Chandler Teft Crimes Attorney
Addressing Charges Of Shoplifting, Burglary, Fraud & More
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Best Rated Attorney For Criminal Theft Representation
AggresSive Theft Defense Attorney Representation In Chandler
When facing criminal theft charges, the fear and uncertainty that follow can be overwhelming. Being convicted can mean hefty fines, long prison sentences, and consequences that follow you for the rest of your life. This is why having a reputable Chandler theft crimes attorney such as Villanueva Skura Attorneys at Law is so important. Your rights will be aggressively protected as your case is represented in court.
Types of Theft Crimes
There are many different types of theft crimes. Generally, the State of Arizona will need to show two things before they can convict you of a theft crime: 1) that you had criminal intent, meaning you took the property with the intent to steal it, and 2) that you had possession of the property.
Some Of The More Common Theft Crimes Are:
Shoplifting
Writing Bad Checks
Check Forgery
Credit Card Theft
Identity Theft
Buying Or Accepting Stolen Property
Auto Theft
Fraud Or Embezzlement
Burglary
Robbery
Skilled Theft Defense Attorney In Chandler
Experienced Court Representation For Theft, Shoplifting & Robbery Cases In Chandler
Each crime requires proof of different elements and has different defenses available. And, for each element of the charged offense, Arizona’s shoplifting laws are codified in ARS §13-1805. The statute lists the elements the prosecutor has to prove to convict someone of shoplifting. In all shoplifting cases, the government must prove that you went to a place that offered goods for sale, and you knowingly obtained those goods with the intent to deprive the person of those goods by:
- Removing the goods without paying;
- Charging the price of the goods to a fake person or a real person without permission;
- Paying less than the purchase price by changing, removing or substituting the price tag;
- Transferring the goods from one container to another; or
- Concealing the goods
Arizona law presumes that a person who knowingly conceals purchased merchandise within the store or uses an artifice; container, instrument or another article to facilitate the shoplifting, has the necessary culpable mental state to commit the crime.
Testimonials
Best Rated Theft Lawyers With 5 Star Reviews
A.L., Phoenix
Fantastic group, focused, organized and caring. They have lots of experience in the area and have done a great job to date.
★★★★★
L.R., Tucson
I would recommend this firm to ANYONE serious about hiring an attorney. I urgently needed legal advice and found this firm thru a family member who referred me to Michelle. I’m so grateful to have found such a professional with such a wealth of knowledge for my court case. My Attorney Michelle Villanueva Skura helped me with my case and was able to drop charges.
★★★★★
I.V., Scottsdale
I had recently gotten myself into some trouble and thanks to the help from Michelle I was able to get my charges dropped. The staff was very professional and kept me informed in every detail regarding my case. Definitely would recommend to any friends and family.
Republished from Google
★★★★★
Aggressive Defense Strategies
How Our Skilled Theft Attorney Can Build Your Defense
The State of Arizona aggressively prosecutes theft cases. You need a competent theft defense attorney on your side that can review the evidence and fight to keep a theft conviction off your record. In many situations, there can be a resolution that does not end with a conviction on your record. There may be diversion programs available that can avoid a conviction on your record. If there was a complaining witness, many times the Prosecutor’s Office is more concerned with securing restitution rather than the actual conviction on your record. There are many more options available than just pleading guilty to theft. If you are in a large chain retail store, such as Wal-Mart or Target, store security will detain you and question you before calling the police. While a shoplifting charge may seem minor, a theft conviction of any type can follow you for the rest of your life. It will show up on any routine background check and could ruin your chances at getting the job of your dreams. Whether you are accused of stealing a $60,000 car or a $2 candy bar, a theft charge must be taken very seriously.
