Contrary to popular belief, shoplifting (also known as petty theft) is a significant criminal offense in Arizona. In Arizona, an individual can be charged with shoplifting for acts such as stealing an item, concealing merchandise, or attempting to pay less than the actual cost of an item. The consequences of committing this crime can be severe, ranging from a misdemeanor to a felony. A shoplifting conviction can negatively impact your criminal record and hinder future job or housing opportunities.

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If you have been charged or arrested for shoplifting in Arizona, you must seek legal counsel from a criminal defense attorney as soon as possible. At the Nava Law Firm, you will be provided with an experienced attorney who will review your case and offer expert guidance. Please reach out for a free case evaluation and speak with one of the best criminal defense attorneys in Phoenix.

Shoplifting, defined as the deliberate act of acquiring goods or merchandise intended for sale without paying, is a criminal offense that can range from a misdemeanor to a felony, subject to certain conditions. This offense is outlined in A.R.S§13-1805.

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Shoplifting may contain any of the following offenses according to Arizona law:

• Acquiring merchandise without paying
• Taking items intended for sale or on display without paying
• Tampering with price tags to spend less 
• Purposely hiding merchandise or relocating it for concealment purposes
• Fraudulently paying with a false account or someone else's account without their awareness or approval.

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Prosecutors will also take into account these specific factors to determine how the shoplifting offense will be charged:

• Quantity of merchandise stolen
• Method of Theft
• Shoplifter's age
• Type of stolen goods

Penalties for shoplifting in Arizona vary in severity depending on the nature of the crime. The consequences of a conviction will escalate as the value of the stolen property increases.

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Here is a breakdown of possible penalties for shoplifting in Arizona:

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• Class 1 Misdemeanor: When the stolen merchandise is valued under $1,000. A conviction for a Class 1 misdemeanor can result in a maximum of 6 months imprisonment, a $2,500 fine, and up to 3 years of probation.

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• Class 6 Felony: When the stolen merchandise value is between $1000 and $2000 or the stolen item is a firearm. The prison sentence for a class 6 felony can range from a minimum of 4 months to a maximum of 2 years.

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• Class 5 Felony: Three scenarios exist that could elevate a shoplifting charge to the level of a Class 5 Felony. First is when the value of the stolen merchandise exceeds $2000. Second is when the accused has shoplifted three times within 90 days, and the total value of items was $1,500 or more. Lastly, when the shoplifting charge occurs in a gang-related situation. A class 5 felony has a minimum prison sentence of 0.75 years and a maximum of two years.

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• Class 4 Felony: Elevating a shoplifting charge to a Class 5 Felony could occur under two circumstances: by employing an aid such as an instrument, container, device, or article to facilitate the theft or by having two prior convictions within the last five years for shoplifting, robbery, theft, or burglary. The minimum prison sentence for a class 4 felony is one year, and a maximum of 3.75 years with probation also available.