Property crimes are treated very harshly in the court system in Irvine, CA. Individuals accused of a property crime may feel overwhelmed by aggressive prosecutors that push for harsh penalties including incarceration and fines.
Dealing with a property crime charge on your own can lead to an easy win for the prosecution. Luckily, you can get help on your side today. The Simmrin Law Group has experience winning cases throughout the Irvine area. Our property crime lawyers in Irvine can start defending you today.
Trespassing as a Property Crime in Irvine
Individuals who enter the property or land of another individual without permission are committing basic trespassing. Basic trespassing is considered a minor crime and it is generally only punished with a small fine.
However, you can face more severe charges for trespassing, including:
Criminal Trespassing
Criminal trespassing involves entering land or property while planning to interfere with it or to damage it. You may also face this charge for actually causing interference or damage. A criminal trespassing conviction can lead to $1,000 in fines and 6 months in jail.
Aggravated Trespassing
Aggravated trespassing occurs if someone makes a threat and then – within 30 days – enters:
- The Threatened Person’s Home
- The Threatened Person’s Workplace
- A Building by the Threatened Person’s Home
Convictions for aggravated trespassing can lead to 3 years in jail and fines of $1,000.
Vandalism as a Property Crime in Irvine
You can be charged with vandalism for damaging, defacing, or destroying the property of another person. The state may charge you with an infraction, misdemeanor, or felony for vandalism. The exact charge you will face depends on the amount of damage caused by the vandalism, but you may end up spending 3 years in prison and paying fines of $3,000 for a conviction.
You can protect yourself from any vandalism charge by contacting a criminal defense lawyer in Irvine today. Remember, individuals who get professional legal help are more likely to beat criminal charges.
Burglary as a Property Crime in Irvine
Individuals can be charged with burglary if they enter a structure, room, or locked vehicle while planning to:
- Commit a Felony
- Commit Petty Theft
Note that you do not have to successfully carry out a criminal act to be charged with burglary. You do not even have to break in to anything to face this charge. These facts can make it very difficult to beat a burglary charge on your own.
The court system in Irvine uses two charges to handle different types of burglary:
Residential Burglary / 1st Degree Burglary
You can be charged with residential burglary for entering a private home. Residential – or 1st degree – burglary is considered the more serious charge. You can be imprisoned for 6 years and fined up to $10,000 for a residential burglary conviction.
Commercial Burglary / 2nd Degree Burglary
Individuals who enter a business can be charged with commercial – or 2nd degree – burglary. Convictions for commercial burglary can lead to fines and up to 3 years of time in prison.
Arson as a Property Crime in Irvine
People who purposefully start fires can be charged with arson. You can face arson charges for setting fire to:
- Forested Land
- Motor Vehicles
- Personal Property
- Structures
Depending on your situation you could be charged with:
Reckless Burning
Reckless burning occurs if someone starts a fire due to a mental illness or simply for the thrill of it. You can face 6 months of jail time and fines of $1,000 if you are convicted of reckless burning.
Malicious Arson
Individuals who start a fire to harm someone else, to damage property, or to defraud an insurance company can be charged with malicious arson. The penalties for malicious arson can include 9 years of prison time and $50,000 in fines.
You may face additional penalties for any kind of arson in certain circumstances. Because California reacts so harshly to arson, you need a property crimes lawyer on your side to have the best chance for defending yourself in court.
Build a Defense with an Irvine Property Crimes Lawyer
Dealing with property crime charges on your own can end in lengthy incarceration and high fines. You need skilled representation from an experience property crimes lawyer in Irvine. The Simmrin Law Group can offer you expert legal advice and compassionate support throughout your court case. We’ll start working on your case as soon as you contact us for a FREE consultation.
Take charge of your future by calling us at (310) 997-4688 or filling out our online contact form.