Numerous crimes in California involve the destruction or theft of another person’s property. These types of crimes are known as “property crimes.” Although these crimes are not as grave as violent crimes or offenses resulting in serious injuries, being charged and convicted of a property crime can have life-changing implications.
It is critical to have legal counsel who will fight for the best possible outcome for their clients. An Irvine property crimes defense attorney at Simmrin Law Group is prepared to defend against any property crime charges. With over 15 years of experience, we have the knowledge and commitment to fight aggressively and effectively.
What Is a Property Crime?
Property crime refers to crimes that do not target specific individuals. These crimes, on the other hand, are aimed at property. Property may be damaged or destroyed in some way as a result of someone’s actions. People are rarely injured because the intent is usually focused on trying to obtain or damage the property in question, but individuals may be harmed in certain property crimes.
Property crimes involve the theft or destruction of a victim’s property without the use or threat of force against the victim. Burglary and theft, as well as vandalism and arson, are examples of property crimes. The theft-type offenses involve the theft of money or property, but there is no use of force or threat of force against the victims.
Arson is classified as a property crime because it involves the destruction of property. However, arson victims may be subjected to force and therefore can sometimes be more severe than other property crimes.
For a free legal consultation with a property crimes lawyer serving Irvine, call (310) 928-9347
Types of Property Usually Involved in Property Crimes
In the United States, property crimes are prevalent and the most common type of criminal activity. According to the FBI, approximately nine million property crime charges occur each year. This high number can be attributed to the fact there are numerous categories under property crimes.
Property crimes can happen in many different ways to any type of belonging. There isn’t a category of property that is exempt from fitting under a property crime if stolen. There are types of property that are stolen more often than others, and the most common types in California include:
- Store merchandise (shoplifting)
- Purses and wallets (robbery)
- Jewelry and electronics (burglary)
- Destruction of personal property through graffiti (vandalism)
Shoplifting and robbery are the most prevalent crimes in bigger cities in California. Additionally, car theft is on the rise, especially in California. According to recent data, vehicle theft is up nearly 15% from the previous year. Moreover, three Californian cities are in the top 10 areas in the U.S. for car theft, with Bakersfield, California being number one on the list.
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Communicating to a Lawyer After Being Charged
A successful attorney-client relationship requires effective communication between the lawyer and the client. A satisfied client is often one who is well-informed. Furthermore, a lawyer who is fully informed about the charges by his client can better prepare a defense.
Lawyers and clients can communicate in a variety of ways—phone calls, text messages, emails, video chat, mail and other written correspondence, and in-person meetings. Not all of these communication methods are available to incarcerated clients. Inmates do not have access to cell phones or computers to text, email, or video chat. This restricts inmates’ access to their lawyers to phone calls, letters, and in-person meetings.
Phone Conversations
Phone conversations between a property crimes defense lawyer in Irvine and their incarcerated clients present difficulties. First and foremost, many lawyers do not accept jail calls unless there has already been a relationship established. However, this is predicated on the fact that the lawyer is by their phone, which is not always the case. A simple phone call can sometimes take up to a week or more to establish contact.
Written Letters
If incarcerated, it may be best to set up in-person meetings for a specific day, time, and all other communication done through written letters addressed to the attorney. When writing letters, it is important to have them marked as “legal,” “attorney-client communication,” or “privileged communication.” Marking the correspondence means the contents are not (well, should not) be read or inspected.
A good lawyer will always have an open line of communication with their clients and be able to answer all their legal needs, regardless of whether or not they are incarnated.
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Property Crime Statistics in the United States
In the most recently reported year, nearly 41% of property crimes occurred at a residence or home. Meanwhile, nearly 11% of property crime incidents occurred in a parking lot or garage. The most common offenses were larceny and theft, accounting for 45.7% of all property crimes committed.
During the COVID pandemic, property crimes fell nearly 10% more than the previously reported years. However, it appears that property crimes are not on the rise again. According to the data, there are, on average, nearly 6.5 million property crimes reported each year.
Larceny Theft
Larceny (theft) is generally always at the top of any yearly figures and roughly estimates for over 70% of all property crimes according to the FBI statistics. This is partly because theft encompasses a lot of categories and often accompanies other charges. For example, if a person is charged with robbery or burglary, it is also common for them to be charged with theft.
Larceny theft, as the most commonly reported property in the United States, accounts for more than 4.6 million reported cases each year. The theft of items from motor vehicles is the most common type of larceny/theft property crime.
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Property Crime Statistics in California
Like the United States, property crimes in California fell during 2019-2021 (the pandemic) by nearly 20%. However, violent crimes and property crimes involving a firearm rose in some areas by 5% from previous years, as reported by the Public Policy Institute of California.
Lastly, the highest number of property crime trends of the reported cities occurred in San Francisco, with Ventura as the lowest number of reported property crimes.
Hiring a Property Crimes Defense Attorney in Irvine
Don’t gamble with your future. Hire a professional to represent you. Simmrin Law Group provides prompt legal assistance. Contact an Irvine property crimes defense lawyer right away.
We offer you a completely free consultation. To get started, fill out our online contact form or give us a call.
Call or text (310) 928-9347 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form