Being charged with theft is a serious offense in the state of Arizona and one that can be scary and overwhelming, but with the right representation at your side who understands mail fraud and theft charges and how they work in Arizona, you have a very good chance of winning your case in court.
There are different classifications of theft in Arizona, which all come with different penalties, fines, and various different fees which are assessed by the judge in each case. A fraud attorney from the Shah Law Firm can help explain your charges and to protect your legal rights as you move through the legal process. We have years of experience devising defense strategies for individuals like you, facing charges just like yours, so we know exactly what it takes to win and ensure that you get your life back.
Arizona Mail Fraud: What You Need to Know
If you are charged with mail fraud in the state of Arizona, you will have to face your charges in the federal court system. That means that you will need an experienced fraud attorney who understands and who has represented clients in federal court before, to ensure the best defense is built for your case. At the Shah Law Firm, we are familiar with the federal court system, and we have helped numerous clients just like you with charges of mail fraud, with both felony and misdemeanor charges.
In Misdemeanor and Felony Mail Fraud, there are Critical Factors that Must Be Proven by the Prosecution Against You
When facing your prosecution in court, there are a variety of variables they must be able to prove in order to find you guilty of either a misdemeanor or felony mail fraud. They must be able to prove that:
- You knowingly created a fraudulent scheme
- You began the process with the intention of committing fraud
- You, or someone working in collaboration with you, mailed the items in question with the intent to commit fraud
- When you or someone you enlisted mailed the items in question, you did so with the intent to defraud another person or other entity
Because they must be able to prove all of the above factors in your case beyond a reasonable doubt, the burden of proof is on the prosecution. And, with a knowledgeable attorney who has defended mail fraud cases like yours in federal court in the past, there are many ways in which your case could be dismissed, or the charges could be dramatically reduced.
With that said, it is important to understand that mail fraud is a very serious charge, and in fact, if the fraud involves a financial institution, you could have to pay fines up to $250,000 and spend up to 30 years in federal prison if found guilty.
Understanding Theft Charges
Arizona state law states that a person is convicted of theft if they knowingly obtain goods or services without paying for them, use someone’s services or property for an unauthorized period, obtain someone’s property illegally, or control lost property with the intent of depriving that person of their property. The crime is prosecuted as either a misdemeanor or a felony, depending on the value of what was stolen.
- If the amount exceeds $1,000, it will typically be charged as a felony.
- If the items stolen had a value of between $1,000 and $2,000, it will be charged as Class 6 felony theft.
- Fraudulent theft between $2,000 and $3,000 will be charged as a Class 5 felony.
To understand the level of mail fraud you face, and to determine whether or not it constitutes a felony or misdemeanor charge, the Shah Law Firm will investigate the details of your unique charges and help you understand exactly what you’re up against.
Call to Schedule a Free Legal Consultation Today
When you’re facing fraudulent theft charges, whether they are misdemeanor or felony theft charges, you will need expert legal representation by your side. The Shah Law Firm offers free legal consultations to potential clients who want to learn more about their mail fraud representation services and help you understand the bigger picture of theft charges in general. To schedule your completely free, complimentary legal consultation with expert Phoenix theft lawyers, call our Arizona law office at 602-560-7408. We serve clients facing charges just like yours in Phoenix, Scottsdale, Mesa, Tempe, Goodyear, and Apache Junction, AZ.
