A property crime charge can result in fines, jail time, and other consequences. Whether the charge you are facing involves wrongfully entering someone’s property, destroying someone’s property, theft, or another property-related offense, our Los Angeles property crimes lawyers are here to help.
Our Los Angeles criminal defense lawyers at Simmrin Law Group know how to defend clients from property-related charges. We understand the ins and outs of criminal law and can protect your rights at all times.
You’ve got an advocate who knows the law when you turn to us for help in Los Angeles County.
Why Hire a Property Crimes Lawyer Serving Los Angeles, CA?
We recommend hiring an attorney for a property crime charge. Even if you’ve faced these charges before—and even if you never faced a conviction for those charges—you may not be familiar with criminal defense tactics.
Our team at Simmrin Law Group is familiar with criminal law and how to defend those facing charges like yours. We can:
- Answer your legal questions about California law
- Explain the steps you need to take after an arrest
- Discuss the immigration consequences of your charges
- Build a defense to the charges you face in Southern California
Our trial attorneys can work tirelessly to help with your charges. We may focus on getting the court to drop or reduce your charges, or defend you in court. Contact us now to learn more about how we can help.
For a free legal consultation with a property crimes lawyer serving Los Angeles, call (310) 896-2723
What Are the Risks if You Don’t Hire a Lawyer?
The potential criminal penalties alone require you to take your charges seriously. Beyond the formal legal consequences, though, failing to present a strong defense may:
- Derail your professional dreams, as a criminal record may deter prospective employers from hiring you.
- Cause difficulty in obtaining housing, as landlords and salespeople may be hesitant to rent or sell to someone with a crime on their record.
- Affect your rights as a parent.
- Cause you to lose professional licenses.
A lawyer at Simmrin Law Group will work relentlessly to spare you from these life-changing consequences.
Los Angeles Property Crimes Lawyer Near Me (310) 896-2723
What Is a Property Crime?
The National Institute of Justice (NIJ) defines a property crime as a crime in which “a victim’s property is stolen or destroyed, without the use or threat of force against the victim.” Specific examples of these crimes include:
- Criminal trespassing
- Burglary
- Theft, grand theft, auto theft, and other charges involving stolen property
- Arson
- Vandalism
A property crimes attorney serving Los Angeles can answer any questions about pending charges. We offer a free consultation, so you can learn what the next steps could be for your case before you hire one of our criminal defense attorneys.
What Is Criminal Trespassing?
In California, trespassing generally qualifies as a minor infraction, resulting in a small fine. However, there are situations in which the court can charge a person with criminal trespassing, which is more serious.
Criminal trespass occurs when a person enters someone else’s property intending to interfere with the property, which could include damaging the property.
Burglary Charges in California
Burglary may qualify as a more serious version of criminal trespassing, and the court can charge the two together. Burglary generally has two main components:
- 1) Entering another person’s property
- 2) Intending to commit a crime on another person’s property
As with criminal trespassing, intent is one of the key components of a burglary charge. Since intent can be difficult for prosecutors to prove, our criminal defense attorneys will work on challenging the prosecution’s case. Some possible defenses against a burglary charge include the following:
- Lack of evidence
- Problematic evidence
- Mistaken identity
- The property you intended to take was your own.
A burglary lawyer serving Los Angeles from our firm could argue your charge down or even have the charge dismissed.
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What Is the Difference Between Burglary, Theft, and Robbery?
Burglary, theft, and robbery may be confused by those without experience in criminal defense. While there are common features of each, knowing the difference between the three crimes is essential:
- Theft, also known as larceny, is taking someone else’s personal property with the intent to deprive them of it permanently. We can tell you more about theft crimes.
- Burglary does not necessarily have to involve theft, though it can. Burglary is the act of breaking into and entering someone’s property with the intent to commit a crime.
- Robbery involves theft—taking something from someone else using either force or the threat of force.
If you face burglary charges, an attorney may be able to reduce your charges to petty theft or even get your charges dropped.
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Crimes Involving the Destruction of Property
Destroying property that does not belong to you can be a serious offense. However, our criminal defense lawyers have plenty of experience defending clients against these charges. Two prominent property damage-related charges are arson and vandalism.
What Are the Different Types of Arson in L.A.?
Our lawyers have extensive knowledge of arson charges. Typically charged as a felony offense, the court can classify arson as:
- Malicious arson (which is always a felony)
- Reckless burning (which can be a misdemeanor)
The difference between the two charges, spelled out in California Penal Code §450, is that malicious arson involves the intent to defraud a person, harm or kill them, or purposefully destroy their property.
With such severe penalties at stake, your best option is to contact a dedicated attorney.
What Qualifies as Vandalism in California?
Vandalism can involve the stereotypical spray-paint can, but the charge may include other activities. For example, a charge of vandalism can result from:
- Keying a car
- Writing messages in wet cement
- Egging a house
A charge of vandalism can result from defacing, destroying, or damaging property that does not belong to you. It is wise to have a defense attorney from Simmrin Law Group on your side to challenge the charge.
Penalties for Property Crimes
Penalties for crimes like arson, trespassing, and theft can be harsh. On top of fines, restitution payments, jail time, loss of professional licensure, and a possible suspended license, your charge may stay on your criminal record if you can’t get it dismissed.
Burglary Penalties
Felony burglary and petty theft come with different penalties in California. While the petty theft version of burglary may lead to a maximum of one year in county jail, felony burglary can lead to up to 6 years in prison, convicted felon status, up to $10,000 in fines, and a strike towards California’s “three-strike” law.
Vandalism Penalties
Being convicted of vandalism is not ideal, as it can result in the penalties of:
- Minimum: Up to $1,000 fine and community service
- Maximum: Three years in state prison, fines, suspended driver’s license, community service
While these are possible penalties, we’ll work to help you avoid them. A property crimes attorney serving Los Angeles may negotiate with the prosecution and get your charges reduced. If appropriate, we’ll work to obtain a dismissal or not guilty verdict.
Call Our Firm for a Free Consultation
Property crimes can carry hefty penalties, but many charges require clear intent to result in a conviction. Los Angeles property crimes attorneys at Simmrin Law Group have experience challenging all the elements of your case to have the charges dropped or lowered.
If you face charges in Los Angeles County, call our criminal defense team today for a consultation to discuss your case. We understand the seriousness of the situation when facing a criminal charge and will fight to protect your rights throughout the case. Call us today to schedule an appointment with a member of our experienced team.
Call or text (310) 896-2723 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form