Benson Grand Theft Defense Lawyer

Being accused of grand theft is a serious offense that could lead to felony charges, lengthy prison sentences, and a criminal record that follows you for life. 

If you have been accused of stealing money, property, or assets valued above Arizona’s felony threshold, you need a legal advocate who will fight aggressively for your rights. Your Benson grand theft defense lawyer with Suzuki Law Offices can help challenge the prosecution’s case and protect your future.

With decades of proven trial experience, our firm has successfully defended clients facing high-stakes theft charges. Arizona prosecutors take theft crimes seriously, and a conviction could affect your freedom and financial stability. Contact our Benson theft crime defense lawyers, led by a former federal prosecutor, today for a free consultation to discuss your legal options.

Common Defenses Against Grand Theft Charges

Grand theft charges in Arizona can lead to significant penalties, but the prosecution must prove intent and knowledge beyond a reasonable doubt. Your defense strategy in a grand theft case often focuses on challenging the evidence, demonstrating a lack of intent, or proving mistaken identity. 

If the alleged theft involves federal property, interstate commerce, or large financial losses, the charge may be elevated to federal grand theft, requiring the experience of a Benson criminal defense lawyer to navigate both the state and federal legal processes.

Lack of Intent to Commit Theft

Intent is a key element in a grand theft case, meaning the prosecution must prove that you knowingly and deliberately stole property. If you believed the item was yours, had permission to take it, or did not intend to deprive the owner permanently, your charges could be reduced or dismissed. 

Demonstrating misunderstanding, ownership disputes, or a lack of criminal intent can be an effective defense in many cases.

Mistaken Identity or False Accusations

Eyewitness testimony and surveillance footage are not always reliable, leading to wrongful arrests in some grand theft cases. If you were falsely accused due to misidentification, mistaken witness accounts, or misleading evidence, a strong defense strategy can challenge the allegations. 

Your Benson federal crimes lawyer may present alibi evidence, contradicting witness statements, or forensic analysis to prove that you were not involved in the alleged theft.

Insufficient Evidence or Lack of Proof

The burden of proof in a grand theft case rests on the prosecution, which must establish guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. If there is a lack of concrete evidence, unreliable testimony, or missing documentation, the case against you may be weak. 

Your Benson grand theft defense attorney with Suzuki Law Offices can challenge questionable evidence, inconsistencies in police reports, or improper investigative procedures to fight for a dismissal or reduction of charges.

Coerced Confessions or Police Misconduct

Law enforcement officers must follow strict procedures when conducting investigations and interrogations. If you were pressured into making a confession, denied legal counsel, or subjected to unlawful search and seizure, this could invalidate key evidence against you. 

We can file motions to suppress evidence obtained through constitutional violations, excessive force, or deceptive police tactics to weaken the prosecution’s case.

Lack of Ownership or Rightful Possession

In some grand theft cases, the accused may have had lawful possession of the allegedly stolen property. 

If you were given the item, had a contractual claim, or were in legal possession for any reason, the prosecution must prove otherwise. Providing documentation, testimony from witnesses, or proof of ownership disputes could be enough to secure your acquittal.

What Constitutes Grand Theft in Arizona

Grand theft charges are a significant issue in Benson, with multiple arrests occurring each year. According to recent crime data from the Arizona Department of Public Safety, theft-related offenses, including grand theft, accounted for a considerable percentage of property crimes in Cochise County in 2024. 

If you are facing charges, our team can help you understand your options and build a strong legal defense.

Grand Theft Charges Should Be Taken Seriously

Under ARS § 13-1802, theft in Arizona is classified based on the value of the stolen property. Grand theft applies when the value of stolen goods exceeds $1,000, making it a felony offense. Lesser theft charges, such as petty theft, involve property worth less than $1,000 and are typically charged as misdemeanors, carrying lighter penalties but still impacting your record.

Penalties for Grand Theft in Benson

Your Benson violent crimes lawyer can explain that the penalties for grand theft depend on the value of the stolen property and any prior offenses you may have. Arizona law categorizes these charges into different felony levels, with harsher consequences for higher-value thefts. These levels include:

• Property valued at $1,000–$2,000 – Charged as a Class 6 felony, punishable by up to 2 years in prison.
• Property valued at $2,000–$3,000 – Considered a Class 5 felony, with a maximum 2.5-year prison sentence.
• Property valued at $3,000–$25,000 – Classified as a Class 4 felony, carrying a potential 3.75-year prison term.
• Property valued at over $25,000 – A Class 2 felony, with up to 12.5 years in prison for repeat offenders.
• Additional consequences – Grand theft convictions can result in fines, probation, restitution payments, and a permanent criminal record.

Collateral Consequences of a Grand Theft Conviction

A grand theft conviction carries penalties beyond fines, probation, and prison time and can affect multiple areas of your life. 

Even after serving your sentence, you may face employment barriers, housing difficulties, and long-term reputational damage due to a felony record. Understanding these collateral consequences is essential when building a strong defense strategy and may include:

• Employment restrictions 
• Professional licensing issues 
• Immigration consequences 
• Firearm ownership bans 
• Housing and loan restrictions 
• Loss of child custody or visitation rights

Click to contact our Benson Theft Crimes Lawyers today

Get Help from a Grand Theft Defense Attorney in Benson

Grand theft charges can lead to severe penalties, including prison time and steep fines, making a strong legal defense essential. If you have been accused of grand theft, you need a lawyer who understands Arizona’s theft laws and will fight to protect your freedom. Contact a grand theft defense lawyer in Benson with Suzuki Law Offices today to discuss your legal options and start preparing your defense.

Call or text 602-682-5270 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form