Petty Theft Lawyer Phoenix

Being charged with petty theft in Phoenix might sound minor, but make no mistake—Arizona takes theft charges seriously, even at the misdemeanor level. A conviction for petty theft can damage your reputation, limit your job opportunities, and leave you with a permanent criminal record. The good news? These charges are defensible, and in many cases, they can be dismissed or reduced.

At Attorney Josh, we specialize in defending individuals accused of theft-related crimes. Led by Joshua A. Lopez, Esq., our firm is known throughout Phoenix and Scottsdale for delivering Strong Defense. Strong Results. With a smart legal approach, we aim to get your charges dropped, reduced, or resolved in a way that protects your future.

What Is Petty Theft in Arizona?

Under Arizona Revised Statutes (A.R.S.) §13-1802, theft becomes petty theft (also known as misdemeanor theft) when the value of the stolen property is less than $1,000, and the item is not a firearm, animal for service, or vehicle. Although this is typically classified as a Class 1 misdemeanor, it can still carry harsh consequences.

A petty theft lawyer in Phoenix can help you understand your legal options and fight to minimize the impact of these charges.

Common Petty Theft Scenarios

We’ve helped clients in a wide range of petty theft cases, including:

• Shoplifting under $1,000 from a retail store
• Employee theft of low-value items
• Wrongful accusations during a misunderstanding
• Borrowing property that was mistaken for theft
• Switching price tags or scanning lower-priced barcodes
• Failure to return rented property 

Each case is unique. That’s why our Phoenix petty theft defense focuses on building strategies tailored to the specific facts of your situation.

Penalties for Petty Theft in Arizona

Although petty theft is a misdemeanor in most cases, it is still the most serious class of misdemeanor under Arizona law.

Penalties May Include:

• Up to 6 months in jail 
• Fines of up to $2,500 plus surcharges 
• Probation 
• Community service 
• Restitution to the alleged victim 
• Mandatory theft education classes 
• Permanent criminal record 

A petty theft conviction can also affect:

• Employment opportunities 
• Professional licenses 
• Housing applications 
• Immigration status (for non-citizens)

Having a conviction—even for a petty offense—can stay on your record forever. That’s why it’s essential to work with a petty theft lawyer in Phoenix who knows how to fight these charges intelligently.

Defenses a Skilled Petty Theft Lawyer in Phoenix Can Use

At Attorney Josh, we don’t just respond to charges—we build smart strategies to dismantle the prosecution’s case and protect your future. Some common defenses we use in petty theft cases include:

1. Lack of Intent

Theft requires intent to permanently deprive someone of their property. If you accidentally walked out of a store with an item, or misunderstood an ownership situation, this element may not be present.

2. Mistaken Identity

Security footage can be blurry or unclear. Witnesses may have identified the wrong person. We investigate the facts to determine if you were wrongfully accused.

3. Ownership or Permission

If you had reason to believe the item was yours or you had permission to use or borrow it, your attorney can present evidence of that belief.

4. Illegal Search or Seizure

If your arrest was based on evidence obtained without a warrant or in violation of your rights, we may be able to have that evidence excluded from court.

5. Diverted Prosecution or Dismissal

For first-time offenders, we may be able to negotiate for diversion programs, deferred prosecution, or outright dismissal of charges, especially with early legal intervention.

Why You Need a Petty Theft Lawyer in Phoenix—Even for a Misdemeanor

Many people underestimate the long-term consequences of a petty theft conviction. Employers, landlords, and even college admissions officers often conduct background checks—and a theft conviction is a major red flag.

The system is not designed to go easy on you just because the item had a low value. Prosecutors still pursue these cases aggressively, especially when dealing with retail theft. That’s why you need a Phoenix petty theft attorney who:

• Knows local prosecutors and judges
• Has experience negotiating favorable outcomes
• Understands how to use legal strategy to minimize damage
• Doesn’t settle for generic or rushed plea deals

The Attorney Josh Advantage: Smart Legal Tactics for Strong Results

What sets Attorney Josh apart from other firms in Phoenix?

We approach every case with a focus on strategy and results. Attorney Joshua A. Lopez, Esq. is known for being a tactician in court, using legal intelligence to anticipate prosecution arguments and stay several steps ahead. Whether through suppression motions, negotiation, or trial advocacy, our goal is always the same:

Strong Defense. Strong Results.

When you work with our firm, you get:

• A custom legal strategy based on the facts of your case 
• Consistent and clear communication from start to finish
• Aggressive negotiation to avoid conviction where possible
• Honest advice, powerful advocacy, and a results-driven mindset

First-Time Offenders: Can You Get Petty Theft Charges Dismissed?

Yes—in many cases, first-time offenders may qualify for diversion programs that lead to dismissal. These programs often include:

• A theft education class
• Community service hours
• Restitution payments

After successful completion, the charge may be dropped, and you can potentially pursue expungement or record sealing.

Our team has helped countless clients avoid a criminal record altogether through early and strategic negotiation.

Case Example: Shoplifting Charge Resolved Without Conviction

A client was arrested for shoplifting $220 worth of merchandise from a department store in Phoenix. The store had surveillance footage, and the client admitted to taking the items without paying.

Through early intervention, we:

• Argued for a first-time offender diversion program 
• Presented the client’s clean record and professional background
• Negotiated directly with the prosecutor and the store’s loss prevention team

Result: Case dismissed after diversion. No conviction. No criminal record.

This is the kind of outcome we work toward in every petty theft case in Phoenix.

Arrested for Petty Theft? Here’s What to Do

If you or someone you care about has been arrested or charged with petty theft in Phoenix, take the following steps immediately:

1. Do not speak to police without an attorney present.
2. Avoid posting about the incident on social media.
3. Keep receipts, messages, or other evidence that could prove your side.
4. Contact a petty theft lawyer in Phoenix right away.

The sooner we get involved, the more options we have to protect your rights and reduce your risk.

Serving Phoenix, Scottsdale, and All of Maricopa County

With offices in both Phoenix and Scottsdale, we serve clients across the Valley. Whether you’re a student, employee, or professional, we understand how important it is to keep your record clean—and your reputation intact.

Our team is here to fight smart and win strong for your future.

How We Can Help

At Attorney Josh, we know that one mistake—or one false accusation—shouldn’t define your future. If you’re facing a petty theft charge in Phoenix, we can help you:

• Avoid jail time 
• Avoid a criminal record 
• Get your charges dismissed or reduced 
• Protect your future opportunities 

We offer free consultations and are committed to building smart legal strategies that deliver strong results.

Don’t let a misdemeanor theft charge derail your life.
Call Attorney Josh today—and get the defense you deserve.

Strong Defense. Strong Results.