Theft, vandalism, and unlawful use of another person's property are all considered property crimes. At first glance, the crimes may look minor, but most of them have serious legal repercussions, particularly when certain aggravating factors apply. Knowledge of the various types and the law's handling of them is essential for any individual charged or attempting to stay out of trouble with the law.
With the advice of seasoned property crime defense lawyers at Fedalei & Reid Law, individuals accused can investigate options for lowering or dismissing charges, plea bargaining, or mounting a robust defense at trial.
Property crimes cover a wide range of offenses, from burglary and arson to theft and vandalism. The most frequently prosecuted property crimes are as follows:
The level of charges also depends heavily on the value of the property, the force used, and whether others were placed in danger.
Laws in the majority of jurisdictions differentiate between theft and property violations according to the property's worth. For example, the theft of a phone may be misdemeanor theft, whereas the theft of a car or expensive electronics is usually a felony crime.
Felony charges have harsher punishments, such as longer prison sentences, larger fines, and permanent criminal records, all of which impact employment and housing opportunities.
Being convicted of any crime in the past can lead to harsher punishments for future property crimes. Judges are typically tougher on repeat property offenders than on first-time offenders and are tougher on crimes that include theft, burglary, or vandalism. Representation by an attorney is important in such cases, as sentencing can be harsh.
The majority of property crime prosecutions revolve around proving intent. The prosecution has to establish that the accused intended to commit the offense and did so knowingly. In certain cases, misunderstandings and false-accusations stemming from malice serve as the foundation for a strong defense.
Aside from legal sanctions, property offenses can tarnish an individual's reputation and future prospects. Convictions can appear on background checks, making it difficult to obtain employment, education, or housing.
Property offenses are responsible for a high percentage of criminal cases in the United States, according to the Bureau of Justice Statistics, making serious legal consideration a necessity.
Property crimes are not necessarily small, and what happens legally is determined by the specifics of each situation. Whether charged with misdemeanor theft or felony burglary, having experienced property crime defense attorneys to support you can lead to a better outcome.
