Q: Would petty theft of merchandise totaling less than $1,000 be charged as a misdemeanor or felony in the state of Arizona
My friend has prior convictions in the state of California and has done state time. He doesn't have a criminal background in Arizona though.
A: Typically "theft" under $1000.00 is a misdemeanor. However, shoplifting (even under $1000.00) can be charged as a misdemeanor or felony, regardless of value. A.R.S. 13-1805 - "A person who in the course of shoplifting uses an artifice, instrument, container, device or other article with the intent to facilitate shoplifting or who commits shoplifting and who has previously committed or been convicted within the past five years of two or more offenses involving burglary, shoplifting, robbery, organized retail theft or theft is guilty of a class 4 felony."
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