Florence Theft Crimes Lawyer

If you were recently taken into police custody and charged with a theft offense, your future could be in jeopardy. Depending on the value of the property or services you have been accused of stealing, you could be looking at felony-level charges and penalties. 

If you are going to protect your freedom and get back to your life sooner, you are going to need a reputable Florence theft crimes lawyer to help you clear your name.

Fortunately, Suzuki Law Offices is available 24/7 to offer you legal support, resources, and advice you need when you need it most. Your dedicated Florence criminal defense lawyer will review your criminal record and the specific circumstances of the charges against you to determine which defense strategy is best suited for your case. 

Reach out to request a confidential consultation today and learn more about the possible outcomes you could be facing.

Challenge the Theft Charges Against You

Your Florence theft crimes lawyer has one primary goal: obtain the most favorable outcome possible based on the circumstances of your case. This does not necessarily mean that we need an acquittal, either.

Our approach to your defense will vary depending on the type of theft crime you are accused of committing, your criminal record, and other circumstances relevant to your case.

For some, working out a plea with the district attorney is the better option. This is especially true if you have an extensive criminal history. You may qualify for pretrial diversion as described under ARS § 9-500.22, which would allow you to avoid a drawn-out court battle.

However, if you are not eligible for pretrial diversion or the prosecutor is unwilling to work out a plea, defending yourself at trial may be your only option. Fortunately, there are several possible defenses that could be used to challenge the theft charges against you. Some of the most common defenses to theft crimes include the following:

Lack of Intent

For the prosecutor to secure a conviction, they must prove that the elements of the offense have been met. If your Florence theft crimes attorney can prove that you did not intend to permanently deprive the owner of their property or commit a crime, we may be able to get the charges against you dismissed.

Alternatively, the jury may be convinced that the burden of proof has not been met and finds you not guilty.

Mere Presence

Mere presence is the concept that being at the scene of a crime is not enough to prove you are guilty of a criminal offense. 

You may have been present at the time of the crime, but if you did not participate in the theft, the charges against you may not stand. To be convicted of theft, the prosecutor must show that you intentionally participated in the theft offense in question.

What You Are Facing if You Are Found Guilty

A guilty conviction could be devastating whether you are found guilty at the misdemeanor or felony level. The value of the stolen property or goods will determine the extent of your charges and your possible penalties under ARS § 13-1802. 

Here are some of the possible sentences you could face based on the different types of theft crimes and the level of your theft charges:

• Misdemeanor theft – Property or services valued at less than $1,000, punishable by up to six months in jail and a $250 fine.
• Class six felony theft – Property or services valued at less than $1,000, but the property stolen is an animal used for the purpose of animal fighting or a firearm under subsection (G) of ARS § 13-1802. This is punishable by up to $150,000 in fines and up to two years in prison.
• Class five felony theft – Property or services valued at less than $3,000 but more than $2,000, punishable by up to 2 1/2 years in prison and $150,000 in fines.
• Class four felony theft – Property or services valued at less than $4,000 but more than $3,000, punishable by up to four years of probation, over three years in prison, and $150,000 in fines.
• Class three felony theft – Property or services valued at more than $4,000 but less than $25,000, punishable by over eight years in prison and up to $150,000 in fines.
• Class two felony theft – Property or services valued at more than $25,000, punishable by a $150,000 fine and up to 12 1/2 years in prison.

In addition to fines and jail or prison time, collateral consequences could continue to affect your life. These describe the various ways your life continues to be affected by your conviction even after you have been released. You might find it difficult to find gainful employment, have trouble maintaining relationships, and be passed over for opportunities when prospects review your background check.

Expungement Rules for Theft Crimes

Your Florence theft crimes attorney with Suzuki Law Offices is well-versed in understanding the criminal process and will review the details of your case to determine whether you are eligible for expungement.

Although expunction, or record sealing, is relatively new in Arizona, under ARS § 13-911, if you meet specific criteria, you may be able to get your theft conviction effectively erased from your record. These requirements include:

• Completing the terms of your sentence for theft, including paying restitution and completing probation.
• Having no pending charges, arrests, or subsequent convictions on your record after you have completed your sentence.
• Allowing the mandatory waiting period to pass.

The amount of time you will have to wait before you can apply for expungement varies depending on the level of your theft conviction. For example, if you were convicted of a class one misdemeanor theft offense, you would need to wait three years before you could get your record expunged. However, with a class two or three felony conviction on your record, there is a 10-year waiting period.

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Get Help from a Premier Theft Crimes Lawyer in Florence 

When you are feeling embarrassed, remorseful, and worried about what the future might bring, you need Suzuki. Our diligence and commitment to integrity through all aspects of the criminal justice process make us uniquely qualified to handle your defense. This could be your best opportunity to avoid the harsh criminal penalties that follow a conviction.

Trust your highly experienced theft crimes attorney in Florence from Suzuki Law Offices with your defense strategy. Our sizable resources and extensive knowledge of the legal system give us the edge you need to safeguard your future.

Fill out our quick contact form or call our office to schedule your initial consultation as soon as today.

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