When you are arrested and taken into police custody, you may initially feel overwhelmed and worried about what the future might bring.
After booking, you should have the opportunity to contact a reputable Coolidge theft crimes lawyer from Suzuki Law Offices, who can help you arrange bail and get home to your family sooner. You may not think theft crimes carry severe penalties, but the Arizona sentencing guidelines may surprise you.
Depending on the value of the goods or services you are accused of stealing, you could be looking at considerable time in jail or prison. Make sure you have a Coolidge criminal defense lawyer working for you.
Our team is available 24/7, so do not hesitate to contact our law office at any time to request a confidential consultation today and start working on your defense strategy.
The Level of Your Theft Charges Determines Your Penalties
It is crucial that you take the theft charges against you seriously. Your Coolidge burglary defense lawyer with Suzuki Law Offices can help you prepare the strongest defense strategy possible based on the type and level of the theft charges against you. Here are the different classifications of theft charges in Arizona per ARS § 13-1802:
- Petty theft – Petty theft, or shoplifting, is typically tried as a misdemeanor offense. It most often occurs when the value of the allegedly stolen services or goods is less than $1,000.
- Felony theft – Felony theft is a more serious offense. There are five classes of felony theft charges, ranging from class six to class two. Class six felony theft charges are the least severe and involve allegedly stolen property or services valued at more than $1,000 and up to $2,000, whereas class two felony theft charges involve allegedly stolen property or services valued at or more than $25,000.
The prosecutor must prove your guilt beyond a reasonable doubt, according to the Arizona Judicial Branch. Unfortunately, despite the fact that you should be considered innocent until proven guilty, many juries often go into trials with the preconceived notion that the defendant is guilty unless your Coolidge theft crimes attorney can prove your innocence.
For this reason, we will need to introduce compelling evidence that establishes this reasonable doubt so you can secure the acquittal or other favorable outcome you need.
Consequences Are Steep for a Theft Conviction
Even as a first-time offender, you could be facing serious criminal penalties if you are found guilty of one or more of the different types of theft crimes.
This is because the severity of your consequences will depend on the value of the goods or services you are accused of stealing. For instance, if you were accused of petty theft, you could be looking at up to six months in jail, fines up to $2,500, up to three years of probation, and being ordered to pay restitution to the victims in your case.
However, felony theft penalties are far more severe. For example, a class six felony theft offense, which involves the theft of goods or services valued at greater than $1,000 but not higher than $2,000, could result in a maximum of two years in prison and considerable fines.
However, if you are charged with class two felony theft, which involves the theft of goods or services valued at or more than $25,000, you could be sentenced to a maximum of 12 1/2 years in prison.
Furthermore, felony theft penalties also include fines as high as $150,000 under ARS § 13-801. Also, per ARS § 13-1802(H), if you are convicted of a class two felony theft offense, you will not be eligible for probation.
There is a mandatory minimum three-year prison sentence for a class two felony conviction in AZ, according to the Supreme Court State of Arizona Criminal Code Sentencing Provisions.
You Could Clear Your Name of the Charges Against You
In some cases, you may be able to avoid bringing your theft case to trial entirely. However, this is typically only an option if the prosecutor is willing to work with you to secure a plea bargain or allow you to enroll in a pretrial diversion program. As outlined under ARS § 9-500.22, you may qualify for pretrial diversion if you meet specific criteria.
Then, once you meet the terms of your program, the prosecutor dismisses the charges against you. However, since not everyone will qualify for pretrial diversion, building a powerful defense strategy may be necessary. Several possible defenses may make sense, depending on the circumstances of your case.
For instance, if we have evidence to prove that law enforcement officials unlawfully obtained evidence or improperly handled the evidence they obtained, we may be able to get this evidence against you thrown out at trial.
Other potential defenses involve mistaken identity, lack of intent to permanently deprive the alleged victim of their goods or services, or mere presence. We will know more about which defense strategy is most suitable for your case after we review the details of your arrest and the state’s evidence against you.
Consult a Premier Theft Crimes Lawyer in Coolidge for Help Today
Your entire future could be at risk if you are found guilty of one of the more serious types of theft crimes. While we may be able to get you enrolled in pretrial diversion or work out a plea agreement with the prosecutor if you are a first-time offender, not everyone will be eligible.
If your case does need to go to trial, you are going to require the resources and legal guidance of a theft crimes attorney in Coolidge from Suzuki Law Offices to help you protect your future.
With a comprehensive defense strategy and a passion for zealous client advocacy, when you have our legal team fighting for your freedom, you can breathe a little easier knowing we are fighting tirelessly to secure the acquittal you need to move forward with your life.
This could be your best opportunity to avoid a conviction. Schedule your initial defense strategy session as soon as today when you call our office or fill out our confidential contact form.
Call or text (602) 682-5270 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form