A grand theft charge in Pima County can lead to severe legal consequences, including felony convictions, restitution, and prison time. Whether you are accused of embezzlement, credit card fraud, or vehicle theft, the stakes are high. Your Pima grand theft defense lawyer with Suzuki Law Offices will analyze every detail of your case to develop a defense strategy that aims to reduce or dismiss the charges.
With decades of proven trial experience, our legal team has the knowledge and resources to fight for the best possible outcome. A felony theft conviction can limit job opportunities and create financial hardships. Do not let a theft charge define your future – speak with a Pima theft crimes lawyer today for a free consultation to learn how we can help.
How a Grand Theft Conviction Can Affect Your Future
A grand theft conviction in Arizona comes with lasting consequences that extend beyond fines and jail time. A felony theft conviction can severely impact your future employment opportunities, housing eligibility, and civil rights.
If you are facing felony theft charges, consulting a reputable Pima criminal defense lawyer can help you explore potential defenses and reduce the impact of these charges.
- Criminal record impact – A felony conviction can make it harder to pass background checks, limiting employment and housing opportunities. Employers and landlords often reject applicants with theft or felony convictions.
- Professional licensing issues – Some professions, such as nursing, law, and finance, require clean records for certification. A felony theft conviction may result in revocation or denial of professional licenses.
- Loss of civil rights – In Arizona, convicted felons lose many of their civil rights. These can include the right to vote, serve on a jury, or possess firearms unless or until they are restored.
- Immigration consequences – Under federal immigration laws, Non-citizens convicted of felony theft may face deportation or visa denial. Courts consider theft crimes moral turpitude offenses, which can result in severe immigration penalties.
A grand theft conviction can have far-reaching consequences that extend beyond fines and incarceration. Having a felony theft charge on your record can affect your ability to secure employment, obtain housing, or qualify for financial aid. If you are facing grand theft charges, working with our team can help you explore possible defenses and strategies to minimize the long-term impact of a conviction.
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Get StartedGrand Theft vs. Petty Theft: What’s the Difference?
The state of Arizona differentiates between grand theft and petty theft based on the value of the stolen property and the circumstances of the crime. Generally, theft is considered petty theft if the value of the stolen property is below $1,000, while theft exceeding this amount is classified as grand theft with much more severe penalties.
If you have been accused of theft in Pima County, an experienced Pima grand theft defense attorney from Suzuki Law Offices can help you understand the charges against you and build a strong defense.
Grand Theft
Under ARS § 13-1802, grand theft occurs when the stolen property is valued at $1,000 or more or involves specific circumstances, such as theft of firearms or vehicles.
Arizona classifies grand theft as a felony offense, with charges ranging from Class 6 to Class 2 felonies, depending on the value of the stolen property. A grand theft conviction can result in significant jail time, hefty fines, and a permanent criminal record that affects future opportunities.
Petty Theft
Petty theft, also referred to as misdemeanor theft, involves stolen property valued at less than $1,000. Although petty theft carries lighter penalties than grand theft, a conviction can still result in up to six months in jail, probation, and fines up to $2,500. Repeat offenses or theft involving aggravating factors, such as stealing from an elderly person, may result in enhanced penalties.
Lawyer Near Me 602-682-5270Defenses to Grand Theft Charges in Pima
Defending against grand theft charges requires challenging the prosecution’s evidence and establishing reasonable doubt. Your defense may focus on lack of intent, mistaken identity, or proving rightful ownership of the property.
Our firm, led by a former federal prosecutor, examines every detail of the case to identify weaknesses in the prosecution’s claims and build a strong defense.
Challenging the Value of the Allegedly Stolen Property
The classification of theft as grand theft or petty theft depends on the monetary value of the stolen property. If the prosecution cannot prove the item meets Arizona’s grand theft threshold, the charge may be reduced. We can work with appraisers and forensic accountants to challenge the estimated value of stolen property.
Proving Lack of Intent to Steal
Grand theft requires proving that you knowingly and intentionally took someone else’s property. If you believed you had the right to possess the item, or it was taken by mistake, it may be a valid defense. Our team will gather evidence and witness testimony to demonstrate that there was no criminal intent.
Mistaken Identity and False Accusations
Theft allegations often rely on eyewitness accounts or surveillance footage, both of which can be unreliable. If you were misidentified or falsely accused, our firm will work to challenge the evidence and establish an alibi. We will analyze police reports, witness statements, and video footage to uncover inconsistencies in the case against you.
Consent or Rightful Ownership
In some cases, the alleged victim may have given you permission to take or use the property. If you had a reasonable belief that you had a right to possess the item, the prosecution may struggle to prove theft. We can present contracts, communications, or testimony to establish that you had lawful access to the property.
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Speak with a Grand Theft Defense Attorney in Pima
Being charged with grand theft can have life-changing consequences, from a criminal record to the possibility of significant jail time. A skilled defense attorney can assess the details of your case and work to reduce or dismiss the charges against you.
Connect with your grand theft defense lawyer in Pima with Suzuki Law Offices today to schedule a consultation and take the first step toward defending your rights.
Call or text 602-682-5270 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form