Arizona Property Crimes Lawyer
Being accused of a property crime in Arizona can expose you to misdemeanor or felony charges, financial consequences and a criminal record that may affect your future. The Maerowitz Law Firm, LLC provides experienced, personalized criminal defense for people accused of theft, burglary, shoplifting, criminal damage, trespassing and other property-related offenses in Phoenix and throughout Arizona.
An accusation does not establish guilt. Property crime cases can turn on questions involving ownership, intent, knowledge, property value, identification, possession, surveillance evidence, witness credibility and the circumstances surrounding a police investigation.
CALL 480-927-3700 FREE & CONFIDENTIAL CONSULTATIONCharged With a Property Crime in Arizona?
Arizona property crime charges cover a wide range of allegations. A case may involve property allegedly taken from a store, a home or vehicle allegedly entered without authorization, damage to someone else's property, possession of allegedly stolen property or another dispute involving ownership, possession or control.
The exact charge matters. So do the details. The prosecution may need to prove that a person acted knowingly, intentionally or recklessly, depending on the offense. The value and type of property, the location of the alleged conduct and other circumstances can also affect how a case is charged.
An experienced Arizona property crimes lawyer can examine what actually happened, evaluate the prosecution's evidence and identify legal or factual issues that may affect the case.
The Evidence in a Property Crime Case Can Develop Quickly.
Police and prosecutors may rely on surveillance video, photographs, receipts, electronic records, witness statements, fingerprints, vehicle information, social-media content, text messages or property recovered during a search.
Obtaining legal advice early gives your attorney an opportunity to evaluate the allegations, preserve relevant information and identify weaknesses or disputes in the prosecution's evidence.
SPEAK WITH THE MAEROWITZ LAW FIRM | 480-927-3700Arizona Property Crime Defense for a Wide Range of Charges
Arizona law contains several distinct theft, burglary and property-related offenses. The Maerowitz Law Firm evaluates the specific statute charged, the evidence and the circumstances of each case.
Theft
Defense against allegations that a person knowingly controlled, obtained or used another person's property or services without lawful authority and under circumstances prohibited by Arizona theft law.
Shoplifting
Representation involving accusations of removing merchandise without paying, concealment, altered pricing, transferring merchandise between containers or other alleged shoplifting conduct.
Burglary
Defense involving allegations of unlawfully entering or remaining in certain property with the intent to commit theft or another felony.
Criminal Damage
Representation when a person is accused of damaging, defacing or tampering with another person's property.
Criminal Trespass
Defense involving allegations that a person knowingly entered or remained unlawfully on residential, commercial or other property.
Stolen Property Allegations
Defense involving allegedly stolen property, including theft allegations based on possession of property known or allegedly believed to be stolen and charges involving trafficking in stolen property.
Possession of Burglary Tools
Representation involving allegations that a person possessed a tool, instrument, manipulation key or other item under circumstances prohibited by Arizona burglary law.
Vehicle-Related Property Crimes
Defense involving allegations of unlawful use, theft, burglary or other property offenses connected to motor vehicles.
Other Property Offenses
Representation in other Arizona criminal cases involving allegations of unlawful control, use, entry, damage or disposition of property.
Theft Cases Often Turn on Intent, Knowledge and Property Value
Arizona's theft statute covers more than simply taking an item from another person. Depending on the circumstances, theft allegations can involve controlling another person's property with intent to deprive, unauthorized use of entrusted property, obtaining property or services through an alleged material misrepresentation, possessing property known or allegedly believed to be stolen and other conduct.
The value of the property or services can be especially important because Arizona classifies many theft offenses differently based on value and the type of property involved.
A defense may involve disputes about who owned the property, whether the accused had permission to use or possess it, the person's intent, the property's value, whether the property was actually stolen or whether the prosecution can connect the accused person to the alleged offense.
Accused of Shoplifting in Arizona?
Arizona's shoplifting statute covers several forms of alleged conduct involving merchandise displayed for sale. Cases may involve accusations of removing merchandise without paying, concealment, altering or switching price tags, transferring merchandise between containers or using other methods to allegedly pay less than the purchase price.
The seriousness of a shoplifting charge can depend on the value and type of merchandise, the circumstances of the alleged offense and certain prior conduct.
Surveillance footage, witness observations, receipts, merchandise location, statements and evidence concerning intent should all be evaluated before conclusions are drawn about what actually happened.
Arizona Burglary Charges Can Be Serious Felony Allegations
Arizona recognizes multiple degrees of burglary. The particular charge can depend on the type of property allegedly entered, the intent attributed to the person and whether a deadly weapon, dangerous instrument or explosive is alleged to have been possessed during the offense.
Burglary allegations generally involve more than merely being present somewhere without permission. The prosecution must establish the elements required for the particular burglary charge, including the alleged intent to commit theft or another felony where that element applies.
Accused of Damaging or Defacing Property?
Arizona criminal damage law includes several forms of conduct involving another person's property, including certain allegations of damaging, defacing or tampering with property.
The amount of alleged damage can affect whether the charge is classified as a misdemeanor or felony. As a result, how the prosecution calculates the claimed loss or repair cost may become an important issue in the case.
Repair estimates, actual repair costs, photographs, the condition of the property before the incident and other evidence may become important when evaluating the amount of damage alleged.
Criminal Trespass Is Not the Same as Burglary
Criminal trespass generally focuses on knowingly entering or remaining unlawfully on specified property. Arizona recognizes different degrees of criminal trespass depending on the type of property and circumstances.
