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Question: What are the penalties for theft?

Answer: Arizona law (Chapter 18 of Title 13 of the Arizona Revised Statutes 13-1801 through 13-1818) provides different penalties for theft, depending on the amount that was stolen and, in some cases, what was taken.The penalties for theft of property, money, or services is as follows:

1. Theft of less than $250.00 is a Class 1 Misdemeanor for which a person can receive a maximum of six months in jail, $2,500.00 fine and probation.

2. Theft of property of a value of $250.00 but less than $1,000.00 is a Class 6 Felony for which a person can be sent to prison for up to two years or put on probation and put in the county jail for up to one year. The maximum fine is $150,000.00.

3. Theft of property of a value of $1,000.00 to $2,000.00 is a Class 5 Felony for which a person can be sent to prison for a maximum of two-and-a-half years or put on probation and sent to the county jail for a maximum of one year. The maximum fine is $150,000.00.

4. Theft of property of a value of $2,000.00 but less than $3,000.00 is a Class 4 Felony for which a person can be sent to prison for a maximum of 3.75 years or put on probation and sent to the county jail for a maximum of one year. The maximum fine is $150,000.00.

5. Theft of property of a value between $3,000.00 and $25,000.00 is a Class 3 Felony for which a person can be sent to prison for a maximum of 8.75 years or put on probation and sent to the county jail for a maximum of one year. The maximum fine is $150,000.00.

6. Theft of property of a value over $25,000.00 is a Class 2 Felony for which a person can be sent to prison for a maximum of 12.5 years or put on probation and sent to the county jail for a maximum of one year. The maximum fine is $150,000.00.

Theft of any gun is a Class 6 Felony, even if the value of the gun was less than $250.00.

Shoplifting is a form of theft in which something is stolen from a store. It is not necessary to actually leave the store in order to be convicted of shoplifting. Shoplifting can occur by switching price tags, transferring goods from one container to another, or hiding the goods, even though the person never actually ever leaves the store.

Like theft, shoplifting property valued at $250.00 or less is a Class 1 Misdemeanor, unless it is a gun, in which case it is treated as a Class 6 Felony. Shoplifting of a value over $250.00 but under $2,500.00 is a Class 6 Felony. Shoplifting of a value over $2,500.00 is a Class 5 Felony.

In addition to the criminal penalties, Arizona law allows the store owner to collect the value of the goods that were stolen, plus $100.00, from the parent of any minor who is caught shoplifting.

*The answer does not include related charges such as robbery, credit card fraud, white collar crimes, consumer fraud or similar crimes which have a theft element to them.


Comments
36 thru 40 of 66 comments
On 03/10/04
Andrew from AZ said:
I just got caught shoplifting. Thing is... you never realize how serious anything is until the worst happens. The moment an employee grabs you and you realize you're not getting away. All sorts of thoughts flash through your mind. The best thing to do from here on out is to be honest. Be straightforward with them, just admit you made a stupid mistake. Everyone is pretty understanding. The police officer who talked to me was really nice and explained everything. $57 worth of merchandise, gotta go to court soon. She says no biggie, but it's been a good life lesson for me. Stay straight.
On 02/09/04
keith from KS said:
I was charged with "stealing" an item valued @ $2.66. What is my posible punishments if convicted?
On 01/23/04
Jen from TX said:
I am 18 and was caught stealing an item at $3.97. What should I expect when I go to court? Does this go on my record?
On 01/04/04
melissa from NM said:
i was recently caught shoplifting at a department store. I don't know whats going to happen with me. They say i have to pay $250.00 and thats all. Can they send me to jail or someting? please help.
On 09/27/03
Ahmad Elfooly from AZ said:
i got caught steeling. i plee guilty, and pay the charges. but right now i am on probation, so if you can tell me what is exactly is probation and can i apply for a job at the bank.
36 thru 40 of 66 comments



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