Q: My friend got arrested today for shoplifting in Arizona. Will he be going to prison?
He just moved here to Arizona from California where he already has been to prison a few times and has a lengthy criminal background for similar crimes. For example, he has a few 2nd degree commercial burglaries and white collar crimes like credit card fraud and similar charges.
A: Shoplifting can be charged as a misdemeanor or as a felony depending on the facts of the case. If it is charged as a misdemeanor your friend faces up to 6 months in jail. If it is charged as a felony, your friend could be looking at serious prison time since it appears he has prior felony convictions. If charged as a felony, it would be a class 4 felony and he can face somewhere between 2.25-15 years in prison depending on his criminal history and convictions. Your friend needs the help of an experienced criminal defense attorney. Most attorneys, including myself, offer free initial consultations. Set one up! Best of luck
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