Theft Attorney in Mesa, AZ

Aggressive Advocacy Focused on Helping Clients Avoid Conviction

Criminal law in Arizona is fairly complex, and this is particularly obvious when it comes to theft crime. Property stolen from a person or persons can result in theft allegations, but there are various levels of this crime. In fact, such an act may not even be charged as theft in court — as many more serious charges technically fall into the theft crime category. Regardless of the circumstances of your case, the legal consequences of stealing another person’s property can be disastrous in our state. That’s why it’s important to work directly with a theft lawyer in Mesa, AZ.

At The Turner Law Firm, PLLC, you’ll work with a dedicated criminal defense attorney from our legal team. We provide effective legal counsel for charges ranging from petty theft to extortion and other felony charges. The appropriate defense strategy in your situation will depend on the facts of your case, the evidence collected by the prosecution, the actions of the government, and a variety of other important factors. When you secure legal representation at our law firm, we’ll investigate your case and work to secure the best possible outcome on your behalf.

Do You Need an Attorney When Charged With a Theft Crime?

Many people question whether they need legal counsel when facing theft charges. Perhaps they’re charged with simple theft of items with a monetary value of less than $1,000. In most cases, this would be classified as a misdemeanor — and the prosecution might promise the defendant zero jail time and leniency if they simply plead guilty. Unfortunately, even a seemingly lenient outcome like this can have very real consequences. In fact, a misdemeanor theft conviction can result in difficulties securing housing, education, employment, and even new relationships — all thanks to the public record.

A theft crime lawyer in Mesa, AZ will do more than just try to help you avoid jail time. They’ll review your case to identify flaws in the prosecutor’s allegations. They’ll aggressively advocate to protect your constitutional rights. When a conviction seems unavoidable, they’ll work to secure a fair plea arrangement so there’s minimal disruption to your life. From petty shoplifting to felony fraud, having an experienced legal professional on your side is always in your best interest. Regardless of the value of the stolen property, our law firm will fight to safeguard your freedom and future.

What’s the Difference Between Petty Theft and Felony Theft?

From the moment a person is arrested, it’s not uncommon for them to have questions regarding the intricacies of Arizona theft crime statutes. To be honest, it is fairly confusing — and that’s due to the varying degrees of this crime. For instance, imagine a piece of jewelry was allegedly stolen from its rightful owner. Imagine the value of the stolen property was around $950. In this situation, the defendant would likely be charged with a misdemeanor and face up to six months in jail.

Now, increase the value of that jewelry by just $50 — so, now it’s worth $1,000. At this point, the defendant can be charged with felony theft and face up to two years in prison. As the value of the stolen property increases, so do the charges and potential penalties. Theft totalling $25,000 or more can be charged as a Class 2 felony and result in more than a decade prison sentence. A theft crime can also be an automatic felony regardless of value (e.g., firearm theft, extortion, identity theft, etc.).

The moral of the story here is that any allegation of stealing someone else’s property should be taken seriously. Let an experienced Mesa theft lawyer at The Turner Law Firm review your case and help you understand all your options.

What Legal Defenses Exist for Theft Charges in Arizona?

Any experienced criminal defense attorney or former prosecutor will tell you that there’s no such thing as an “open and shut” case. Prosecuting attorneys might try to convince you that you were “caught red-handed” and that their case is solid, but in reality, this is often a tactic. They want you to believe that their case is unbeatable — because this increases the odds that you’ll accept a plea deal out of fear. More importantly, they might convince you to do so without seeking legal representation.

Don’t make this mistake. The attorneys at our law office will review your case to better understand your options. In many situations, there will be a defense strategy that might help you avoid conviction altogether:

Claim of right or ownership
Lack of intent to deprive
Lack of knowledge or mistake of fact
Consent of the owner
Insufficient evidence of a crime
Entrapment
Alibi defense
No theft occurred during another crime (e.g., trespassing, vandalism)
Evidence of coercion or threat
Property was not stolen
The case does not belong in criminal court, as it’s a civil dispute
Constitutional violations
Procedural errors

A theft conviction can follow you for life, but fortunately, there are a variety of possible defenses to these criminal allegations. However, don’t make the mistake of believing these strategies are interchangeable. The appropriate defense approach will utilize the best defenses that apply directly to your case. Your Mesa theft lawyer can review the facts and determine which of these approaches — if any — will result in the best possible outcome.

Remember, this isn’t something you have to face alone. Contact us today for assistance.

Contact a Theft Lawyer in Mesa, AZ Today

Are you facing petty theft charges for shoplifting a magazine? What about felony charges for grand theft auto? Regardless of where you fall on this spectrum — or even if you’re accused of something far more serious — working with an Arizona criminal defense attorney is absolutely the best course of action. Items stolen can typically be replaced, but there’s no getting back the time taken away from you by the criminal justice system. Even worse, the consequences of being convicted can follow a person long after their case ends — often even after they’re leading completely different lives.

At The Turner Law Firm, PLLC, we continuously see the government ruin lives over stolen items and property. Even if you don’t find yourself imprisoned for years — which is often an outcome — the consequences of a criminal record cannot be overstated. You deserve a chance to avoid the worst penalties under the law. In some instances, it’s possible to have charges dismissed or secure acquittal at trial. When a conviction is unavoidable, favorable sentencing might be possible (e.g., fines instead of imprisonment). Every case is different, but our law firm will help you decide how to move forward.

Contact us at (623) 253-8718 for your confidential consultation. Our theft lawyers in Mesa, AZ will fight hard to secure a favorable outcome on your behalf.