Facing a shoplifting accusation in Tucson, AZ, is difficult, and even minor incidents can lead to criminal charges and serious consequences for defendants. Many people don’t realize how shoplifting arrests can affect things like employment, schooling, and even relationships until they are in this situation.
It’s important to have someone who understands local laws, courts, and procedures on your side when up against criminal charges. Katsarelis Law Criminal Defense Attorneys has 45 years of combined experience and will work hard to secure as favorable an outcome for you as we can. Contact our Tucson shoplifting lawyers today for a free consultation or call us at (520) 510-0439.
How Katsarelis Law Criminal Defense Attorneys Can Help if You’re Arrested For Shoplifting
If you’re facing a shoplifting charge in Tucson, our criminal defense law firm can step in to help right away.
Here’s how our Tucson theft crimes lawyers will get to work:
- We’ll review the store’s video footage, witness statements, and loss prevention records to look for ways we can fight back against these charges.
- Our lawyers fight to keep a conviction off your record by negotiating plea deals or helping you get into diversion programs when possible.
- We’ll look at the dollar amount and type of property taken to challenge felony charges or have them reduced to misdemeanors if the facts support it.
- We will represent you at all court appearances, including taking your case to trial if necessary.
Getting legal help in Tucson, Arizona, can help you protect your freedom and your future. Contact Katsarelis Law Criminal Defense Attorneys to schedule a free consultation with a Tucson shoplifting lawyer.
Overview of Shoplifting in Arizona
In Arizona, shoplifting is when someone tries to take something from a store without paying. The law covers more than just walking out with unpaid items in your pocket or bag. You can be charged with shoplifting if you:
- Take items off the shelf and leave without paying for them
- Use a fake name, a false or unauthorized account, or someone else’s credit card to make a purchase
- Switch, remove, or alter price tags to pay less than the actual price
- Move an item into a different box, bag, or container to get it for free or at a lower price
- Hide merchandise on your body or in your belongings with the intent to steal
Intent is a major part of shoplifting charges. Arizona law often presumes you meant to steal if you hide items or use tools or tricks to get past security, even if you’re still inside the store when caught.
What Are the Penalties for Shoplifting in Tucson, Arizona?
The penalties for shoplifting in Tucson depend on how much was taken and the circumstances of the case. Though the consequences can vary substantially, a rough estimate might look like the following.
- If the value of what was taken is less than $1,000, it is a class 1 misdemeanor. You could face up to 6 months in jail, a fine up to $2,500, and up to 3 years of probation.
- If the value is between $1,000 and $2,000, or if the item is a firearm, it is a class 6 felony. This carries 6 months to 1.5 years in prison, fines up to $150,000, and up to 3 years of probation.
- If you are accused of taking property worth $2,000 or more, are connected to a criminal gang, or have three shoplifting convictions in 90 days, the charge is a class 5 felony. The potential sentence ranges from 9 months to 2 years in prison, with fines up to $150,000, and probation up to 3 years.
- Shoplifting using tricks or devices (“artifice”) or if it’s your third conviction within 5 years is a class 4 felony. Sentences range from 1 year to 3 years and 9 months in prison, with similar fines and probation as listed above.
Shoplifting can lead to serious consequences, especially if you have a criminal record or certain factors make the case more serious, so it’s important to seek legal advice right away.
What Defenses Can Be Raised if I’m Arrested for Shoplifting in Arizona?
If you’re charged with shoplifting in Tucson, there are several defenses that may help your case. Common ones include:
Unlawful Detention or Search
Stores and police must follow certain rules when stopping and searching someone for shoplifting. If you were held without cause or evidence was collected illegally, your lawyer can ask the court to suppress the evidence that was found or even dismiss the case.
A close look at surveillance footage and witness statements can help prove your rights were violated.
Lack of Intent
Intent is a central part of shoplifting charges. If you didn’t mean to take an item, like you simply forgot to pay and left the store by mistake, your attorney can argue that there was no criminal intent behind your actions. Honest mistakes do happen, and the law recognizes the difference between these and theft.
Mistaken Identity
Sometimes, store staff or security pick the wrong person out of a crowd. If someone misidentified you as the shoplifter, your criminal defense lawyer can use surveillance footage, receipts, or alibi witnesses to show you weren’t involved in taking anything.
Right to the Property
In some cases, you may have rightfully owned the item, already paid for it, or had permission to have it in your possession. Your lawyer can show receipts, payment records, or communication that proves you weren’t stealing.
Having an attorney who understands shoplifting laws and court procedure can help you push back against the charges and work toward a fair outcome.
Schedule a Free Case Evaluation With Our Tucson Shoplifting Attorneys
Being accused of shoplifting puts you in a stressful situation. Whether it was a misunderstanding and you are innocent, or you’ve made a bad decision and shoplifted, help is available. Every case is different, and the details matter, so it’s important not to face the legal process alone.
Having a lawyer who understands how these charges work can help you get answers and protect your record. Contact Katsarelis Law Criminal Defense Attorneys to schedule a free consultation with a Tucson shoplifting attorney.