Have you been accused of being a Porch Pirate during COVID-19?

In a recent article from 12 News, crimes in the Valley have increased from February to March amid the coronavirus outbreak.
 
From porch pirates to commercial burglary there is an uptick in crimes of opportunity while the city is under stay at home orders.
 
Porch Pirates target homes where packages have been left on their porch. According to the Daily Independent, Arizona is the ninth most at-risk state for Porch Pirates in the United States.

Although particularly rampant during the holidays, the COVID-19 Pandemic has offered a crime of opportunity to many.

Theft Charges in Phoenix, AZ

If you have been charged with a criminal offense such as theft as a result of Porch Piracy, depending on the value of the property stolen, you could be facing either a misdemeanor or a felony.

Theft Charges & Penalties

Theft charges in Phoenix can range from a misdemeanor to a felony. The theft statute is ARS 13-1802. The level of theft charges depends on the type of theft and the total value of the property stolen. 

• If the value of the property is $25,000 or greater, the theft would be charged as a class 2 felony. With no criminal history, an individual would be probation eligible.
   
• If the value of the property is in excess of $100,000 the theft is still a class 2 felony, however, a prison term of 3 - 12.5 years is mandatory if convicted.
   
• If the value of the property is under $1000, the theft offense would be charged as a misdemeanor.

From porch piracy to shoplifting and embezzlement if you have been charged with a criminal theft offense in Phoenix, Arizona you need to seek immediate representation by an experienced criminal defense attorney as quickly as possible.

Misdemeanor Crime Levels

A Class 1 misdemeanor is the most serious of misdemeanor offenses and is punishable by up to 6 months in jail and 3 years of probation.

Class 1 misdemeanor

A class 1 misdemeanor is the most serious misdemeanor offense.

• Punishable by up to 6 months in jail
• 3 years of probation (5 years maximum probation for DUI offenses)
• $2,500 fine plus surcharges

Some of the most common class 1 misdemeanor offenses include DUI, driving on a suspended license, assault, disorderly conduct, criminal damage, shoplifting, and theft.

Class 2 misdemeanor

A class 2 misdemeanor carries a maximum punishment.

• 4 months in jail
• $750 fine plus surcharges
• 2 years of probation

Some of the most common class 2 misdemeanor offenses are reckless driving, assault, criminal trespassing in the second degree and criminal damage.

Class 3 misdemeanor

A class 3 misdemeanor is the lowest criminal offense but still can carry severe punishments.

• Maximum of 30 days in jail
• 1 year of probation
• $500 fine plus surcharges

The most common class 3 misdemeanor offenses in Arizona are a form of assault, criminal trespass in the third degree and criminal speeding.

Felony Crime Levels

Depending on the offense, felony convictions can result in 2 years in prison up to 25.

Class 6 felony

Class 6 felony punishments include a maximum of 2 years in prison.

• Maximum punishment of 2 years in prison
• 3 years of supervised probation
• $150,000 fine
• Surcharges

Class 6 felonies can include charges such as possession of drug paraphernalia, resisting arrest, aggravated DUI, theft, and possession of marijuana.
 
Class 5 felony

A class 5 felony offense carries a maximum punishment of 2.5 years in prison.

• Maximum punishment of 2.5 years in prison
• 3 years of supervised probation
• $150,000 fine
• Surcharges

Some examples of class 5 felony offenses include theft of a credit card, unlawful flight from law enforcement, criminal damage, theft and aggravated assault on a police officer.

Class 4 felony

A class 4 felony is punishable by a maximum punishment is 3.75 years in prison.

• Maximum punishment is 3.75 years in prison
• 4 years of probation
• Fine of $150,000
• Surcharges

Class 4 felony offenses include aggravated DUI, possession of narcotic drugs, possession of dangerous drugs, misconduct involving weapons, forgery, identity theft and burglary.

Class 3 felony

A class 3 felony offense is punishable by up to 8.75 years in prison.

• Up to 8.75 years in prison
• 5 years of probation
• $150,000
• Surcharges

Examples of class 3 felony offenses include theft of a motor vehicle, aggravated assault, possession of marijuana for sale, theft, burglary, aggravated robbery and trafficking stolen property.
 
Class 2 felony

Class 2 felony offense punishments include the following.

• Punishable by up to 12.5 years in prison
• 7 years of probation
• Fine of $150,000
• Surcharges

Class 2 felony offenses include possession of narcotic drugs for sale, possession of dangerous drugs for sale, manslaughter, aggravated assault, sexual assault, child prostitution, armed robbery, assisting a criminal street gang, burglary, discharging a firearm, theft and fraudulent schemes.

Class 1 felony

A class 1 felony offense is the most serious crime a person can be charged with and is reserved for murder charges only.

• Minimum of 25 years to life
• Maximum penalty of the death penalty

Criminal Defense in Phoenix, AZ

A staunch advocate for defending individuals accused of a DUI in Phoenix, AZ, and surrounding communities, I also defend those charged with a wide range of criminal offenses.

From theft to burglary, sexual assault, and white-collar crimes, you will never get fed a line of bull from me, just straightforward truth depending on the circumstances of your case, possible defenses, and potential outcomes. Criminal cases such as…

• Theft
• Drug Possession
• Assault Defense
• Virtually Every Other Criminal Offense in Phoenix, Arizona

In each case that I defend, no matter what charges my Client is facing, the goal is always to get the state to dismiss their case long before the trial or to negotiate a plea agreement that benefits the person who made a mistake.

Free, Confidential Legal Consultation

The Law Office of Aaron Black offers a free, legal consultation that is completely confidential. I will walk you through the legal process and what you can expect at each court hearing.

Although my office is open, I am practicing social distancing as deemed appropriate by the CDC.

If you’ve been charged with Porch Piracy in Phoenix, AZ or surrounding communities, we can always talk by phone or video chat. Even before the pandemic, 50% of all my clients hired me over the phone before ever meeting in person.

I can easily review documents that are emailed or texted to me, and payments can be made by credit card via email and Square® processing.

If you are facing criminal charges for theft charges stemming from Porch Piracy, Contact Phoenix, AZ Criminal and DUI Defense Attorney Aaron Black or call (480) 729-1683.
I am available any time, day or night, on weekends and holidays.

I defend clients in Arizona’s justice, city, county, state, and federal courts.