Theft – Arizona

Arizona Theft Lawyers

Theft Laws in Arizona

Arizona prosecutors take theft cases seriously. Under Arizona law, there are varying types and degrees of theft offenses. Each offense is based on the value of the items and the manner in which they were taken, but the consequences for any theft crime conviction will have a substantial impact on your liberty and civil rights.

If you or someone you care about is facing theft or grand theft charges, turn to the trusted criminal defense team at Oliverson Law DUI & Criminal Defense. With over 40 years of collective experience and a team of attorneys that includes former prosecutors, a former police officer, and former judge, we truly understand all sides of the criminal justice system. We are prepared to put this invaluable insight to work in order to build an innovative and tailored legal strategy for your case. Based in Tempe, we serve clients in Phoenix, Scottsdale, Mesa, and throughout all of Arizona.

Types of Theft & Their Penalties in Arizona

Here is a list of theft crimes in the state of Arizona, as well as the possible penalties:

Class 2 Felony Theft

If the value of the property taken is at $25,000 or more, the offense will be charged as a Class 2 Felony.

Possible punishments:

• First offense: probation with up to 1 year in jail; if prison is ordered, between 3 years and 12 years, 6 months in prison
• One historical prior felony conviction: between 4 years, 6 months and 23 years, 3 months in prison
• Two historical prior felony convictions: between 10 years, 6 months and 35 years in prison

Class 3 Felony Theft

If the value of the property taken is $4,000 or more, but less than $25,000, the offense will be charged as a Class 3 Felony.

Possible punishments:

• First offense: probation with up to 1 year in jail; if prison is ordered, between 2 years and 8 years, 9 months in prison
• One historical prior felony conviction: Between 3 years, 6 months and 16 years, 3 months in prison
• Two historical prior felony convictions: Between 7 years, 6 months, and 25 years in prison

Class 4 Felony Theft

If the value of the property taken is $3,000 or more, but less than $4,000, the offense will be charges as a Class 4 Felony.

Possible punishments:

• First offense: probation with up to 1 year in jail; if prison is ordered, between 1 year and 3 years, 9 months in prison
• One historical prior felony conviction: between 2 years, 3 months and 7 years, 6 months in prison
• Two historical prior felony convictions: between 6 and 15 years in prison

Class 5 Felony Theft

If the value of the property taken is $2,000 or more, but less than $3,000, the offense will be charged as a Class 5 Felony.

Possible punishments:

• First offense: probation with up to 1 year in jail; if prison is ordered, between 6 months to 2 years, 6 months in prison
• One historical prior felony conviction: between 1 year and 3 years, 9 months in prison
• Two historical prior felony convictions: between 3 years and 7 years, 6 months in prison

Class 6 Felony Theft

If the value of the property taken is $1,000 or more, but less than $2,000, the offense will be charged as a Class 6 Felony.

Possible punishments:

• First offense: probation with up to 1 year in jail; if prison is ordered, between 4 months and 2 years in prison
• One historical prior felony conviction: between 9 months and 2 years, 9 months in prison
• Two historical prior felony convictions: between 2 years, 3 months and 5 years, 9 months in prison

Class 1 Misdemeanor Theft

If the value of the property taken is less than $1,000, the offense will be charged as a Class 1 Misdemeanor.

Possible punishments:

• Up to 6 months in jail
• 3 years of probation
• $2,500 in court fines, plus surcharges

Why You Need an Attorney

In addition to the criminal penalties described above, a theft conviction will substantially impact your ability to obtain future employment and housing. It is vitally important to hire an experienced and aggressive criminal defense attorney to represent you in your case.

The Arizona theft/grand theft defense attorneys at Oliverson Law PLLC are prepared to put decades of combined legal experience on your side. Depending on the circumstances of your case, we may be able to seek reduced sentencing or a dismissal of your charges.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is considered theft under Arizona law?

Theft in Arizona is defined under A.R.S. §13-1802 as knowingly taking or controlling another person’s property or services without lawful authority and with the intent to deprive them of it. This includes actions like misrepresentation, unauthorized use, or failing to return lost property.

How is theft classified in Arizona?

Arizona classifies theft based on the value of the stolen property:

• Less than $1,000: Class 1 misdemeanor
• $1,000–$2,000: Class 6 felony
• $2,000–$3,000: Class 5 felony
• $3,000–$4,000: Class 4 felony
• $4,000–$25,000: Class 3 felony
• $25,000 or more: Class 2 felony
  Additional factors like prior convictions or theft involving firearms can elevate the charges.

Can theft charges be dropped or reduced in Arizona?

Yes. With the help of a skilled criminal defense attorney, theft charges may be reduced or dismissed based on lack of intent, mistaken identity, procedural errors, or insufficient evidence. First-time offenders may also qualify for diversion programs or plea deals.

Fraud Schemes