A grand theft charge can have long-lasting ramifications. Instead of accepting the charge and receiving a criminal conviction, seek legal help. Tell a Peoria grand theft defense lawyer about your charge, and they can explain your legal options.
Suzuki Law Offices has decades of criminal defense case experience. We have former prosecutors on staff who commit the time, energy, and resources required to help our clients contest criminal charges. Speak to a Peoria theft crimes lawyer from our team.
What You Need to Know About a Grand Theft Charge
Grand theft is a criminal offense. You can be charged with this crime if you take someone’s property without their consent. Whereas petty theft involves taking property valued at less than $25,000, grand theft is a crime in which the value of property taken is $25,000 or greater.
You can face felony penalties if you are convicted of theft of property with a value of $25,000 or more. The court is unlikely to take your case lightly. Instead, the prosecutor may explore many legal avenues in the hopes of getting a conviction.
Suzuki Law Offices fights effectively for our clientele. A Peoria criminal defense lawyer from our team can review your case and help you determine what to do from here.
Penalties Associated with a Grand Theft Conviction
The Arizona Revised Statutes (ARS) has rules in place relating to theft. Per ARS 13-1802, you can receive a theft charge if you knowingly control another person’s property with the intent to improve this individual of it. With a grand theft conviction, you could receive any of the following penalties:
- Prison sentence of three years or longer
- Fine totaling up to $150,000
- Probation
In addition to these penalties, a conviction can damage your reputation and impact your relationships with family members and friends. It can also appear on your criminal record and affect you if you apply for a job or want to buy a house. A grand theft defense lawyer in Peoria understands criminal penalties and takes measures to help you avoid them.
Peoria Grand Theft Defense Legal Strategies You Can Use in Your Criminal Case
A grand theft defense attorney in Peoria gives your case the attention it deserves. They will explain what evidence you can use in your criminal defense case to help dispute the prosecution’s argument. On top of that, your lawyer can develop a legal strategy, such as:
Mistake of Fact
When it comes to the different types of theft crimes, a mistake of fact can occur that leads to an arrest. Police officers could have been given false information that prompted them to charge you. Thankfully, your lawyer can explain how a mistake led to your charge, which may lead the court to drop your case.
Lack of Intent
You may have committed a crime without realizing that you were actually doing so. Your lawyer can help you prepare a body of evidence that proves a lack of intent. If your attorney’s case is successful, the prosecution may struggle to argue that you intended to engage in a criminal act.
Duress
If you argue that you were the victim of duress, you are telling the court that you committed theft against your will. For example, someone may have threatened to hurt you if you did not steal another person’s property. In this situation, the court may be inclined to provide you with a favorable ruling.
Entrapment
Police officers can entrap you if they convince you to commit a crime and then charge you for it. Your attorney can provide an explanation of what is criminal entrapment and how it may apply to your case. They may offer evidence that shows the court that you engaged in criminal activities based on police officers’ actions.
Consent
You could get arrested for theft in spite of the fact that you were given consent to access the property in question. If this occurs, your lawyer may be able to provide documentation or other evidence to show that you had consent. This proof may make it difficult for the prosecution to argue for a conviction.
Your Own Property
If you own property and have proof of ownership but are still charged with theft, trust a lawyer to help you. Your attorney can explain to the court that the property the prosecution claims does not belong to you is actually yours. They can make it clear to the court that you may have been taking back property that you already owned.
Every theft case is different, and your attorney accounts for the facts relating to your charge as they build your strategy. Throughout your litigation, your lawyer keeps the lines of communication open. This can help your attorney prepare a legal defense that meets your expectations.
How a Grand Theft Plea Deal Works
Your lawyer can provide insights into what it means to plead “no contest” to a criminal charge and address other legal concerns and questions. They may encourage you to evaluate a plea agreement. If you accept a plea deal, you could receive lesser penalties than the ones you originally faced.
A plea deal is not a guarantee in a grand theft case. Your lawyer can determine if a plea bargain is a viable option. If so, your attorney can work with the prosecutor to put together an agreement that works well for both sides.
Your attorney can negotiate a plea deal but fail to come to terms with the prosecution on an agreement. If no plea agreement is reached, you and your lawyer will bring your case to trial. At this point, your attorney can argue your case, and the court will decide if you will be convicted.
Ask for Legal Help with Your Grand Theft Case
Suzuki Law Offices provides our clients with the top-tier legal help they need and deserve. If you need legal assistance with your grand theft case, we are here to help. Request a free case consultation with us.
Call or text (602) 682-5270 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form