PHOENIX, ARIZONA CRIMINAL DEFENSE ATTORNEY FOR THEFT CRIMES

The consequences of Arizona theft crimes can be devastatingly severe. The outcomes can include fines in the thousands of dollars, civil penalties, and lengthy incarceration. Being informed on the classifications with Arizona's laws may help if you or someone you know who has been charged with theft.

Theft charges are not simple or straightforward in every situation. Different types of theft in the state of Arizona carry different penalties. If you have been convicted of a crime in the past, your case could result in harsher penalties.

Theft is a crime that involves taking, using, or keeping another individual's property without authority. The Arizona courts may base the punishments on the total value of the items that were stolen.



For example, anything ranging from $1,000-$2,000 is a class 6 felony that can lead to up to two years in prison, while the law considers anything less than $1,000 to be a misdemeanor. Let's inspect the differences between a felony theft and a misdemeanor theft charge. ARS 13-1802

Arizona statutes consider a misdemeanor a class 1 crime. A misdemeanor is a charge for anyone who has stolen services or property under $1,000. In most cases, the statute of limitations, or length of time, for law enforcement to bring charges for misdemeanor theft is up to one year after the crime was engaged.



First-time offenders can be fined up to $2,500, sentenced to up to six months in jail, required to pay the value of stolen items, and undergo classes and probation for up to three years.

An Arizona theft crime deemed a felony is classified from a class 2 crime to a class 6 crime. The felony charge is for individuals who have stolen properties valued at more than $1,000. However, the classes and penalties are separated based on property value.

• A Class 2 felony crime from $25,000 and above can result in up to 12 ½ years in prison and possible probation.
• A Class 3 felony crime from $4,000 to $25,000 can result in up to 8 ½ years in prison and possible probation.
• A Class 4 felony crime from $3,000 to $4,000 can result in up to 4 years in prison possible probation.
• A Class 5 felony crime from $2,000 to $3,000 can result in up to 2 ½ years in prison and possible probation.
• A Class 6 felony crime from $1,000 to $2,000 can result in up to 2 years in prison and possible probation.
• If the conviction is valued at over $100,000 and is considered a Class 2 felony crime, the individual charged is not eligible for any probation and will serve a sentence of up to 12 ½ years.

While some individuals may have their charges considered underclass crimes, there are additional consequences that are categorized under collateral offenses.



Some collateral consequences can include the following: reporting to professional licenses, labeled as a CIMT (crimes involving moral turpitude), be required to submit to an extensive background check, suspension of fingerprint cards, having to report to lenders and housing loan providers about the crime committed.