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Receiving Stolen Property in Phoenix

Receiving Stolen Property in Phoenix

Were you arrested for receiving stolen property in Phoenix, AZ? If so, you need to start defending yourself — immediately. 

You probably have a lot of questions, but one thing is certain: the prosecution won’t look out for your rights. You’ll need an experienced Phoenix receiving stolen property lawyer to do that for you. Luckily, Orent Law Offices can help.

Contact us today at (480) 656-7301 for a free consultation with a Phoenix theft lawyer.

How Orent Law Offices Can Help If You’re Arrested for Receiving Stolen Property in Phoenix, AZ

How Orent Law Offices Can Help If You’re Arrested for Receiving Stolen Property in Phoenix, AZ

The Arizona State Bar named Craig Orent a Certified Criminal Law Specialist because he is an excellent attorney for people charged with crimes, including the crime of receiving stolen property. 

He has over 33 years of experience litigating in Arizona criminal courts and gives 100% of his attention and effort to every client. Mr. Orent frequently gets cases dismissed, charges reduced, and wins favorable sentences for his clients in Phoenix, AZ. Let him help you try to reach a favorable resolution in your case.

When you hire Craig Orent to defend you against receiving stolen property, you’ll always get:

  • Clear and honest communication 
  • A thorough investigation 
  • Negotiation for dismissal or reduction of the charges 
  • Access to highly-qualified expert witnesses for trial
  • A lawyer with trial experience to argue your case to a jury 

Don’t waste time sitting in jail or waiting to be convicted of receiving stolen property. Contact a Phoenix criminal defense lawyer to start working on your case ASAP. 

What is Receiving Stolen Property in Phoenix?

Receiving stolen property is a theft crime. Even if you didn’t steal anything, you can still be charged with a crime if you buy property stolen by someone else. That’s because the Arizona legislature wants to keep people from buying stolen property.

The prosecutor must prove that you controlled another person’s property after knowing or having reason to know that the property was stolen. Technically, you don’t need to buy the stolen property, it is enough to merely accept it.

Is Receiving Stolen Property a Misdemeanor or Felony in Arizona?

Felonies are serious criminal convictions that can have more consequences than jail time. If you’re convicted of felony receiving stolen property, you might have trouble finding work, housing, and lose your right to vote.

Whether or not receiving stolen property is charged as a misdemeanor or felony in Phoenix, AZ depends on the value of the property. 

  • $25,000 or more is a class 2 felony
  • $4,000 or more (but less than $25,000) is a class 3 felony
  • $3,000 or more (but less than $4,000) is a class 4 felony 
  • $2,000 or more (but less than $3,000) is a class 5 felony
  • $1,000 or more (but less than $2,000) is a class 6 felony
  • $1,000 or less is a class 1 misdemeanor 

Since the charge depends on the value of the property, the prosecution needs to prove the value if they want to charge you with a felony. They can do this by introducing evidence of the fair market value of the item. 

If they can’t prove the value is felonious, the charge will most likely be reduced to a misdemeanor.

What are the Defenses to Receiving Stolen Property in Phoenix, AZ?

When you’re charged with receiving stolen goods in Arizona, the prosecution needs to prove every single element beyond a reasonable doubt. If they don’t, you can’t be convicted. There are several defenses you can raise to combat the prosecution’s case.

You Didn’t Know It Was Stolen

The best defense to receiving stolen property is that you didn’t know that the property was stolen. However, this is more complicated than it sounds because ignorance isn’t an excuse. 

Even if you didn’t know that the goods were stolen, you’ll also have to show that you didn’t have any reason to know that it was stolen. If you took reasonable steps to ask the owner about the property and verify where it came from before taking it, you’ll have a pretty good defense.

The Police Violated Your Rights

Another defense to receiving stolen property is to argue that the police violated your constitutional rights, usually by filing a pretrial motion before your trial.

If the police violated your constitutional rights when stopping you, searching you, or seizing the property, then they can’t admit certain evidence. If they can’t admit the evidence that they need, then the case will likely be dismissed.

Similarly, if the police didn’t read your Miranda rights or interrogated you after you asked for a lawyer, the things you said probably won’t be used in court.

What are the Penalties for Receiving Stolen Property in Phoenix?

In Phoenix courts, the penalty for receiving stolen property depends on how you are charged. If convicted, you can expect jail time and sometimes an additional fine.

The Arizona legislature imposed a sentencing range that the judge uses to decide a sentence. The judge starts at the presumptive sentence for first-time offenders and can make the sentence longer or shorter depending on mitigating or aggravating factors. The only limit is that the sentence must be within the given range.

The penalties are as follows:

  • Class 2 felony: up to 10 years in prison (5 years presumptive)
  • Class 3 felony: up to 7 years in prison (3.5 years presumptive)
  • Class 4 felony: up to 3 years in prison (2.5 years presumptive)
  • Class 5 felony: up to 2 years (1.5 years presumptive)
  • Class 6 felony: up to 18 months in prison (1 year presumptive)
  • Class 1 misdemeanor: up to 6 months in jail

Arizona follows truth-in-sentencing laws, which means there isn’t any parole. Unlike other states, you will be expected to serve at least 85% of your sentence before release.

Schedule a Free Consultation with a Phoenix Receiving Stolen Property Lawyer You Can Trust

If you need a Phoenix receiving stolen property lawyer, don’t spend any more time researching criminal defense attorneys. You’ve found the right one. Call Orent Law Offices for a free consultation about your case today.

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Orent Law Offices, PLC

11811 N. Tatum Blvd. STE 3031

Phoenix, Arizona 85028

(480) 656-7301

 

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