Serious Criminal Offense
In Arizona, organized retail theft is a serious criminal offense—but when it’s part of a larger, coordinated effort, the stakes are even higher. ARS §13-1819 defines and criminalizes organized retail theft, targeting individuals who participate in schemes to steal goods for resale or financial gain.
Whether you’re accused of acting alone or being part of a group, a conviction under this statute can lead to harsh penalties. At Rideout Law Group, we defend clients in Scottsdale, Lake Havasu City, and across Arizona who are facing these serious allegations.
What is Organized Retail Theft in Arizona?
Under ARS §13-1819, organized retail theft occurs when a person:
“Acts in concert with another person to shoplift or removes items from a retail establishment with the intent to resell, trade, or return the merchandise for value.”
This law differs from simple shoplifting under ARS §13-1805 in that it focuses on organized intent—meaning more planning, collaboration, or financial motivation is involved. Even possessing tools like booster bags, or coordinating with others to target multiple stores, can trigger charges under this law.
Examples of Organized Retail Theft
Here are scenarios that could fall under ARS §13-1819:
- Two or more individuals working together to steal large quantities of merchandise from retail chains.
- Using social media to coordinate theft groups that target multiple stores in a single day.
- Stealing with the intent to sell items online or at flea markets.
- Possessing store tags, deactivation devices, or other tools to defeat theft-prevention systems.
Penalties for Organized Retail Theft in Arizona
Organized retail theft is charged as a felony, with the class depending on the value of the stolen items and any prior criminal history. Convictions can lead to:
- Class 4 Felony: Up to 3.75 years in prison for first-time offenders.
- Higher Charges: If the theft involved weapons, threats, or occurred as part of a gang-related activity.
- Restitution: Courts may order repayment of stolen goods or damages to retailers.
It’s important to note that Arizona prosecutors take these cases seriously—particularly when interstate trafficking or online resales are suspected.
Defending Against ARS §13-1819 Charges
A skilled Arizona criminal defense attorney can raise several defenses against organized retail theft allegations, including:
- Lack of Intent: Proving you didn’t plan or act in concert with others.
- Mistaken Identity: Surveillance footage can be unclear, leading to wrongful accusations.
- Unlawful Search: If police violated your rights during the investigation, evidence may be suppressed.
At Rideout Law Group, we’ve defended hundreds of theft and felony cases, combining trial experience with a client-first approach. Our attorneys—including Brad Rideout and Steven Eckhardt—have backgrounds as prosecutors and civil litigators, providing a strategic edge in criminal defense.
Facing Charges? Contact Rideout Law Group Today
If you or a loved one is facing organized retail theft charges under ARS §13-1819, it’s critical to act fast. Our team offers confidential consultations in Scottsdale and Lake Havasu, with flexible appointments and payment plans available.
📍 Scottsdale Office: (480) 584-3328
📍 Lake Havasu Office: (928) 854-8181
📲 Free Consultation | Confidential & Local Representation