Disclaimer - Results depend upon factors unique to each case and that results in one case do not predict similar results in others.
REDUCED to Misdemeanor & Probation – Felony Auto Theft, State v. Mr. H.
REDUCED to Misdemeanor & Probation – Felony Auto Theft, State v. Mr. H. (DMC No. 7129) (Maricopa County Superior Court No. CR2007-101364): Mr. H. was observed with 2 others stealing a motorized scooter from a parking lot. He was caught taking the scooter to his vehicle. He was ultimately indicted for Theft of Means of Transportation (Auto Theft), and was now facing prison time. We were able to demonstrate that this was a prank that he and his friends were pulling at the college, and we were able to secure an offer of 18 months of probation with no jail. At the conclusion of probation, the charge was designated a misdemeanor, thereby not leaving a felony on Mr. H.’s record.
REDUCED TO MISDEMEANOR- Theft of Means of Transportation Sale of Counterfeit Merchandise
State v. Mr. D. (Tempe City Court No. 03-672467): Mr. D. had worked for a local car dealership, and he had taken 3 different vehicles and driven them for extended periods of time without permission. In some cases, the vehicles were driven for several thousand miles, thereby reducing the value of the vehicles substantially. After conducting extensive witness interviews, we were able to show that Mr. D. did have permission given to him by his General Manager, however, he did question the validity of this permission. On the eve of trial, the prosecutor extended a misdemeanor deal with zero days in jail and small amount of restitution.
REDUCED TO MISDEMEANOR – Theft/Possession of Burglary Tools/Burglary
State v. Mr. C. (Peoria City Court No. 2003-000888CR): Mr. C. was initially arrested because a victim claimed that she observed 2 males removing lug nuts and trying to steal 4 wheel covers from her vehicle. Mr. C. was arrested and charged with Burglary, Possession of Burglary Tools, and Theft. We were able to show the prosecutor that due to the low value of the property ($285.00) that the case should be routed to the City Prosecutor’s Office for misdemeanor charges. We then negotiated to have him charged with a single misdemeanor Theft. Mr. C. paid a $350.00 fine and served no jail time.
REDUCED TO PROBATION – Trafficking in Stolen Property
State v. Mr. H. (Maricopa County Superior Court No. 2002018916CR & 200200173CR): Mr. H. had 2 prior felony convictions, and was now accused of selling 2 stolen vehicles to undercover police. The State originally wanted 2.5 years in prison, however, we were able to show (through mitigation), that Mr. H. had suffered from drug addiction. We were able to have the plea reduced to probation with 120 days in jail.
REDUCED TO MISDEMEANOR- Theft, State v. Mr. D.
(Maricopa County Superior Court No. CR2006-177298): Mr. D. was stopped for a minor traffic violation when police found that he had an outstanding traffic warrant. Upon searching him, they found a firearm. When police ran the serial numbers on the gun it came back as stolen. Mr. D. told police he had obtained the gun from his cousin, who was currently in prison for theft and he may have had an idea that the gun could have been stolen. We were able to convince the prosecutors that this was not a true felony, and Mr. D. plead to a misdemeanor with no days in jail. He was initially facing years in prison.
REDUCED TO MISDEMEANOR- Theft, State v. Mr. D.
(Maricopa County Superior Court No. CR2006-177298): Mr. D. was stopped for a minor traffic violation when police found that he had an outstanding traffic warrant. Upon searching him, they found a firearm. When police ran the serial numbers on the gun it came back as stolen. Mr. D. told police he had obtained the gun from his cousin, who was currently in prison for theft and he may have had an idea that the gun could have been stolen. We were able to convince the prosecutors that this was not a true felony, and Mr. D. plead to a misdemeanor with no days in jail. He was initially facing years in prison.
