Far too many people accused of theft do not take the charges against them seriously. On the contrary, theft crimes can carry severe criminal penalties if you are found guilty. It is crucial that you take your defense strategy seriously if you hope to avoid significant time in jail or prison, exorbitant fines, and a criminal conviction on your record for the foreseeable future.
Working with a diligent Duncan theft crimes lawyer from Suzuki Law Offices could be the answer you have been looking for when you are struggling with how to clear your name.
Your dedicated Duncan criminal defense lawyer with our firm has experience working as a former prosecutor, so you will have access to prosecutorial insights and knowledge to help you build the strongest defense strategy possible based on the details of your case.
Contact our law office to request a free consultation today and learn more about the extent of the charges you are facing and ways you may be able to defend yourself in court.
Types of Theft Crimes You Can Be Charged With in Arizona
The severity of the theft charges against you will determine the extent of your penalties. There are several levels of theft charges and offenses that you could be facing. Some may be tried at the misdemeanor level, while others will be elevated to the felony level depending on the value of the goods or services you have been accused of stealing.
Petty Theft
Among the different types of theft crimes, petty theft or shoplifting are the least serious of the theft crimes. Typically, under ARS § 13-1805, this is considered a misdemeanor crime but can be elevated to the felony level under section H of the statute. If convicted, petty theft is punishable by:
- Up to three years of probation
- Repayment for the services or goods stolen
- Up to six months in jail
- Fines as high as $2,500
If you are accused of committing misdemeanor theft, the prosecutor generally has up to one year from the date the alleged crime was committed as described by ARS § 13-107(B)(2).
This means the prosecutor may take some time to investigate the charges against you before formal charges are filed. However, if charges are not filed within one year of the offense date, the state may be prohibited from prosecuting you.
Felony Theft
As one of the 4 most common types of felony offenses, felony theft charges are far more serious than misdemeanor theft offenses. As described under ARS § 13-1802, felony charges apply anytime the value of the goods or services stolen reaches or exceeds $1,000.
Several levels may apply based on the value of the stolen property or services, as follows:
- Stolen property or services valued at more than $1,000 and up to $2,000 is a class six felony offense.
- Stolen property or services valued at more than $2,000 and up to $3,000 is a class five felony offense.
- Stolen property or services valued between $3,000 and $4,000 is a class four felony offense.
- Stolen property or services are valued at more than $4,000 and up to $24,999 is a class three felony offense.
- Stolen property or services valued at or greater than $25,000 is a class two felony offense.
Felony theft crimes carry longer statute of limitations deadlines. Under ARS § 13-107(B)(1), the prosecutor will have up to seven years from the date the alleged theft occurred if you are facing felony charges.
If this deadline passes and the prosecutor attempts to file charges anyway, your Duncan theft crimes attorney with Suzuki Law Offices may be able to get the charges against you dismissed.
Penalties for a Felony Theft Conviction
The consequences that come with a felony theft conviction will be far more serious than the ones that apply when you are convicted of a misdemeanor theft offense. The class level of the felony theft charges against you will determine the penalties you face.
The possible penalties for a felony theft conviction based on the class level you have been charged at include:
- Class six felony theft – A class six felony theft conviction is punishable by up to two years in prison or probation.
- Class five felony theft – A class five felony theft conviction is punishable by probation or up to 2 1/2 years in an Arizona state prison.
- Class four felony theft – A class four felony theft conviction is punishable by up to 3.75 years in prison or probation.
- Class three felony theft – A class three felony theft conviction is punishable by up to 8 1/2 years in prison or probation, depending on the circumstances of your case.
- Class two felony theft – A class two felony theft conviction is punishable by up to 12 1/2 years in prison. If convicted under ARS § 13-1802(1)(3), you could also face fines of up to $100,000. Class two felony theft convictions are not eligible for probation.
Collateral Consequences May Continue to Impact Your Life Post-Conviction
It is also important to prepare for the possibility of collateral consequences. After completing the terms of your criminal sentence, you may be anxious to put the trauma of the experience behind you. However, you may be shocked to find your criminal history continues to affect your life long after you are released.
You may lose your child custody or visitation rights as a convicted felon. You will also lose your right to own or possess firearms, obtain federal student aid, and could face deportation.
Additionally, with a felony conviction on your record, you may be less likely to be selected for promotions or job opportunities or even have your professional license suspended or revoked.
Speak With a Distinguished Theft Crimes Lawyer in Duncan, AZ
Although theft crimes may not be as severe as violent offenses, that does not mean they do not come with harsh penalties if you are found guilty. Our goal will be to take advantage of any possible opportunities for rehabilitation so you can clear your name of the charges against you.
When you are ready to take your defense strategy seriously, do not hesitate to contact a respected theft crimes attorney in Duncan, AZ, from Suzuki Law Offices.
With 30+ years of trial experience and an unmatched dedication to defending the accused and innocent, you can feel confident with our law firm handling your defense strategy. Do not risk your future in the hands of an overworked and overwhelmed public defender who does not have access to the resources they need to defend your case properly.
Contact our office by phone or through our secured contact form to schedule your confidential consultation as soon as today.
Call or text (602) 682-5270 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form