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If you have been arrested or charged with the crime of shoplifting in Scottsdale, Arizona, you need an experienced criminal defense lawyer on your side. Shoplifting is often thought of as a minor theft offense, but it is a serious crime in Arizona that can come with life-changing consequences. The best way to protect yourself after an arrest is by contacting a Scottsdale shoplifting crimes defense lawyer as soon as possible.
AZ Defenders has successfully represented clients in theft and shoplifting cases for many years. We will work relentlessly to achieve the best possible results for your case. Contact us 24/7 at (480) 568-4473 to request a free case consultation with a shoplifting defense lawyer.
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Why Choose the AZ Defenders for a Shoplifting Case?
How is Shoplifting Defined in Arizona?
Is Shoplifting Charged as a Felony in Scottsdale?
Steps to Follow if You Are Charged With Shoplifting
Potential Defenses to Shoplifting Charges
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Shoplifting is a theft crime that involves entering a business and knowingly stealing merchandise. Arizona Revised Statute Section 13-1805 defines shoplifting as knowingly obtaining the goods of another with the intent to deprive that person of such goods while in an establishment in which merchandise is displayed for sale, by any of the following:
Arizona law presumes a defendant has the necessary mental state to be culpable for shoplifting if he or she knowingly conceals unpurchased merchandise on himself or another person or uses a container, instrument, device or artifice to facilitate the shoplifting crime. Any act that falls within the parameters of Arizona’s shoplifting law could result in an arrest for this crime in Scottsdale.
How shoplifting is charged in Arizona depends on the value of the goods stolen. Shoplifting can be charged as a felony in Scottsdale if the value of the item in question is $1,000 or more or if the item was a firearm, regardless of value. At a value of $1,000 to $2,000, shoplifting is a class 6 felony. At a value of $2,000 or more, shoplifting is a class 5 felony.
If the individual has a history of past shoplifting, theft, robbery or burglary crimes, the charges can be upgraded to a class 4 felony. It is also a class 4 felony shoplifting crime to commit this offense with the assistance of an instrument, device, container or artifice. Finally, if there are aggravating circumstances, such as the use of a deadly weapon or bodily injuries suffered by victims, this will enhance the charges.
The penalties for shoplifting in Scottsdale can be severe. The punishment for misdemeanor shoplifting in Arizona may include up to six months in jail, three years of probation and a fine of up to $2,500 plus an 84 percent surcharge. Felony shoplifting is punishable with a prison sentence of 0.33 years to 3.75 years, thousands of dollars in fines and years of probation.
It is critical to know what steps to take if you get charged with a shoplifting crime in Scottsdale. Knowing what to do and what not to do can protect you from the most serious repercussions associated with this offense. There are things you can do to strengthen your defense from the very beginning, such as:
Do not confess to the crime of shoplifting or talk about your case with law enforcement. Instead, remain silent until you have a Scottsdale theft crimes lawyer with you. AZ Defenders is available 24/7 to help you after being arrested in Scottsdale for theft or shoplifting.
Your future after being arrested for shoplifting depends in large part on your criminal defense strategy. The right attorney will craft a defense that is ideally suited to your unique needs based on the circumstances of the event, the evidence against you, your criminal history and other factors.
While every case is unique, potential defenses to shoplifting charges include wrong defendant, alibi, present but not involved in the crime, no crime committed, no intent to deprive the shop of its goods and mental incapacity. Your lawyer may also be able to push for reduced charges if a dismissal is not possible, such as by arguing the value of the goods involved, to protect you from the worst possible penalties.
You deserve a top legal defense group as someone who has been charged with a shoplifting crime in Scottsdale. AZ Defenders has been trusted with the most complex and high-stakes theft crime defense cases in Arizona for many years. We have what it takes to help you navigate this type of arrest and protect your rights along the way. Learn more about how we can help you or a loved one during a free case consultation in Scottsdale. Call (480) 568-4473 or contact us online today.