Defending the Accused in Pima County & Across Arizona

Property crimes encompass a variety of offenses that are considered committed against property instead of persons. These crimes can range from a minor shoplifting incident to a major felony, such as a residential burglary. While some property crimes are nonviolent, all are aggressively pursued and prosecuted by the State. These offenses can be charged as misdemeanors or felonies, putting you at risk for jail and prison time, fines, probation, and restitution to the alleged victims. After a conviction, you will have a permanent criminal record that is easily accessible online; this can affect your job, immigration status, and future opportunities when viewed by prospective employers, landlords, professional licensing agencies, and all other members of the community. These convictions can jeopardize your future for years to come.

At Alatorre Law, you can partner with a well-respected criminal defense attorney who has been protecting the rights of his clients and fighting for their futures for more than 17 years. Our attorney understands the crisis of being arrested and charged with a crime. At such a time, you need someone on your side who understands what you are going through and is willing to give you the time, effort, and dedication needed to fight back. Our attorney has handled countless cases involving many types of property crimes and understands how crucial his work is to your success.

What Are Property Crimes in Arizona

Property crimes typically involve various types of theft or destruction of property. These are crimes that can be charged as both misdemeanors and felonies.

Examples of property crimes in Arizona can include but are not limited to the following:

▪ Arson. This occurs when you knowingly set fire to buildings, structures, or someone’s personal property that results in its damage.
▪ Burglary. Entering to, or remaining unlawfully in, someone else’s property with intent to commit a felony or a theft once inside.
▪ Criminal property damage. This can apply to damage done through various means, such as vandalism, trespassing, graffiti, burglary, arson, and more.
▪ Shoplifting. This is a type of theft offense that is committed while in an establishment in which merchandise is displayed for sale. It does not only mean taking without paying but includes other acts such as changing an item’s price tag in order to pay less for the item.
▪ Organized retail theft. This generally involves shoplifting through the use of devices, instruments, or containers and includes the intent to sell the stolen items afterward.
▪ Criminal trespass. This can include trespass on residential and non-residential property, commercial yards, and railroad tracks and facilities.
▪ Trafficking stolen property. This involves using stolen credit cards as well as reselling or trading goods stolen from others.
▪ Auto theft.

Penalties

Penalties for property crimes vary depending on the nature of the offense, the damage done, or the value of the goods or services stolen. For example, theft of property or services valued under $1,000 is typically a Class 1 misdemeanor, while theft between $2,000 and less than $3,000 is a Class 5 felony. Class 1 misdemeanors carry up to six months of jail time and fines of up to $2,500, while Class 5 felonies carry a potential prison term between six months to 2.5 years.

When facing charges involving property crimes, you should speak with our attorney to determine the specific nature of the charges you are facing, their potential consequences, and your defense options. Our firm is experienced in the issues involved in property crimes, how law enforcement and the state investigate and prosecute them, and what can be done to help you combat them.