Shoplifting Defense Attorneys in Phoenix

You Could Be Facing Serious Charges & Harsh Penalties

Though it is often thought of as a “lesser” theft crime, shoplifting (or petty theft) is a serious criminal offense in Arizona, one that comes with potentially harsh penalties that may affect both your present situation and your future. In Arizona, an individual can be charged with shoplifting for taking an item from a store or business without paying, hiding merchandise so that a seller loses profit, or paying below the actual purchase price of an item (by removing price tags, changing price tags, etc.).

If you, your child, or someone you care about has been arrested for shoplifting, contact the Phoenix shoplifting defense attorneys at MayesTelles PLLC. We can help you evaluate your legal options and work to ensure your rights are protected.

Contact us online or call (602) 428-7104 24/7 to request a consultation.

Understanding Shoplifting Charges in Arizona

Shoplifting can occur in any store, retail business, or establishment in which merchandise is displayed for sale.

According to state law, shoplifting involves any of the following offenses:

• Stealing merchandise
• Removing an item for sale or on display without paying for it
• Intentionally altering or removing a price tag or label in order to pay less than the marked price
• Concealing merchandise or intentionally moving items for the purpose of concealment
• Paying for merchandise with a false account or with an account that belongs to another person without his or her knowledge, consent, or authorization

The penalties for shoplifting in Arizona can be severe, depending on the value of the merchandise in question. For example, shoplifting goods valued at less than $1,000 can result in class 1 misdemeanor charges, whereas shoplifting merchandise valued at over $2,000 can result in class 5 felony charges. Additionally, if you are accused of shoplifting a firearm, you face class 6 felony charges, and if you are charged with shoplifting goods for the purpose of aiding in criminal activity, you will be looking at class 5 felony charges. If you have been convicted of shoplifting before, a subsequent arrest for shoplifting could lead to more severe charges.

In any case, you face possible jail time, steep fines, and other penalties with a conviction. It’s important that you discuss your charges with an experienced shoplifting defense lawyer in Phoenix as soon as possible.

How Our Firm Can Help

If you or someone you love is facing shoplifting charges, you still have rights. One of these is the right to qualified legal counsel and representation. Though the charges may not initially seem serious, your reputation, freedom, and future are all on the line.

At MayesTelles PLLC, we can help you build a case aimed at protecting your rights and reducing the charges. In many cases, we have been successful in having our clients’ charges dropped altogether. In addition to defending those accused of shoplifting, our attorneys also assist clients with expungement (set aside) cases.

Request a confidential consultation with an attorney at our firm; call (602) 428-7104.