What Are the Different Types of Theft?
If you are charged with theft, the specific type of theft mentioned in the criminal complaint will have a significant impact on the consequences you could face. In Arizona, there are both misdemeanor and felony theft charges, with penalties ranging of up to 12-and-a-half years in prison. In the course of your defense, your attorney may attempt to plead your theft charge down to a charge with lesser penalties. Here is a closer look at different types of theft charges in Arizona.
Misdemeanor Theft
If the alleged theft involved less than $1,000 in cash or property, then it is considered to be a misdemeanor theft. Misdemeanor theft is punishable by up to six months jail. There are a few exceptions to the misdemeanor theft guidelines. If the items taken included a firearm or an animal with purpose of using the animal for fighting, then the theft charge will be a class 6 felony, even if the value of the property was less than $1,000.
Class 6 through Class 4 Felony Theft
A class 6 felony theft charge involves cash or property valued at $1,000 to $2,000 and is punishable by a minimum of four months in jail to a maximum of two years in prison. For a class 5 felony, the value of the cash or property falls between $2,000 and $3,000. Class 5 felony theft is punishable by a minimum of six months in jail or a maximum of two-and-a-half years in prison. If the property or cash involved in the theft was worth between $3,000 and $4,000, the charge is a class 4 felony, punishable by a minimum of one year to a maximum of three-and-three-quarters years in prison.
Class 3 through Class 2 Felony Theft
These theft charges are the most serious. Theft of between $4,000 and $25,000 worth of cash or property is a class 3 felony carries a minimum of two years and maximum of eight-and-three-quarters years in prison. Class 2 felony theft involves property or cash worth over $25,000 and carries a sentence of a minimum of three and maximum of 12-and-a-half years in prison.
If you’re facing theft charges in Tucson, mounting a strong defense is essential. Janet Altschuler, attorney at law, will fight for your rights at every stage of your case. Schedule a case review by calling (520) 247-1789.