Theft is a somewhat unique criminal offense in Arizona, not just because of how broadly it can be defined, but also because of how many different approaches courts can take towards sentencing people convicted of this offense. What is consistent across virtually all theft cases is how important it can be for a defendant to have help from a seasoned defense attorney with building and presenting your defense.
At Phillips Law Group, we have decades of experience helping people much like you. By working with one of our Phoenix, AZ theft lawyers, you will give yourself a far better chance of achieving a favorable case result and protecting your long-term best interests than you would ever likely have trying to represent yourself in court.
Understanding Different Types of Theft Offenses
Arizona Revised Statutes § 13-1802 defines numerous distinct actions which can constitute “theft” if done knowingly and without “lawful authority.” These range from fairly straightforward things like controlling someone else’s property with intent to deprive them of its use to “control[ling] ferrous metal… knowing or having reason to know that the metal was stolen.” When it comes to sentencing people convicted of a theft offense, though, courts generally base the penalties they impose on those defendants on the financial value of the goods and/or services allegedly taken.
More specifically, courts generally classify theft offenses based on the following ranges:
- Under $1,000 – Class 1 misdemeanor
- Between $1,000 and $2,000 – Class 6 felony
- Between $2,000 and $3,000 – Class 5 felony
- Between $3,000 and $4,000 – Class 4 felony
- Between $4,000 and $25,000 – Class 3 felony
- Over $25,000 – Class 2 felony
Each class of offense also has unique sentencing ranges depending on whether the defendant being sentenced has a history of past criminal convictions, as a Phoenix, AZ theft attorney can further explain during a free, no-obligation consultation.
Possible Defenses Against Theft Charges
It is worth reiterating that someone must “knowingly” and “without lawful authority” take someone else’s property in order to be convicted of theft under A.R.S. §13-1802. With that in mind, many successful defense strategies against theft charges center around proving the defendant was earnestly unaware that their actions constituted criminal theft, that they did not know the property in question was stolen, or that they did not know they lacked lawful authority to possess the property in question.
Alternatively, it may be possible to contest certain theft charges by establishing that the defendant had no intention of depriving the owner of allegedly stolen property and intended to give it back after “borrowing” it or that they are, in fact, the property’s lawful owner. Once again, a theft lawyer in Phoenix, AZ can discuss the best approach for a specific situation during a private initial meeting.
Get Help From a Phoenix, AZ Theft Attorney Today
No two criminal cases are exactly alike, even if they nominally center around the same criminal offense, and that is especially true for cases involving allegations of theft. That just makes it all the more important for you to have individual support from seasoned legal counsel from start of finish of your criminal proceedings, whether you have an existing criminal record or this is your first time facing criminal accusations of any kind.
A Phoenix, AZ theft lawyer from Phillips Law Group will be the ally you need to effectively enforce your rights and pursue the best possible case resolution. Call today to discuss your legal options with a member of our team. We look forward to advocating on your behalf to get the justice you deserve.
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