In Phoenix, Arizona, theft of any property or service up to $1000 in value is considered misdemeanor theft. Do not let the word misdemeanor fool you into thinking misdemeanor theft is not a serious charge. A theft conviction can do severe damage to your personal and professional lives via a very negative mark on your permanent record.
Therefore, should you find yourself being accused of, or charged with, misdemeanor theft in Phoenix, you should immediately seek help. Failure to do so could take what seems like a simple case and turn it into an ongoing nightmare for you. We recommend immediately consulting a competent, aggressive defense attorney who will fight for your rights and, just as importantly, defend your freedom.
What is a Misdemeanor Theft Charge?
Arizona law classifies any theft of property or services under $1000 in value as a class 1 misdemeanor, which is the most serious misdemeanor charge on the books.
Whether you steal a 99-cent pack of gum, or a $999 necklace, you will still be charged with a class 1 misdemeanor.
Unlike many other misdemeanor crimes, theft cannot be classified as class 2 or class 3 misdemeanors. So a charge of theft can result in you spending up to six months in jail, and paying fines up to $2500, if convicted.
- You may also be ordered to pay restitution to the person or business you stole from, in addition to the maximum amount of $2500 in fines levied by the court (Ariz. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 13-707(A))
Additionally, if you forcibly take property from someone else, or if that property is a firearm or an animal, the theft can be bumped up to a class 6 felony whether or not its value exceeds $1000. If this occurs, you could be facing prison time instead of a shorter jail sentence (Ariz. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 13-1802G).
Phoenix Criminal Attorney Defends You Against Misdemeanor Theft Charges in Phoenix
There is the possibility that if you are a first time offender, you might be able to forgo jail time and complete a theft counseling diversion program instead. However, the rise in misdemeanor crime in Arizona has resulted in stricter sentencing from judges. Retain a knowledgeable and competent attorney to fight for you, and fight for the most lenient sentence possible.
Phoenix Criminal Attorney provides our clients with focused legal assistance for every kind of misdemeanor theft charge. We will not stop fighting for your rights by making sure that every possible legal option and defense strategy is available to you. If you have been charged with any kind of misdemeanor theft crime in Phoenix, contact us today for a private, no obligation consultation at 602-551-8092.
