Can Mentally Ill People be Imprisoned for Theft in Arizona?

Theft in Arizona is one of the most common offenses in the state. The fact that the courts deal with thousands of theft charges every year does not mean you will be treated lightly. Mentally ill people can be imprisoned for theft in Arizona.

Under the law of Arizona, theft of property or services valued at $25,000 or more is a class 2 felony.  This offense carries a minimum of three years and a maximum of 12.5 years, as well as a fine of up to $150,000 under § 13-702(D).

Theft of services or property above $4,000 but under $25,000 is charged as a class 3 felony carrying a prison sentence of up to 8.75 years. Theft of property or services over $3,000 but below $4,000 is a class 4 felony that carries a potential prison sentence of up to 3.75 years.

The effect of mental illness on theft in Arizona
Mental illness and theft in Arizona

Theft of services or property over $2,000 but under $3,000 is a Class 5 felony carrying a prison sentence of up to 2.5 years while you can spend up to two years in prison for a Class 6 felony theft of goods or services valued at $1,000 to $1,999.

Stealing a vehicle transmission or an engine is charged as a Class 4 felony irrespective of the value of the engine.

Theft of any property or services valued at less than $1,000 is a class 1 misdemeanor. It carries a potential prison sentence of up to six months in prison.

Mentally ill people often face theft charges. Often they are not aware of the potentially serious consequences of the offense.

It is unfair and counterproductive for people with mental illnesses to face jail time for non-violent crimes like theft.

When a defendant cannot understand the charges he or she is facing and is unable to assist his counsel, competency to stand trial becomes an issue. Any party to the case may file a motion seeking a determination of the competency of the defendant.

Mentally ill people can be imprisoned for theft in Arizona. Our defense attorney aims to keep defendants with mental health issues out of prison. If you or a family member has been accused of theft, please call us at (602) 340-1999.