Theft Crimes Attorney
Arizona
Theft Crimes Attorney
When it comes to defending against charges related to theft crimes in Arizona, DwaneCates.Com, PLLC stands as a beacon of experience and legal expertise. Our firm has a strong history of successfully representing clients in cases involving various theft offenses. If you or a loved one is facing charges related to theft crimes, it’s essential to have a dedicated Arizona Criminal Defense Attorney with the right experience by your side.
If you or a loved one is charged with a theft crime in Arizona, remember that you don’t have to face the legal process alone. Contact Dwane Cates, PLLC today for a consultation. Our firm is committed to providing top-notch legal representation, protecting your rights, and striving for the best possible outcome in your case. Trust us to be your advocates during this challenging time.
In Arizona, an individual is considered to have committed shoplifting when they enter a store and knowingly acquire merchandise with the intent to deprive the store by engaging in one of the following actions:
- Taking goods from their immediate display and leaving without paying the purchase price.
- Charging the purchase price to a fictitious person or another person without their consent.
- Paying less than the purchase price through deception, such as altering labels, price tags, or markings.
- Transferring items from one container to another.
- Concealing the merchandise.
As per ARS 13-1805, shoplifting merchandise valued at less than $1,000 is classified as a class 1 misdemeanor in Arizona unless certain circumstances apply:
- The stolen item was a firearm.
- An instrument, device, or article was used in the commission of the theft.
- The crime was committed to support a criminal street gang.
- The theft occurred during an ongoing criminal episode (crime spree).
Any violation of the provisions mentioned above is considered a felony shoplifting offense in Arizona.
The penalties for misdemeanor shoplifting can vary significantly based on case specifics, the prosecuting agency, the store involved, and the judge overseeing the case. Typically, a first-time misdemeanor shoplifting offense can be resolved relatively easily. To obtain an accurate assessment of potential penalties, it is advisable to consult an experienced shoplifting attorney in Arizona.
According to ARS 13-1805, felony shoplifting arises when a misdemeanor shoplifting offense occurs in conjunction with one of the following circumstances:
- Use of an instrument, device, or article to commit the theft, resulting in a Class 4 Felony.
- Commission of the crime to promote, further, or assist a criminal street gang, resulting in a Class 5 Felony.
- Occurrence of the theft during an ongoing criminal episode (crime spree), resulting in a Class 5 Felony.
- The total value of the stolen item(s) exceeding $2,000, leading to a Class 5 Felony.
- The total value of the stolen item(s) being more than $1,000 but less than $2,000, resulting in a Class 6 Felony.
- Theft of a firearm, which results in a Class 6 Felony.
The specific penalties for a felony shoplifting conviction in Arizona, including the maximum and minimum punishments, depend on the type of felony involved. For a more precise understanding of potential penalties in your particular case, it is advisable to consult with an experienced shoplifting attorney.
Our firm has handled numerous theft cases, providing effective defense strategies tailored to the unique circumstances of each case. We understand the complexities of Arizona’s theft laws and will vigorously advocate for your rights.
In Arizona, embezzlement, often known as “Fraudulent Misrepresentation” under ARS 13-1802, occurs when someone with authorized access to money or property, entrusted to manage or protect it, instead uses it for personal gain. Common examples of embezzlement involve deceptive financial tactics like creating fake vendor payments, filing expense reimbursements for personal expenses, or altering financial statements. This behavior is often associated with professionals like accountants, bank tellers, lawyers, and board members.
Basic embezzlement cases often involve individuals who control financial instruments like checks or credit cards. For instance:
- Writing a check to oneself or a family member.
- Writing a check to a legitimate vendor but endorsing it on the back with “Pay to the Order Of” and a personal name.
- Creating a fictitious vendor, complete with a bank account.
- Issuing small, regular checks for seemingly normal expenses to fly “under the radar.”
The difference between felony and misdemeanor embezzlement primarily depends on the severity and the potential legal consequences. Felony embezzlement involves more substantial misappropriation, typically measured by the value of the assets involved. It leads to harsher penalties, such as longer prison sentences, larger fines, and a lasting criminal record.
On the other hand, misdemeanor embezzlement usually involves smaller amounts of misappropriated property or funds, resulting in lesser penalties, like shorter jail time or probation and reduced fines. Choosing the right legal representation is crucial when facing embezzlement charges, as a skilled attorney can help navigate the complexities of the case, build an effective defense, and aim for the best possible outcome, whether that means reducing charges or minimizing penalties.
Our firm has handled numerous theft cases, providing effective defense strategies tailored to the unique circumstances of each case. We understand the complexities of Arizona’s theft laws and will vigorously advocate for your rights.
Organized retail theft in Arizona occurs when an individual, either on their own or working with others, engages in certain actions involving stolen merchandise from stores. This law aims to address more coordinated theft efforts. Here’s a breakdown of what it means:
Taking Merchandise with Resale Intent: If someone takes items from a store without paying for them, with the plan to sell or exchange those stolen goods for money or something else of value, that’s organized retail theft.
Using Tools or Tricks: It’s also considered organized retail theft when individuals use tools, devices, or tricks to make it easier to steal things from a store without paying for them.
Now, the legal aspect: Organized retail theft is a class 4 felony in Arizona. In simple terms, this means it’s a serious offense. If someone is found guilty of organized retail theft, they can face significant penalties, including imprisonment and other consequences.
Our firm has handled numerous theft cases, providing effective defense strategies tailored to the unique circumstances of each case. We understand the complexities of Arizona’s theft laws and will vigorously advocate for your rights.
A.R.S. § 13-2307 is the Arizona law that deals with the crime of trafficking in stolen property. Let’s break it down in simpler terms:
What is Trafficking in Stolen Property? It’s when someone gets involved with stolen stuff. There are two levels of this crime:
Second Degree Trafficking: This happens when a person recklessly deals with property that they know is stolen. In other words, they’re not careful or concerned about whether the items are stolen or not. Second-degree trafficking is a class 3 felony, which is a serious offense in Arizona.
First Degree Trafficking: This is more serious. First-degree trafficking occurs when someone knowingly plans, organizes, or manages the theft of someone else’s property and then deals with that stolen stuff. This is a class 2 felony, which is even more severe than second-degree trafficking.
In simple terms, trafficking in stolen property is about dealing with stolen things. The punishment depends on how involved someone is and whether they knew the stuff was stolen. First-degree is worse than second-degree, and both come with serious legal consequences.
Our firm has handled numerous theft cases, providing effective defense strategies tailored to the unique circumstances of each case. We understand the complexities of Arizona’s theft laws and will vigorously advocate for your rights.