Theft crimes in Arizona fall into several distinct categories, each carrying unique legal definitions and potential consequences. If you have been accused of theft, understanding the distinctions between these offenses might be an important first step in addressing the allegations. After all, it is difficult to defend against what you don’t fully understand.
Larceny Crimes in Arizona
Before looking at three of the most common types of theft crimes in Arizona, it is important to first quickly go over the term “larceny.” In some contexts, you might see that someone has been accused of larceny, but this term is not usually used exactly as-is in Arizona’s criminal statutes, so specific charges will generally have a different name. Instead, larceny in Arizona is just another way of saying theft, and it is described as knowingly taking or using someone else’s property without their permission and with the intention to never return it to them.
Burglary Charges in Arizona
Burglary involves entering or unlawfully remaining in a building with the intent to commit theft or another felony. Unlike some other theft crimes, burglary does not require you to physically steal anything to justify the charges. The act of unlawful entry with intent to commit a crime is enough to qualify as burglary under Arizona law.
Burglary is usually sorted into three subcategories, including:
- First-Degree Burglary: Involves entering a property while armed with a dangerous weapon, which significantly increases the severity of criminal penalties.
- Second-Degree Burglary: Applies to breaking into a residential property for the purpose of theft or any other felony.
- Third-Degree Burglary: Describes unlawful entry into a commercial building or non-residential structure, such as a storage unit or fenced yard.
Penalties for burglary typically depend on the degree of the crime, ranging from probation to lengthy prison terms. Defenses may include proving you were lawfully present at the property or emphasizing the absence of intent to commit a crime.
Robbery Charges in Arizona
Robbery differs from other theft crimes because it involves taking someone else’s property directly while using force or intimidation. This element of physical confrontation makes robbery one of the more serious theft-related crimes, and prosecutors rarely show any leniency when pursuing a conviction.
Types of robbery crimes vary based on the details of the alleged incident, such as:
- Robbery: Defined as taking property directly from a person through the use of threats or physical force.
- Aggravated Robbery: Occurs when an accomplice is involved in the act of robbery, which often escalates the severity of the offense.
- Armed Robbery: Committed with the use of a deadly weapon or a simulated or perceived deadly weapon (such as convincing the victim that the assailant has a firearm even if it is never seen).
Robbery convictions typically result in heavy sentences, especially in armed robbery cases. It is not unusual for someone who is convicted of armed robbery to be sentenced to at least 7 years in prison, for example. Defenses might involve challenging the use of threats or force or demonstrating a lack of evidence tying you to the crime.
Shoplifting Charges in Arizona
Shoplifting refers to taking items from a retail store without paying for them. Although uncommon, the charges could also be used against someone who is accused of altering price tags to pay a reduced price.
Shoplifting charges typically involve actions such as:
- Concealing merchandise in an attempt to leave the store without payment.
- Altering price tags to pay less than the full retail price.
- Using a tool to bypass security devices in a store.
While shoplifting may sound less severe than other theft crimes, a conviction can still cause serious and long-lasting disruptions to day-to-day life, career opportunities, and more. The penalties are determined by the value of the goods involved, whether the act was premeditated, or if repeat offenses are on record. The use of tools to enable shoplifting, such as “booster bags,” often leads to higher charges, too, because it shows clearly premeditated actions to shoplift an item.
Shoplifting defenses may involve establishing that the accused intended to pay for the merchandise, that they were unaware the items were in their possession, or that procedural flaws occurred during the investigation or apprehension.
Comparing the Types of Theft in Arizona
While these theft crimes share elements of unlawfully obtaining property, several key differences set them apart:
- Intent: Burglary focuses primarily on intent to commit a crime, even if no property is taken. Robbery, on the other hand, necessitates the use of intimidation or force.
- Aggression: Shoplifting is typically less confrontational, while robbery involves a direct interaction with the victim.
- Penalties: Crimes involving weapons, threats, or substantial monetary values (such as armed robbery or high-value larceny) carry some of the most severe penalties under Arizona law.
MayesTelles PLLC Can Help You Defend Against Theft Charges
At MayesTelles PLLC in Arizona, we understand the impact theft charges can have on your life, career, and reputation. That’s why we are dedicated to providing strong defense strategies for every case. Whether you’re facing accusations of burglary, robbery, larceny, shoplifting, or another theft-related crime, you won’t get a pre-made defense strategy; everything we do is tailored to your specific charges and circumstances.
Why should you choose our Arizona theft crime defense team?
- Personalized Attention: We treat every case with the care and dedication it deserves, never using a “cookie-cutter” approach to our work.
- Proven Experience: Our attorneys have a thorough understanding of Arizona’s theft laws and work tirelessly to craft a case strategy that protects your rights as much as possible.
- Client-Centered Support: Facing criminal charges can be overwhelming, but we’re here to keep you informed and provide reassurance throughout the legal process.
- Comprehensive Defense: From minor theft allegations to complex burglary or robbery charges, we are equipped to handle any type of theft crime case.
If you or a loved one are facing theft crime charges of any type in Arizona, contact MayesTelles PLLC today to schedule a consultation and discuss how we can protect your rights and future. Call (602) 428-7104 now.