You can end up in serious legal trouble if you are charged with a property crime in Compton. The court system can hand down harsh penalties for a conviction. You can get help defending yourself right away by contacting a property crimes lawyer in Compton today.
The Simmrin Law Group has years of experience fighting property crime charges. We understand how prosecutors think and we can put our legal skills to work for you. Make sure you’re ready for your day in court by getting help as soon as possible.
Compton Property Crimes: Trespassing
The city of Compton uses several charges to prosecute instances of trespassing, including:
Basic Trespassing
You can face basic trespassing charges if you enter another person’s property or land before you get their permission. Often the court system handles this action as an infraction. You’ll likely face a small fine if convicted of basic trespassing.
Criminal Trespassing
Criminal trespassing is a more serious act that involves entering the property of another individual with the intent to damage it or interfere with it. Criminal trespassing charges are also used if actual damage or interference occurs. You can be fined $1,000 and sent to jail for 6 months if convicted of criminal trespass.
Aggravated Trespassing
Individuals can be convicted of aggravated trespassing for making a threat that is intended to cause someone fear and then, in the next 30 days, entering:
- The Threatened Person’s Workplace
- The Threatened Person’s Home
- A Building Beside the Threatened Person’s Home or Workplace
Aggravated trespassing convictions can lead to up to 3 years of time in jail.
You can get help dealing with any trespassing charge from a criminal defense lawyer in Compton. Take charge of your future right now by getting professional help on your side.
Compton Property Crimes: Vandalism
Vandalism typically begins with an act of trespassing. Once you have entered another person’s property without their permission, you can be charged with vandalism if you damage, deface, or destroy anything. You can face different penalties based on how much damage is done or how many acts of vandalism were carried out:
Vandalism Infraction
You can be charged with an infraction for causing less than $250 in damage and if you are a first-time offender. You may have to pay a fine of $1,000 if you are convicted.
Vandalism Misdemeanor
Individuals can be charged with a misdemeanor if they cause $400 in damage or repeatedly cause smaller amounts of damage. A conviction for a misdemeanor can lead to $3,000 in fines and a year of jail time.
Vandalism Felony
A felony charge for vandalism applies if more than $400 in damage is done to someone else’s property. Felony convictions generally lead to fines and up to 3 years of time in prison.
Compton Property Crimes: Burglary
Individuals may be charged with burglary if they trespass into a room, building, or locked vehicle while planning to carry out a felony or petty theft. There are generally two charges used to prosecute acts of burglary in Compton:
Residential Burglary
Residential burglary is also known as first degree burglary. It occurs if you break into a person’s private home. You can end up sentenced to 6 years of time in prison and fined up to $10,000 if you are convicted of residential burglary.
Commercial Burglary
Individuals who enter a business to commit a felony or petty theft can be charged with commercial burglary. The court system also uses the term second degree burglary to refer to commercial burglary. You can be incarcerated for 3 years for a commercial burglary conviction.
Compton Property Crimes: Arson
Intentionally setting fire to any of the following things can be considered arson:
- Forested Land
- Motor Vehicles
- Personal Property
- Any Structure
You can be charged with:
Reckless Burning
Individuals who start fires for the thrill of it or because they are suffering from a mental illness can be charged with reckless burning.
Malicious Arson
Malicious arson occurs if someone sets a fire with ill intent. Individuals can be charged with malicious arson if they start a fire to:
- Defraud an Insurance Company
- Damage Property
- Injure or Kill a Person
The penalties for arson can be very high in California. Depending on your situation you could end up spending years in prison and paying $50,000 or more in fines for a conviction. You can get professional help dealing with these charges by contacting a property crimes lawyer today.
Build a Defense – Contact a Property Crimes Lawyer Today
The longer you wait to get legal help, the higher the odds are that you will be convicted of a property crime. You can take charge today by contacting the Simmrin Law Group. Our property crimes lawyers in Compton have the legal know-how necessary to provide you with the advice you need. You can reach us right now for a FREE consultation.
Get the help you need today by completing our online contact form or calling us at (310) 896-2723.