Whether you have recently been charged with a theft offense or discover that there is a warrant out for your arrest, getting a knowledgeable legal advocate on your side should be a top priority. With the threat of being stripped of your freedom looming, having a sound criminal defense strategy is crucial.
Your respected Superior theft crimes lawyer from Suzuki Law Offices can help you navigate the criminal justice system and put the trauma of this experience behind you sooner.
In some cases, it may be in your best interest to consider alternative sentencing options, particularly if you have an extensive criminal history or the state’s case against you is strong.
Our team of Superior criminal defense lawyers has over 30 years of combined experience and is available 24/7. We are ready to help you consider any potential defense option that could help you protect yourself.
Contact us today to request a confidential consultation and discuss how your case may unfold and the steps you need to take to tackle the charges against you.
Theft Crimes Take Multiple Forms
Your Superior theft crimes attorney should be able to take on virtually any type of criminal offense involving the theft of goods, property, or services. There are many different types of theft crimes. Here are some of the most common types of cases we handle at Suzuki Law Offices:
Burglary
Burglary is one of the most common types of theft crime. Your lawyer will help you understand the level of the charges against you. For example, if you are charged with burglary in the third degree under ARS § 13-1506, a class four felony, you could spend up to three years in prison.
However, if you are charged with first-degree burglary under ARS § 13-1508, you will face a class two felony. If you enter a commercial or residential property with the intent to commit a crime and are in possession of a dangerous instrument, deadly weapon, or explosives, the penalties are severe. You could be fined up to $100,000 and spend as much as 21 years in an Arizona state prison facility.
Robbery
You may require the legal advice of a leading theft crimes lawyer in Superior that understands and can identify the 4 elements of robbery if you are facing these charges under ARS § 13-1902.
Typically, armed robbery under ARS § 13-1904 is a class two felony. Fines could exceed $100,000, and habitual offenders could be looking at up to 35 years in prison.
Identity Theft
Traditional identity theft under ARS § 13-2008 is typically tried as a class four felony. If convicted, you could spend up to three years in prison with a mandatory minimum 1.5-year sentence. Fines could reach up to $150,000 as well.
However, if you are accused of aggravated identity theft under ARS § 13-2009, based on the number of alleged victims in your case, charges could be increased to a class three or class two felony.
Class three felonies for aggravated identity theft are punishable by up to seven years in prison. Class two felonies for aggravated identity theft are punishable by up to 10 years in prison.
Embezzlement
Embezzlement is a wobbler crime under ARS § 13-1802. If the value of the embezzled funds is less than $1,000, you will be charged with a misdemeanor and face as much as six months in jail with fines as high as $2,500. If the value of the embezzled funds is greater than $1,000, you will be charged with a class six felony and face as much as 12.5 years in prison and fines as high as $150,000.
Misdemeanor vs Felony Theft Charges
Theft crimes are wobbler offenses. Depending on the value of the stolen property, you could be charged with a misdemeanor or a felony. The lower the value of the stolen property, the less serious your charges.
For example, you could be charged with a class three misdemeanor if the stolen property is worth $250 or less. However, if the property is worth up to $1,000, you could be charged with a class one misdemeanor. It will be our goal to get felony charges reduced down to the misdemeanor level whenever possible.
Class six felony charges will apply if the stolen property is worth between $1,000 and $2,000. However, if the stolen property is worth over $25,000, you could be charged with a class two felony. This could result in decades of prison time and over $100,000 in fines and surcharges.
Alternative Sentencing Options May Be Available
One of the benefits of theft crimes being a less serious type of criminal offense is the ability to consider alternative sentencing options. You may not have to bring your case to trial at all if you can work out a plea with the district attorney. Many theft crimes are considered nonviolent, so pretrial diversion under ARS § 9-500.22 could be an option.
If you qualify for pretrial diversion, you will need to fulfill certain program terms. For instance, you might be ordered to complete a designated number of community service hours, pay restitution to alleged victims, attend mental health counseling, or attend regular meetings with a probation officer. Once you complete the program terms, your theft crime charges are dismissed.
However, if you do not complete the terms of your pretrial diversion program, the prosecutor reverts to your original theft charges. If you are ineligible for pretrial diversion because you are not a first-time offender, you might be able to work out a plea agreement. For instance, you might agree to plead to a less serious offense in exchange for reducing the charges against you.
Consult a Trial-Proven Theft Crimes Lawyer in Superior for Help Today
Your defense is about more than avoiding fines and jail time. It is about protecting your reputation and your freedom and getting you home to your family as soon as possible. Working with a distinguished theft crimes attorney in Superior from Suzuki Law Offices could be your best opportunity to avoid a conviction.
The state’s case against you might be strong, but with the right defense strategy, we can introduce the reasonable doubt needed to secure an acquittal or other favorable outcome. When you are ready to take back control of your life but have no idea where to begin, look no further than our legal team.
With nearly 20 years of proven client advocacy, Suzuki Law Offices can help you protect your rights. Fill out our online contact form or call our office to schedule your confidential consultation as soon as today.
Call or text (602) 682-5270 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form