A grand theft arrest can cause serious problems. If you are convicted of this crime, you could face a lengthy prison sentence, steep fines, and other harsh penalties. In the days after you are charged, meet with a Nogales grand theft defense lawyer to review your legal options.
At Suzuki Law Offices, we attack your grand theft charge from every angle. We have former federal prosecutors with years of experience on our team who are ready to assist you with your grand theft case. Speak to a Nogales theft crimes lawyer about your case.
What You Need to Know About a Grand Theft Charge
Someone can accuse you of taking property valued at more than $1,000. If this happens, the police may arrest you and charge you with grand theft. At this point, you could be convicted of a felony.
A Nogales criminal defense lawyer understands the severity of your charge. They can provide insights into when a robbery is considered a federal crime and other legal topics. Your lawyer could help you obtain a plea deal or contest your charge to the point where the court may be inclined to drop it.
If you are unsure about why you should hire a criminal defense lawyer, consult with Suzuki Law Offices. We can address your legal concerns and questions and explain why now is the ideal time to partner with a grand theft defense lawyer. Contact us today for more information.
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Get StartedDifference Between Petty Theft and Grand Theft
Petty theft is considered a misdemeanor crime. With this type of theft crime, a person is charged with taking property with a value of up to $1,000. If someone is convicted of petty theft, they could receive a jail sentence of up to six months, a fine of up to $2,500, and other minor penalties.
Grand theft is defined in accordance with Arizona Revised Statutes § 13-1802. Those convicted of grand theft are subject to prison time and penalties. The penalties associated with grand theft crimes include a prison sentence of up to 12.5 years, a fine of up to $150,000, and probation.
A grand theft defense lawyer in Nogales can share information about the short- and long-term consequences of a conviction. They can also describe how your past juvenile records can affect you as an adult relative to your case. Rather than face the ramifications of a grand theft charge alone, your attorney helps you build a legal strategy to dispute the case against you.
Lawyer Near Me 602-682-5270What a Nogales Grand Theft Defense Strategy Looks Like
A grand theft defense attorney in Nogales can discuss a legal strategy and what you will need to do to disprove the prosecution’s case against you. As part of their efforts, they may consider several legal defenses. These could include:
Mistaken Identity
You could be charged with grand theft when someone else actually committed this crime. In this scenario, your attorney can present evidence that shows you are the victim of mistaken identity. Your proof could compel the court to rule in your favor.
Lack of Intent
You may have taken an item from someone with the understanding that you were allowed to do so. Regardless, the property owner could say you stole the item from them. Your lawyer could provide documentation or other evidence that shows you had the property owner’s consent, as this proof may highlight your lack of intent.
Property Ownership
You have proof that you own property, but someone claims they are the rightful owner and that you took it from them. If your case goes to trial, your lawyer can share documentation that shows you own this property. The prosecution could struggle to dispute your case, which may prompt the court to dismiss it.
Lack of Evidence
It is the prosecutor’s responsibility to provide sufficient evidence to prove to the court that you should be convicted. Your lawyer could raise doubts about the validity of the prosecution’s case against you. If the court has reasonable doubt about whether you are responsible for grand theft, it may be difficult to convict you of this crime.
Violation of Your Constitutional Rights
Police officers could search and seize your property and arrest you even if they do not have the legal right to do so. Your lawyer wants to protect your legal rights. They can show that these rights were violated, which may lead the court to suppress evidence that the prosecution had hoped to use against you.
If your case is strong, the prosecution could have concerns about whether they can get a conviction. These convictions may result in a plea bargain proposal. Your lawyer can explain whether you should accept a plea bargain and what will happen if you do.
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What It Means to Get a Grand Theft Plea Bargain
A plea bargain is not necessarily an option in every grand theft case. If the prosecution proposes a plea deal, you can assess the offer with your lawyer. Doing so is beneficial, as you and your attorney can weigh the pros and cons of any decision you make on the offer.
If you approve a plea deal, you admit to guilt under the terms of the agreement. Comparatively, you receive a lesser punishment than the one initially proposed. Therefore, accepting a plea bargain could help you get a reduced prison sentence.
Just because you are offered a plea deal does not mean you have to accept it. In the same way, a prosecutor is not legally obligated to propose a plea bargain. If you do not receive a plea agreement, your lawyer remains focused on your case and helping you prove you should not be punished to the fullest extent of the law.
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Fight Back Against Your Grand Theft Charge
The Suzuki Law Offices team knows the challenges you will face if you choose to deal with the aftermath of your grand theft charge by yourself. We are here to assist you with your grand theft case. Request a free case consultation with us.
Call or text 602-682-5270 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form