What You Need to Know
Conspiracy charges in Arizona can be life-changing—especially when classified under Conspiracy 13, a legal reference commonly used in complex criminal cases involving multiple individuals. If you or someone you love is being investigated or charged under this statute, it’s critical to understand what Conspiracy 13 means, how Arizona law treats it, and what your legal options are.
At Rideout Law Group, we provide aggressive defense for those facing conspiracy charges across Scottsdale, Lake Havasu City, and surrounding Arizona communities. Our experienced criminal defense attorneys are ready to stand between you and the state.
What Is Conspiracy 13 in Arizona?
Conspiracy 13 refers to ARS §13-1003, the Arizona statute that defines conspiracy as an agreement between two or more persons to commit a criminal offense. In legal terms, it does not require the actual crime to have been completed. The prosecution only needs to prove:
- There was an agreement to engage in criminal conduct, and
- At least one person took an overt act to further that agreement.
This means that even planning or discussing a crime with another person could lead to conspiracy charges, especially when tied to felonies like drug trafficking, gang activity, or violent offenses.
Why Is It Called “Conspiracy 13”?
The number “13” references Title 13 of the Arizona Revised Statutes, which covers criminal law in the state. ARS §13-1003 is the legal foundation for conspiracy charges. Prosecutors, defense attorneys, and law enforcement often refer to it informally as “Conspiracy 13” during legal proceedings, especially in drug and gang-related cases.
What Are the Penalties for Conspiracy in Arizona?
The severity of a conspiracy charge depends on the underlying crime that was allegedly planned. In Arizona:
- If the planned offense is a Class 2 felony, the conspiracy is also a Class 2 felony.
- Penalties may include years in prison, especially if the conspiracy involves narcotics, firearms, or violent crimes.
- Repeat offenders or those with prior felony convictions face harsher sentencing.
A conspiracy charge can even result in racketeering or RICO-level prosecution when associated with organized criminal activity.
Examples of Conspiracy Cases in Arizona
At Rideout Law Group, our attorneys have defended clients in high-stakes conspiracy cases, including:
- Alleged drug trafficking rings operating in Mohave County
- Multi-defendant gang cases in Maricopa County
- Family members charged for allegedly “aiding” in criminal plans
In many cases, clients were unaware that conversations or texts could be interpreted as an agreement to commit a crime. The law doesn’t require that the plan be successful—only that some effort was made to carry it out.
How Rideout Law Group Defends Against Conspiracy Charges
Our attorneys—Brad Rideout, Steven Eckhardt, and Carolyn Keist-Gilbert—are skilled in dismantling conspiracy allegations by:
- Challenging the existence of an “agreement”
- Arguing that any overt acts were not criminal in nature
- Using procedural defenses to suppress unlawfully obtained evidence
- Representing clients in suppression hearings, bench trials, and jury trials
We understand how prosecutors build these cases and what it takes to defeat them.
Local Representation Across Arizona
Whether you’re facing conspiracy charges in Scottsdale, Phoenix, Lake Havasu City, or Kingman, our legal team has deep experience in Arizona courts. We offer free criminal consultations and tailor your defense strategy to the jurisdiction and facts of your case.
Schedule Your Consultation Today
If you’ve been arrested or are under investigation for Conspiracy 13, don’t face the system alone. At Rideout Law Group, we bring decades of combined legal experience, a client-first approach, and a relentless commitment to defending your rights.
📞 Call our Scottsdale office at (480) 584-3328 or Lake Havasu at (928) 854-8181 for a free case review.
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