A Class 1 Misdemeanor Shoplifting-Concealment at Tempe Municipal Court carried up to 180 days jail, civil restitution exposure, mandatory shoplifter education, and a permanent theft-related misdemeanor on the record. Future First got the case into Title 9 deferred prosecution. The case dismissed within two months of plea with no fees and no restitution.
At a glance
| Court | Tempe Municipal Court |
| Original charge | Shoplifting – Concealment (ARS § 13-1805(A)(5)), Class 1 Misdemeanor |
| Presumptive exposure | Up to 180 days of jail under ARS § 13-707, a fine up to $2,500 plus 84 percent surcharges, supervised probation up to three years, mandatory shoplifter education, civil restitution exposure under ARS § 12-691, and a permanent theft-related misdemeanor on the client’s record that surfaces on every employment, housing, professional licensing, and immigration background screen |
| Result | State agreed to Title 9 deferred prosecution; counseling completed; no fees and no restitution paid; case dismissed in full approximately two months after plea entry; no conviction; no probation; no jail |
| Set aside under ARS § 13-905 | Not needed (no conviction entered) |
| Eligibility for sealing | Approximately 2025 under ARS § 13-911, immediately after dismissal |
The stakes
The client faced a Class 1 Misdemeanor Shoplifting-Concealment charge under ARS § 13-1805(A)(5) in Tempe Municipal Court. A C1M shoplifting conviction would have meant up to 180 days of jail under ARS § 13-707, a fine up to $2,500 plus 84 percent surcharges, supervised probation up to three years, mandatory shoplifter education, civil restitution exposure under ARS § 12-691, and a permanent theft-related misdemeanor on the client’s record that surfaces on every employment, housing, professional licensing, and immigration background screen.
What we did
Future First negotiated the case into Title 9 deferred prosecution. The client completed the required counseling, paid no fees and no restitution, and the case was dismissed in full approximately two months after the plea was entered. No conviction entered. No probation. No jail. Set aside under ARS § 13-905 not needed because no conviction was entered. Arrest record sealing under ARS § 13-911 available immediately after dismissal, eligible approximately 2025.
What the client said
I had a great experience with Future First and they were so much helpful and comforting when i panicked.
— Verified Google review
If you’re facing shoplifting charges in Arizona
Title 9 deferred prosecution is the Tempe Municipal Court diversion track that suspends prosecution during the diversion period and dismisses the case upon completion. The structure works well on low-level theft cases where the State agrees the underlying conduct does not warrant a permanent conviction. Counseling completion within the program window is the standard requirement.
Two months from plea entry to dismissal is among the fastest possible turnaround on a diversion-track case in Arizona. The speed matters because the case remains a pending matter during the diversion period, which can affect background checks and employment screens during that window. Faster closure means faster cleanup.
Avoiding restitution on a shoplifting case is unusual. Most shoplifting dispositions include some restitution component to the retail establishment under ARS § 12-691. When the State agrees to dismissal without restitution, the financial cost to the client drops to zero on the criminal side.
Future First Criminal Law has handled shoplifting cases across Maricopa County and Arizona. We know how Tempe Municipal Court evaluates Title 9 deferred prosecution eligibility.
Related resources
- Arizona criminal defense — misdemeanor defense strategy
- Set aside and sealing in Arizona — how to clean up your record
Call us
Facing shoplifting charges in Arizona? Call Future First Criminal Law at 602-932-7890 or request a free consultation. We have handled hundreds of Arizona theft cases. The earlier we are involved, the more options you have.
Anonymized in line with firm policy. Client name not used. Specific dates approximated to year only. Outcome described reflects this client’s actual results. Past outcomes do not guarantee future results. For more detailed information on Arizona criminal law, visit the Arizona State Legislature website.