Arizona Property Crime Lawyers
Charged with a property crime in Arizona, criminal damage, trespass, burglary, theft, or arson? Most are graded by the dollar value of the loss or the type of property, from a misdemeanor up to a serious felony. Intent, value, and consent are often the whole case. Do not talk to police before you call us.
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Free Confidential Consultation, Arizona Property Crime Defense Aggressive Representation When Your Freedom & Record Are On the Line
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Our Team Has SeenBoth Sides
Former Prosecutors · Law Enforcement · Public Defenders
When you call Tamou Law Group, you reach a firm that handles criminal defense exclusively, with serious experience defending criminal damage, trespass, burglary, theft, and arson cases across Arizona. Our team includes former prosecutors who charged property crimes and law enforcement officers who investigated them, so we know how the State builds value, intent, and identity, and where those cases break down.
At many large firms, the name on the building is a marketing figurehead, you will rarely get them on the phone and your case is handed to a junior associate. When you hire Tamou Law Group, your case is handled by a full team of attorneys, not associates, including Michael Tamou. Call 623-321-4699 for a free, confidential consultation, 24/7.
What Are Property Crimes in Arizona?
Quick answer: Property crimes are offenses against someone else’s property, theft and shoplifting, burglary, criminal damage (vandalism), criminal trespass, arson, and possession of stolen property. They range from a misdemeanor for minor damage or trespass up to serious felonies for burglary, arson, or high-value theft, and most are graded by the dollar value of the loss or the type of property and entry. The defense usually turns on intent, value, consent, and identity, and for many first offenses, diversion can avoid a conviction entirely.
Key Takeaways
- Property crimes cover theft, burglary, criminal damage/vandalism, trespass, arson, and stolen property.
- Many are graded by the dollar value of the damage or loss (criminal damage and theft), so disputing the value can lower the charge.
- Burglary, arson, and high-value or armed offenses are felonies; minor damage and trespass are often misdemeanors.
- A good-faith claim of right or the owner’s consent or permission is a defense to trespass and many property charges.
- Restitution and diversion, especially on a first offense, can keep many property cases off your record.
- Intent is central, an accident, a mistake, or a civil dispute is not a crime.
- Your case is handled by a full team of attorneys, not associates, including Michael Tamou, available 24/7 at 623-321-4699.
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Value Decides It
Misdemeanor or Felony?
Criminal damage and theft are graded by dollar value, and a few dollars can be the line between a misdemeanor and a felony. Disputing the value can drop the charge and your exposure.
Call 623-321-4699 →First Offense?
Keep It Off Your Record
Many first-time property cases, vandalism, trespass, minor theft, are eligible for diversion or restitution, ending in a dismissal with no conviction. We push for that from day one.
See the Charges →It Was an Accident?
No Intent, No Crime
Most property crimes require intent or recklessness. An accident, a misunderstanding, or a good-faith claim that the property was yours is a defense, not a crime.
CALL NOWArizona Property Crimes We Defend
From vandalism and trespass to burglary and arson, choose your charge below for a complete guide, or call us 24/7.
Theft & Shoplifting
A.R.S. 13-1802 / 13-1805
Taking property or merchandise, graded by value. See our full theft hub for shoplifting, robbery, and auto theft.
Learn More →Burglary
A.R.S. 13-1506 / 1507 / 1508
Entering a structure or home with intent to commit a theft or felony inside, a felony that escalates with a weapon.
Learn More →Criminal Damage & Vandalism
A.R.S. 13-1602
Damaging, defacing, or tampering with another’s property, graded by the dollar amount of the damage.
Learn More →Criminal Trespass
A.R.S. 13-1502 / 1503 / 1504
Unlawfully entering or remaining on property, a misdemeanor up to a felony for a residential yard or critical facility.
Learn More →Robbery & Armed Robbery
A.R.S. 13-1902 / 1904
Taking property by force or threat, a violent felony; armed robbery is a dangerous offense with flat-time prison.
Learn More →Arson
A.R.S. 13-1703 / 1704
Recklessly or intentionally burning property or a structure, a felony that rises sharply when a building or person is involved.
