Chandler Theft Lawyer
Theft charges in Chandler frequently arise from shoplifting at Chandler Fashion Center and other retail locations, employee theft in corporate settings, vehicle-related theft, and various property crimes. Arizona’s unified theft statute covers conduct ranging from shoplifting to sophisticated embezzlement, with penalties based primarily on value. Even misdemeanor theft creates a permanent “crime of dishonesty” record that affects employment, security clearances, and professional licensing—consequences that can devastate careers in Chandler’s technology and professional sectors.
Attorney Josh Lopez represents clients throughout Chandler facing theft and shoplifting charges.
→ For comprehensive Arizona theft law information, see: Arizona Theft Laws
Theft Classifications by Value (ARS § 13-1802)
Arizona classifies theft primarily by property value:
| Property Value | Classification | Maximum Penalty |
| Under $1,000 | Class 1 Misdemeanor | 6 months jail |
| $1,000 – $1,999 | Class 6 Felony | 2 years prison |
| $2,000 – $2,999 | Class 5 Felony | 2.5 years prison |
| $3,000 – $3,999 | Class 4 Felony | 3.75 years prison |
| $4,000 – $24,999 | Class 3 Felony | 8.75 years prison |
| $25,000+ | Class 2 Felony | 12.5 years prison |
Special Circumstances Elevating Classification
Regardless of value, certain theft becomes felony:
- Theft of firearm: Class 6 Felony minimum
- Theft from vulnerable adult: Enhanced classification
- Theft of vehicle: Class 3 Felony
- Theft of livestock: Various enhancements
Shoplifting in Chandler (ARS § 13-1805)
Five Ways to Commit Shoplifting
- Removing goods from store without paying full purchase price
- Charging to fictitious person, account, or nonexistent address
- Altering price tags or containers to pay less than marked price
- Transferring goods from one container to another
- Concealing merchandise — Can be charged while still inside the store
Shoplifting Classifications
| Circumstance | Classification |
| Value under $1,000 | Class 1 Misdemeanor |
| Value $1,000 – $1,999 | Class 6 Felony |
| Value $2,000+ | Class 5 Felony |
| Using theft detection defeat device | Class 4 Felony |
| Third offense within 5 years | Class 4 Felony |
| Organized retail theft | Up to Class 2 Felony |
Critical Point: Concealment Triggers Charges
Under Arizona law, concealing merchandise constitutes shoplifting even if you haven’t left the store. Loss prevention can detain and police can arrest based on concealment alone.
Common Theft Locations in Chandler
Chandler Fashion Center
Major retail destination with sophisticated loss prevention:
- Dillard’s, Macy’s, JCPenney, and major retailers
- Trained loss prevention professionals
- Comprehensive surveillance camera coverage
- Active collaboration with Chandler Police
- Aggressive civil recovery programs
- Mall-wide trespass policies
Other Retail Areas
Commercial areas throughout Chandler:
- Arizona Avenue corridor — Various retail establishments
- Chandler Boulevard shopping centers — Strip mall retailers
- Walmart, Target, big-box stores — Active loss prevention
- Specialty stores — Electronics, clothing, sporting goods
- San Tan Village proximity — Additional retail enforcement
Employee Theft
Corporate environment generates embezzlement:
- Technology company intellectual property theft
- Retail employee theft from registers and inventory
- Financial misappropriation
- Inventory theft from warehouses
- Trade secret theft
- Expense reimbursement fraud
Vehicle Theft
Automobile-related theft:
- Vehicle theft from parking lots
- Theft from vehicles (smash and grab)
- Catalytic converter theft
- Rental car fraud
Professional Consequences in Chandler
Security Clearance Impact
Theft as “crime of dishonesty” is devastating to clearances:
- Directly demonstrates untrustworthiness
- Questions integrity and character
- Clearance revocation nearly automatic
- Career destruction in technology sector
- Years of professional advancement lost
Professional Licensing
Theft convictions affect licensed professionals:
- Financial professionals face securities licensing issues
- Healthcare workers face board discipline
- Teachers face certification problems
- Accountants face CPA licensing implications
- Any profession requiring trust affected
Employment Consequences
- Technology employers conduct thorough background checks
- Theft conviction typically results in termination
- Permanent disqualification from positions of trust
- Background check failures for future positions
- Reputation damage in professional community
Retail Loss Prevention Tactics
How Loss Prevention Operates
Understanding their methods helps defense:
