Phoenix Shoplifting Defense Lawyer

On the surface, a shoplifting charge may seem like a minor crime. If you or a loved one is convicted of a shoplifting charge, then that will stay on your criminal record which then could cause problems with job opportunities or housing opportunities. In certain scenarios, shoplifting can also be considered a felony instead of a misdemeanor. If you or a loved one have been charged with shoplifting, it is absolutely vital that you contact a qualified, knowledgeable and experienced attorney to schedule a free consultation.

What is Considered Shoplifting in Arizona?

‍

There are many different forms that Shoplifting can come in. As shown below, shoplifting can be classified differently based on the facts of the event. Some events that could be considered shoplifting are:

Removing products without paying.
Removing or substituting price tags to pay less than the actual purchase price.
Concealing goods or transferring products to another container.

Penalties for Shoplifting in Arizona

‍

The penalties for being charged and convicted of Shoplifting is dependent on the seriousness of the crime. If the value of the property that was stolen is higher, then more serious charges can be levied against you which would increase the penalties resulting from the conviction. Some of the penalties for Shoplifting in Arizona include:

Class 1 Misdemeanor: If the value of the goods stolen was less than $1,000. This carries the least punishment, but the sentencing can still be severe. Conviction of this Class 1 misdemeanor carries a maximum sentence of 6 months in jail, $2,500 fine and up to 3 years of probation.

Class 6 Felony: If the goods stolen were valued between $1,000 and $2,000 or more OR the property stolen was a firearm, then this Shoplifting crime will be charged as a Class 6 felony. This conviction carries a potential jail sentence of 6 to 18 months and a fine that could be as much as $150,000.

Class 5 Felony: There are 3 different scenarios that could result in a Shoplifting charge to be charged as a Class 5 felony. One of those is if the value of the goods were $2,000 or more. The 2nd way is if there is a continuous episode of shoplifting that had a combined value of $1,500 or more in three separate events within a 3 month period. The 3rd is when someone charged with Shoplifting is assisting a gang or syndicate. This conviction will carry a potential jail sentence of 9 months to 2 years. The maximum fine is $150,000 along with probation for 3 years.

Class 4 Felony: The first scenario where someone can be charged with Class 4 Felony Shoplifting is when the person used an instrument, container, device or other article to facilitate the shoplifting. The second scenario is if the person charged already has 2 prior offenses within the last 5 years. This is the most serious Shoplifting charge and a conviction carries a potential jail sentence of 18 months to 3 years, a fine up to $150,000 and probation up to 3 years.

If you or a loved one have been charged with a Shoplifting charge in Arizona, please contact us today to schedule your free consultation.

Civil Penalties for Shoplifting

‍

In the state of Arizona, merchants have the right to sue adults and emancipated minors in shoplifting scenarios civilly for damages. The merchant can request damage awards of the value of the items stolen, plus additional damages. If convicted in a civil suit, the shoplifter can face a $250 civil penalty plus the retail value of the stolen goods.

Shoplifting Defense Attorney In Phoenix, Arizona

‍

If you or a loved one have been charged with a crime then this is a very stressful time in your life. The most important step you can take right now is consulting with an experienced attorney that has extensive knowledge of the criminal justice system and how to handle misdemeanors. If you choose to work with our firm, you will always have direct access to your attorney and will be working with one of the most knowledgeable criminal attorneys in Arizona.

Our firm serves the areas of Phoenix, Mesa, Scottsdale, Glendale, Tempe, Chandler and other areas around Arizona. If you or a loved one have been charged with a Shoplifting charge in Arizona, please contact us today to schedule your free consultation.

CASE RESULTS

Extreme DUI

Case Result: Client found not guilty after jury trial

Client was charged with Extreme DUI after police found him asleep in his car in the parking lot. After long jury trial jury found client not guilty of all counts.

Domestic Violence Assault

Case Result: Client found not guilty at trial

Client was accused of hitting his wife and damaging property. After trial with several witnesses, the client was found not guilty of all charges.

Theft

Case Result: Client found not guilty after jury trial

Client was charged with taking expensive sunglasses. After months of working with prosecutor all charges dismissed when it was shown that clients friend was the responsible party.

Domestic Violence Assault

Case Result: Not guilty of all counts

Client was found not guilty of all counts on domestic violence assault after trial. State had alleged a serious injury to victim. Client was facing jail if convicted.

