Although theft crimes may not be as serious as murder charges, the consequences of a conviction may still be painfully felt and have a profound impact on every aspect of your life. With a conviction on your record, your opportunities to make something of yourself will be considerably diminished.
However, with a premier Chandler theft crimes lawyer from Suzuki Law Offices working for you, the criminal justice system does not need to be overwhelming. When you have a highly experienced Chandler criminal defense lawyer with 30+ years of trial experience on your side, you can feel confident in your defense strategy.
Although the prosecutor must prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt, it will be up to your legal advocate to introduce that reasonable doubt to the jury. When you are ready to discuss potential defense options but are unsure of where to turn for help, contact our office to schedule a confidential consultation.
The Arizona Theft Statute
The Arizona theft statute can be found under ARS § 13-1802. Here, you can be charged with theft if you knowingly control someone else’s property with the intent to deprive them of their property.
You can also face criminal charges if you obtain property or services from another with the intent to deprive.
Common Types of Theft Crimes
Theft can take multiple forms. You could be accused of shoplifting, identity theft, or even robbery. If you are accused of burglary, you may find yourself in need of a reputable Chandler burglary defense lawyer from Suzuki Law Offices to help you clear your name.
Some of the most common types of theft crimes our clients have reported include:
- Armed robbery under ARS § 13-1904
- Theft by extortion under ARS § 13-1804
- Trafficking of stolen property under ARS § 13-2307
- Theft of means of transportation under ARS § 13-1814
Criminal Sentencing Guidelines for Theft Crimes in Chandler
Theft convictions carry steep criminal penalties. The exact consequences you face will depend on the type of theft crime you are accused of committing, the value of the goods or services, and whether you are charged with a misdemeanor or felony.
Here are some of the penalties associated with theft convictions based on the level of the theft offense:
- Theft of services or property valued at $25,000 or more is a class two felony, punishable by fines of up to $150,000 and up to 35 years in prison.
- Theft of services or property valued at more than $4,000 but less than $25,000 is a class three felony, punishable by fines up to $150,000 and as much as 8.75 years in prison.
- Theft of services or property valued at more than $3,000 but less than $4,000 is a class four felony, punishable by fines of up to $150,000 and as much as 3.75 years in prison.
- Theft of services or property valued at more than $2,000 but less than $3,000 is a class five felony, punishable by up to $10,000 in fines and as much as 2.5 years in prison.
- Theft of services or property valued at more than $1,000 but less than $2,000 is a class six felony, punishable by up to 5.75 years in prison if you have prior convictions.
- Theft of services or property valued at less than $1,000 is a class one misdemeanor, punishable by up to 180 days in jail and fines of up to $2,500.
If the stolen property is an animal stolen for the purpose of fighting or a firearm, the defendant will be charged with a class six felony. In addition to prison time and fines, collateral consequences will ensure you continue to feel the effects of your sentence for years after you have completed your sentencing terms.
The best way to avoid these penalties is to work with a Chandler theft crimes attorney to build the strongest defense strategy possible based on the circumstances of your case.
How to Clear Your Name of Theft Crime Allegations
If you have been accused of theft, it is crucial that you do everything in your power to avoid a guilty verdict. There are several potential defenses your Chandler armed robbery defense lawyer can use depending on the specific circumstances of your case, the value of the goods or services in question, and other factors. Some of the most common defenses used to challenge theft accusations include:
- Rightful ownership
- Mistake of fact
- Innocence
- Mistaken identity
- False allegations
- Consent to the goods or services
- Lack of probable cause
- Constitutional rights violations
- Lack of intent
- Entrapment
- Prosecutorial or police misconduct
Consider Alternative Sentencing Options
In some cases, you may not need to bring your case to court. If you qualify for pretrial diversion as described under ARS § 9-500.22, you could avoid going to trial entirely by securing this plea with the prosecutor. As part of your enrollment in pretrial diversion, you may be expected to:
- Abide by a curfew
- Pay court fees and restitution
- Complete a drug or alcohol treatment program
- Meet with a probation officer regularly
- Complete drug or alcohol screenings
- Attend mental health counseling or group therapy
- Obtain gainful employment
- Complete community service hours
You must fulfill the terms of your pretrial diversion program. If you fail to do so, the district attorney will move forward with the theft charges against you. Completing pretrial diversion could be your best opportunity to avoid a conviction on your record.
Trust In a High Powered Theft Crimes Lawyer in Chandler for Help Today
Not only could a theft conviction result in jail or prison time and fines, but it could destroy your personal and professional reputations. If people cannot trust you, working with them and maintaining close relationships could prove more challenging than you expected. If you hope to protect your future, your best option may be to clear your name of the charges against you.
After reviewing the circumstances of your case and the value of the goods or services you are accused of stealing, we will have a better idea as to which defense strategy is most likely to yield a favorable outcome.
You can discuss your defense options with your theft crimes attorney in Chandler with Suzuki Law Offices when you contact us to request a confidential consultation. Call our office or complete our secured contact form to get started as soon as today.
Call or text (602) 682-5270 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form