- Surveillance cameras — Extensive coverage of stores
- Plain-clothes officers — Blend with shoppers
- Electronic tags — Sensors at exits
- Receipt checking — Verification at doors
- Employee training — Staff trained to spot theft
- Cooperation with police — Direct communication
Your Rights When Detained
If detained by loss prevention:
- Right to remain silent
- Right to refuse consent to search
- Right to leave if not arrested (ask clearly)
- Right to attorney if arrested
- Don’t resist physically even if wrongfully detained
Defense Strategies
Lack of Intent
Theft requires intent to permanently deprive:
- Accidentally left store with merchandise
- Forgot item in cart or bag
- Self-checkout error
- Intended to pay but was distracted
- Believed item already paid for
Claim of Right
Good faith belief property was yours:
- Ownership dispute
- Similar items confused
- Believed item abandoned
- Gift or transfer confusion
Mistaken Identity
- Surveillance unclear
- Multiple people present
- Description doesn’t match
- Wrong person detained
Value Challenges
Value determines classification:
- Fair market value vs. retail price
- Depreciation for used items
- Improper combining of items
Constitutional Violations
- Unlawful detention
- Illegal search
- Miranda violations
- Rights violations
Civil Recovery (ARS § 12-691)
Retailers pursue civil recovery beyond criminal charges:
| Category | Amount |
| Merchandise value | Full retail price |
| Civil penalty (adult) | Up to $250 |
| Civil penalty (minor’s parent) | Up to $150 |
Civil recovery is separate from criminal charges. Consult attorney before responding.
Diversion Programs
First-time offenders often qualify for diversion:
- Shoplifting education program
- Community service
- Restitution payment
- Charges dismissed upon completion
- No conviction on record
Diversion Eligibility
Typical requirements for diversion consideration:
- First offense (no prior theft convictions)
- Misdemeanor-level offense (under $1,000)
- No violence involved in the offense
- Willingness to complete program requirements
- Admission of responsibility
Program Benefits
Successful diversion completion provides:
- Complete dismissal of charges
- No criminal conviction on record
- Protects employment opportunities
- Preserves security clearance eligibility
- Second chance for a mistake
Long-Term Consequences of Theft Conviction
Background Check Impact
Theft convictions appear on background checks:
- Employment screenings reveal conviction
- Housing applications affected
- Professional licensing applications
- Volunteer opportunities limited
- Financial institution positions barred
“Crime of Dishonesty” Status
Theft creates permanent character issues:
- Can be used to impeach testimony in court
- Affects credibility in all legal proceedings
- Professional reputation damaged
- Trust-based positions unavailable
Chandler Courts
Chandler Municipal Court
Location: 200 E. Chicago Street, Chandler, AZ 85225
Phone: (480) 782-4900
Handles misdemeanor theft (under $1,000).
Southeast Regional Superior Court
Location: 222 E. Javelina Avenue, Mesa, AZ 85210
Handles felony theft ($1,000+ or other felony circumstances).
Frequently Asked Questions
Is shoplifting a felony in Chandler?
Shoplifting under $1,000 is a misdemeanor. It becomes a felony when: value is $1,000+, you use an anti-theft device, or it’s your third offense within 5 years.
Will theft affect my security clearance?
Almost certainly yes. Theft is a “crime of dishonesty” that directly questions trustworthiness. Clearance revocation is nearly automatic.
Can theft charges be dismissed?
Yes. First offenders often qualify for diversion programs resulting in dismissed charges.
What if I didn’t mean to take it?
Lack of intent is a valid defense. Prosecution must prove intent to permanently deprive.
Will theft affect my employment?
Yes, significantly. Theft affects employment in positions involving money, trust, or fiduciary responsibility.
Do first-time offenders go to jail for theft?
First-time misdemeanor offenders often receive probation rather than jail. Diversion programs may result in no conviction at all. Felony theft carries more serious consequences but probation remains possible for many first offenders.
Contact a Chandler Theft Defense Attorney
Theft charges create permanent “crime of dishonesty” records with lasting consequences for employment, clearances, and licensing.
Attorney Josh Lopez represents clients facing theft throughout Chandler.
Scottsdale Office:
6991 East Camelback Rd, Suite D-300
Scottsdale, AZ 85251
Phoenix Office:
2601 N 3rd Street, Suite 301
Phoenix, AZ 85004
Call (480) 386-1824 for a free consultation.