Theft Defense Attorney in Arizona
Aggressive Legal Representation for Misdemeanor & Felony Theft Charges
A theft charge in Arizona can range from a minor offense to a serious felony that carries jail time, fines, and a permanent criminal record. Whether you are accused of shoplifting, grand theft, or embezzlement, a conviction can have long-term consequences, affecting your ability to find employment, secure housing, or maintain a professional license.
At Garcia & Garcia Law Firm, we understand that many theft accusations arise from misunderstandings, false allegations, or financial struggles. With 15 years of experience, Daniel Garcia and our legal team provide aggressive defense strategies to fight theft charges, challenge the prosecution’s evidence, and protect your future.
Understanding Theft Charges in Arizona
Arizona law (A.R.S. § 13-1802) defines theft as knowingly taking another person’s property without permission, with the intent to deprive them of it. The severity of the charge depends on the value of the stolen property and other factors.
Common Types of Theft Charges
- Shoplifting – Taking merchandise from a store without paying
- Petty Theft – Theft of property worth less than $1,000 (misdemeanor)
- Grand Theft – Theft of property worth $1,000 or more (felony)
- Auto Theft – Stealing a vehicle or unlawfully using someone else’s car
- Burglary – Entering a home or business with the intent to commit theft
- Embezzlement – Stealing money or assets entrusted to you, often in a workplace setting
- Credit Card Fraud & Identity Theft – Using stolen financial information for purchases
Penalties for Theft in Arizona
Theft offenses in Arizona are classified based on the value of the stolen property:
- Less than $1,000 – Class 1 Misdemeanor (up to 6 months in jail)
- $1,000 – $2,000 – Class 6 Felony (up to 2 years in prison)
- $2,000 – $25,000 – Class 5 or 4 Felony (up to 3.75 years in prison)
- Over $25,000 – Class 2 Felony (up to 12.5 years in prison)
Convictions can also result in hefty fines, restitution payments, probation, and a permanent criminal record.
How We Defend Theft Charges
At Garcia & Garcia Law Firm, we build strong defenses to fight theft charges, including:
- Lack of Intent: If you did not mean to steal or believed the property was yours, we work to have the case dismissed.
- Mistaken Identity: Theft accusations often rely on surveillance footage or eyewitness testimony, which can be unreliable or misleading.
- False Accusations: We investigate motive, bias, and inconsistencies in the accuser’s statements to challenge wrongful allegations.
- Illegal Search & Seizure: If law enforcement violated your rights during the investigation, we fight to suppress unlawfully obtained evidence.
Take Immediate Action to Protect Your Future
A theft conviction can impact your life for years to come, but early legal intervention can make a difference. If you’ve been accused of theft, don’t wait – contact Garcia & Garcia Law Firm today for a free consultation and start building your defense.
