Facing a property crime charge can be incredibly stressful. It might feel like the police and prosecutors have already made up their minds, and they treat you as if you’re guilty before even hearing your side of the story. This kind of pressure can be intimidating and isolating.
But you’re not alone, and you are still presumed innocent under the law. Our Camarillo property crimes lawyers know how difficult this time can be. We’re here to stand by your side, protect your rights, and reduce the impact these charges have on your life.
The Camarillo criminal defense lawyer team at Simmrin Law Group has decades of legal experience between us. Call today to schedule your free consultation and tell us about your property crimes charges.
How Our Criminal Defense Attorneys Can Help
It is never a good idea to take on the California criminal justice system by yourself. Some of the ways our attorneys can help with your case include:
Offering Legal Guidance
From your initial arrest to the conclusion of your case, we’ll walk you through what to expect, explain your rights, and help you make informed decisions. You won’t have to get through this confusing and stressful process alone.
Protecting Your Rights
Our Camarillo property crimes attorneys will ensure law enforcement follows proper procedures during your arrest and investigation. If your rights were violated, we’ll work to suppress that evidence or get your case dismissed.
Conducting an Independent Investigation
Our team will review all available evidence, including police reports, surveillance footage, and witness statements, to uncover facts that support your defense. We will also pursue new evidence and consult with experts when necessary.
Negotiating with Prosecutors
We use our knowledge of local courts and prosecutors to advocate for reduced charges, dismissal, or a favorable plea deal. Our goal is to avoid jail time whenever possible and secure the best outcome based on the facts of your case.
Building a Strong Defense
Every case is unique. We’ll customize your defense based on the specific details of your situation, emphasizing weaknesses in the prosecution’s case, inconsistencies in the evidence, and applicable legal defenses.
Fighting for Reduced Penalties
Even if a conviction cannot be avoided, we will advocate for leniency in sentencing. That may include seeking probation instead of jail, requesting diversion programs, or working to reduce fines and other consequences that could affect your future.
For a free legal consultation with a property crimes lawyer serving Camarillo, call (310) 896-2723
Types of Property Crimes in California
In California, a property crime is the unlawful taking, damaging, or destroying of someone else’s property without using force or violence against someone. Common forms of property crimes include:
- Theft: This is the illegal taking of another person’s property with the intent to permanently deprive them of it. It usually applies when the property’s value is $950 or less.
- Grand Theft: A crime rises to grand theft when the stolen property is valued over $950 or when someone takes certain items such as firearms, regardless of their value. Grand theft can be charged as a misdemeanor or a felony depending on the circumstances.
- Grand Theft Auto: This is the unlawful taking of a vehicle with the intent to permanently deprive the owner. It is a form of grand theft and is often charged as a felony.
- Burglary: Burglary is when you enter a building, structure, vehicle, or residence with the intent to commit theft or any other felony within. First-degree burglary involves a residence and is considered a strike under California’s Three Strikes law (Penal Code § 667).
- Arson: Arson is the willful and malicious setting of fire to any building, structure, forest land, or property. It is a serious felony that can lead to long prison sentences, especially if it endangers lives.
- Vandalism: Vandalism is when you willfully damage, destroy, or deface another person’s property. Charges can range from misdemeanors to felonies depending on the amount of damage caused.
If you have been accused of one of the property crimes listed above or any others, reach out to our property crimes lawyers in Camarillo for help.
Camarillo Property Crimes Lawyer Near Me (310) 896-2723
What Should You Do if You Are Arrested for a Property Crime?
When you are arrested, your Miranda Warning will inform you of two important rights. Taking these steps improves your chances of successfully contesting your charges or reducing their impact on your life.
Remain Silent
If you’re arrested, you have the right to remain silent, and you should. Aside from identifying yourself, you are not required to answer questions. Many people make the mistake of saying too much out of fear or confusion, and prosecutors can use those statements against them.
Contact an Attorney
Although police may urge you to cooperate with them without an attorney present, it’s never a good idea to trust in their goodwill. You have the right to a lawyer who will act as your advocate and ensure your civil rights are respected during any interaction with law enforcement.
Click to contact our Camarillo Criminal Defense Lawyers today
Contact a Camarillo Property Crimes Attorney
If you’ve been charged with theft, vandalism, trespassing, or another property crime, your future could be on the line. These charges carry serious penalties, including possible jail time. And once you’re in the system, it can feel like everything is working against you.
Don’t wait to get the help you need. The sooner you speak with our Camarillo property crimes attorneys, the sooner we can get to work on your case. We can investigate your charges, challenge weak evidence, and fight for a reduction or dismissal of your charges.
Our team at Simmrin Law Group has been advocating for people accused of crimes in California since 2005. Call today to set up a consultation to discuss your case.
Call or text (310) 896-2723 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form