Property Offenses
Phoenix criminal defense attorney Mark S. Williams represents clients accused of property offenses in Maricopa County, Arizona. Over the course of his 32 year legal career, Mr. Williams has helped numerous people overcome charges of theft, fraud, and shoplifting.
Facing the Seriousness of Property Offense Charges
Theft and fraud crimes are particularly threatening to a defendant's permanent criminal record because they are considered crimes of moral turpitude, which are viewed extremely negatively by employers, licensing boards, and government agencies. Thus, a conviction can severely frustrate efforts you make to procure employment or advance in your career. We help clients mitigate the impact of these charges and minimize damage to their personal and professional lives in the event of conviction.
Theft
Often used as umbrella term, theft is the illegal, non-consensual controlling, or taking, of another person's property with the intent to deprive that person of the property. The property does not actually have to be removed from the premises to effectuate the criminal offense of theft. This means that if you pick something up and move it, or carry it away, with the intent to take it from the owner, you may be charged with theft, even if you do not retain the item.
The consequences of being charged with theft can be serious, depending on the value of the property stolen and the defendant's criminal record. If the value of the property stolen is less than $1000, you will be charged with petty, or misdemeanor, theft. When the value of the stolen property is over $1000, grand theft, also known as felony theft, is charged.
Whether you face charges for petty theft or grand theft, you need the advice and services of an experienced criminal defense attorney. Our office will work to negotiate your charges down and keep the arrest from becoming a conviction whenever possible. If we do go to trial, we know how to mount a strong defense against theft charges, and achieve optimal results.
Fraud
Arizona law defines fraud as "an intentional deception or misrepresentation made by a person with the knowledge that the deception could result in some unauthorized benefit to himself [or herself] or some other person." A variety of crimes are considered to be fraud cases, including but not limited to:
- Credit card fraud
- Mail fraud
- Banking fraud
- Accounting fraud
- Tax fraud
- Internet fraud
- Forgery
- Bribery
- Fraudulent schemes
- Identity theft
If the state believes you have committed fraud, they will often try to levy as many related charges as they can against you, and as the number of charges increases, the number and severity of potential penalties also multiplies. Thus, if you are under investigation for fraud, or have been charged with fraud, it is imperative to seek experienced criminal defense representation.
Shoplifting
Too often, people charged with shoplifting plead no contest and accept probation in order to avoid legal fees and put an embarrassing situation behind them as quick as possible. However, this decision may actually cause them to revisit the incident for years to come. More than ever, employers conduct exhaustive background checks, and a shoplifting conviction is reason enough to not hire someone. We know how to mitigate the consequences of a shoplifting arrest, and help clients seek alternatives to a conviction, such as civil compromise with the store, informal diversion, and conditional dismissal.
Seek Experienced, Dedicated Representation
If you have been charged with theft, fraud, or shoplifting, do not hesitate to contact Mark S. Williams, Attorney for a free initial consultation. Our office is committed to providing exceptional criminal defense representation.
