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By
John Quigley, Legal Content Director · Reviewed against current A.R.S. · Last reviewed 2026-06-11
White-collar cases — fraud, embezzlement, forgery, and related financial crimes — often involve complex documents and parallel civil exposure. Arizona prosecutes them aggressively, sometimes under racketeering statutes.
What Arizona law says
A.R.S. § 13-2310 — Fraudulent schemes and artifices, a frequently charged felony in financial-crime cases.
A.R.S. § 13-1802 — Theft, which scales in severity with the dollar amount involved.
A.R.S. § 13-2301 — Arizona’s racketeering (RICO) framework, which can apply to organized financial-crime patterns.
How white collar crime defense cases work in Maricopa County
These felonies are prosecuted in Maricopa County Superior Court and often begin with a long investigation by the County Attorney or Attorney General. Early defense involvement — before charges — can shape the outcome.
Frequently asked questions
What counts as a white-collar crime?
Non-violent financial offenses such as fraud, embezzlement, forgery, money laundering, and certain theft schemes.
Can I be charged with both a crime and a lawsuit?
Yes. Financial misconduct can lead to both criminal charges and parallel civil claims for the money involved.
Why hire counsel before charges are filed?
Early representation during an investigation can influence charging decisions and help preserve defenses.
Looking for a white collar crime defense attorney near you?
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Other Arizona practice areas
Disclaimer: AZAttorneyFinder is an independent attorney directory, not a law firm, and does not provide legal advice. This page is general legal information about Arizona law, reviewed against the Arizona Revised Statutes (A.R.S.). It is not a substitute for advice from a licensed Arizona attorney about your specific situation. Statutes change — verify current law before relying on it.