Theft & Shoplifting Defense Attorney Tempe | Beam Law PLC
Theft Defense Attorney

Shoplifting & Theft
Defense in Tempe

Caught shoplifting at Tempe Marketplace? Accused of theft from Target or Walmart? A momentary lapse in judgment shouldn't follow you forever. As a former prosecutor, I know how to minimize the damage and protect your future.

Call Now: (480) 630-0331 Free Consultation

Common Theft Charges in Tempe

From retail theft to more serious accusations

Shoplifting

Most common theft charge. Taking merchandise without paying, concealing items, switching price tags, or walking out without paying. Under $1,000 is usually misdemeanor.

Common Locations: Tempe Marketplace, Arizona Mills, Target, Walmart, CVS, Walgreens, Safeway, department stores, ASU Bookstore

Employee Theft

Taking money or merchandise from employer. Includes cash register theft, inventory theft, time theft, discount abuse. Often involves trust violation.

High Risk Jobs: Retail workers, restaurant staff, delivery drivers, cashiers, bartenders on Mill Ave

Credit Card Theft

Using someone else's credit/debit card without permission. Includes found cards, roommate's card, parent's card without permission, online purchases.

Common Scenarios: Online shopping, gas stations, convenience stores, drunk purchases on Mill Ave

How People Get Caught

Understanding common scenarios helps build your defense

Common Situations

Self-Checkout Mistakes

Forgot to scan item, scanning wrong barcode, honest mistake becomes theft charge when loss prevention stops you.

Mental Health / Stress

Depression, anxiety, financial stress leads to poor decisions. Not an excuse but context matters in sentencing.

Peer Pressure

Friends shoplifting, you're with them, everyone gets charged. Or pressured into theft you wouldn't normally do.

Addiction Issues

Stealing to support addiction. Need treatment not just punishment. Diversion programs available.

Zero Tolerance Policies

Major retailers like Target, Walmart, and Tempe Marketplace stores prosecute ALL shoplifting - no matter how small. They have sophisticated loss prevention and will press charges even for $10 items.

Civil demand letters for hundreds of dollars will come even if criminal charges are dropped. You need legal help immediately.

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Real Consequences

Theft convictions follow you everywhere

Employment

No one hires someone with theft on their record. Automatic disqualification from retail, banking, healthcare, government jobs

Professional Licenses

Nursing, teaching, real estate, accounting licenses denied or revoked. Theft is crime of moral turpitude

Education

College applications ask about crimes. Financial aid affected. Graduate programs will reject theft convictions

Immigration

Theft can trigger deportation, deny naturalization, affect visa status. Serious consequences for non-citizens

Housing

Landlords run background checks. Theft conviction means denial. Even family housing can be affected

Reputation

Google your name, theft arrest shows up. Social stigma as "thief" affects relationships, opportunities

Defense Strategies

How we fight theft charges

Lack of Intent

Forgot item in cart, self-checkout error, honest mistake. Theft requires intent to steal - accidents aren't crimes.

Diversion Programs

First offense? Clean record? Eligible for diversion. Complete program, charges dismissed, no conviction.

Reduce to Civil Matter

Negotiate with store to handle civilly. Pay restitution, avoid criminal charges entirely.

Challenge Evidence

Video doesn't show everything. Witness mistakes. Receipt issues. We scrutinize every piece of evidence.

Mitigation

Mental health treatment, addiction counseling, community service can lead to better plea deals or dismissal.

Plea Negotiations

Reduce to non-theft charge like trespassing or disorderly conduct. Avoid theft on your record.

Former Prosecutor

Don't Let Theft Charges Define You

A shoplifting charge doesn't make you a bad person. Everyone makes mistakes. Get experienced defense to minimize the damage and move forward with your life.

Call: (480) 630-0331 Email Your Case