Trusted Arizona Property Crime Defense Attorney
At Alatorre Law, we defend individuals facing serious criminal charges, including theft, burglary, criminal damage, and other property-related offenses. As a trusted property crime defense attorney in Tucson, AZ, Javier Alatorre carefully examines every case, challenges weak evidence, and protects clients’ rights throughout the Phoenix and Tucson Metropolitan Areas. Hablamos español and proudly provide bilingual legal representation.
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What Are Property Crimes in Arizona?
A property crime in AZ is any offense involving the theft, unlawful use, damage, destruction, or possession of another person’s property. Unlike violent crimes, property crimes primarily target property rather than individuals. However, Arizona prosecutors aggressively pursue these offenses, and convictions can carry severe consequences, including fines, restitution, probation, jail, or prison time.
Arizona law recognizes several categories of property crimes, ranging from misdemeanor offenses to serious felonies. The severity of the charge often depends on the value of the property involved, the amount of damage caused, whether force was used, and the accused person’s criminal history. Although the Tucson property crime rate fluctuates from year to year, law enforcement agencies continue to aggressively investigate and prosecute property-related offenses throughout Pima and Maricopa Counties, Arizona.
What Is Considered a Property Crime Under Arizona Law?
Arizona law treats any offense involving the theft, damage, or unlawful use of property as a property crime. Common crimes include:
Theft (A.R.S. § 13-1802)
Knowingly taking, controlling, or using another person's property without lawful authority and with the intent to deprive the owner of it. A theft charges lawyer can evaluate defenses.
Burglary (A.R.S. §§ 13-1506 to 13-1508)
Entering or remaining unlawfully in a residential, commercial, or nonresidential structure with intent to commit theft or felony. An attorney for theft charge cases can assess details.
Criminal Damage (A.R.S. § 13-1602)
Damaging, defacing, tampering with, or destroying another person's property. These cases involve vandalism, graffiti, or other incidents, resulting in significant property damage charges.
Arson Arson (A.R.S. §§ 13-1703 to 13-1705)
Deliberately causing damage to property through fire or explosives constitutes arson. Arson offenses are among the most serious property crimes prosecuted in Arizona courts under state law.
Possession of Stolen Property (A.R.S. § 13-1802)
Knowingly possessing, receiving, or controlling property that has been stolen may result in charges under ARS possession of stolen property provisions and serious criminal penalties.
Trafficking in Stolen Property (A.R.S. §§ 13-2307 & 13-2308)
Selling, transferring, distributing, or profiting from stolen property can result in felony charges and substantial prison exposure involving theft control stolen property allegations.
Organized Retail Theft (A.R.S. § 13-1819)
Participating in a coordinated scheme to steal merchandise from retail stores can result in felony charges and significant penalties. A theft case attorney can challenge the evidence.
Criminal Trespass (A.R.S. §§ 13-1502 to 13-1504)
Knowingly entering or remaining on another person's property without permission can lead to misdemeanor or felony criminal charges handled by an experienced property crimes lawyer.
Property Crime Penalties in Arizona: What Are You Facing?
| Violation | Class of Offense | Prison Sentences Under Arizona Law |
|---|---|---|
| Theft (Property/Services Under $1,000) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 6 months in jail, up to 3 years probation, fines, and restitution. |
| Theft (Property/Services $1,000 - $1,999) | Class 6 Felony | First Offense: 4 months to 2 years in prison. Repetitive offenders face enhanced prison terms, plus fines and restitution. |
| Theft (Property/Services $2,000 - $2,999) | Class 5 Felony | First Offense: 6 months to 2.5 years in prison. Enhanced penalties apply for prior felony convictions. |
| Theft (Property/Services $3,000 - $3,999) | Class 4 Felony | First Offense: 1 to 3.75 years in prison. Repeat offenders may face substantially longer sentences. |
| Theft (Property/Services $4,000 - $24,999) | Class 3 Felony | First Offense: 2 to 8.75 years in prison. Courts may also order restitution and substantial fines. |
| Theft (Property/Services $25,000 or More) | Class 2 Felony | First Offense: 3 to 12.5 years in prison. Theft involving property valued at $100,000 or more may restrict probation eligibility. |
| Burglary in the Third Degree (A.R.S. §13-1506) | Class 4 Felony | First Offense: 1 to 3.75 years in prison, plus fines, restitution, and felony consequences. |
| Burglary in the Second Degree (A.R.S. §13-1507) | Class 3 Felony | First Offense: 2 to 8.75 years in prison. Enhanced penalties apply for prior felony convictions. |