Learn More →Not sure which charge you are facing? Call now for a free, confidential consultation.
CALL 623-321-4699Arizona Property Crime Law, Charge by Charge
Most property crimes turn on intent and on value or the type of property and entry. Statutes link to azleg.gov.
Criminal Damage & Vandalism, A.R.S. § 13-1602
Criminal damage is recklessly or intentionally damaging, defacing, or tampering with another person’s property, including graffiti and vandalism. It is graded by the dollar amount of the damage, from a Class 2 misdemeanor under $250 up to a Class 4 felony at $10,000 or more. Because value drives the class, an independent damage estimate is often the difference between a misdemeanor and a felony.
Criminal Trespass, A.R.S. §§ 13-1502, 13-1503, 13-1504
Criminal trespass is unlawfully entering or remaining on property. Third-degree (entering after notice, or a railroad/utility right-of-way) is a Class 3 misdemeanor; second-degree (a nonresidential structure or fenced commercial yard) is a Class 4 misdemeanor; first-degree (a residence, its yard, or a critical public-service facility) is a Class 6 felony. A claim of right or the owner’s permission is a defense.
Burglary, A.R.S. §§ 13-1506, 13-1507, 13-1508
Burglary is entering or remaining in a structure with intent to commit a theft or any felony inside, no actual theft required. Third-degree (a nonresidential structure or fenced yard) is a Class 4 felony; second-degree (a residence) is a Class 3; first-degree (while armed with a deadly weapon) is a Class 2 or 3 felony and a dangerous offense.
Theft, Robbery & Stolen Property
Theft (A.R.S. § 13-1802) and shoplifting are graded by value, while robbery and armed robbery (13-1902/1904) involve force or a weapon and are violent felonies. Knowingly possessing stolen property is charged as theft, where the State must prove you knew it was stolen. See our dedicated theft crimes hub for the full breakdown.
Arson, A.R.S. §§ 13-1703, 13-1704
Arson of property (13-1703) is recklessly or intentionally damaging property by fire or explosive, graded by value. Arson of an occupied or unoccupied structure (13-1704) is far more serious, a Class 2 to Class 4 felony, and arson of an occupied structure is among the most severely punished property crimes because of the risk to human life. These cases require immediate, experienced defense. Learn more about our criminal defense practice.
How Arizona Grades Property Crimes
Value, the type of property, and how it was entered or harmed decide the charge. Each row links to its full guide.
| Offense | Statute | Range of Levels |
|---|---|---|
| Criminal trespass (3rd → 1st degree) | 13-1502/03/04 | Class 3 Misd. → Class 6 Felony |
| Criminal damage / vandalism (by value) | 13-1602 | Class 2 Misd. → Class 4 Felony |
| Theft / shoplifting (by value) | 13-1802 / 1805 | Class 1 Misd. → Class 2 Felony |
| Burglary (3rd → 1st degree) | 13-1506/07/08 | Class 4 → Class 2 Felony |
| Arson (property → occupied structure) | 13-1703/04 | Class 5 → Class 2 Felony |
| Robbery → armed robbery | 13-1902/04 | Class 4 → Class 2 Dangerous |
Because value sets the class for damage and theft, an independent valuation is often the single most valuable step in the defense.
Penalties for Property Crimes in Arizona
Property-crime penalties run from a fine and diversion to many years in prison, driven by the value and the type of offense. First offenses often qualify for diversion.
Misdemeanor
Trespass / Minor Damage / Theft
Class 3–4 Felony
Burglary / Felony Damage / Theft
Class 2
Arson / Armed Robbery
⚠ Value and Restitution Drive the Outcome
For criminal damage and theft, the dollar amount sets the felony class, so an inflated estimate can wrongly turn a misdemeanor into a felony. Every property conviction also carries mandatory restitution, plus a criminal record that affects employment, housing, and, for non-citizens, immigration. Disputing value and negotiating restitution are often the most valuable moves in the case.
Common Defenses in Arizona Property Crime Cases
Property crimes require intent or recklessness, plus proof of value and identity. Each is a place to fight.
