Burglary/Robbery/Auto Theft
Chandler Burglary, Robbery, & Auto Theft Defense Lawyers
Facing felony charges for property crimes or theft in the East Valley puts your freedom, future, and reputation at immediate risk. In Arizona, prosecutors aggressively pursue maximum prison sentences for these offenses.
At Shell & Nermyr, PLLC, you will never have your case handed off to an inexperienced junior associate or a paralegal. Founding partners Chad Shell and Mark Nermyr personally handle every single case, bringing over 32 years of combined trial experience directly to your defense. We maintain a low caseload so we can relentlessly pursue complete acquittals, case dismissals, and reduced charges for our clients.
Burglary Charges in Arizona (ARS § 13-1506, 13-1507, 13-1508)
Burglary involves unlawfully entering or remaining in a structure or residential yard with the intent to commit any theft or felony inside. The severity of the charge depends entirely on the location and whether a weapon was involved:
- Third-Degree Burglary (ARS § 13-1506): Unlawfully entering a non-residential structure or a commercial yard. This is a Class 4 felony.
- Second-Degree Burglary (ARS § 13-1507): Entering a residential structure or home. This is a severe Class 3 felony.
- First-Degree Burglary (ARS § 13-1508): Committing burglary while knowingly possessing explosives, a deadly weapon, or a dangerous instrument. This is a Class 2 felony for residential targets.
Strategic Burglary Defenses
The state must prove you had the intent to commit a crime at the exact moment you entered the property. Our defense team aggressively challenges the state’s evidence by scrutinizing surveillance footage, analyzing forensic data, and exposing flawed eyewitness identifications to dismantle the prosecution’s case.
Robbery Charges in Chandler (ARS § 13-1902, 13-1903, 13-1904)
Unlike simple theft, robbery is classified as a violent crime because it involves taking property directly from a person against their will using physical force or immediate threats.
- Robbery (ARS § 13-1902): Standard robbery is charged as a Class 4 felony.
- Aggravated Robbery (ARS § 13-1903): Committing a robbery while being aided by one or more accomplices actually present at the scene. This escalates the charge to a Class 3 felony.
- Armed Robbery (ARS § 13-1904): Committing robbery while armed with a deadly weapon, a simulated deadly weapon, or a dangerous instrument. This is an exceptionally severe Class 2 felony.
Defending Against Robbery Accusations
Robbery convictions carry harsh statutory prison sentences. We counter these charges by challenging the use of force claims, exposing constitutional rights violations during police interrogations, and cross-examining witness credibility to protect your liberty.
Auto Theft / Means of Transportation Offenses (ARS § 13-1803 & 13-1814)
Vehicle theft is heavily prosecuted across Maricopa County. Arizona splits motor vehicle theft into two major categories depending on the defendant’s alleged intent:
- Unlawful Use of Means of Transportation (ARS § 13-1803): Commonly known as “joyriding,” this involves taking control of a vehicle without intent to permanently deprive the owner. It is prosecuted as a Class 5 felony (or a Class 6 felony for passengers who knowingly ride along).
- Theft of Means of Transportation (ARS § 13-1814): Knowingly taking control of another person’s vehicle with the intent to permanently deprive them of it, or using fraud to obtain the vehicle. This is an automatic Class 3 felony.
Why Choose Shell & Nermyr for Your Trial Defense?
- Direct Partner Representation: You will never be passed off to a junior attorney or an assistant. Your case is defended directly by Chad Shell or Mark Nermyr.
- 24/7 Personal Access: Every client receives their attorney’s personal cell phone number for direct, continuous communication.
- Proven Track Record: We have earned an unprecedented record of case dismissals and complete acquittals across Arizona courts.
480-775-4800