Arizona Theft Crime Defense Lawyer
Arizona aggressively pursues and punishes theft crimes with convictions leading to hefty monetary fines and potential incarceration. Besides these penalties, a theft crime conviction has collateral consequences, including a damaged reputation. A convicted person will likely lose future employment and housing opportunities with a potentially permanent criminal record. Essentially, a theft crime conviction can make your life more difficult even after formal punishment.
For most people, facing theft charges even without a conviction is stressful and humiliating. Therefore, it is advisable to seek the help of a well-qualified theft crime defense attorney if facing theft crime charges. If you are in Mesa, Arizona, you can rely on our skilled and experienced Mesa theft crime defense attorneys at Dodge & Vega PLC. We will defend your rights and guide you through the complex criminal justice process.
For most people, facing theft charges even without a conviction is stressful and humiliating. Therefore, it is advisable to seek the help of a well-qualified theft crime defense attorney
Arizona’s Theft Crime Laws and Classifications
Under Arizona laws, a theft crime involves knowingly taking another person’s property without their consent and with the “intent to deprive them of the property or services.” Accordingly, theft is not a single crime but a category of offenses, including shoplifting, robbery, motor vehicle theft, burglary, and white-collar crimes such as fraud or embezzlement.
Other theft offenses may include identity theft, forgery, credit card theft, and buying stolen property. A theft crime can also be in the form of larceny, where an individual steals something from someone else to use it for themselves instead of selling it.
While each offense requires different elements to prove, there are some general elements that a prosecutor needs to prove to get a theft crime conviction against you, including;
- that you had criminal intent, and
- you had possession of the property
Arizona’s Theft Penalties
In Arizona, a theft crime can either be a misdemeanor or a felony, depending on various circumstances, including the value of the stolen property. Accordingly, punishments for the different types of theft crimes vary in nature and severity. Arizona laws categorize a theft involving items worth less than $1,000 as a misdemeanor. A misdemeanor offense will lead to a jail term of up to six months.
The law categorizes thefts involving items worth between $1,000 and $2,000 as a class 6 felony, with the offense punishable by up to two years in prison. The categorization of felony offenses can go up to class 2 felonies punishable with up to 12.5 years in prison. Whether a misdemeanor or a felony offense, a theft crime remains on your criminal record.
Contact a Tucson Theft Crime Defense Attorney
Besides Arizona aggressively prosecuting theft crimes, the state allows convictions to remain permanently on a person’s criminal record. A permanent criminal record can have immense implications on your life, including denying you employment opportunities. Therefore, it is advisable to talk to a skilled and experienced theft crime defense attorney if facing theft crime charges. If you are in Mesa, AZ, we are here for you. Our well-qualified Mesa theft crime defense lawyers at Dodge & Vega PLC are committed to fighting for your rights and getting a favorable court outcome, including the dismissal of your case. Contact us for a free consultation and to learn more about our criminal defense services.
