It can be easy to underestimate the severity of a property crimes charge in El Monte, but this can lead to serious repercussions. Property crimes can be treated as infractions, misdemeanors, or felonies. You could be sentenced to years in prison or forced to pay steep fines if you are convicted of a property crime.
It takes skill and legal expertise to beat a property crimes charge. You can get the help you need to build your case by working with a talented criminal defense lawyer in El Monte. The advice of a legal professional can boost your odds in court.
Facts About Property Crime Charges in El Monte
Property crimes are acts that damage or destroy the goods or property of other people. You can be prosecuted for the following property crimes in El Monte:
- Trespassing
- Vandalism
- Arson
- Burglary
Some property crimes can be treated as infractions. More commonly, you will be charged with a misdemeanor or a felony if accused of a property crime. Convictions for property crimes usually result in hefty fines and imprisonment.
Getting legal help right away can mean the difference between winning and losing your case. The Simmrin Law Group has years of experience fighting property crimes charges in court. We understand how to win cases and can help you today.
For a free legal consultation, call (310) 896-2723
El Monte’s Laws on Trespassing
Trespassing charges have three levels of severity in El Monte:
Trespass
A trespassing charge applies if someone enters another person’s land or property without permission. You can be charged with an infraction for simple trespass. A conviction for basic trespass usually results in a small fine.
Criminal Trespass
You could face charges for criminal trespass if you go into someone’s property while planning to interfere with it or damage it. The court can sentence you to $1,000 in fines and 6 months of jail time if you are convicted of criminal trespass.
Aggravated Trespass
Aggravated trespass can only occur if you enter someone’s workplace or home after threatening them. You can be charged with a felony for aggravated trespass. Individuals who are convicted of aggravated trespass can spend 3 years in jail.
All trespassing charges can have serious repercussions for your life. Make sure you have the help you need to defend yourself in court by working with a property crimes lawyer in El Monte.
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Vandalism as a Property Crime
Acts that deface, damage, or destroy someone else’s property are considered vandalism in El Monte. The severity of a vandalism charge is determined by how much damage was done:
- Less than $250. You will generally be charged with an infraction for doing less than $250 in damage. You will face a small fine if convicted of an infraction.
- $250 – $400. Individuals who cause $250 – $400 in damages usually face misdemeanor You can also be charged with a misdemeanor for causing small amounts of damage multiple times.
- More than $400. The court can charge you will a felony for causing more than $400 in damages. A felony vandalism conviction can lead to 3 years of prison time.
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Arson Charges in California
Individuals who purposefully start a fire in El Monte can be charged with arson. Depending on your situation, you could be charged with:
- Reckless Burning
- Malicious Arson
Reckless burning occurs when someone starts a fire without a malicious intent. Individuals who commit arson for the thrill of it or due to a mental illness can be charged with reckless burning.
Setting a fire for a spiteful or vindictive reason can result in charges of malicious arson in El Monte. You can be charged with malicious arson for setting a fire that is designed to:
- Damage Property
- Defraud an Insurance Company
- Cause an Injury
Arson can be treated as a misdemeanor or a felony by the court system in El Monte. You could end up spending 10 years in prison and facing $50,000 in fines if you are convicted of arson. Getting professional help right away can boost your odds of beating an arson charge.
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El Monte’s Charges of Burglary
El Monte defines burglary as entering a room, building, or locked vehicle with the intention of committing a felony or petty theft. Depending on your circumstances, you could be charged with:
Residential Burglary / First Degree Burglary
Residential burglary occurs if someone enters the home of another person to commit petty theft or a felony. This is sometimes called first degree burglary. It is the more severe burglary charge.
Commercial Burglary / Second Degree Burglary
A charge of commercial burglary applies if you enter a business for criminal purposes. The court system also describes commercial burglary as second degree burglary. You will generally not be penalized as severely for commercial burglary.
A conviction for either first or second degree burglary can impact your life for years to come. You might end up sentenced to 6 years of prison time and left with fines of $10,000.
Fight a Property Crimes Charge in El Monte Today
Dealing with a property crimes charge can drain you and a failure to win your case can result in high fines and time in jail or prison. Get the help you need to build your defense by contacting the Simmrin Law Group now. We’ve built our reputation on success and winning cases. Let us go over your options today with a FREE consultation. You can reach us by filling out the form on the right or calling (310) 896-2723.
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