You can be punished very severely if you are accused of a property crime in Downey, CA. Property crime accusations often lead to bitter legal battles that are difficult to win. A property crimes conviction can result in incredibly high fines and years spent in prison.
Handling a property crime charge on your own can end up making your situation even worse. The Simmrin Law Group can provide you with expert legal advice and support. Get help fighting the accusations against you today before it’s too late to build your defense.
Downey’s Stance on Property Crime Charges
You can be charged with a property crime for causing damage to another individual’s property. The city of Downey considers the following acts to be property crimes:
- Vandalism
- Trespassing
- Burglary
- Arson
Not all property crimes are treated with the same level of severity by the court system. Some acts are charged as infractions while others are seen as misdemeanors or felonies. Regardless of the charge, you can be fined and sent to prison if you are convicted of a property crime.
Improving your chances in court can be as easy as making sure you have experienced help on your side. A skilled criminal defense lawyer from Downey can fight for you in and out of the courtroom while supporting you throughout your legal battle.
For a free legal consultation, call (310) 896-2723
Vandalism as a Property Crime in Downey
Vandalism is a broad term that can describe any act that:
- Defaces Property
- Damages Property
- Destroys Property
If you are accused of vandalism in Downey, you can be charged with a(n):
- Infraction. Downey can charge you with an infraction if you cause less than $250 in damage. A conviction for an infraction usually results in a small fine.
- Misdemeanor. Individuals can be charged with a misdemeanor if they cause $250-$400 in damages or if they commit smaller acts of vandalism repeatedly. You could spend up to a year in jail for a misdemeanor vandalism charge.
- Felony. Felony charges of vandalism apply if someone does more than $400 in damage. You can be sent to prison for 3 years if you are convicted of felony vandalism in Downey.
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Charges of Trespassing in Downey
You can be charged with general trespassing in Downey if you enter someone else’s property or land before they give you permission. Simple trespass is generally charged as an infraction. You’ll likely have to pay a small fine if convicted of basic trespassing.
The city of Downey also uses two harsher charges to handle more complicated instances of trespass:
- Criminal Trespass
- Aggravated Trespass
A criminal trespass charge applies if you enter an individual’s property with the intent to somehow damage it or otherwise interfere with it. Convictions for criminal trespass can lead to 6 months in jail and fines of $1,000.
Individuals who make a threat and then enter the home or workplace of another person can be charged with aggravated trespass. Aggravated trespass is treated as a felony by the court system and a conviction can result in 3 years of jail time.
Any trespassing conviction can impact your life for years to come. You can fight against these charges by working with an experienced property crimes lawyer. Get the help you need right here in Downey.
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Burglary Charges in the Downey Area
Burglary occurs if someone intends to commit petty theft or a felony and enters a:
- Room
- Building
- Locked Vehicle
The city of Downey uses two main charges to address accusations of burglary:
- Residential Burglary / First Degree Burglary
- Commercial Burglary / Second Degree Burglary
You can be charged with first degree burglary if you enter someone else’s home. First degree burglary is the more severe charge. A conviction for first degree burglary can result in 6 years in prison and fines of $10,000.
Second degree burglary involves entering a business with the intent to commit a felony or petty theft. You can be charged with a felony or a misdemeanor for second degree burglary and you could be sentenced to 3 years in prison if you are convicted.
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Downey’s Charges of Arson
You can be charged with arson for intentionally setting a fire. There are two criminal charges used to prosecute arson in Downey:
- Reckless Burning
- Malicious Arson
Downey uses the charge of reckless burning if a fire is started due to mental illness or simply for the thrill of watching something burn. Reckless burning may be treated as misdemeanor or a felony, based on what was set on fire. A reckless burning conviction usually leads to jail time and fines.
Individuals who start a fire to injure someone, cause deliberate damage to a property, or defraud an insurance company can be charged with malicious arson. Malicious arson is punished more harshly than reckless burning. You could end up spending 9 years in prison if you are convicted.
California can punish arson very harshly, as the damage caused by wildfires can lead to serious repercussions for the state. Make sure that you’re treated fairly if you are accused of arson by working with a skilled property crimes lawyer.
Get Help with Property Crime Charges in Downey
Charges of vandalism, trespassing, arson, and burglary can end up changing your life forever. You can boost your chances for success by getting immediate help from the Simmrin Law Group. Our property crime lawyers understand the court system and the strategies used by prosecutors. We’re ready to start building your case with a FREE consultation.
Fill out the contact form to the right or call us directly at (310) 896-2723 to find out how we can help.
Call or text (310) 896-2723 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form