Being charged with receiving stolen property in Tucson, AZ, can turn your life upside down, and you can face charges even if you aren’t the person who stole the items. Depending on the value and type of property involved, the offense may be charged as a misdemeanor or felony, putting a defendant’s freedom, career, and future at risk.
An experienced Tucson receiving stolen property defense lawyer can challenge the state’s evidence and help protect your rights. Reach out to Katsarelis Law Criminal Defense Attorneys to schedule a free consultation today at (520) 510-0439 .
Why Choose After a Receiving Stolen Property Arrest in Tucson, AZ?
When you’re accused of receiving stolen property in Tucson, Arizona, prosecutors will move quickly to build a case against you. Those charged with theft crimes in Tucson trust Katsarelis Law Criminal Defense Attorneys because we practice criminal defense exclusively, which means our entire firm is focused on representing people accused of crimes.
Benefits of hiring our Tucson criminal defense attorneys include:
- 45 years of combined criminal defense experience
- More than 100 five-star Google reviews from satisfied clients
- Thousands of clients represented in criminal matters
There’s no charge for an initial case evaluation with our lawyers. Contact our Tucson theft crimes lawyers today to schedule your free consultation before making statements to police or prosecutors about the allegations.
Overview of Receiving Stolen Property in Arizona
Conduct commonly described as receiving or possessing stolen property may be charged as theft under Arizona Revised Statutes § 13-1802(A)(5). The statute applies when a person, without lawful authority, knowingly controls property of another while knowing or having reason to know that it was stolen. The state does not have to prove that you were the person who originally stole the property.
Prosecutors may rely on where the property came from, what you said about it, whether identifying information was removed or altered, and other circumstances surrounding the transaction or possession. For example, buying a new, high-value laptop from a stranger on the street for $100 may be one fact prosecutors point to as evidence that you had reason to know the item was stolen. Whether the state can prove that element depends on all of the circumstances.
Arizona also has a separate crime for trafficking in stolen property. That offense is governed by A.R.S. § 13-2307 and should not be confused with possessing or controlling stolen property under the theft statute.
Our Tucson theft crimes attorneys can review your charges and help you understand the allegations against you.
What Are the Penalties for Receiving Stolen Property in Tucson, Arizona?
The severity of a receiving stolen property charge depends largely on the value of the property involved.
Under Arizona law, theft offenses are generally classified as follows:
- Class 2 felony: Property or services valued at $25,000 or more
- Class 3 felony: Property or services valued at $4,000 or more but less than $25,000
- Class 4 felony: Property or services valued at $3,000 or more but less than $4,000
- Class 5 felony: Property or services valued at $2,000 or more but less than $3,000
- Class 6 felony: Property or services valued at $1,000 or more but less than $2,000
- Class 1 misdemeanor: Property or services valued at less than $1,000, subject to certain statutory exceptions
For example, theft of a firearm or property taken from another person’s person is a Class 6 felony even if the property is worth less than $1,000.
For first-time, non-dangerous felony offenses governed by A.R.S. § 13-702, the presumptive prison term ranges from five years for a Class 2 felony to one year for a Class 6 felony. T
A Class 1 misdemeanor can carry up to six months in jail and a fine of up to $2,500. Felony convictions can carry fines of up to $150,000, and a court may also order restitution for economic losses caused by the offense.
If you have prior felony convictions, different and potentially longer sentencing ranges may apply. A Tucson receiving stolen property defense attorney can evaluate the unique details of your case to build a strategic defense, working to identify weaknesses in the prosecution’s evidence or negotiating for reduced charges.
What Defenses Can Be Raised if I’m Arrested for Receiving Stolen Property?
Being charged doesn’t mean you’ll be convicted. Because the state must prove the elements of the offense, including that you knew or had reason to know the property was stolen, an experienced attorney may have several avenues to challenge the case.
Potential defenses include:
- Lack of knowledge: You had no reason to know the property was stolen (e.g., it was bought, borrowed, or received as a gift under normal circumstances).
- Lawful ownership or consent: You owned the item or had permission to possess it, which can often be shown through records or witness testimony in personal or ownership disputes.
- Mistaken identity or false accusation: You were wrongly identified, or evidence shows another person controlled the property.
- Unlawful search or seizure: If police violated your constitutional rights during a warrantless search, the court may suppress the resulting evidence.
Evidence such as receipts, sales records, text messages, or a reasonable explanation for your possession can make a difference in your case. A Tucson criminal defense lawyer can examine the state’s evidence and determine which defenses apply to the circumstances.
Schedule a Free Case Evaluation With a Tucson Receiving Stolen Property Defense Lawyer
If you’re facing receiving stolen property charges in Tucson, don’t wait and hope that the situation will resolve itself. Before making statements to police or prosecutors about the allegations, you can speak with a criminal defense lawyer about your rights and options.
Contact our office today for a free, confidential consultation with a Tucson receiving stolen property defense attorney.