Theft

Phoenix Theft Defense Lawyer

Theft is the taking or use of another person's property without permission or consent. Theft also occurs when a person accepts or receives property that they know to be stolen. Theft crimes can range from the simple act of stealing something from a store to the much more serious felony crime of embezzling money from a business. If you are accused or are being investigated for committing a theft, it is absolutely imperative that you hire a criminal defense attorney who has experience in handling these types of cases. Raymond Kimble is a former police detective and prosecutor who has been working in the Arizona criminal justice system for over 20 years. Mr. Kimble has successfully defended clients charged with various theft crimes, including:

A. Theft: A person commits theft if, without lawful authority, the person knowingly:

    • Controls property of another with the intent to deprive the other person of such property; or
    • Converts for an unauthorized term or use services or property of another entrusted to the defendant or placed in the defendant's possession for a limited, authorized term or use; or
    • Obtains services or property of another by means of any material misrepresentation with intent to deprive the other person of such property or services; or
    • Comes into control of lost, mislaid or mis-delivered property of another under circumstances providing means of inquiry as to the true owner and appropriates such property to the person's own or another's use without reasonable efforts to notify the true owner; or
    • Controls property of another knowing or having reason to know that the property was stolen


Penalties for Theft Crimes in Phoenix, Arizona

The penalties for a theft crime conviction will depend on the value of the property that was stolen. All theft crimes are categorized as follows:

  1. Class 1 Misdemeanor - Involves the theft or property valued at $1,000 or less and is punishable by up to three years probation, six months jail and $2,500 in fines
  2. Class 6 Felony - Is charged when the property stolen is worth between $1,000 and $2,000.  Class 6 Felonies can be punished by probation, jail and up to two years in prison.
  3. Class 5 Felony - Involves property valued between $2,000 and $3,000.  The presumptive prison term for a Class 5 Felony is 1.5 years.
  4. Class 4 Felony - Occurs when you are alleged to have stolen property worth between $3,000 and $4,000.  You can be imprisoned for up to 3.75 years if convicted of a Class 4 Felony.
  5. Class 3 Felony - Involves property having a value of at least $4,000 but less than $25,000.  The penalties for a Class 3 Felony can range from probation to a prison term of up to 8.75 years.
  6. Class 2 Felony - Is charged if you have stolen property or services worth greater than $25,000.  You can be sentenced to prison for up to 12 years for a Class 2 Felony.


Whether you are charged with misdemeanor or felony theft,  you face the potential of spending time in jail or prison, being placed on probation, losing your drivers license and having a criminal record. This is why it is essential to hire an experienced criminal defense attorney who regularly defends these types of charges.

Defending Against a Theft Charge:

If you have been charged with a theft-related crime, it is in your best interests to get a lawyer well-versed in criminal law. It's important to remember that there are specific defenses that can be utilized against Theft related charge. For example, one of the most commonly used defenses is a lack of intent. You may also assert that the property allegedly stolen was gifted to you, that police violated your Miranda rights or that the police failed to conduct a thorough or proper investigation.  If the prosecutor cannot prove that it was your intention to commit a theft, then you can't be successfully prosecuted.

Talk to an Experienced Phoenix Criminal Attorney Today:

Call (480) 833-8613 for Immediate Help

If you have been charged with Theft, Motor Vehicle Theft, Shoplifting, Forgery, Credit Card Theft or any other Theft related offense, it is vital that you contact a highly skilled criminal lawyer immediately. Phoenix theft defense lawyer Raymond Kimble has been defending people charged with these offenses for many years, and has the level of experience and skill it takes to effectively handle these types of cases. Mr. Kimble knows how to prepare a solid assault defense, challenge the prosecution's evidence and negotiate a reduction or dismissal of the charges

With a seasoned Tempe criminal defense lawyer on your case, you will have your rights protected as your attorney fights to secure a favorable outcome on your behalf. Attorney Raymond Kimble has successfully represented hundreds of individuals throughout Arizona over the last twenty years who have been charged with Theft offenses

Free Consultation:  (480) 833-8613