Building A Theft Defense
Gathering Evidence
Mistaken Identity
Consult With An Expert Witness
Benefits Of Hiring A Theft Lawyer
Good Character Witness Statement
Prosecutorial Misconduct
Other Possible Defenses
Experienced Burglary Defense Attorney In Chandler
Professional Defense From A Top Rated Shoplifting Defense Attorney Near Me
Being accused of stealing can be an embarrassing ordeal. Depending on the value of the alleged loss, a theft charge can range anywhere from a Class 1 misdemeanor to a First-degree felony. The penalties can range anywhere from a simple fine to time in prison. The consequences of pleading guilty to a theft charge follow you for the rest of your life. Theft is a “crime of moral turpitude” and many potential employers, universities, and other agencies will require you to list it on an application.
When you are facing charges of this nature, having a skilled Chandler theft crimes lawyer can make all the difference. Call Villanueva Skura Attorneys at Law today to learn more about your case at your consultation.
Penalties For Shoplifting In Chandler
First-time felony offense sentencing
Consequences vary depending on what was shoplifted. The penalties can also change depending on what jurisdiction the crime falls under. Each district has their own way of dealing with theft. In general, first-time offenses can be settled through diversion and community service. Other penalties can include jail time and heavy fines, depending on the value of the goods.
First-time felony offense sentencing
Class 1 Misdemeanor
- Shoplifting an item or items worth less than $1,000, unless it’s a firearm, is considered a class 1 misdemeanor
Class 6 Felony
- Shoplifting an item or items worth $1,000 or more, but less than $2,000 is considered a class 6 felony.
- Shoplifting a firearm is considered a class 6 felony.
Class 5 Felony
- Shoplifting an item or items worth $2,000 or more is considered a class 5 felony.
- Shoplifting an item or items during a continuing criminal episode is considered a class 5 felony. A “continuing criminal episode” is defined as “theft of property with a value of one thousand five hundred dollars or more if committed during at least three separate incidences within a period of ninety consecutive days,” under ARS §13-1805.
- Shoplifting an item or items with the intention of promoting, continuing, or assisting criminal organizations is considered a class 5 felony.
Class 4 Felony
- Using any artifice, container, device, instrument, or any other item intended to assist in shoplifting is considered a class 4 felony. If you have been convicted of two or more shoplifting, robbery, burglary, organized retail theft, or theft offenses within the past five years and are caught shoplifting, it is considered a class 4 felony.
How we can help
Contact A Theft Attorney Near Me
We are Available 24/7
The only way to build a strategic defense plan for moving forward is through a reliable Chandler theft lawyer. Villanueva Skura Attorneys at Law is available 24/7 for consultation, and legal guidance, so give us a call today to schedule your consult with our experienced legal team.
Chandler’s Reputable Theft Lawyer Fighting To Protect Your Rights
Skilled Theft Defense Attorney Near You In Chandler
Depending on the severity of the theft and value of the goods involved in the claim, it can be complicated and difficult to overcome charges of theft. When you contact VS Attorneys at Law for your initial consult, we will take time getting to know you and learning about the details of your situation. After gathering as much information as possible, we will begin building a strategic plan for moving forward and clearing your name.
Leading Theft Lawyer Representation In Chandler
With five-star ratings and a multitude of satisfied reviews from clients, it is easy to see why we are #1.
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Best Rated Identity Theft Lawyer
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Dedicated Grand Larceny Lawyer
When you have been charged with grand larceny in Arizona, consult with our lawyers for guidance moving forward.
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Retail Theft Lawyer Available 24/7
Contact our five-star Chandler theft attorneys for experienced, skilled legal help navigating retail theft charges.
Frequently Asked Questions About Theft Charges In Chandler
Because Arizona is a Zero Tolerance state, theft crimes are taken very seriously. Law enforcement and the court will work every angle to find a way to prove you guilty, so it is critical to invest in a confident, experienced lawyer. Villanueva Skura Attorneys at Law is an excellent resource, with extensive knowledge regarding theft law. We are here to help with all your legal needs, from simple questions to court representation.
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Schedule your initial consultation by calling us today at 480-553-9699. We help clients in Chandler, Gilbert, Mesa, Tempe, Scottsdale, Queen Creek, Phoenix and throughout all of the East Valley.
