Although shoplifting may be a common occurrence, it is still a serious offense. Depending on the value of the merchandise taken and other factors, it may be charged as a class four, five, or six felony. If you are facing shoplifting charges, it is in your best interests to have an experienced criminal defense attorney by your side. Call the Surprise shoplifting lawyers at Stewart Law Group today for a free case evaluation.
Why Choose Our Firm?
- Our attorneys at Stewart Law Group have successfully defended clients against all types of shoplifting charges, from class one misdemeanor to class four felony.
- We provide outstanding, client-focused representation with single-minded dedication.
- We have years of experience and a history of success defending clients against a wide range of criminal charges.
What Is Shoplifting?
Under Arizona Revised Statutes Section 13-1805, a person commits shoplifting when, in an establishment in which merchandise is displayed for sale, he or she knowingly obtains such merchandise with the intent to deprive another person of the goods by:
- Removing goods from the immediate display or any place within the establishment without paying the purchase price;
- Charging the purchase price of goods to a fictitious person or another person without authorization;
- Paying less than the purchase price for goods by a trick or artifice, such as removing, substituting, altering, or otherwise disfiguring a price tag, label, or marking;
- Transferring goods from one container to another; or
- Concealment.
Classes of Shoplifting
Generally, shoplifting charges in Arizona depend on the value of the merchandise taken. The higher the value, the more serious the charge.
Class One Misdemeanor Shoplifting
If the value of the goods is less than $1,000, the offense is a class one misdemeanor, the least serious shoplifting charge. Penalties upon conviction may include:
- Maximum jail sentence of six months
- Fine of $2,500
- Up to three years of probation
Class Six Felony Shoplifting
Shoplifting may be charged as a class six felony if:
- The merchandise is valued at $1,000 or more but less than $2,000; or
- The property shoplifted is a firearm, even if the value is under $1,000.
Class six felony shoplifting carries possible penalties including:
- Jail time of six to 18 months
- Fine as high as $150,000
- Probation for up to three years
Class Five Felony Shoplifting
Shoplifting is charged as a class five felony under any of the following circumstances:
- The value of the goods taken was $2,000 or more;
- A continuing criminal episode resulted in goods valued at $1,500 or more being taken during at least three separate events within a 90-day period; or
- The shoplifter assisted a syndicate or gang.
Possible penalties upon conviction of class five felony shoplifting include:
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- Nine months to two years in jail
- Maximum fine of $150,000
- Probation for up to three years
Class Four Felony Shoplifting
This is the most serious shoplifting offense. Shoplifting is charged as a class four felony when:
- The defendant used an artifice, instrument, container, device, or other article to facilitate shoplifting; or
- The defendant has two prior shoplifting offenses or other theft crime convictions within the previous five years.
Class four felony shoplifting conviction carries severe criminal penalties, including:
- 18 months to three years in jail
- Fine of up to $150,000
- Up to three years of probation
Contact Us for Help.
Shoplifting charges are a serious matter. If you have been arrested or charged with any class of shoplifting, contact Stewart Law Group right away. Our experienced shoplifting defense attorneys in Surprise, Arizona can provide the dedicated representation you need.