Whether you have been falsely accused or are seeking redemption after making a mistake, you have the right to defend yourself. Theft crimes carry harsh criminal sentences in Arizona, so if you have been arrested and charged with a theft offense, clearing your name is crucial if you hope to avoid these serious penalties.
Fortunately, when you have a leading Safford theft crimes lawyer from Suzuki Law Offices handling your defense, you can breathe a sigh of relief. Our team of former prosecutors, investigators, and law enforcement officials has unique insight into how the state may proceed with the charges against you.
We recognize the types of evidence that could be challenged and how to secure an acquittal or other favorable outcome. Schedule your confidential consultation with a trial-proven Safford criminal defense lawyer from our firm today to discuss your potential legal strategies.
Theft Can Be a Misdemeanor or a Felony
In Arizona, theft is considered a wobbler crime. This means it can be charged as a misdemeanor or felony. Once we know the value of the stolen property or services, we will have a better idea of whether you are facing misdemeanor or felony charges.
Typically, if the value of the stolen services or property is under $1,000, you can be charged at the misdemeanor level. Felony charges will apply if the value of the stolen services or property is over $1,000. The greater the value of the stolen services or property, the higher the felony level.
The higher the felony level, the more serious your penalties will be. For this reason, your Safford theft crimes attorney with Suzuki Law Offices will try to keep your charges at the misdemeanor level. By negotiating with the prosecutor or getting you enrolled in pretrial diversion, we may be able to convince the district attorney to reduce your charges or dismiss them completely.
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Get StartedTypes of Charges Classified as Theft
There are different types of theft crimes you could be charged with in Arizona. Our team has extensive experience handling various types of misdemeanor and felony-level theft offenses. Some of the most common types of theft charges we have defended our clients against include:
Shoplifting
Shoplifting is one of the most common types of theft crimes in Arizona. As described under ARS § 13-1805, shoplifting can be a misdemeanor or felony based on the value of the stolen property. If convicted at the misdemeanor level, you could be looking at no jail time, whereas a felony conviction with multiple prior convictions on your record could land you in prison for up to 7 1/2 years.
You could also be ordered to pay fines of up to $150,000, depending on the circumstances of your case. There may also be multiple collateral consequences you need to contend with, such as the terms of probation upon your release.
Our team will do what we can to see if you qualify for pretrial diversion or potentially get the charges against you dismissed in exchange for completing community service hours.
Burglary
You may need the support of a Safford burglary defense lawyer if you have been accused of theft. Burglary in the first degree involves breaking into someone else’s car, property, commercial property, or residence while in possession of a dangerous instrument or deadly weapon as described under ARS § 13-1508.
First-degree burglary is considered a class three felony offense but rises to a class two felony if the property that was entered was a residential structure.
Even first-time offenders face severe consequences. You could spend up to 15 years in prison if you are convicted of burglarizing a non-residential property and up to 21 years in prison for residential properties. These burglary charges could be stacked alongside your theft charges, potentially leading to enhanced penalties.
Armed Robbery
People accused of theft may also face charges of armed robbery if the prosecutor can prove the 4 elements of robbery. This is one of the most serious offenses you could be accused of committing and is generally considered a class two felony per ARS § 13-1904.
If convicted, fines could reach up to $150,000, and you could spend up to 21 years in an Arizona state prison facility, so do not hesitate to consult a dedicated Stafford armed robbery defense lawyer with Suzuki Law Offices to discuss potential defense options.
Lawyer Near Me 602-682-5270Consequences You Could Expect if Convicted
The penalties that come with a theft conviction vary widely. Typically, misdemeanor theft charges are punishable by no more than six months in jail. However, you could also be placed on probation or be ordered to pay fines of up to $2,500.
It is felony theft charges that should be most concerning. The greater the value of the property or services you have been accused of stealing, the more serious the penalties of a conviction will be. For instance, if you are convicted of a class six felony, with the value of the stolen property being less than $2,000, you could spend up to one year in jail.
However, once the property or services reach $25,000 or more, class two felony charges will apply. If convicted, not only could you be subject to fines up to $150,000, but you could also spend up to 7 1/2 years in prison if you have prior convictions on your record. Our team will do everything possible to address mitigating factors that could lighten the consequences you face upon sentencing.
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Meet With a Leading Theft Crimes Lawyer in Safford for Help Today
If you are filled with fear of what the future might bring if you are found guilty, you need to do something about it. Hiring a private criminal defense attorney to help you dodge a conviction may be in your best interest when the stakes are this high. Get a legal advocate on your side who will prioritize your rights and freedom and do whatever it takes to help you get through these trying times.
Turn to a respected theft crimes attorney in Safford from Suzuki Law Offices for the legal insight and advice you need when you need it. Our firm is here to identify weaknesses in the state‘s case against you and do everything possible to clear your name of these serious charges. Schedule your initial defense strategy session when you contact our office by phone or through our quick contact form as soon as today.
Call or text 602-682-5270 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form