Prescott Theft Crimes Lawyers

Experienced Defense Against Theft Crimes in Yavapai & Maricopa Counties

If you have been arrested for any type of theft crime in Arizona, you may be faced with a misdemeanor or felony charge, depending on the circumstances. While some theft crimes may not result in serious jail or prison time, the collateral damage of a conviction can impact your future. With a permanent criminal record, you may lose your job or find it difficult to gain new employment or rent an apartment, be made ineligible for a professional license in your career of choice, lose security clearances, and be faced with always having to explain the result of your background checks. 

Putting an experienced attorney on your side in such a situation is the smartest move you can make. You need a professional who can thoroughly investigate your case, analyze the evidence, and create an effective strategy against the prosecutor’s assertions. At Signature Law Group, you can work with a former Arizona prosecutor who knows how the other side thinks and operates in trying to convict you. With that insider knowledge, you have a better chance of obtaining optimum results. Depending on the facts, our firm may be able to get your charges dropped or reduced or create a defense that finds you not guilty. We believe in committing ourselves fully to helping you through this crisis by aggressively protecting your Constitutional rights and fighting for your best interests from start to finish. 

Types of Theft Crimes in Arizona

Theft crimes are defined in Arizona law in several ways. Theft consists of taking someone else’s property with the intention to deprive them of it. Theft can also include theft of services, dealing in stolen property, or “converting” someone else’s property or services by using the property/services wrongfully, changing or destroying them. 

Misdemeanor Theft in Arizona

Misdemeanor theft involves stealing goods or services valued under $1,000. This can include shoplifting. It is punishable by up to six months in jail and a fine of up to $2,500, probation for up to three years, and potential restitution for what was stolen. Second offenses of this nature within two years are elevated to Class 6 felony charges.

Felony Theft in Arizona

Felony theft is defined as stealing goods or services valued above $1,000. How you are charged will depend on the value of what was stolen as follows:

• Goods or services valued between $1,000 and $2,000 = Class 6 felony theft
• Goods or services valued between $2,000 and $3,000 = Class 5 felony theft
• Goods or services valued between $3,000 and $4,000 = Class 4 felony theft
• Goods or services valued between $4,000 up to $24,999 = Class 3 felony theft
• Goods or services value at $25,000 or more = Class 2 felony theft

What are the Penalties for Theft in Arizona?

In felony theft crimes, the penalties you face will depend on the charge as follows:

• Class 6 felony theft: four months up to two years in prison
• Class 5 felony theft: six months up to 2.5 years in prison
• Class 4 felony theft: one year up to 3.75 years in prison
• Class 3 felony theft: two years up to 8.5 years in prison
• Class 2 felony theft: three up to 12.5 years in prison

Probation is available in all felony theft convictions except Class 2 felony where you must serve whatever sentence is imposed. 

Other Types of Theft

Other types of theft in Arizona can include organized retail theft, stealing from your employer, embezzlement, robbery, aggravated robbery, armed robbery, burglary, vehicle theft, and trafficking in stolen property. 

Choose Signature Law Group For Your Defense

The best action to take if you have been accused of any type of theft is to bring in a trusted criminal defense lawyer. Do not answer questions from law enforcement or make any kind of statements without legal guidance. Exercise your Constitutional rights to remain silent and retain defense counsel before you deal with investigators. This ensures that you are protected and do not make any inadvertent mistakes that could harm your case. 

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