When you have been arrested and accused of committing a theft offense, the fallout could have a tremendous impact on your life. Not only do you need to worry about the criminal penalties, but the collateral consequences could be devastating. Fortunately, with a reputable Thatcher theft crimes lawyer from Suzuki Law Offices by your side, you can present the strongest defense strategy possible.
With 30+ years of trial experience, your dedicated Thatcher criminal defense lawyer from our firm knows what it takes to secure an acquittal. Sometimes, avoiding a conviction means taking advantage of a plea agreement. Contact our office for a free consultation and find out whether it is in your best interest to take your chances at trial or try to work something out with the district attorney.
You Have the Right to a Defense
Your dedicated Thatcher theft crimes attorney with Suzuki Law Offices is here to help you craft a compelling defense. In some cases, you may be eligible for pretrial diversion. As described under ARS § 9-500.22, if you fulfill the terms of a pretrial diversion program, the prosecutor could dismiss the charges against you.
However, not everyone will qualify for pretrial intervention or alternative sentencing options. If this is the case, you may need to defend your case at trial if you hope to protect your freedom. Several possible defenses could make sense based on the individual details of your case.
For instance, if you believed you had a valid claim to the property or services in question, you may lack the intent needed for the prosecutor to secure a conviction. You might also be able to obtain an acquittal if you were under duress or your constitutional rights were violated during your arrest or prosecution. We will know more about which options are most suitable for your case after we have reviewed the state’s evidence against you.
Theft Crime Convictions Come With Harsh Penalties
The severity of the charges against you will depend on whether you are charged at the misdemeanor or felony level and the value of the allegedly stolen property or services. Your lawyer will do everything possible to reduce felony-level charges to the misdemeanor level.
Some of the possible consequences you could be facing based on the different types of theft crimes you are accused of and the level of the charges against you include:
- Misdemeanor theft – Class one misdemeanor theft charges may apply under ARS § 13-1802(G) if the stolen property or services are worth less than $1,000. You could be ordered to repay the alleged victim, be placed on probation, pay fines as high as $2,500, and spend as much as six months in jail.
- Class six felony theft – If the stolen property or services are worth more than $1,000 but less than $2,000, you could be charged with a class six felony theft offense. This is punishable by up to one year in county jail.
- Class five felony theft – If the stolen property or services are worth more than $2,000 but less than $3,000, you could be charged with a class five felony theft offense. This is punishable by up to one and a half years in prison.
- Class four felony theft – If the stolen property or services are worth more than $3,000 but less than $4,000, you could be charged with a class four felony theft offense, which is punishable by up to 2 1/2 years in prison.
- Class three felony theft – If the stolen property or services are worth more than $4,000 but less than $25,000, you could be charged with a class three felony theft offense, which is punishable by up to 3 1/2 years in prison.
- Class two felony theft – If the stolen property or services are worth more than $25,000, you could be charged with a class two felony theft offense, which is punishable by up to five years in prison.
Prepare for Collateral Fallout
In addition to jail or prison time, you also need to prepare for the possibility of collateral consequences. With most theft crime cases, you will eventually return home to your family.
However, you might find your child custody situation has changed, your reputation has been destroyed, and your future is up in the air with a conviction on your criminal record.
How a Thatcher Theft Crimes Attorney Can Make a Difference
Working with a respected Thatcher armed robbery defense lawyer could make all the difference in the outcome of your case. Understanding the criminal process is essential knowledge that your legal representative can help you with, as well as working to potentially reduce or dismiss the charges against you at trial.
Some of the top benefits of working with a private criminal defense lawyer include:
- Assistance negotiating a reasonable plea agreement
- The ability to analyze evidence and identify weaknesses or inconsistencies
- Develop custom defense strategies based on the unique circumstances of your case
- Highlight any mitigating factors that could influence your sentence if convicted
When you are looking for the right theft crimes attorney in Thatcher to take on your case, you are going to want to select one that is familiar with Thatcher County municipal court and Graham County judicial court procedures and processes. Suzuki Law Offices has been defending those accused of criminal activity across the city for the last three decades. With our firm handling your case, you can expect to be treated with compassion and respect during this difficult time in your life.
Get Help From a Diligent Theft Crimes Lawyer in Thatcher Today
Although you may be panicking after your arrest, with the right theft crimes lawyer in Thatcher handling your defense, you can breathe a little easier knowing your case is in good hands. Suzuki Law Offices has represented thousands of clients over the years and has extensive knowledge and insight into how your theft case might unfold in criminal court. Let us help you get home to your family sooner by crafting a compelling defense strategy.
Whether you need to get legal representation for your loved one before arraignment or have been released on bail and are ready to take your defense seriously, do not hesitate. Reach out to a respected criminal defender for help today. Fill out our quick contact form or call our office to schedule your confidential consultation now.
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