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Theft Attorney in Glendale, AZ

Fighting Theft Charges on Your Behalf

If you or a family member were arrested for alleged theft in Arizona, it’s essential that you speak with an experienced Glendale criminal defense attorney immediately. A conviction for this type of criminal offense could result in harsh penalties that include fines and jail time, depending on whether you’re facing misdemeanor or felony theft charges. Skilled criminal defense lawyers have the legal experience to defend you from serious criminal charges, so we urge you to contact The Turner Law Firm PLLC for help.

When you get legal representation from our team, you’ll work with criminal defense attorneys who have successfully handled numerous theft cases across Arizona. We have the legal knowledge and experience necessary to give you the best chance of keeping a theft conviction off your criminal record. Call us today to learn how we can assist with your criminal case.

How Is Theft Legally Defined in Arizona?

There are several types of theft crimes you can be charged with under Arizona law. The specific charge you end up with will depend on the circumstances of the crime, but in general, you can be charged with theft in this state if there’s evidence of any of these actions on your part:

  • Obtaining services or goods without paying for them
  • Taking someone else’s property with the intent to steal it
  • Knowingly controlling or possessing stolen property
  • Keeping lost property without trying to find the rightful owner
  • Taking or using a vulnerable adult’s property while in a position of trust with the intent to deprive them of their property
  • Using someone else’s services or property for any amount of time while unauthorized to do so
  • Obtaining someone else’s property or services by committing fraud

If there is proof that you took any of these actions, you could be charged with one of the many theft crimes in this state. They include:

  • Robbery
  • Burglary
  • Petty theft
  • Larceny
  • Grand theft
  • Extortion
  • Embezzlement
  • Shoplifting
  • Credit card fraud
  • Receipt of stolen property

If you were charged with one or more of these theft crimes in Arizona, you need a Glendale criminal defense attorney to explain what your charges mean so you know what to expect from your criminal case. At that point, your attorney will help determine an effective defense strategy to give you the best chance of avoiding serious penalties. Call our Glendale criminal law offices today to learn more.

What Are the Penalties for Theft Crimes in This State?

The possible penalties for your case will depend on your specific theft charges, including whether your offense is considered a felony or misdemeanor. If you’re unsure what you’re being charged with, a Phoenix theft attorney can explain the details of your theft charges and the likely penalties if you’re convicted. The following are the main types of theft crimes in Arizona and the possible penalties to expect after a conviction:

  • Class 1 Misdemeanor Theft: Also called petty theft, this is theft of services or property valued at less than $1,000. The penalties often include a fine of up to $2,500, up to six months in jail, and restitution to the victim
  • Class 6 Felony Theft: You can be charged with this crime if you’re accused of stealing services or property valued between $1,000 and $2,500. It’s the least severe felony theft charge, but the consequences are serious, as they include four months to two years in prison and up to $150,000 in fines
  • Class 5 Felony Theft: This crime involves theft of services or property valued between $2,000 and $3,000. The possible punishment is six months to 2.5 years in prison and up to $150,000 in fines
  • Class 4 Felony Theft: You face this theft charge if you’re accused of stealing items or services worth $3,000 to $4,000, or any vehicle engine or transmission. The punishment can include one to 3.75 years in prison and up to $150,000 in fines
  • Class 3 Felony Theft: If you’re accused of stealing items or services worth more than $4,000 and less than $25,000, you could be sentenced to two to 8.5 years in prison and up to $150,000 in fines
  • Class 2 Felony Theft: This is the most serious theft crime in this state, since it involves theft of property or services worth $25,000 or more. The punishment could include three to 12.5 years in prison and up to $150,000 in fines

Whether you’re facing misdemeanor or felony charges for theft in Arizona, you need to speak with a Phoenix theft lawyer as soon as you can. A felony or misdemeanor conviction could result in costly fines, jail time, restitution, community service, and other consequences, so you should do everything possible to avoid this outcome for your case. Skilled criminal defense lawyers know how to get serious charges dismissed or reduced for their clients, so we encourage you to contact our Glendale law offices for legal representation immediately after your arrest.

What Are Some Possible Defenses to Theft Charges in Arizona?

Being arrested for allegedly stealing property or services can be devastating, but there is hope for your case as long as you act fast and schedule a consultation with a criminal defense lawyer who will fight for you. After all, theft cases require the prosecutors to prove specific elements, such as that you knowingly took someone else’s property without permission with the intent to deprive the owner of it.

Experienced criminal defense attorneys know how to refute one or more of these elements to prove their client is not guilty of the theft crimes they’ve been accused of. Some examples of theft defense strategies include:

  • You did not intend to deprive the owner of their property, as you planned to return it after borrowing it
  • You owned – or thought you owned – the item and therefore could not have stolen it
  • There is insufficient evidence that you stole any goods or services
  • You have an alibi or other evidence proving that you could not have been the thief and this is a case of mistaken identity
  • You only stole due to extenuating circumstances, since as entrapment or duress
  • Your constitutional rights were violated by the police during the arrest

Skilled Maricopa County criminal defense attorneys are familiar with these and other defense strategies and can determine when it’s appropriate to use them based on the facts of the case. Depending on the situation, the right defense angle can lead to case dismissal, reduced charges, acquittal, or a lighter sentence. This is why Glendale theft defense lawyers work so hard to determine the most compelling defense strategies for the theft cases they handle. If you’re curious to learn how an experienced lawyer would approach your case, call our Glendale law offices to seek legal counsel.

Why Should You Hire a Theft Lawyer in Glendale?

If you or a loved one were arrested on theft charges in or around Glendale, AZ, contact The Turner Law Firm PLLC today for legal advice. Depending on the specific theft charge you’re facing, a conviction could lead to jail or prison time, fines, probation, and other severe consequences. Whether you’re not guilty of the crime or want to explain your side of the story before you go to the Maricopa County Superior Court for your case, our legal team can help you get the best possible outcome.

You shouldn’t have to feel alone when facing criminal charges, and you won’t when you hire our criminal law firm. You deserve legal guidance from a criminal defense lawyer who has won theft cases like yours for numerous clients. If you’re ready to have a skilled team on your side throughout your case, call our Glendale criminal defense firm at 480-568-5590 so you can speak with a lawyer for peace of mind and knowledge about your legal rights.