If you’ve been accused of a property crime, you may be concerned about these charges and how they can affect your job, your future, and your freedom. We urge you to get legal help now if you are in this situation to defend yourself and protect your rights.
A Mission Viejo criminal defense lawyer from Simmrin Law Group is ready to stand up for you, explain what’s happening, and fight for your rights. Our firm has decades of experience, has helped thousands of clients across California, and will take on tough cases in state and federal court.
Our team has handled over 100 jury trials, including some of the toughest criminal cases in California. We’ll match you with our property crimes lawyer in Mission Viejo who knows the local courts, understands the law, and isn’t afraid to go to trial if necessary. Call us for a free consultation.
What Are Property Crimes in California?
In California, property crimes include any illegal act involving someone else’s property. That means taking, damaging, or entering someone’s property without permission. You don’t have to hurt anyone physically to be charged with one of these crimes.
Common examples of property crimes include:
- Theft: Taking something that doesn’t belong to you
- Burglary: Entering a building to commit theft or another crime
- Vandalism: Damaging someone else’s property on purpose
- Arson: Setting fire to property, even if no one gets hurt
- Trespassing: Entering private property without permission
- Shoplifting: Stealing items from a store
Some of these crimes are charged as misdemeanors, and others as felonies, depending on how serious they are and if you’ve had past charges.
What Are the Penalties for Property Crimes?
Penalties vary based on the crime. Here’s a general breakdown:
- Misdemeanor theft or vandalism: Up to one year in jail, fines, and possible probation
- Felony burglary or arson: Years in prison, larger fines, and a felony record
- Trespassing: Usually a fine, but repeated offenses can lead to jail
Some crimes also lead to civil lawsuits. For example, someone may sue you for monetary damages if they say you damaged their property.
For a free legal consultation with a property crimes lawyer serving Mission Viejo, call (310) 896-2723
Your Defense Starts Now: Our Property Crimes Attorney in Mission Viejo Will Lead the Way
Getting arrested or charged with a property crime is serious. You might not know what your rights are or what to expect next. That’s where we come in.
Here’s how our Mission Viejo property crimes lawyer will help you:
- Get your side of the story and explain your legal options clearly.
- Collect evidence like video footage, police reports, text messages, or witness statements to support your case.
- Talk to prosecutors and try to get charges reduced or dropped before trial.
- Fight for you in court if your case goes to trial—we’re ready, and we have the experience to win.
- Protect your future by keeping your record clean when possible, or helping you avoid jail time through alternatives like diversion programs.
Mission Viejo Property Crimes Lawyer Near Me (310) 896-2723
When Should You Hire a Defense Lawyer to Represent You?
Right away. If you’ve been arrested, charged, or even questioned by the police about a property crime, it’s time to call a lawyer.
Why? Because everything you say can be used against you, even if you’re just trying to explain what happened. Our Mission Viejo criminal defense lawyer will speak for you, protect your rights, and stop you from accidentally saying something that could hurt your case.
Don’t wait to see how bad it gets. The sooner we start, the stronger your defense will be.
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How Do Property Crime Cases Work in California?
Here’s what usually happens after you’re accused of a property crime:
- Arrest or citation: You may be arrested or given a notice to appear in court.
- Filing of the charges: The District Attorney decides what charges to file based on the police report.
- Court appearances: You’ll go to an arraignment where charges are read, and you enter a plea.
- Investigation and motions: We gather evidence and may file legal motions to suppress evidence or challenge the case.
- Trial or negotiation: We may go to trial or reach a deal with the prosecutor, depending on what’s best for you.
California gives prosecutors one year to file misdemeanor charges and three years for most felony property crimes (California Penal Code § 802). But it’s best to act now—waiting could make your situation harder.
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Will Criminal Property Offenses Go on Your Record?
Yes. If you’re convicted, the charge will show up on background checks, which can affect jobs, housing, and more. But there are ways to reduce the effects they can have on your life.
Our lawyer for property crime charges in Mission Viejo may be able to:
- Get charges dropped or reduced
- Negotiate a diversion program so you avoid a conviction
- Work toward expungement (clearing your record) after the case is over
Common Defenses to Property Crime Charges in California
Our defense attorney for property crimes in Mission Viejo will not use a cookie-cutter defense in your case. We take time to thoughtfully build a solid defense that works.
Some defenses we may use include:
- You weren’t involved: There’s no solid proof that ties you to the crime.
- You had a right to be there: For trespassing or theft claims, we show you had permission.
- It was a misunderstanding: If the property damage was an accident, that matters.
- You were blamed unfairly: We dig into the facts and find proof that clears your name.
What to Do if You’re Facing Property Criminal Charges
If you’ve been arrested, questioned, or suspect that you are under investigation for a property crime in Mission Viejo, take action right away. What you do next can make a big difference in your case.
Here’s what to do:
- Stay calm and don’t talk to the police without a lawyer: Anything you say can be used against you. Even if you’re trying to explain your side, it’s safer to stay quiet until a lawyer is with you.
- Call a defense attorney immediately: The sooner our defense attorney for property crimes in Mission Viejo gets involved, the better chance you have of protecting your rights and shaping the outcome of your case.
- Gather any helpful evidence: If you have receipts, text messages, video clips, or anything else that could show your side of the story, save it. Share it with your lawyer, not the police.
- Avoid contact with others involved in the case: Don’t try to talk to witnesses or the alleged victim. This could hurt your case or lead to more charges.
- Show up to court on time: Missing a court date can lead to a warrant for your arrest. Your lawyer can appear with you or sometimes even on your behalf.
- Follow legal advice: Your lawyer is there to guide you. Following their advice closely gives you the best chance of avoiding jail, reducing charges, or even getting the case dismissed.
No matter how serious the charge, there are ways to fight back. You don’t have to go through it alone, and you shouldn’t. Let Simmrin Law Group step in and take control of your defense.
Our Mission Viejo Property Crimes Lawyer Will Stand Up for You
If you’re facing a property crime charge in Mission Viejo, don’t wait. Every minute counts in a criminal case. Delays can cost you options and hurt your defense. Let us take the pressure off your shoulders and help you move forward.
A property crimes lawyer in Mission Viejo, CA, from Simmrin Law Group will listen to you, protect your rights, and fight for the best outcome possible. Call today for a free consultation. We are here for you 24/7.
Call or text (310) 896-2723 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form