| Criminal Damage ($250 - $999) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 6 months in jail, probation, fines, and restitution for damaged property. |
| Criminal Damage ($1,000 - $1,999) | Class 6 Felony | First Offense: 4 months to 2 years in prison, plus restitution and court costs. |
| Criminal Damage ($2,000 - $9,999) | Class 5 Felony | First Offense: 6 months to 2.5 years in prison, along with restitution obligations. |
| Criminal Damage ($10,000 or More) | Class 4 Felony | First Offense: 1 to 3.75 years in prison, substantial restitution, and felony penalties. |
| Organized Retail Theft (A.R.S. §13-1819) | Class 4 Felony | First Offense: 1 to 3.75 years in prison. Repeat offenders face significantly increased prison exposure. |
| Trafficking in Stolen Property – Second Degree (A.R.S. §13-2307) | Class 3 Felony | First Offense: 2 to 8.75 years in prison, plus fines, restitution, and a permanent felony record. |
| Trafficking in Stolen Property – First Degree (A.R.S. §13-2307) | Class 2 Felony | First Offense: 3 to 12.5 years in prison. Prior felony convictions can dramatically increase sentencing ranges. |
| Arson of an Occupied Structure (A.R.S. §13-1704) | Class 2 Felony | First Offense: 3 to 12.5 years in prison, with enhanced penalties possible depending on the circumstances of the offense. |
Additional Consequences
- Court-ordered restitution to property owners
- Significant fines and court costs
- Probation or community supervision
- Permanent criminal record
- Loss of employment opportunities
- Professional licensing consequences
- Immigration consequences for non-citizens
- Loss of firearm rights following certain felony convictions
How Our Property Crime Defense Attorney Defends Your Case
Every property crime case deserves a strong defense. As a trusted property crime defense attorney, we act quickly to challenge the prosecution’s case.
Review the Charges
Examine police reports, witness statements, and all allegations against you.
Challenge Illegal Searches
Investigate whether law enforcement violated your constitutional rights.
Analyze the Evidence
Identify weaknesses, inconsistencies, and gaps in the prosecution's evidence.
Build Your Defense
Develop a strategy based on the facts, intent, ownership issues, and available evidence.
Fight for the Best Outcome
Negotiate aggressively and prepare every case for trial when necessary.
Why Choose Our Property Crime Defense Attorney in AZ?
Direct Access to Javier Alatorre
Former Prosecutor
Aggressive Trial Representation
Bilingual Legal Representation (Hablamos Español)
Accessible around the Clock
- FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can possession of stolen property lead to felony charges?
Many first-time drug possession offenders may qualify for diversion programs, probation, or treatment instead of jail, depending on the facts of the case and prior criminal history.
Can I be charged for property damage caused accidentally?
Felony drug crime charges are generally more serious and often involve larger drug quantities, intent to distribute, trafficking allegations, or repeat offenses.
Will I have to pay restitution in a property crime case?
You should contact a theft crime defense lawyer as soon as you learn you are under investigation or have been arrested.
When should I hire a theft crime defense lawyer?
If convicted, courts frequently order restitution to compensate alleged victims for financial losses, repairs, replacement costs, or other damages.
What defenses are available against theft charges?
Yes, if law enforcement violated your constitutional rights during a search, traffic stop, or arrest, your drug crime defense attorney can challenge the evidence and seek to have the charges dismissed or reduced.
How long does a property crime investigation typically last?
Dangerous drugs under Arizona law may include methamphetamine, ecstasy, LSD, and certain prescription medications. A skilled controlled substance attorney can help explain how these classifications may impact your charges.
Is destruction of property a crime in Arizona?
Property damage during a home invasion is typically prosecuted as Criminal Damage under Arizona law and may result in additional felony charges, restitution, fines, and imprisonment depending on the extent of the damage.
How is home invasion property damage handled?
Yes, destruction of property is typically prosecuted as Criminal Damage under A.R.S. § 13-1602. It may be charged as a misdemeanor or felony, depending on the extent of the damage.
Contact Property Crimes Lawyer Today!
A theft, burglary, criminal damage, or trafficking charge does not automatically result in a conviction. The prosecution must prove every element of the case beyond a reasonable doubt. If you are facing charges, contact Alatorre Law, a trusted Phoenix criminal defense attorney, for experienced defense in theft crimes, destruction of property charges, and Arizona trafficking in stolen property cases.
1 S Church Ave, Suite 1115 Tucson, AZ 85701
4800 North Scottsdale Rd, Suite 4500 Scottsdale, AZ 85251
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