Attacking Intent & the Charge
No Intent / Accident. Criminal damage, theft, and burglary require a culpable mental state. A genuine accident or mistake is not a crime.
Claim of Right. If you reasonably believed the property was yours, or that you were entitled to be there or to act, there is no crime.
Consent or Permission. Permission to enter, use, or alter the property defeats trespass and many damage and theft charges.
A Civil Dispute, Not a Crime. Many “damage” and “theft” cases are really landlord-tenant, business, or family disputes that belong in civil court.
Attacking Value & the Evidence
Value Disputes. Because value sets the class, an independent estimate, repair versus replacement, depreciation, true market value, can drop a felony to a misdemeanor.
Mistaken Identity. Surveillance is grainy and eyewitnesses are unreliable; we challenge whether you are even the person involved.
No Knowledge (Stolen Property / Arson). The State must prove you knew property was stolen, or that a fire was set intentionally rather than accidentally.
Unlawful Stop, Search & Statements. Evidence and admissions obtained in violation of your rights can be suppressed.
Diversion Eligibility. For many first offenses, we secure diversion that ends in dismissal, no conviction, no record.
After reviewing your case, we will explain which defenses apply and the best path forward.
CALL 623-321-4699The Experts We Bring to the Table
Property cases are built on video, damage estimates, and fire or scene reports. We bring the specialists who take them apart.
Valuation & Estimate Experts
Disputing the Value
Establish the true cost of damage or the value of property, repair vs. replacement, depreciation, fair market value, often dropping the felony class.
Video & Surveillance Analysts
What the Footage Shows
Recover and analyze surveillance and body-cam video that frequently fails to show intent, or shows someone else.
Fire & Cause-Origin Experts
Arson Investigation
Independently assess whether a fire was intentional, reckless, or accidental, often contradicting the State’s arson conclusion.
Eyewitness-ID Experts
Identification
Expose the unreliability of eyewitness and surveillance identification, especially from poor-quality footage.
Records & Scene Analysts
Reports & Procedure
Scrutinize police, loss-prevention, and damage reports for errors, gaps, and improper procedure.
Mitigation Specialists
Diversion & Restitution
Build the case for diversion and restitution that keeps a property offense off your permanent record.
Our Property-Crime Defense Process
From vandalism to arson, the same disciplined process, attack intent and value, and protect your record.
Pull the Evidence
We secure surveillance, body-cam, damage estimates, and scene or fire reports before they are lost, the proof that often does not show what the State claims.
Attack Intent
Property crimes require intent or recklessness. We build the record for accident, mistake, claim of right, or consent, where the State’s case is weakest.
Dispute the Value
Because value sets the class for damage and theft, we challenge inflated estimates to drop a felony to a misdemeanor.
Pursue Diversion & Restitution
For eligible cases, we push for a diversion program or restitution-based resolution that ends in dismissal.
Challenge ID & the Stop
We test eyewitness and video identification and the legality of any detention or search, which can suppress the case.
Reduce, Dismiss, or Try It
We prepare every case for trial. That readiness is what gives our negotiations leverage and protects your record.
Areas We Serve
Tamou Law Group defends property-crime cases across Maricopa County and all of Arizona.
We represent clients in Phoenix, Scottsdale, Mesa, Tempe, Chandler, Gilbert, Glendale, Peoria, Surprise, Goodyear, Avondale, and throughout Maricopa County, with representation available statewide. Call 623-321-4699 for a free, confidential consultation, 24/7.
A Full Team of Attorneys, Not Associates
The single biggest factor in your defense is who actually handles your case, and how hard they fight it.
At many large firms, the name on the building is a marketing figurehead. You may never get them on the phone, and your case is handed to a rotating junior associate who has never tried a case like yours. At Tamou Law Group, your defense is handled by a full team of experienced attorneys, not junior associates, including founding attorney Michael Tamou. The same senior team handles your calls, your strategy, and your court dates.
Our reputation is built on results and on our clients’ words, a 5.0-star Google rating from people we have actually defended. Read them in the reviews below.
