09 Nov Burglary and Trafficking Stolen Property
Burglary and trafficking stolen property are two separate crimes, but they often go hand-in-hand. You can get charged with both if you break in somewhere and then resell the stolen items.
Burglary is breaking into a vehicle, building, or fenced area with the intention to steal something. Trafficking stolen property is distributing or selling those stolen items.
These two charges often get stacked together, as in the case of the “paint theft ring” that got busted in Phoenix a few months ago. Three suspects were charged with burglary for breaking into construction sites and stealing large 5-gallon buckets of paint. They were also charged with trafficking stolen property, because they resold the stolen paint at a deep discount to others.
Burglary and trafficking stolen property are both felony charges in Arizona.
Burglary charges have three degrees:
Third degree burglary is breaking into a fenced commercial area or a motor vehicle to commit a theft. This is a class 4 felony with a typical sentence of 1-2 years.
Second degree burglary is entering a residential structure with the intent to commit a theft. This is a class 3 felony with sentences of 2 years or more.
First degree burglary is charged when a burglary involves a deadly or dangerous weapon. If it was a non-residential structure, it is a class 3 felony. Breaking into a residential structure with a deadly weapon is a class 2 felony. Typical sentences range from 5 to 9 years.
Trafficking stolen property has two degrees:
Second degree trafficking is recklessly moving or selling stolen property. This is a class 3 felony, with a typical sentence of 3.5 years.
First degree trafficking is when a person intentionally plans, supervises, funds, moves, or starts selling stolen property. It is a class 2 felony with a typical sentence of 5 years.
If there are previous convictions for any of these charges, sentences will be longer. And besides serving a sentence, you will also have to pay fines, court fees, or even restitution if you get convicted.
Facing felony charges? You need a lawyer. A good one.
If you are facing multiple felony counts or stacked charges, you need a lawyer who cares as much about the outcome of your case as you do. With a certified defense attorney on your side, you stand a much better chance of getting those charges reduced or dropped. So don’t settle for an overworked public defender or an overrated megafirm that will hand your case off to a new hire.
When you need a strong criminal defense lawyer in Phoenix, you need Coolidge Law. Contact us to schedule a consultation today.
Photo by Michael Yantis on Unsplash used with permission under the Creative Commons license for commercial use 11/9/26.
