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
Tempe fraudulent schemes defense
Fraudulent Schemes Lawyer in Tempe, AZ
The paperwork tells a story. We read all of it.
A remodeling job in Tempe that ran out of money, an investment pitch that went wrong, rent deposits that were never returned, or invoices a former employer now calls fake: any of these can be recast as a "scheme to defraud," which Arizona treats as a class 2 felony. On paper, a business dispute and a crime can look alike.
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
The charges
Where a Tempe fraudulent schemes case comes from
First court date
Within 24 hours of an arrest. On a felony booking into the county jail, release conditions are set at the jail court, 2670 S. 28th Dr. in Phoenix.
Misdemeanor
The Tempe City Attorney's Office, Criminal Division, brings it in Tempe Municipal Court, 140 E. Fifth Street.
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. The citation names the court.
These cases are seldom built in a day: customers compare notes, an investor hires an accountant or an audit finds a pattern, and only then are police called. In Tempe, that contact runs through Tempe Police, whose online reporting system does not offer a fraud category and directs other reports to the non-emergency line, 480-350-8311. Its Investigations Division page names a Property Crimes Unit and a Crime Analysis and Intel Center without saying what fraud work either does.
Detectives build a paper case from bank subpoenas, contracts, messages, payment apps and interviews with the people who paid. A request for an "informal conversation" is often the first sign, and that interview can become central evidence.
With a class 2 felony, Tempe Municipal Court has no role. The completed report goes to the Maricopa County Attorney's Office. Its published process gives the reviewing prosecutor four choices: more investigation, decline, refer to another jurisdiction, or charge. Charges come by grand jury indictment or by direct complaint, and a judge reviewing a complaint may order a summons to a preliminary hearing rather than an arrest. Larger or multi-county matters, and those built by a state agency, may instead go to the Arizona Attorney General's Office. We handle these matters whichever office brought the charge.
After an arrest, the County Attorney's guide requires an appearance before a judge or commissioner within 24 hours; for a felony booking into the county jail, that happens at the Intake, Transfer and Release facility on South 28th Drive in Phoenix. Hearings and trial then belong to Superior Court downtown, at either the Central Court Building or the South Court Tower. Confirm the building on your current notice.
Federal agents may take an interest too. Nova Law Group appears in the U.S. District Court for the District of Arizona (see Tempe federal investigations).
The law
A.R.S. § 13-2310 and § 13-2311
Section 13-2310(A) makes it a class 2 felony to knowingly obtain any benefit by false or fraudulent pretenses, representations, promises or material omissions, pursuant to a scheme or artifice to defraud.
"Benefit" reaches anything of value or advantage, present or prospective (§ 13-105(3)), so it is not limited to cash.
The State does not have to prove that anyone relied on the false statement (§ 13-2310(B)).
A scheme to deprive someone of the intangible right of honest services also qualifies (§ 13-2310(E)).
Sums tied to one scheme or course of conduct may be totaled for punishment, even across several victims (§ 13-2310(D), applying § 13-1801(B)).
When the benefit is $100,000 or moreWhen the benefit is $100,000 or more, or the conduct involved making, selling or marketing opioids, the person is not eligible for probation, a suspended sentence, pardon or release until the sentence is served or commuted, apart from narrow statutory exceptions (§ 13-2310(C)).
In business with a state agency or a political subdivisionIn business with a state agency or a political subdivision, which includes a city such as Tempe, knowingly falsifying or concealing a material fact, or using a writing known to be false, as part of a scheme to defraud or deceive is a separate class 5 felony (§ 13-2311(A)).
Sentencing ranges for a first felony under § 13-702(D): class 2, 3 years mitigated to 12.5 aggravated with 5 presumptive; class 5, .5 to 2.5 years with 1.5 presumptive. If the bar in subsection (C) does not apply, § 13-901(A) permits probation for someone eligible, lasting up to seven years on a class 2 and three on a class 5 (§ 13-902(A)). Restitution covers the economic loss the court determines (§ 13-603(C)), and the fine can reach $150,000 (§ 13-801(A)). Most felonies must be charged within seven years of discovery, actual or reasonable (§ 13-107(B)).
Fraudulent Schemes Lawyer in Tempe, AZ
What we test in a Tempe fraudulent schemes case
Interviews and warrants are reviewed for scope and accuracy, along with the bank summaries.
Avoiding jail is not the same as avoiding a conviction. A class 2 felony stays on the record even with probation. It makes a person a prohibited possessor until the right is restored (§ 13-3101(A)(7)(b)), with a parallel federal bar under 18 U.S.C. § 922(g)(1). An offense under title 13, chapter 23, which includes § 13-2310, bars a level I fingerprint clearance card for anyone awaiting trial or convicted, absent a good cause exception (§ 41-1758.07(C)). A set-aside may be sought later (§ 13-905), and a class 2 felony may be sealed ten years after the sentence is complete, once fines, fees and restitution are paid (§ 13-911(E), (G)). Noncitizens should get immigration advice before a plea because 8 U.S.C. § 1227(a)(2) can apply.
Failure is not fraud
A business that collapsed, a project that ran late or a promise that could not be kept does not prove a scheme existed from the start. We trace where the money actually went, which often tells a different story than the complaint.
Knowledge belongs to people
A partner's statements, a bookkeeper's numbers and projections you honestly believed all bear on whether you acted knowingly.
