Being accused of grand theft can have life-changing consequences. Whether you are a teenager being charged with grand theft auto for borrowing a friend’s car without permission or an employee accused of embezzlement after discrepancies are discovered in your employer’s financial records, these situations can lead to criminal charges, steep fines, and the risk of long-term damage to your reputation and future opportunities. Fortunately, you can rest easier knowing our team is handling your defense.
A high-powered Mesa grand theft defense lawyer with Suzuki Law Offices has over 30 years of trial experience defending clients against serious theft allegations. If you need a Mesa theft crimes lawyer to protect your rights or need help figuring out what your next steps should be, our team is here to help. Contact our firm today to schedule a confidential consultation and begin building a powerful defense.
Common Types of Grand Theft Offenses
Grand theft can include a variety of offenses under Arizona Revised Statutes § 13-1802, each with unique legal definitions and potential penalties. Understanding the specific nature of these charges is crucial to building an effective defense.
Whether the allegations involve deception, transportation, or misappropriation, a reputable Mesa criminal defense lawyer with our firm can help you understand what to expect based on the type of charges you are facing.
Theft by Deception
Theft by deception involves obtaining property through fraudulent means or misrepresentation, as outlined in Arizona Revised Statutes § 13-1802(A)(3). Examples include forging documents, providing false information, or manipulating another party into transferring ownership of their property. Convictions for theft by deception can result in felony charges, with penalties based on the value of the stolen property.
Theft of Means of Transportation
Commonly referred to as grand theft auto, this offense is governed by Arizona Revised Statutes § 13-1814. It involves unlawfully taking or using another person’s vehicle without permission. Penalties for theft of means of transportation include prison sentences ranging from one to 12.5 years, depending on the value of the vehicle and prior convictions.
Embezzlement
Embezzlement, covered under Arizona Revised Statutes § 13-1802(A)(2), occurs when someone misappropriates funds or property entrusted to their care. This offense often arises in employment settings, such as when an employee diverts company funds for personal use. Felony convictions for embezzlement may result in prison time, fines, and restitution to the victim.
Receiving Stolen Property
Receiving stolen property, as defined in Arizona Revised Statutes § 13-1802(A)(5), involves knowingly accepting or controlling property obtained through theft. This charge can apply even if the individual was not involved in the original theft. Convictions may lead to prison sentences ranging from six months to several years, depending on the property’s value.
When Grand Theft Charges Apply in Mesa
Grand theft is defined as unlawfully taking another person’s property with the intent to deprive them of it permanently. These charges apply when the value of the property exceeds $1,000 or when the property in question includes specific items like vehicles or firearms. These charges can result in felony convictions, which carry severe penalties depending on the value of the stolen property and other factors, as follows:
- Class 2 felony – Theft of property or services valued at $25,000 or more.
- Class 3 felony – Theft of property or services valued between $4,000 and $24,999.
- Class 4 felony – Theft of property or services valued between $3,000 and $3,999, or theft of a vehicle engine or transmission regardless of value.
- Class 5 felony – Theft of property or services valued between $2,000 and $2,999.
- Class 6 felony – Theft of property or services valued between $1,000 and $1,999.
In addition to these thresholds, grand theft charges may apply in cases involving theft of firearms, vehicles, or other high-value property. If your case includes allegations of theft involving violence or intimidation, you may also face related charges. For more information on violent crime cases, consult a Mesa violent crimes lawyer to understand better how additional charges may apply.
Potential Penalties for Grand Theft in Mesa
Grand theft is a serious offense in Arizona, with penalties that vary based on the value of the stolen property or goods and the specifics of your case. Convictions can result in significant prison sentences, steep fines, and long-term consequences that extend beyond the legal penalties. At our firm, your Mesa grand theft defense attorney understands how severe these consequences can be and works tirelessly to protect you from the following penalties:
- Class 2 felony – Up to 12.5 years in prison and fines of up to $150,000.
- Class 3 felony – Up to 8.75 years in prison and fines of up to $150,000.
- Class 4 felony – Up to 3.75 years in prison and fines of up to $150,000.
- Class 5 felony – Up to 2.5 years in prison and fines of up to $150,000.
- Class 6 felony – Up to 2 years in prison and fines of up to $150,000.
Collateral consequences, such as difficulty finding employment, loss of housing opportunities, and challenges obtaining professional licenses, often accompany a conviction.
These indirect effects can significantly impact your personal and financial stability, even after serving your sentence. Understanding the full scope of these penalties is essential if you hope to build a defense that safeguards your future.
Meet With an Experienced Grand Theft Defense Attorney in Mesa for Help Today
Facing grand theft charges can have life-altering consequences, including the possibility of prison time, substantial fines, and a criminal record that haunts you. With so much at stake, having a trusted grand theft defense attorney in Mesa from Suzuki Law Offices on your side is essential. Our team brings over 30 years of trial experience and will do everything in our power to help clear your name of the charges against you.
Your skilled grand theft defense lawyer in Mesa with Suzuki Law Offices is here to protect your rights and fight for the best possible outcome. Whether you are dealing with allegations of theft by deception, embezzlement, or grand theft auto, we are prepared to negotiate with the prosecutor or defend your case at trial if that is what it takes to secure an acquittal. Contact us today by phone or through our secured contact form to schedule your confidential consultation.
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