Threatening and Intimidating

Case Result: All charges dismissed

Client was charged with leaving threatening messages for his ex-girlfriend. After negotiating the matter with the prosecutor all charges against the client were dismissed. The Client was also given shorter domestic violence classes.

Felony DUI

Case Result: Charges reduced to misdemeanor

Client was charged with felony DUI for driving against traffic while impaired. Ultimately the case was reduced to misdemeanor from felony. Client had been facing four months in prison if convicted of felony.

Domestic Violence Criminal Damage

Case Result: Client offered a better plea with no jail at time of trial

Client was charged with damaging property belonging to him and girlfriend. At time of trial the state offered a much better plea than originally offered that included no jail instead of 30 days originally sought.

Super Extreme DUI

Case Result: Charged reduced

Client was charged with super extreme DUI but was offered a plea to regular DUI with much lower jail and lower fines.

Extreme DUI

Case Result: Client found not guilty after bench trial

Chose to have the Judge decide the case for strategic reasons. Judge found the client not guilty of all counts.

Domestic Violence Assault, 5 Counts

Case Result: All charges dismissed at time of trial

Client was facing 120 days in jail. All charges dismissed at time of trial when the state was not able to proceed without needed witnesses.

Extreme DUI

Case Result: Extreme DUI reduced to Regular DUI

The client was had their Extreme DUI reduced to a Regular DUI. Client was facing several weeks in jail.

Aggravated Assault

Case Result: Not Guilty on all counts

City of Mesa - Client was found Not Guilty on an all counts including assault. Client was facing 60 days jail.

Child Endangerment

Case Result: All Charges Dismissed

Mesa City Court - Defendant charged with child endangerment. All charges dismissed at time of trial. Client was facing 60 days in jail.

Child Endangerment

Case Result: Not Guilty after trial.

Scottsdale City Court - Client found not guilty of child endangerment after trial. Client had been facing 15 days in jail.

Marijuana DUI

Case Result: Charges reduced to reckless driving.

Mesa City Court - Client had their charges of a Marijuana related DUI reduced to Reckless Driving in the Mesa City Court.

Standard DUI

Case Result: Charges reduced to reckless driving.

Scottsdale City Court - Client had their charges of a Standard DUI reduced to Reckless Driving in the Scottsdale City Court.

Domestic Violence Charges

Case Result: Not guilty after trial

Mesa City Court - Not guilty after trial on domestic violence disorderly conduct. Client was facing 30 days in jail.

Felony Domestic Violence

Case Result: Reduced to misdemeanor with no jail

Maricopa County Superior Court - Client charged with felony Domestic Violence Disorderly Conduct. Client was facing prison time. Charge reduced to misdemeanor with no jail.

FREE CONSULTATION

CLIENT REVIEWS

Colin B.

A very intelligent and friendly, professional man to work with. He was hired in referral to me by a family member and all the great reviews are true! He worked hard for me on a case for a reasonable price and ended with the best possible outcome.

Thank you Alex

Richard H.

He is a very confident and thorough lawyer and very helpful and knowledgeable, I would recommend him to anyone in need of legal advice and/or defense

‍

‍

M V.

Outstanding character, exceptional legal knowledge of Arizona Law and a strong work ethic. Benikov Law will work tirelessly in their representation of their clients. I would never even consider another firm for any legal representation that I require.

‍

Ryan S.

Very knowledgeable, professional and trustworthy, I wouldn't hesitate to get Benikov on my side!

‍

Dustin F.

Mr. Benikov is highly professional and understanding of his client's needs. I will continue to use his law firm for all of my legal matters.

‍

Daniel R.

Mr. Benikov has always been exceptional at making himself available to answer any questions I’ve ever had with legal issues and never turns me away with even the smallest matters and I respect his genuine care for his clients!

‍

Patricia K.

Mr. Benikov is always professional and will take care of your matters in a professional manner and I would recommend him to anyone. 5 stars!
‍

‍

Michael G.

Mr. Benikov helped me with a very complicated and dangerous case involving my daughter. He was able to get the case dismissed, for which I'm eternally grateful.

‍

Jody S.

Alex Benikov and his law firm are definitely my first call. He’s knowledgeable, responsive and is a good lawyer to have in your corner

‍