What to Do & How an Attorney Can Help
Dealer plate stings—law enforcement operations targeting unlicensed vehicle sales, registration fraud, or improper dealer plate use—are increasing across Scottsdale, Phoenix, and Lake Havasu City. Many individuals arrested during these stings are not career criminals, but everyday car enthusiasts, private sellers, or unsuspecting buyers caught off guard by Arizona’s complex vehicle laws.
If you were arrested or cited during a dealer plate sting in Maricopa or Mohave County, don’t take it lightly. These cases may involve criminal charges, hefty fines, license suspension, or even vehicle impoundment. The attorneys at Rideout Law Group are here to help you fight back, protect your record, and preserve your rights.
What Is a Dealer Plate Sting?
A “dealer plate sting” is a coordinated investigation targeting:
- Misuse of dealer plates
- Selling multiple vehicles without a license
- Curbstoning (unlicensed vehicle sales)
- Fake or expired temporary tags
- Registration violations
- Title fraud or improper vehicle transfers
These stings often involve undercover police, online ad monitoring, and DMV collaboration to detect unlicensed activity.
Common Charges in Dealer Plate Sting Arrests
Prosecutors may file serious criminal allegations, including:
Misuse of Dealer Plates (ARS § 28-4532)
Using a dealer plate for personal use or allowing unauthorized individuals to drive a tagged vehicle.
Unlicensed Vehicle Sales
Exceeding Arizona’s legal limit on private vehicle sales without registering as a dealer.
Fraudulent Schemes & Artifices (ARS § 13-2310)
A felony charge applied when law enforcement suspects an attempt to defraud the state or avoid taxes.
Forgery or Fake Temporary Tags (ARS § 13-2002)
Felony charges often applied even when the accused didn’t know the tag was invalid.
False Information to Police (ARS § 13-2907.01)
Can arise during sting questioning if any misleading statements are made, even unintentionally.
Why Dealer Plate Sting Charges Are Defensible
At Rideout Law Group, we’ve successfully defended many dealer plate sting cases by uncovering:
- Undercover Confusion
Clients are often led into violating rules by confusing or misleading tactics. - Misunderstanding the Law
Arizona law does not clearly define when private sales cross into “dealer” territory. - Lack of Criminal Intent
Most people charged had no intent to commit fraud. - Assumptions Based on Appearances
Officers may misinterpret ads, plate usage, or social media posts as criminal intent. - Potential Constitutional Violations
Illegal stops, searches, or sting setups may lead to evidence suppression or dismissal.
How Our Arizona Attorneys Defend Dealer Plate Sting Cases
Our criminal defense team takes a detailed, strategic approach:
- Challenging Probable Cause
Was the sting legal? Was the stop or questioning valid? - Proving Lack of Intent
Misunderstanding is not a crime—intent must be proven. - Dissecting Sting Procedures
We scrutinize officer behavior, surveillance tactics, and procedural errors. - Negotiating Reduced or Dismissed Charges
We pursue diversion, civil settlements, or complete dismissals where possible. - Protecting Driving & Vehicle Rights
We fight to prevent license suspension and vehicle impoundment.
Where We Defend Dealer Plate Sting Cases
Scottsdale & Phoenix Area
📍 11111 N Scottsdale Rd, Suite 225, Scottsdale, AZ 85254
We represent clients in:
- Scottsdale City Court
- Phoenix Municipal Court
- Maricopa County Superior Court
Call (480) 584-3328
Lake Havasu & Mohave County
📍 2800 Sweetwater Ave, Suite A104, Lake Havasu City, AZ 86406
Serving:
- Lake Havasu Municipal Court
- Mohave County Superior Court
- Kingman, Bullhead City & surrounding areas
Call (928) 854-8181
Why Choose Rideout Law Group?
Our team—Brad Rideout, George Hibbeler, Carolyn Keist-Gilbert, and Steven Eckhardt—brings decades of criminal defense experience, insider prosecutor insight, and courtroom tenacity. We are recognized by media outlets like CNN, ABC15, and The Washington Post for our advocacy in high-profile Arizona cases.
✅ Former Prosecutors
✅ Local Court Experience
✅ Strategic, Trial-Ready Defense
✅ Responsive, Client-First Service
✅ Same-Day Consultations Available
Arrested in a Dealer Plate Sting? Get Help Now.
Don’t risk your record, license, or future by going it alone. Dealer plate sting charges can be complex—but with an experienced attorney on your side, you may have options for dismissal, reduction, or civil resolution.
Scottsdale Office: (480) 584-3328
Lake Havasu Office: (928) 854-8181
📲 Contact Us Online for a Free Case Review
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.