In Phoenix, Arizona, property crimes range from misdemeanors to felonies, including acts such as vandalism or graffiti. Individuals may unknowingly commit these offenses, not realizing their potential legal consequences. The penalties for property crimes can be severe, including jail time, fines, and a criminal record. However, an arrest for a property crime doesn't guarantee a conviction; the prosecutor must prove the crime beyond a reasonable doubt. Therefore, those accused should seek an experienced defense lawyer to potentially reduce or dismiss the charges, leveraging any possible defenses or mitigating factors.

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If you have been charged with a property crime in Arizona, you should contact the Nava Law Firm immediately. Our law firm has extensive experience defending against property crimes and can provide guidance throughout the legal process. Our attorneys will help negotiate with prosecutors, represent the accused in court, and work to minimize the penalties or even seek dismissal of charges where possible. Call us today to schedule a free consultation to learn how we can help and defend your rights.

In Phoenix, Arizona, common property crimes include many types of offenses that involve taking or damaging another's property. This includes not only tangible items like vehicles, homes, and other personal belongings but also real estate and structures. Here are some of the most common types of property crimes someone could be charged with in Arizona:

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1. Arson: Arson is intentionally setting fire to property, causing damage. It's a deliberate act that is charged when someone knowingly and maliciously ignites a structure or personal belongings.

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2. Burglary: Burglary often results in theft, but it can also cause property damage, making it a property crime. This includes any break-in that leads to damage, whether or not anything is stolen.

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3. Criminal Damage and Vandalism: These offenses occur when someone damages another's property. This can be through various actions, including arson, break-ins, graffiti, or other reckless behavior that results in harm to property.

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4. Aggravated Criminal Damage: This offense is a more serious charge. It applies when someone intentionally or recklessly, without the owner's consent, damages or alters property. This includes damage to religious places, schools, cemeteries, mortuaries, public utilities, agricultural sites, construction sites, or structures, especially when done to steal non-ferrous metals.

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5. Criminal Trespass: This offense involves unauthorized entry or presence on a property. This can be charged in various degrees, from a class 3 misdemeanor to a class 6 felony, depending on the specifics of the trespass, such as the type of property and the intent of the trespasser.

Arizona enforces strict penalties for property crimes as outlined in the Arizona Revised Statutes (ARS), specifically in Chapters 7 and 8 of Title 13. The severity of these penalties differs based on the type of offense and certain aggravating or mitigating factors. Factors influencing the severity of the sentence may include the following: 

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• The extent of property damage.
• The use or display of a weapon during the crime.
•  Any previous convictions if the offense caused death or serious injury.
• The crime's classification as aggravated, dangerous, or non-dangerous.
• Whether the property was occupied.

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For felony property crimes, fines can reach up to $150,000, with varying prison terms depending on the felony class:

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• Class 6 felony: 18 months to 3 years, with a presumptive term of 27 months.
• Class 5 felony: 2 to 4 years, with a presumptive term of 3 years.
• Class 4 felony: 4 to 8 years, with a presumptive term of 6 years.
• Class 3 felony: 5 to 15 years, with a presumptive term of 7.5 years.
• Class 2 felony: 7 to 21 years, with a presumptive term of 10.5 years.

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For non-dangerous first-time felony offenses, prison terms are adjusted:

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• Class 6 felony: 6 months to 18 months, with a presumptive term of 1 year.
• Class 5 felony: 9 months to 2 years, with a presumptive term of 1.5 years.
• Class 4 felony: 18 months to 3 years, with a presumptive term of 2.5 years.
• Class 3 felony: 30 months to 7 years, with a presumptive term of 3.5 years.
• Class 2 felony: 4 years to 10 years, with a presumptive term of 5 years.

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Misdemeanor property offenses carry less severe penalties:

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• Class 3 misdemeanor: Up to 30 days in jail and/or a fine of up to $500.
• Class 2 misdemeanor: Up to 4 months in jail and/or a fine of up to $750.
• Class 1 misdemeanor: Up to 6 months in jail and/or a fine of up to $2,500.

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First-time offenders typically face a potential sentence but could receive the minimum or maximum sentence based on the factors above. The legal system, therefore, provides a framework for punishment, but the actual sentence can be influenced by the specifics of the offense and the offender's history.