Phoenix DUI Lawyer Blog

THEFT - Criminal Defense Attorney - Arizona Laws

A crime of theft is defined as the illegal act of taking or using another person's property without permission or consent. It is also considered a theft crime to accept or receive property that you know to be stolen. Theft crimes classifications can range from acts of stealing from a store to the more serious felony crime of taking money from a corporation. If you have been accused of committing a theft crime, it is important for you to consider hiring an Arizona criminal attorney experienced in defending theft charges.

There are many forms of theft charges. The two major categories can fall within
"petty theft" and "grand theft". Grand theft is also known as "Larceny". The main differences between the two involve the following factors:

1) The value of the item stolen. In order to be considered grand theft the total value of what was taken must exceed a certain dollar amount. In Arizona that amount is $500.00. Any item stolen that exceeds $500.00 is considered to be "grand theft". That threshold his subject to change as money changes in value.

2) The level of conduct involved used to steal the item

3) Whether or not the person (s) who committed the crime had any prior thefts or other record of criminal offenses.

Other factors may be considered by the state and prosecution. The difference in the two (petty theft and grand theft) is that petty theft is a misdemeanor, while grand theft is usually considered a felony. Which category the crime falls within can have a huge impact on the sentencing.

Felonies carry sever penalties and have long term adverse consequences. A conviction of felony theft will almost always involve incarceration. However, A conviction of petty theft may be involve less severe sentencing such as deferred with counseling, probation, community service, fines and restitution. In any event, you should consult an Arizona criminal defense attorney if you have been charged with any form of theft to make sure your rights are protected, and to discuss if legal representation is needed.

Continue reading "The difference between "petty theft" and "grand theft" in Arizona " »

ARIZONA THEFT ATTORNEY

Theft charges can be serious in Arizona. The police and prosecution aggrievedly pursue convictions for theft crimes. The range of sentencing for Arizona theft charges can be severe with criminal defense penalties that include probation, fines, restitution, community service, counseling, jail, prison and other punishments. If you face serious Arizona theft charges, hiring an experienced theft attorney can mean the difference between getting convicted of Arizona theft charges subject to severe punishments, or obtaining a more lenient sentence and possible dismissal. The choice is yours. But an experienced Arizona Criminal Attorney will agree with the motto: "Don't gamble with your future".

Arizona theft charges range from obtaining by false pretense, larceny, burglary, or theft of property. In its simplest terms, it is unlawful for anyone to steal, take or carry away property belonging to another person (s) or entity. A theft crime is defined as the illegal act of taking or using another person's property without permission or consent. It is also considered a theft crime to accept or receive property that you know to be stolen. Theft crimes classifications can range from acts of stealing from a store to the more serious felony crime of taking money from a corporation.

If you have been accused of committing a theft crime, it is important for you to consider hiring an Arizona theft criminal defense attorney who has experience handling cases of these types of charges. Phoenix theft crimes defense lawyer James Novak has been working in the Arizona criminal justice system for over 12 years, and has successfully defended clients charged wit a number of theft crimes, such as:

• Misdemeanor theft
• Felony theft
• Auto theft
• Embezzlement
• Burglary
• Robbery
• Armed Robbery
• Carjacking
• Credit card theft
• Identity theft
• Fraud
• Forgery

Arizona Criminal Penalties for Theft Charges The penalties for Arizona theft charge convictions will depend largely on the value of the property that was stolen, the number of items taken, the manner in which it was taken, was a weapon used, and the criminal history of the accused. If you have been accused of theft charges in the Phoenix metro area or anywhere valley-wide, you can be certain the police and prosecutors are going to come after you to seek a conviction. In their eyes, you are already guilty. Now they just have to build their case to prove it. It is critical that you contact a Phoenix Criminal Attorney experienced in defending theft charges as quickly as possible.

Continue reading "THEFT - ARIZONA THEFT LAWS" »