Property crimes in Encino include theft- and non-theft-related violations. The penalties associated with an Encino property crime can be severe. If an individual is charged with a property crime in Encino, it is beneficial to partner with an attorney who can contest the charge.
Simmrin Law Group allows a person to connect with an Encino property crimes lawyer right away. Our attorney can review the facts surrounding a property crime case. From here, the attorney can work with a defendant to get their charge reduced or eliminated.
Common Types of Property Crimes in Encino
There is no such thing as one-size-fits-all with property crimes in Encino. Property crimes people can be charged with in Encino include:
Vandalism
Vandalism refers to the act of damaging, defacing, or destroying property. The crime is classified as a misdemeanor or felony, depending on the value of the property that is vandalized. In California, anyone convicted of vandalism has their driver’s license suspended for one year.
Arson
A person who willfully and maliciously sets fire to or burns someone else’s property can be charged with arson. Also, a person can face an arson charge if this individual helps someone else set fire to or burn someone else’s property. An arson conviction can result in prison time or other serious consequences.
Larceny
Larceny is a type of theft in which a person takes property from someone else with the intent of permanently keeping it. To be convicted of larceny, a person must steal property that has value, is physically moved from one location to another, and is taken without the owner’s consent.
If an individual is charged with any of these or other property crimes in Encino, partner with an attorney. This allows a person to work with an Encino property crimes attorney who can help this individual settle their case. The attorney will commit time, energy, and resources to help the defendant achieve the optimal case result.
Penalties Associated with Property Crimes in Encino
The penalties associated with property crimes are defined under the California Penal Code. They vary and range from a fine to prison time. A property crime conviction can impact a person’s ability to work in certain industries and have other long-lasting ramifications as well.
A property crimes lawyer in Encino can help a defendant contest their charge and get it lowered or dismissed. To do so, the attorney learns as much as possible about the defendant’s charge. Next, the lawyer crafts a personalized legal strategy for the defendant.
In addition, a property crimes attorney in Encino pursues every opportunity to help a defendant. The attorney considers how a prosecutor will argue their case against the defendant. This allows the lawyer to identify ways to dispute claims against the defendant.
How a Property Crimes Lawyer in Encino Advocates for Their Client
An Encino property crimes lawyer makes no assumptions regarding their client’s case. Rather, the attorney keeps an open mind and tries to understand the defendant’s point of view. This helps the attorney figure out the best way to advocate on the defendant’s behalf.
In the time leading up to a trial, a property crimes attorney will gather and review evidence. The lawyer will look for any evidence that raises doubts about whether the defendant committed the crime. This attorney will also seek witnesses who can testify on the defendant’s behalf.
Once a trial begins, a property crimes lawyer presents evidence and witness testimony. The attorney does everything in their power to show a judge or jury why a defendant should be found not guilty of a property crime. If successful, the defendant can receive a not-guilty verdict and move past their case.
Why an Encino Property Crimes Lawyer May Propose a Plea Bargain
An Encino property crimes attorney may suggest a plea bargain proposal if the lawyer believes the defendant can benefit from it. A plea bargain allows a defendant and prosecutor to settle a property crime case before a trial. The agreement requires a defendant to accept a lesser charge than what was originally proposed in exchange for avoiding a trial.
To create a plea bargain proposal, a property crimes lawyer considers all of the facts surrounding the case. The attorney may produce multiple plea bargain proposals over the course of litigation. Ultimately, a prosecutor must accept a plea bargain for a property crime case to get settled out of court.
A prosecutor will not approve a plea bargain agreement if it is one-sided. As such, a property crimes lawyer must consider the prosecutor’s needs when crafting a plea bargain proposal. If the attorney produces a plea bargain agreement that is fair for both sides, the prosecutor may accept it, and the defendant can settle their case.
What to Do if a Plea Bargain Proposal Is Rejected in an Encino Property Crimes Case
A defendant and prosecutor may exchange plea bargain proposals for weeks or months leading up to a trial. Regardless, both sides may struggle to come to an agreement. In this scenario, the defendant and prosecutor must appear in court for a trial.
During a property crime trial, a defendant and prosecutor present their respective arguments. A judge or jury listens to both sides in the case and must assess the case’s evidence and witness testimony. The judge or jury must also render a verdict.
Throughout a trial, an Encino property crimes lawyer acts in their client’s best interest. The attorney leaves no stone unturned in their quest to present a compelling argument that resonates with a judge or jury. If the attorney presents an argument that hits the mark with a judge or jury, the defendant may receive a favorable judgment.
How to Get Started with Contesting a Property Crime Charge in Encino
Simmrin Law Group makes it easy to connect with an experienced property crimes lawyer in Encino. We can put you in touch with a property crime attorney who will help you navigate the legal process. For more information or to request a free case evaluation, please contact us today.