-year maximum, and the government need not prove the person knew which crime produced it (§ 1957(c)).
Money Laundering Lawyer in Scottsdale, AZ
What we examine in a Scottsdale laundering case
Avoiding jail is not the same as avoiding a conviction. A laundering conviction is a felony, which makes a person a prohibited possessor until rights are restored (§ 13-3101(A)(7)(b)), with a federal bar under 18 U.S.C. § 922(g)(1). Because § 13-2317 sits in chapter 23 of the criminal code, a pending or completed case precludes a level I fingerprint clearance card absent a good cause exception (§ 41-1758.07(C)). Sealing waits ten years after discharge for class 2 or 3 and five for class 6 (§ 13-911(E)), and a sealed record may still have to be disclosed for jobs handling other people's money (§ 13-911(I)(5)(g)). Noncitizens should get immigration advice before a plea; 8 U.S.C. § 1227(a)(2) can apply.
The source of funds comes first
Wages, business receipts, loans, sales and gifts may have no link to any offense, and we rebuild the history from bank records rather than a summary chart.
Knowledge is usually the battleground
Many forms require knowing, or having reason to know, where money came from, judged by what the evidence showed you at the time.
Purpose separates banking from laundering
Concealment requires intent to conceal or disguise, and the reporting forms require intentional or knowing evasion, which ordinary payroll and rent may not show.
Commingled accounts get untangled
Where legitimate and questioned dollars sit together, careful tracing can show the questioned portion is a fraction of the charged amount, which also bears on the $100,000 pattern.
Role sets the degree
Second degree conduct becomes first degree only with an organizing, managing or financing role, or a laundering business.
The law
Sources: Arizona statutes and Cornell Law School
We tied each legal statement to these texts.
- § 13-2317, the laundering statute (azleg.gov)
- § 13-2301, the racketeering definition (azleg.gov)
- § 13-702, first felony sentencing (azleg.gov)
- § 13-901, probation (azleg.gov)
- § 13-3101, prohibited possessor (azleg.gov)
- § 41-1758.07, fingerprint clearance cards (azleg.gov)
- § 13-911, sealing of records (azleg.gov)
- Cornell LII, 18 U.S.C. § 1956
- Cornell LII, 18 U.S.C. § 1957
- 18 U.S.C. § 922 (Cornell LII)
- 8 U.S.C. § 1227 (Cornell LII)
Money Laundering Lawyer in Scottsdale, 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. In a laundering case, that means the account statements behind the tracing chart. 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, our only office, by appointment.
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Resources
Scottsdale courts and official links
Where a Scottsdale case is heard depends on the charge and the agency. Some courts are in Scottsdale and some are in Phoenix. Each card has directions and the official website, so you can check details before you go.
Scottsdale City Court
City misdemeanors, from arraignment to trial. Monday to Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
3700 N. 75th St., Scottsdale, AZ 85251Maricopa 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 85003McDowell Mountain Justice Court
A misdemeanor reported by DPS or a Sheriff's deputy can be assigned to a county justice court like this one. Your citation names the court.
18380 N. 40th St., Suite 130, Phoenix, AZ 85032Laws cited on this page
- A.R.S. § 13-2317, Money laundering; classification; definitions
- A.R.S. § 13-2301, Definitions
- A.R.S. § 13-702, First time felony offenders; sentencing; definition
- A.R.S. § 13-901, Probation
- A.R.S. § 13-3101, Definitions
- A.R.S. § 41-1758.07, Level I fingerprint clearance cards; definitions
- A.R.S. § 13-911, Sealing of arrest, conviction and sentencing records; requirements; fee; appeal; definition
Common questions
Scottsdale money laundering questions
It is possible. Arizona's laundering forms turn on what you knew or had reason to know about the money and, for some forms, on an intent to conceal it. People recruited to move funds for strangers are sometimes victims of the same scheme, and sometimes they are charged. Stop moving money, keep every message, and talk to a lawyer before answering a bank or a detective.
Not by itself. The reporting forms of second degree laundering require intentionally or knowingly evading a state reporting requirement, structuring being one way to do it (§ 13-2317(B)(5)). Splitting deposits for convenience or timing differs from splitting them to avoid a report. Bank records, your deposit pattern over time and any messages about the deposits usually show which it was.
Seized money usually leads to a forfeiture process that is separate from any criminal charge, with its own notices and response deadlines. Missing one can cost you the chance to contest the seizure. Keep every letter, write down who served it and when, and bring the papers to a lawyer quickly rather than calling the bank or the agency yourself.
Either is possible. State charges are tried in the downtown Phoenix criminal complex, and federal charges at the courthouse on Washington Street, where different statutes, sentencing rules and forfeiture procedures apply. The 2020 Scottsdale case above came out of a task force the U.S. Attorney ran with the Arizona Attorney General, so early advice should cover both systems.
Common questions
Before you move money or answer questions
Call (480) 405-6767. A frozen account, a seizure notice or a detective's call is reason enough.
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 Scottsdale criminal defense lawyer
If you have been arrested, charged, or contacted by a detective in Scottsdale, the decisions you make in the first few days matter. We defend misdemeanors in Scottsdale City 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.
Scottsdale courts
- Scottsdale City CourtMisdemeanors prosecuted by the Scottsdale City Attorney. Free parking in front and in the Civic Center garage.3700 N. 75th St., Scottsdale, AZ 85251Court website Directions
- McDowell Mountain Justice CourtSome DPS and Sheriff's Office cases. Your citation names the court.18380 N. 40th St., Suite 130, Phoenix, AZ 85032Court website Directions
- 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 Scottsdale
Si lo arrestaron, lo acusaron o un detective lo contactó en Scottsdale, las decisiones que tome en los primeros días importan. Defendemos delitos menores en la Corte de la Ciudad de Scottsdale 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 Scottsdale
- Corte de la Ciudad de ScottsdaleDelitos menores que procesa el Fiscal de la Ciudad de Scottsdale. Estacionamiento gratuito al frente y en el garaje del Civic Center.3700 N. 75th St., Scottsdale, AZ 85251Sitio de la corte Cómo llegar
- Corte de Justicia McDowell MountainAlgunos casos del DPS y de la Oficina del Sheriff. Su citación indica la corte.18380 N. 40th St., Suite 130, Phoenix, AZ 85032Sitio de la corte Cómo llegar
- 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.