Were you recently charged with or accused of shoplifting? You may have questions about what happens next, especially if you never left a store with a product or were apprehended before for shoplifting. During a free case evaluation with a Phoenix shoplifting lawyer, you can have these questions answered and understand your circumstances far better.

To reach the Phoenix criminal defense lawyers at Lerner and Rowe Law Group, call 602-667-7777 to schedule a free consultation and learn more about out affordable payment plans. 

Phoenix Shoplifting Lawyer

Shoplifting Cases Handled by Phoenix Criminal Lawyers

Here are some different actions that could qualify as a shoplifting charge:

  • Stuffing products under clothing
  • Removal of displayed items
  • Removal of wares without paying
  • Using a device to assist in the removal of security devices
  • Charging a credit card without consent
  • Moving products from one container to a different one to convince the store to sell for less or give them away for free
  • Switching out price tags

Shoplifting is a frequently charged offense in Phoenix, and our experienced defense attorneys are well-versed in handling these cases.

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We are committed to protecting our clients’ rights and advocating for the best possible outcome in every situation.

Classifications for Arizona Shoplifting Laws 

In Phoenix, a shoplifting charge tends to fall under these classifications:

  1. A Class 1 misdemeanor is charged for shoplifted property worth $1,000 or less.
  2. A Class 6 felony may be charged for the same value listed above, but only if the stolen property was a firearm.
  3. You could be charged with a Class 5 felony if the claims state you stole property worth $2,000 or more. You can also be charged at this level if the shoplifting was done to help a street gang.
  4. A Class 4 felony is charged for using an instrument to ease the shoplifting itself, if the individual has been convicted of similar theft-related crimes in the last five years.

To understand what those classes mean, this is how Arizona’s criminal code breaks it down:

  • Felonies are the most severe charges and have six classes, with Class 1 felonies being the most serious and reserved for major crimes. 
  • Undesignated felonies represent a hybrid-type conviction where a felony has the ability to be resolved  as a misdemeanor. 
  • Misdemeanors are more common charges, divided into three classes. Similar to felonies, Class 1 misdemeanors incur the worst penalties compared to Class 2 and Class 3.

Penalties Your Phoenix Shoplifting Lawyer Will Fight

Phoenix shoplifting charges incur tough penalties that your attorney will fight. Some real possibilities include:

  1. Six months in jail and/or around $2,500 in fines for a Class 1 misdemeanor
  2. Between four months to just under six years in prison, depending on any prior sentencing, for a Class 6 felony
  3. Anywhere from six months to seven and a half years in prison for a Class 5 felony
  4. One to fifteen years in prison for a Class 4 felony

Lengthy prison sentences may go on your permanent record, as well as keep you from your family, career, and significant commitments. Shoplifting charges may also appear on background checks, meaning that getting a new job after serving jail time can be difficult. You could also have more fines added to your penalties, which would have to be paid soon, typically through your personal savings.

Why Should I Choose a Phoenix Shoplifting Lawyer from Lerner and Rowe Law Group?

With a Phoenix shoplifting lawyer at Lerner and Rowe Law Group defending you, you have a better chance of reaching the best possible outcome.

After all, we’ve helped thousands of Arizona residents reach favorable results. We have worked decades within our state’s criminal code. And we’re local, which gives us a further advantage due to our familiarity with local courts, judges, and prosecutors. Past clients have given us hundreds of five-star reviews, and our award-winning criminal defense lawyers are accessible via affordable payment plans. This means you won’t have to anticipate a large lump sum the day your case is tried and sentenced.

Contact a Phoenix Shoplifting Lawyer at Lerner and Rowe Law Group Soon

A Phoenix attorney with experience handling shoplifting cases can help you. We know the top tactics and defense strategies that favor a favorable outcome. Call 602-667-7777, complete this FREE online form, or use LiveChat now and schedule your free case evaluation and consultation.