Omissions must be material
An unmentioned fact counts only if it mattered, and that is often disputed.
The total drives the sentence
With probation hinging on $100,000, we check refunds, completed work, chargebacks, duplicates and whether separate deals form one scheme.
The law
Sources: Arizona statutes and Cornell Law School
Every statement of law above was compared with the saved official text below.
- § 13-2310, fraudulent schemes and artifices (azleg.gov)
- § 13-2311, fraudulent schemes and practices; wilful concealment (azleg.gov)
- § 13-1801, theft definitions and aggregation (azleg.gov)
- § 13-105, definition of benefit (azleg.gov)
- § 13-702, first time felony sentencing (azleg.gov)
- § 13-901, probation (azleg.gov)
- § 13-902, length of probation (azleg.gov)
- § 13-603, restitution (azleg.gov)
- § 13-801, felony fines (azleg.gov)
- § 13-107, limitations on prosecution (azleg.gov)
- § 13-3101, prohibited possessor (azleg.gov)
- § 41-1758.07, level I fingerprint clearance cards (azleg.gov)
- § 13-905, set-aside (azleg.gov)
- § 13-911, sealing (azleg.gov)
- Cornell LII Wex: fraud
- 18 U.S.C. § 922 (Cornell LII)
- 8 U.S.C. § 1227 (Cornell LII)
Fraudulent Schemes Lawyer in Tempe, 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 schemes case, that means the bank records and the loss spreadsheet as well. 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. We have no other location; meetings are by appointment.
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Resources
Tempe courts and official links
Where a Tempe case is heard depends on the charge and the agency. Some offices are in Tempe and some are in Phoenix. Each card has directions and the official website, so you can check details before you go.
Tempe Municipal Court
Tempe misdemeanors and criminal traffic cases, from arraignment to trial. Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Phone (480) 350-8271.
140 E. Fifth Street, Tempe, AZ 85281Maricopa 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 85003Laws cited on this page
- A.R.S. § 13-2310, Fraudulent schemes and artifices; classification; definition
- A.R.S. § 13-2311, Fraudulent schemes and practices; wilful concealment; classification
- A.R.S. § 13-1801, Definitions
- A.R.S. § 13-105, Definitions
- A.R.S. § 13-702, First time felony offenders; sentencing; definition
- A.R.S. § 13-901, Probation
- A.R.S. § 13-902, Periods of probation; monitoring; fees
- A.R.S. § 13-603, Authorized disposition of offenders
- A.R.S. § 13-801, Fines for felonies
- A.R.S. § 13-107, Time limitations
- A.R.S. § 13-3101, Definitions
- A.R.S. § 41-1758.07, Level I fingerprint clearance cards; definitions
- A.R.S. § 13-905, Setting aside judgment of convicted person on discharge; application; release from disabilities
- A.R.S. § 13-911, Sealing of arrest, conviction and sentencing records; requirements; fee; appeal; definition
Common questions
Tempe fraudulent schemes questions
Not by itself. The offense requires knowingly obtaining money through false pretenses or material omissions, not just failing to perform. Prosecutors look at what you said when taking the deposit, where the money went and whether you kept working. Talk with a lawyer before explaining anything to a detective or customers.
Not as a complete defense. Under § 13-2310(B), reliance is not a necessary element, so the State can proceed without showing the complainant believed the statement. What still has to be shown is a scheme to defraud, knowing conduct and a benefit obtained through false pretenses, representations, promises or material omissions. That is usually where the contest is.
Through aggregation under § 13-2310(D), which borrows the § 13-1801(B) rule for combining amounts from one scheme or course of conduct. If the total is $100,000 or more, § 13-2310(C) removes probation. Whether separate transactions truly belong to one scheme, and whether refunds or delivered work reduce the figure, can change the outcome of sentencing.
Possibly under § 13-2311, a class 5 felony. It covers matters related to the business of a state agency or a political subdivision, which includes a city, and requires knowingly falsifying or concealing a material fact, or using a writing known to be false, as part of a scheme to defraud or deceive. An honest mistake is not that. Get advice before you answer questions from the city or police.
Fraudulent Schemes Lawyer in Tempe, AZ
Asked to "just explain" the money? Call first
Call (480) 405-6767. If a detective, auditor or investor's lawyer wants to talk, call us before you say anything.
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 Tempe criminal defense lawyer
If you have been arrested, charged, or contacted by a detective in Tempe, the decisions you make in the first few days matter. We defend misdemeanors in Tempe Municipal 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.
Tempe courts
- Tempe Municipal CourtMisdemeanors and criminal traffic cases from inside Tempe. Monday to Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.140 E. Fifth St., Tempe, AZ 85281Court website Directions
- Justice courtsSome DPS and Sheriff's Office misdemeanors. Your citation names the court.Find your court
- 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 Tempe
Si lo arrestaron, lo acusaron o un detective lo contactó en Tempe, las decisiones que tome en los primeros días importan. Defendemos delitos menores en la Corte Municipal de Tempe 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 Tempe
- Corte Municipal de TempeDelitos menores y casos penales de tránsito dentro de Tempe. De lunes a viernes, de 8:00 a.m. a 5:00 p.m.140 E. Fifth St., Tempe, AZ 85281Sitio de la corte Cómo llegar
- Cortes de justiciaAlgunos delitos menores del DPS y de la Oficina del Sheriff. Su citación indica la corte.Busque su corte
- 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.