Arizona (AZ) Theft And Robbery Attorney, Maricopa County

Theft is a relatively easy crime to define. It is basically when someone takes something that does not belong to them. In Arizona, and especially in places such as Maricopa county, there are specific definitions and penalties regarding theft. Rather it is a shoplifted shirt in a Chandler department store, a stolen credit card in Mesa, or even a armed robbery in Gilbert, theft is a criminal charge in the state of Arizona.

The general definition of theft is the control of someone else property without their permission. Theft is also defined as keeping property you have found without making an effort to find the owner, and using stolen property. A theft becomes a robbery when force is used to take the property from its owner.

Other specific theft charges in Arizona include: theft by extortion, theft of means of transportation, unlawful failure to return rented or leased property, unlawful use of power of attorney, misappropriation of charter school monies, issuing a bad check, and even conducting a chop shop.

Within the many definitions of theft, there are unique charges that can range from a class 1 misdemeanor to a class 2 felony. Robberies can either be a class 4, class 3 or even a class 2 felony. With so many different possible charges for theft, it is important to have the right legal representation to make sure the charge is correct.

Class 1 Misdemeanor theft charges include: shoplifting items valued at less that $1000, failure to return rented or leased property (other than a car), issuing a bad check less than $5000, and using a stolen credit card, or receiving an item valued at less than $250 from a stolen credit card. Class 1 misdemeanor convictions can spend up to six months in jail, three years of probation and $25,000 in fines.

More serious theft charges are considered class 2 and 3 felonies. These thefts include: certain misappropriation of charter school monies, owning or operating a chop shop, theft of means of transportation, and theft by extortion using a dangerous weapon. Class 2 and class 3 felonies can range from 3 to 35 years in prison for class 2, and 2 – 25 years in prison for class 3. The amount of prison time will depend on whether or not a weapon was used, and whether the defendant has any priors.

Many theft charges are class 5 and class 6 felonies. Most of the misdemeanor charges become class 6 or class 5 felonies depending on the value of the item stolen. For example, failure to return a rented or leased vehicle is a class 5 felony. On the other hand, some Class 2 and 3 felonies become class 4 in certain cases. For example, selling or receiving items from a chop shop is a class 4 felony. Class 4, Class 5 and Class 6 felonies have prison sentences that can be as little as 4mos to a 1 year and first offenders are eligible for probation. Similar to class 2 and class 3 felonies, the amount of prison time will depend on whether or not the defendant has any priors.

Robbery charges are separated into three categories. Robbery on its own is considered a class 4 felony. If two or more people commit the robbery, it is considered a class 3 felony and is called an aggravated robbery. If a deadly weapon is used it is considered a class 2 felony and is now called an armed robbery.

Felony theft and robbery cases are held at Maricopa county superior courts in cities such as Surprise, Mesa and Phoenix. Maricopa county misdemeanor cases are held in justice courts located in Toileson, Phoenix, Surprise, Mesa, Buckeye, Gilbert, Chandler, and Gila Bend.

If you have been charged with theft in the state of Arizona, it is important that you receive representation to help you with your case. There are so many definitions of theft, and a dedicated lawyer can help you navigate through them, and possibly prove your innocence. Even a misdemeanor theft charge is a lifelong mark that can affect your future. Contact our office today to get the help you deserve.