Arizona Felony Theft Laws: Factors that elevates a Misdemeanor Theft to a Felony Theft

Arizona criminal Lawyer provides insight into Criminal Defense for Theft Charges in Arizona

If you face felony theft charges in Arizona it is important that you contact Arizona criminal attorney who defends charges in the jurisdiction where you were arrested or received charges. Felony theft charge convictions can result in severe penalties, incarceration, in prison or jail, large fines, mandatory restitution and other punishments added as the court deems necessary based on the facts. You may have defenses that can be used to help you avoid a conviction. The best Arizona criminal attorneys agree you’re your chances of getting you’re AZ theft charges dismissed or reduced increase significantly if you retain an experienced Arizona criminal defense attorney. Arizona Theft Defenses Based on Theft Laws in Arizona Arizona theft laws begin with A.R.S. 13-1801 and A.R.S. 13-1802 and can be found at the azleg.state.az. Arizona Revised Statutes website. This discussion surrounds excerpts of the law cited in part from A.R.S. “13-1802. Theft; classification which reads in part as follows:

“…A. A person commits theft if, without lawful authority, the person knowingly…:

1. Controls property of another with the intent to deprive the other person of such property… B. A person commits theft if, without lawful authority, the person knowingly takes control, title, use or management of a vulnerable adult’s property while acting in a position of trust and confidence and with the intent to deprive the vulnerable adult of the property….”

It is a comprehensive of a definition. But from a defense standpoint emphasis was added to the words “knowingly” and “intent”. In order to get a conviction the Arizona prosecution will need to prove that you knowingly and intentionally committed the theft. This is just one of many defenses that experienced criminal defense attorneys in Arizona will use to build an effective defense on your behalf. Depending on the circumstances of your case, a good private practice criminal lawyer will recognize other defenses and present compelling arguments on your behalf.

Felony Theft Penalties Arizona

Felony Theft Penalties are determined based on classification of the felony. Felony theft classification is based on the dollar amount or value of the stolen property or service summarized below:

• $25 000. or more = Class 2 Felony;

• $4,000. or more but less than $25,000.00 = Class 3 Felony;

• $3,000. or more but less than $4,000. = Class 4 felony;

• Theft of a vehicle engine or transmission is a Class 4 felony, regardless of the value of that vehicle, engine or transmission;

• $2,000. or more but less than $3,000 = Class 5 felony;

• $1,000. or more but less than $2,000.00 = Class 6 felony;

• Less than $1,000. = Class 6 felony if the stolen property is a firearm or an animal stolen with the intent of using it for animal fighting (A.R.S. 13-2910.01 violation)

If the stolen property or service value is equivalent to $100,000.00 or more the defendants will not be eligible for suspension of sentence, probation, pardon or release from confinement on any basis except as pursuant under section 31-233, subsection A or B until the sentence imposed by the court has been served, the person is eligible for release pursuant to section 41-1604.07 or the sentence is commuted.

Criminal Defense Attorney in Arizona

Arizona felony theft charges have many facets which need to be evaluated by an experienced criminal lawyer to determine from what front the charges may be challenged. A good criminal lawyer in Arizona will know how to use the Arizona Laws to your defense advantage. They will guide you through the criminal law process, while looking for every opportunity to strengthen your defense, challenge evidence, and weaken the prosecution’s case against you. Due to the severity of penalties for felony thefts it is imperative to be defended by an experienced private practice Arizona criminal attorney if you wish to have any chance for success at defending your charges, getting a case dismissal, reduction of charges, sentencing or good outcome in your case.

If you have been arrested for DUI or criminal charges in Maricopa County contact the Law Office of James Novak, for your Free Consultation at (480) 413-1499. Speak directly with experienced Arizona criminal Defense and DUI Defense Attorney and James Novak (Former Prosecutor). Also visit www.arizonacrimialdefenselawyer.com for helpful DUI and criminal defense information. .

The Law Office of James Novak is devoted to defending DUI, Drug & criminal charges in Arizona, valley wide within Maricopa County including the cities of Gilbert, Scottsdale, Tempe, Gilbert, Chandler and Phoenix Arizona, Phoenix Metro, and Phoenix East Valley Arizona..

This post was intended to provide general information only and is not intended as specific legal advice. You should not rely upon this information alone, but should consult legal counsel regarding the application of the laws and regulations discussed and as applied to your specific case or circumstances.