Burglary generally requires additional criminal intent, such as entering or remaining unlawfully in certain property with the intent to commit theft or another felony. The exact elements depend on the degree charged.
The Evidence in an Arizona Property Crime Case Should Be Carefully Examined.
The defense strategy depends on the offense charged and the facts. Theft, burglary, criminal damage and trespass cases can raise very different legal and factual questions.
Depending on the circumstances, The Maerowitz Law Firm may examine issues including:
Why Property Value Can Matter in an Arizona Criminal Case
For several Arizona property offenses, the alleged value of the property, services or damage can affect the classification of the charge. That can make valuation more than a simple financial issue.
The prosecution's claimed amount should not automatically be assumed to be correct. Depending on the case, relevant evidence may include purchase records, current market value, photographs, repair estimates, replacement cost, expert information or the actual condition of the property.
The answer depends on the particular offense and circumstances. Some property crimes may be misdemeanors, while others are felonies or can become felonies based on property value, type of property, location, prior conduct or other statutory factors.
A Property Crime Case Can Affect More Than the Courtroom.
Criminal Penalties
The particular charge may expose a person to misdemeanor or felony consequences.
Restitution
Property-related criminal cases can create financial issues involving alleged losses or damages.
Criminal Record
A conviction may continue to affect a person after the court case is over.
Employment & Future
Theft and dishonesty-related allegations may create concerns for certain employment and professional opportunities.
Why Hire The Maerowitz Law Firm for an Arizona Property Crime Case?
The Maerowitz Law Firm, LLC is an Arizona law firm focused on providing experienced, personalized criminal defense representation. The firm takes the time to understand the allegations, evidence and circumstances of each client rather than treating every case the same.
Managing Attorney Matt Maerowitz has 12 years of legal experience and has represented clients in bench and jury trials. His practice focuses on criminal defense, DUI and personal injury.
Before co-founding The Maerowitz Law Firm, Matt worked on criminal defense matters at a Scottsdale law firm and also gained experience with the Pima County Attorney's Office as a student prosecutor during law school.
Every property crime case is different. The firm's approach focuses on the evidence, the applicable Arizona law, the client's circumstances and developing a defense strategy tailored to the particular allegations.
Three Important Steps After an Arizona Property Crime Charge
Preserve Your Documents
Keep citations, release paperwork, property receipts, court documents and other materials received from law enforcement.
Preserve Relevant Evidence
Receipts, photographs, communications, location information and other records may become important depending on the allegations.
Speak With a Defense Attorney
Discuss the accusation, evidence and available options with an experienced Arizona criminal defense lawyer.
Looking for an Arizona Property Crimes Lawyer? Talk With The Maerowitz Law Firm.
The Maerowitz Law Firm, LLC is based in Phoenix and represents clients in criminal matters throughout Arizona. Whether you are accused of theft, shoplifting, burglary, criminal damage, criminal trespass, possession of stolen property, trafficking in stolen property or another property-related offense, experienced legal guidance can help you understand the allegations and your options.
If you are searching for an Arizona property crimes lawyer, Phoenix theft attorney, Arizona burglary lawyer, shoplifting defense attorney, criminal damage lawyer or Arizona criminal defense attorney, contact The Maerowitz Law Firm for a free and confidential consultation.
FREE CONSULTATION | 480-927-3700Frequently Asked Questions About Arizona Property Crime Charges
Can an Arizona property crime be a felony?
Yes. Arizona property offenses range from misdemeanors to serious felonies. The classification depends on the particular offense and factors such as value, type of property, location, circumstances and other statutory requirements.
What is the difference between burglary and criminal trespass in Arizona?
Criminal trespass generally concerns knowingly entering or remaining unlawfully on specified property. Burglary involves additional elements and generally includes an intent to commit theft or another felony in the location specified by the particular burglary statute.
Can I be charged with theft if I did not personally steal the property?
Arizona theft law covers several types of conduct. Among other circumstances, the statute can apply when a person controls another's property knowing or having reason to know that it was stolen. The evidence concerning knowledge, possession and control should be carefully reviewed.
Does property value matter in a theft or criminal damage case?
It can. Arizona law uses property value or damage amounts in classifying several property offenses. Valuation may therefore become an important issue when evaluating the charge.
Can a shoplifting charge be challenged?
Yes. The available defense depends on the facts. Surveillance footage, witness observations, possession of merchandise, payment records, statements and evidence concerning intent can all become important.
Do police have to prove I intended to steal something for a burglary charge?
The required elements depend on the degree of burglary charged. Arizona's burglary statutes generally require proof of unlawful entry or remaining together with an intent to commit theft or another felony in the circumstances specified by the applicable statute.
Does The Maerowitz Law Firm offer free consultations for property crime cases?
Yes. The Maerowitz Law Firm, LLC offers a free and confidential initial consultation. Call 480-927-3700 to discuss an Arizona theft, burglary, shoplifting, criminal damage or other property crime matter.
Facing a Property Crime Charge in Arizona?
If you have been arrested, charged or are under investigation for theft, burglary, shoplifting, criminal damage, criminal trespass or another property-related offense in Phoenix or elsewhere in Arizona, speak with an experienced criminal defense attorney about the evidence and your legal options.
Contact The Maerowitz Law Firm, LLC today.
480-927-3700 CALL FOR A FREE CONSULTATION CONTACT THE FIRMThis information is provided for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. The classification, defenses and potential consequences of an Arizona property crime depend on the particular charge, facts and applicable law. Viewing this page or contacting the firm does not by itself establish an attorney-client relationship.