Chandler Shoplifting Lawyer

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Chandler Shoplifting Attorney

If you are accused of shoplifting, you need the assistance of a qualified criminal defense attorney to ensure your rights are protected. Shoplifting is a theft offense taken seriously by state prosecutors. The value of the allegedly stolen items will impact the severity of the charges, as well as many other factors in your case.

Let an experienced Chandler shoplifting lawyer tirelessly defend you and your rights throughout the criminal proceedings. At the Grand Canyon Law Group, our dedicated attorneys are former prosecutors who understand the law and know how to build a strong defense.

SHOPLIFTING LAWS IN CHANDLER

Shoplifting occurs when a person knowingly deprives another person of goods by:

Charging the price of a good to a real or fictional person without permission to do so
Removing goods without payment for the goods
Concealing goods in a container, instrument, artifice, or other article
Transferring any good from one container into another
Swapping out price tags to avoid paying the actual full price of an item

These types of conduct violate the shoplifting statute found in Arizona Revised Statutes § 13-1805. A prosecutor must prove the appropriate elements of a shoplifting offense beyond a reasonable doubt in order to secure a conviction. The skilled attorneys at our firm know how to challenge the prosecution’s case to help a defendant avoid a shoplifting conviction and mitigate the potential penalties.

SHOPLIFTING PENALTIES

Shoplifting penalties will depend on the value of the items allegedly stolen, as well as a few other factors. If the value of the stolen goods is less $1,000, the case will likely be a Class One misdemeanor. In that case, the convicted person could face up to a $2,500 fine and up to six months in jail. They may also be required to comply with a probation period of three years.

Felony shoplifting charges may result from the following scenarios.

CLASS FOUR FELONY SHOPLIFTING

If a person uses a container, instrument, artifice, or other article to facilitate the offense, it is a Class Four felony. A shoplifting charge may also be a Class Four felony if the person has two prior theft offenses within the last five years. This could lead to a jail sentence of one to 3.75 years.

CLASS FIVE FELONY SHOPLIFTING

These charges may occur if:

A person stole over $2,000 worth of items
The alleged theft was in the furtherance of some gang activity
A person was charged with shoplifting three times within ninety days and the value of the goods totaled $1,500 or more

Class Five felony shoplifting charges could result in a prison sentence of six months up to 2.5 years.

CLASS SIX FELONY SHOPLIFTING

If the value of the items is between $1,000 and $2,000, or if the item is a firearm, a person may face a Class Six felony. This can carry between three months up to two years in prison.

All these ranges assume a person has no prior convictions. Prior felonies or prior shoplifting offenses can significantly enhance the potential penalties a person may face, making it even more critical to work with a dedicated Chandler attorney.

CONSULT A SHOPLIFTING ATTORNEY IN CHANDLER

Shoplifting charges must be taken seriously to avoid severe penalties and a criminal record. If you are accused of stealing merchandise, reach out to the hardworking team at the Grand Canyon Law Group. A Chandler shoplifting lawyer can assess your case and work to contest the charges against you. We believe you have a way of life worth protecting, so reach out today to get the legal representation you deserve.