Gilbert Theft Crimes Attorney click for a free consultation

If you have been accused of committing a theft crime in Gilbert, do not hesitate to contact a qualified Gilbert theft crimes attorney at AZ Defenders. We know how substantially a theft crime conviction can impact your life. We will work hard to protect you from the worst possible outcomes. Discuss your case in detail with our theft lawyers today during a free consultation. Call (480) 456-6400 24/7.

How AZ Defenders Approaches Theft Charges

• We have spent years of our careers defending clients against theft charges.
• We have the respect of the legal community for how we conduct our business.
• We know prosecutors in Arizona, and they know us.
• We will do everything in our power to achieve the best possible results for your case.

What Is Considered Thievery Under Arizona Laws?

The basic definition of theft – also called larceny – in Arizona is taking away someone else’s property without consent or legal authority with the intent to deprive that person of the property. The main consideration in convicting someone of a theft crime in Arizona is whether he or she had the intent to take someone else’s property. Arizona Revised Statutes defines many different types of theft crimes.

• Shoplifting (Arizona Revised Statute 13-1805). Knowingly taking goods with the intent to deprive the owner of them. This includes hiding merchandise on the defendant’s person or someone else’s person.
• Grand theft auto (ARS 13-1814). The theft of a means of transportation with the intent to take control of it and deprive the owner of the vehicle.
• Theft by extortion (ARS 13-1804). Obtaining property or services by means of a threat of property damage, physical injury or another type of harm to the owner.

These are just a few of the many theft crimes in Arizona. To be convicted of a theft crime, the prosecution must have enough evidence to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that you took or carried someone else’s property away with the intent to deprive the owner of the property forever. If you were charged with a type of theft that isn’t listed above and have questions, speak with a Gilbert criminal defense lawyer experienced in theft crimes.

What Penalties Can You Face for Theft Crimes?

Arizona takes theft crimes seriously. Being convicted of any type of theft crime in Arizona can come with life-changing consequences, including incarceration and civil penalties. A judge will determine a sentence for theft based in large part on the value of the goods taken.

• Less than $1,000. Class 1 misdemeanor, punishable with up to six months’ imprisonment.
• $1,000 to $2,000, a firearm or an animal to be used in animal fights. Class 6 felony, punishable with 6 months’ to 1.5 years’ imprisonment.
• $2,000 to $3,000. Class 5 felony, punishable with 0.75 to 2 years’ imprisonment.
• $3,000 to $4,000, or a vehicle engine or transmission. Class 4 felony, punishable with 1.5 to 3 years’ imprisonment.
• $4,000 to $25,000. Class 3 felony, punishable with 2.5 to 7 years’ imprisonment.
• $25,000 or more. Class 2 felony, punishable with 4 to 10 years’ imprisonment.

Other potential penalties for a theft crime include probation, restitution owed to the victim, house arrest, community service, and hefty fines. The best way to avoid the most severe penalties for theft crimes in Arizona is to hire a theft attorney in Gilbert.

What Are Common Legal Defenses to Theft Charges?

Hiring a defense lawyer from AZ Defenders can help you avoid a theft conviction in Gilbert. The ideal theft defense for you will depend on the facts of your case. Our Gilbert theft attorneys will investigate the charges against you, review your past criminal record and create the best defense strategy for your needs. Common defenses to theft include ownership or perceived ownership of the property, lack of intent, return of property, intoxication, and entrapment.

Speak to a Gilbert Theft Attorney Today

It is important to hire a theft crimes attorney if you are facing criminal theft charges. The right defense lawyer can protect you from the worst possible case outcomes. Contact AZ Defenders today to start with a free consultation. Find out if we can help you by calling our local law office at (480) 456-6400.