Theft

Charged With Theft in Arizona?

In Arizona, theft covers a broad spectrum of offenses ranging from a class 1 misdemeanor to a class 2 felony, depending on the circumstances. It is important to speak with a criminal defense attorney if you are facing these serious charges to build your defense.

If you or a loved one has been charged with a theft offense in Maricopa County, Arizona, contact Civil Rights Restored DUI & Criminal Defense attorney. We are an aggressive defense firm dedicated to getting the best possible results for you and your family.

We offer free consultations at (480) 759-7479.

What is Theft in Arizona?

Theft is a commonly prosecuted offense in Arizona. The law is comprised of several definitions covering different possible scenarios under which a person may be prosecuted depending on the facts of the case.

Theft is defined in A.R.S. 13-1802 (2022) as unlawfully and knowingly:

• Controlling property of another with the intent to deprive the other person of such property; or
• Converting for an unauthorized term or use services or property of another entrusted to the defendant or placed in the defendant’s possession for a limited, authorized term or use; or
• Obtaining services or property of another by means of any material misrepresentation with intent to deprive the other person of such property or services; or
• Comes into control of lost, mislaid or misdelivered property of another under circumstances providing means of inquiry as to the true owner and appropriates such property to the person’s own or another’s use without reasonable efforts to notify the true owner; or
• Controlling property of another knowing or having reason to know that the property was stolen; or
• Obtains services known to the defendant to be available only for compensation without paying or an agreement to pay the compensation or diverts another’s services to the person’s own or another’s benefit without authority to do so; or
• Takes control, title, use or management of a vulnerable adult’s property while acting in a position of trust and confidence and with the intent to deprive the vulnerable adult of the property.

What are the Consequences of a Theft Conviction in Arizona?

If you are unfortunately facing a criminal conviction in Arizona for theft, the consequences may include incarceration, heavy fines, and probation. A felony conviction carries harsh sentencing and has a serious impact on a person’s life which can cause hardships in securing employment, housing, loans, and cause issues with child custody and immigration. A felony also suspends a person’s civil rights such as the right to vote, hold public office, sit on a jury, and the right to possess a firearm.

Whether you are charged with a misdemeanor or a felony depends on the value of the property or services at issue.

Property or Services Valued at:

• Class 2 Felony – $25,000 or more
• Class 3 Felony – $4,000 – $24,999
• Class 4 Felony – $3,000 – $3,999; or any vehicle engine or transmission
• Class 5 Felony – $2,000 – $2,999
• Class 6 Felony – $1,000 – $1,999
• Class 1 Misdemeanor – less than $1,000

The presumptive sentence for a first-offense class 6 felony is one year in prison whereas the presumptive sentence for a class 2 felony is five years in prison.

The maximum sentence for a class 1 misdemeanor is 6 months in jail.

A person would also be assessed fines and fees owed to the court, fees for jail or prison, and other fees such as probation, for example.

A skilled Phoenix criminal defense attorney may be able to get favorable results for your case such as reduced charges or even dismissal. Our goal is to lodge legal challenges and weaken the state’s case to achieve the best possible outcome for your specific case.

Contact our Phoenix Theft Lawyer for a free consultation at (480) 759-7479.

Defenses for Theft Charges in Arizona – Phoenix Theft Lawyer

There are many potential defenses to charges of theft in Arizona. As theft covers a broad range of offenses and possible scenarios, it is important to speak with a skilled Phoenix Theft Attorney at Civil Rights Restored to review your case.

What we provide to our clients is an aggressive defense that reviews all of the evidence against you and we look for the issues in your case to use against the state. Where issues exist, we file motions to suppress or dismiss the case. Your attorney will go over the facts of your case with you and advise you on potential defenses and the best course of action moving forward.

Resolve Your Case

If you are ready to start building your defense and take the first step to getting this resolved, call us today to discuss your case. We are dedicated to getting good results for our clients and will work hard to reach an outcome that our client is happy with.

Call now to speak with a Scottsdale criminal defense attorney at (480) 759-7479.