What Clients Say About Tamou Law
Real Google reviews from clients we have defended across Phoenix and Maricopa County. Every review is from a criminal defense client, never padded with non-legal work.
Clients reach us searching in many ways, for the best property crime lawyer in Arizona, for a criminal damage, trespass, or vandalism attorney, or for help with a burglary or arson charge. However you found us, Tamou Law Group defends property-crime cases across Phoenix, Scottsdale, Mesa, Tempe, Chandler, Gilbert, Glendale, Peoria, and all of Maricopa County, with representation statewide. Call 623-321-4699 for a free, confidential consultation, 24/7.
Arizona Property Crime FAQs
Common questions about criminal damage, trespass, burglary, theft, arson, penalties, and defenses in Arizona.
What is considered a property crime in Arizona?
Property crimes are offenses against someone else’s property, including theft and shoplifting, burglary, criminal damage (vandalism), criminal trespass, arson, and possession of stolen property. They range from misdemeanors to serious felonies.
Is criminal damage a felony in Arizona?
It depends on the dollar amount. Criminal damage (A.R.S. 13-1602) is a Class 2 misdemeanor under $250, and rises with the value of the damage to a Class 4 felony at $10,000 or more. Disputing the damage estimate can lower the charge.
What are the degrees of criminal trespass?
Third-degree (entering after notice) is a Class 3 misdemeanor; second-degree (a nonresidential structure or fenced commercial yard) is a Class 4 misdemeanor; first-degree (a residence, its fenced yard, or a critical facility) is a Class 6 felony.
What is the difference between burglary and trespass?
Trespass is unlawfully entering or staying on property. Burglary is entering with the intent to commit a theft or felony inside, no actual theft is required. Burglary is always a felony and is far more serious than trespass.
How serious is an arson charge?
Very. Arson of property (13-1703) is graded by value, but arson of a structure (13-1704), especially an occupied one, is a Class 2 to Class 4 felony because of the risk to human life. Whether the fire was intentional, reckless, or accidental is central.
Can a first-time property crime be dismissed?
Often, yes. Many first-time vandalism, trespass, and minor theft cases qualify for a diversion program or a restitution-based resolution that ends in dismissal, with no conviction and no record.
How does the value of damage or property affect the charge?
For criminal damage and theft, value sets the felony class, so it drives your entire exposure. Because estimates are frequently inflated, an independent valuation, repair vs. replacement, depreciation, market value, can drop a felony to a misdemeanor.
What are the best defenses to a property crime?
Lack of intent or accident, a good-faith claim of right, the owner’s consent or permission, disputing the value, mistaken identity, lack of knowledge that property was stolen, a civil-not-criminal dispute, and challenging an unlawful search.
Will a property crime conviction affect my job or immigration?
It can. Many property crimes are ‘crimes of dishonesty’ that employers and licensing boards weigh heavily, appear on background checks, and can carry immigration consequences for non-citizens. Avoiding the conviction is often the priority.
Should I talk to police about a property crime?
No. Do not explain or apologize to police or a property owner, and ask for a lawyer. Statements are used against you, an attorney should handle all communication.
Will I get a real attorney or a junior associate?
At many large firms the name on the door is a marketing figurehead and your case goes to a rotating associate. At Tamou Law Group your defense is handled by a full team of experienced attorneys, not associates, including founding attorney Michael Tamou. Call 623-321-4699, 24/7.
Arizona Statutes Cited on This Page
Statutes link to the official Arizona Revised Statutes at azleg.gov.
Two Arizona Offices, One Team
We serve all of Maricopa County and the surrounding area, with free, confidential consultations 24/7 by phone and in-person meetings at either office by appointment.
Case Results Disclaimer: The results described on this page are based on specific facts and circumstances and do not guarantee or predict a similar outcome in any future case. Every case is different. Past results do not guarantee future results. No attorney-client relationship is formed by viewing this page or submitting a contact form until a written fee agreement has been signed. Tamou Law Group, PLLC is licensed to practice law in the State of Arizona. This website is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.