When you think about the most serious criminal charges, theft crimes may not make the list. It may surprise you to learn just how seriously your life could be affected if you are found guilty of a theft offense.
Fortunately, you may be able to avoid the devastating consequences of a conviction by hiring a leading Pima theft crimes lawyer from Suzuki Law Offices to take on your defense.
Our team is composed of former prosecutors, retired former law enforcement officials, and investigators. We will use our combined insight and trial experience to craft the strongest defense strategy possible. Schedule your confidential consultation with a highly skilled Pima criminal defense lawyer from our firm today to learn more about whether you will be tried at the misdemeanor or felony level and what to expect as the criminal justice process unfolds.
What Happens After You Are Charged With Theft
As if facing criminal charges was not stressful enough, when you have never been through the criminal justice system before, you may be overwhelmed and deeply concerned about what will happen when you are taken into police custody.
Your Pima theft crimes attorney with Suzuki Law Offices is here to help you prepare for what is ahead because, with our firm on your side, you will be informed every step of the way. Here is a general overview of what happens after you are arrested for theft:
- You go through the booking process
- At the arraignment, you enter your plea
- The judge determines whether to grant bail
- We go through pre-trial motions and discovery
- We attempt to negotiate a plea with the prosecutor
- We present your defense at trial
Every case is different. Some people accused of theft can avoid trial completely by securing a plea deal. If your case needs to go to trial, you can trust Suzuki Law Offices to present a powerful defense.
Committed to providing exceptional legal service to each and every client through integrity, compassion and experience.
Get StartedConvictions Come With Steep Penalties
No matter what type of theft crime you are accused of committing, the possible consequences are severe. Your criminal record, the value of the services or property you are accused of stealing, and the use of a dangerous or deadly weapon could all have an impact on the extent of the penalties you may be facing.
Your Pima armed robbery defense lawyer will work tirelessly to get your charges reduced to a less serious felony or misdemeanor whenever possible.
Criminal Consequences
Criminal consequences refer to the penalties imposed by a court of law. The extent of these penalties depends on whether you are charged at the misdemeanor or felony level and the valuation of the stolen property.
According to the Arizona criminal code sentencing provisions, here are the penalties you could be facing for a conviction of theft charges under ARS § 13-1802:
- Class one misdemeanor theft – When stolen property is valued at less than $1,000, you could be ordered to pay $2,500 in fines and up to six months in jail.
- Class two misdemeanor theft – When stolen property is valued at less than $1,000 but more than $250, you could be required to complete community service hours, pay fines, and be placed on probation.
- Class three misdemeanor theft – When stolen property is valued at $250 or less, you could be ordered to complete community service, be placed on probation, and pay restitution or fines to the alleged victim.
- Class 6 felony theft – When stolen property is valued at or above $1,000 but not more than $2,000, or the stolen property is a gun or other dangerous weapon, you could be ordered to pay a fine as high as $150,000 and spend up to two years in prison.
- Class five felony theft – When stolen property is valued at more than $2,000 but less than $3,000, you could spend up to 2 1/2 years in prison in addition to the $150,000 fine.
- Class four felony theft – When stolen property is valued at more than $3,000 but less than $4,000, you could spend more than four years in prison and pay over $100,000 in fines.
- Class three felony theft – When stolen property is valued at $4,000 or more but less than $25,000, you could spend up to 25 years in prison.
- Class two felony theft – When stolen property is valued at $25,000 or more, you could spend up to 35 years in prison and you will not be eligible for probation, early release, a suspended sentence, or a pardon.
How a Pima Theft Crimes Attorney Can Help
Working with a Pima burglary defense lawyer to challenge the theft allegations against you may be your best shot at avoiding a harsh criminal sentence. There are many benefits to working with a private criminal defender as opposed to a public defender. Some of the top benefits of enlisting a high-powered legal representative include:
- The ability to hire experts and other specialists to analyze evidence.
- An opportunity to negotiate with prosecutors and secure a plea bargain or get you enrolled in pretrial diversion under ARS § 13-911.
- Being able to understand the charges against you and the possible sentence if you plead guilty or are convicted by a jury.
- Regular case status updates will be provided as we move your case through the criminal justice system.
- Develop a comprehensive defense strategy tailored to your unique needs.
Since theft is a wobbler crime based on the value of the stolen property, you could be facing misdemeanor or felony charges. Our team will do everything in our power to keep your charges at the lowest level possible or work out a deal with the district attorney if that is what is in your best interest. You can learn more about possible defense strategies during your initial consultation.
Click to contact our Pima Criminal Defense Lawyers today
Consult a Respected Theft Crimes Lawyer in Pima for Help Today
When you are accused of committing a theft crime, you may be feeling hopeless, confused, and terrified about what a conviction might bring. While it is important to recognize the possible consequences you could be facing, you should not lose hope.
With a high-powered theft crimes attorney in Pima from Suzuki Law Offices working for you, there is a strong possibility that you could clear your name of the charges against you and start to pick up the pieces of your life sooner than you expected.
With so much on the line, hiring a private criminal defense attorney is almost always in your best interest. Put our 30+ years of combined trial experience to work for you during your greatest time of need.
Schedule your confidential consultation by phone or through our secured contact form to start exploring potential defense options as soon as today.
Call or text 602-682-5270 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form