Fraud/Forgery
Fraud & Forgery Schemes Defense Lawyers in Chandler, AZ
If you or a loved one are facing white-collar or property crimes charges in the East Valley, secure experienced trial representation immediately. The state of Arizona aggressively prosecutes financial crimes, often pursuing severe multi-year prison terms. The legal team at Shell & Nermyr PLLC provides strategic, relentless criminal defense to challenge the prosecution’s evidence and protect your future.
Aggressive Representation for Financial Alteration & Fraud
Forgery Charges in Arizona (ARS § 13-2002)
Under Arizona law, a forgery conviction requires proof that an individual knowingly created, completed, or altered a written instrument with the intent to defraud an organization or person. Merely possessing five or more forged instruments allows prosecutors to infer an intent to defraud. Because it is categorized as a Class 4 felony, a conviction can carry a presumptive prison term of up to 2.5 years for first-time offenders. Our Chandler criminal defense lawyers aggressively target the prosecution’s evidence regarding “intent” to secure case dismissals or reduced charges.
Fraudulent Schemes and Artifices (ARS § 13-2310)
A charge involving fraud schemes is a severe Class 2 felony in Arizona. It applies to any individual who knowingly obtains a financial benefit through false pretenses, material omissions, or misrepresentations. If the alleged benefit is valued at $100,000 or more, the law prohibits probation or suspended sentences—making a prison sentence mandatory upon conviction. Navigating these complex financial audits requires a skilled white-collar defense attorney who knows how to dissect state evidence.
Identity Theft & Credit Card Crimes Defense
Taking the Identity of Another (ARS § 13-2008 & § 13-2009)
Identity theft charges range from Class 4 felonies for individuals to severe Class 3 Aggravated Identity Theft charges. Aggravated charges apply if the offense involves the personal information of three or more entities, or causes an economic loss of $3,000 or more. Whether the allegation involves employment fraud or financial gain, our legal team builds tailored strategies to protect your rights.
Credit Card Fraud & Forgery (ARS § 13-2104 & § 13-2105)
Altering credit cards, manufacturing fake cards, or signing someone else’s name to a transaction card is prosecuted as Forgery of a Credit Card. Fraudulent use of a credit card can escalate from a Class 1 misdemeanor to a Class 5 felony depending on the total dollar amount accumulated within a consecutive six-month period.
Complex Felony Financial Offenses
Money Laundering (ARS § 13-2317)
Money laundering classifications span from Class 6 felonies up to severe Class 2 felonies depending on the intent, structure, and involvement of alleged criminal syndicates. In addition to severe incarceration risks, the state frequently pursues extreme asset forfeiture actions that can freeze your legitimate finances.
Trafficking in Stolen Property (ARS § 13-2307)
Recklessly buying or selling stolen items is a Class 3 felony in the second degree. Knowingly organizing, managing, or initiating the theft and distribution of stolen goods escalates the charge to a Class 2 felony in the first degree. We challenge the state’s assertions regarding what you “knew” or “should have known” about the property in question.
Why Choose Shell & Nermyr PLLC?
- Proven Courtroom Results: Our defense attorneys have secured numerous “not guilty” verdicts and case dismissals across Maricopa County for complex forgery and fraud allegations.
- Proactive Protection: We step in during pre-charge police investigations to protect your constitutional right to remain silent and prevent self-incrimination.
- Local East Valley Knowledge: Our firm operates directly out of Chandler, defending clients routinely inside the regional city, county, and state justice courts.
Speak to an East Valley Criminal Defense Attorney 24/7
Do not speak to investigators or police officers without your legal counsel present. Call our Chandler office today at 480-775-4800 or schedule your comprehensive weekend or evening case evaluation online.
Chandler Property Crimes Lawyer
Have you been arrested or placed under investigation for a property crime in the East Valley? The state of Arizona aggressively prosecutes property offenses, with penalties ranging from heavy fines and probation to mandatory prison sentences.
At Shell & Nermyr, PLLC, founding partners Chad Shell and Mark Nermyr personally handle every single case. We do not pass your future to inexperienced junior associates or paralegals. Our trial attorneys have secured countless case dismissals and “not guilty” verdicts for clients facing felony and misdemeanor charges in Chandler, Phoenix, and across the East Valley area.
Robbery Charges (ARS § 13-1902)
Under Arizona law, Robbery involves taking another person’s property from their immediate presence, against their will, using threats or physical force.
- Classification: Standard robbery is prosecuted as a Class 4 felony.
- Penalties: A conviction can carry a prison sentence ranging from 3 to 12 years, depending on prior history.
Arson of a Structure or Property (ARS § 13-1703)
Arson charges require proof that a person knowingly caused a fire or explosion that unlawfully damaged a structure or property.
- Arson of a Structure: Classified as a severe Class 4 felony.
- Arson of Property: Valued over $1,000 is a Class 4 felony; valued between $100 and $1,000 is a Class 5 felony; valued under $100 is a Class 1 misdemeanor.
Forgery & Fraudulent Schemes (ARS § 13-2002 & § 13-2310)
White-collar and property crimes like fraud carry life-altering penalties. Our firm aggressively defends against all financial crime allegations:
- Forgery (ARS § 13-2002): Falsely making, completing, or altering a document with the intent to defraud is a Class 4 felony carrying 1 to 4 years in prison. Possessing 5 or more forged instruments creates a statutory inference of intent to defraud.
- Fraudulent Schemes and Artifices (ARS § 13-2310): Knowingly obtaining a benefit via false pretenses is a Class 2 felony. If the alleged benefit is valued at $100,000 or more, a conviction means you are ineligible for probation or suspended sentences.
Other Property Offenses Handled by Our Firm
- Theft (ARS § 13-1802): Knowingly controlling someone else’s property with intent to deprive them. Penalties range from a Class 1 misdemeanor (under $1,000) up to a Class 2 felony ($25,000+).
- Criminal Trespass in the First Degree (ARS § 13-1504): Unlawfully entering a residential structure, a fenced yard, or a critical public service facility. Charges range from a Class 1 misdemeanor to a Class 6 felony.
- Possession of Burglary Tools (ARS § 13-1505): Possessing tools or master keys intended for use in a burglary is prosecuted as a Class 6 felony.
- Credit Card Fraud (ARS § 13-2104 / 13-2105): Covers credit card forgery (Class 4 felony), credit card theft (Class 5 felony), and fraudulent use.
- Trafficking in Stolen Property (ARS § 13-2307): Recklessly trafficking stolen property is a Class 3 felony, while organizing or financing the theft ring is a Class 2 felony.
What to Do If You Are Being Investigated by Police
If police or detectives contact you regarding a property crime, it is almost never in your best interest to talk to them without an attorney. Everyone in the United States has the absolute constitutional right to remain silent, regardless of citizenship status.
To safely invoke your rights, clearly state: “I want my lawyer present before I answer any questions.”
480-775-4800