Arizona Gun Sting Operations: What They Are
Law enforcement agencies across Arizona—including ATF, DPS, and local task forces—routinely conduct undercover gun sting operations targeting:
- Alleged straw purchases
- Private firearm transactions
- Prohibited possessors
- Firearm trafficking or illegal transfers
- Online or parking-lot firearm sales
These stings often occur in Scottsdale, Phoenix, Lake Havasu, and Mohave County, and frequently involve undercover officers, online communications, and surveillance.
But not all arrests are justified. Many gun owners, collectors, and private sellers are mistakenly swept into these operations.
Common Charges Filed After a Gun Sting in Arizona
You could face state or federal charges such as:
- Misconduct Involving Weapons (ARS §13-3102)
- Prohibited Possessor Violations
- Straw Purchase Allegations
- Attempted Sale to an Undercover Officer
- Federal Weapons Offenses
These can result in felony convictions, mandatory prison time, and federal prosecution—making legal defense essential.
Why Gun Sting Cases Are Often Defensible
Rideout Law Group has successfully challenged numerous sting-based charges due to:
- Entrapment by Undercover Officers
- Misinterpretation of Arizona’s Private Sale Laws
- Lack of Criminal Intent
- Overreaching Police Tactics
- Weak or Misleading Evidence
Our attorneys understand how to expose these legal gray areas and defend your Second Amendment rights.
How Rideout Law Group Fights Gun Sting Charges
We provide aggressive defense by:
- Challenging entrapment and unlawful police tactics
- Disputing intent in private-party sales
- Suppressing illegally obtained evidence
- Negotiating dismissals, diversions, or reduced charges
- Protecting your gun rights and record
Our attorneys include former prosecutors and seasoned trial lawyers with experience handling firearm charges statewide.
Locations We Serve: Scottsdale, Phoenix & Lake Havasu
📍 Scottsdale Office
11111 N Scottsdale Rd, Suite 225, Scottsdale, AZ 85254
(480) 584-3328
Serving Scottsdale PD, Phoenix PD, Mesa PD, Tempe PD, and DPS arrests.
📍 Lake Havasu Office
2800 Sweetwater Ave, Suite A104, Lake Havasu City, AZ 86406
(928) 854-8181
Serving Mohave County task force cases in Lake Havasu, Kingman, and Bullhead City.
We defend clients in:
- Scottsdale City Court
- Phoenix Municipal Court
- Maricopa County Superior Court
- Lake Havasu City Municipal Court
- Mohave County Superior Court
- U.S. District Court of Arizona
Why Choose Rideout Law Group?
- Former prosecutors with real courtroom insight
- Deep knowledge of Arizona firearm and criminal laws
- Strategic defense against undercover operations
- Offices in Maricopa and Mohave Counties for local representation
- Same-day consultations available in person or virtually
Our team—Brad Rideout, George Hibbeler, Carolyn Keist-Gilbert, and Steven Eckhardt—brings decades of combined experience in criminal and weapons law.
Arrested in a Gun Sting? Don’t Wait.
Weapons-related charges can impact your freedom, your rights, and your future. You need a defense attorney who understands Arizona’s firearm laws and how sting operations work.
📞 Call now for a free criminal case consultation:
Scottsdale: (480) 584-3328
Lake Havasu: (928) 854-8181
📍 Or contact us online
This blog post is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Reading this content does not create an attorney-client relationship. For legal guidance specific to your situation, please contact a licensed attorney at Rideout Law Group.