You can get fast help to handle a property crime accusation in San Diego by reaching out to the Simmrin Law Group immediately after arresting you. You can count on us to help you if you are accused of crimes like:
- Arson
- Burglary
- Trespassing
- Vandalism
Getting professional help quickly after an arrest can improve your odds of successfully beating the charges you are facing. Contact a property crimes lawyer in San Diego to get help constructing a strong defense.
Property Crimes in San Diego: Arson
Arson represents the act of setting fire to:
- Someone else’s property
- A motor vehicle
- A structure
- Forested land
The criminal court system in San Diego uses two distinct charges to prosecute arson. Individuals are charged based on their intent to start a fire. You may need professional help from a criminal defense lawyer in San Diego if you are accused of reckless burning or malicious arson.
Reckless Burning
Individuals who start a fire because they enjoy the thrill could be charged with reckless burning. Reckless burning charges are also used to prosecute individuals who suffer from pyromania. Reckless burning may be prosecuted as a misdemeanor or a felony. Misdemeanor charges can result in the following:
- Fines of up to $1,000
- Jail time of up to six months
- Summary probation
You could face as many as six years in prison for a felony charge of reckless burning that causes great bodily injury. Reckless burning is a serious crime that can lead to six months in jail. Do not take the chances of going to jail by representing yourself.
Our San Diego criminal defense lawyers can help you build a strong defense against criminal charges.
Malicious Arson
Malicious arson involves starting a fire to harm or kill someone, defraud an insurance company, or damage property out of anger or hatred. Malicious arson is always a felony. If you get convicted of malicious arson, you could be sentenced to:
- Fines of up to $50,000 (or twice the amount you would receive from insurance for the fire)
- Prison time of up to nine years
- Formal probation
It is in your best interest to speak with a San Diego criminal attorney when facing a charge of malicious arson in California. Do not take your freedom for granted by representing yourself. The Simmrin Law Group is here to help you fight the criminal charges and protect your rights.
For a free legal consultation with a property crimes lawyer serving San Diego, call (310) 896-2723
Property Crimes in San Diego: Burglary
Individuals in San Diego may be charged with burglary if they enter a room, building, or locked vehicle to commit a felony or petty theft. Two main charges are used to prosecute burglary depending on the property where you allegedly committed the crime.
First-Degree Burglary (Residential Property)
Entering a residential property to commit petty theft or a felony is considered first-degree burglary. You could be fined up to $10,000 and sentenced to six years in prison if convicted of a residential burglary in San Diego.
Second-Degree Burglary (Commercial Property)
Individuals who enter a business while intending to commit a felony or petty theft can be charged with second-degree burglary. This charge can result in high fines and up to three years in prison.
Burglaries can be misdemeanors (petty theft) or felonies in different scenarios. A property crimes attorney in San Diego might be able to get your charges reduced if you face criminal burglary charges.
San Diego Property Crimes Lawyer Near Me (310) 896-2723
Property Crimes in San Diego: Trespassing
Trespassing occurs anytime someone enters another person’s property without first securing permission. Basic trespassing – or entering a property without causing damage or interfering with anything – is generally treated as an infraction. Infractions are only punished with a small fine and no jail time.
However, you could also be charged with criminal trespassing or aggravated trespassing, which are much more serious crimes.
Criminal Trespassing
Entering someone else’s property while intending to damage or interfere with it is considered criminal trespassing. A conviction could result in the following:
- Fines of up to $1,000
- Jail time of up to six months
- Summary probation
Aggravated Trespassing
You could be charged with aggravated trespassing if you threatened someone and then entered their place of business, home, or a building adjacent to their home within 30 days. Aggravated trespassing convictions can lead to fines and incarceration of up to three years. If you are facing a charge of aggravated trespassing, be sure to speak with a San Diego property crimes lawyer from the Simmrin Law Group as soon as possible.
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Property Crimes in San Diego: Vandalism
The San Diego court defines vandalism as damaging, destroying, or defacing someone else’s property. Vandalism may be prosecuted as a(n):
- Infraction, if the act causes less than $250 in damage
- Misdemeanor, if the act causes between $250-$400 in damage
- Felony, if the act causes more than $400 in damage
Infractions are generally only punished with a small fine. However, you will face harsher penalties for misdemeanors or felony convictions. You could be sentenced to pay up to $3,000.
You could even face up to three years in prison, depending on your situation. You can get help handling any property crime charge in San Diego by contacting a legal professional. Let a property crimes lawyer in San Diego begin working on your case now if you are accused of arson, burglary, trespassing, or vandalism.
Defending Against a Property Crimes Charge
Your lawyer could use many potential defenses to fight the charges against you. Which argument is best for your case will depend on many factors, including the crime you are accused of and the evidence against you.
An experienced San Diego property crimes attorney can help create a strong defense tailored to your case. They may be able to argue that you were falsely accused, that you did not intend to commit a crime, or a wide variety of other reasons why you should not be convicted.
Your attorney may even be able to get your case thrown out before you go to trial. If they can show that the evidence against you was obtained through an unlawful search and seizure or that the chain of custody for the evidence was broken, they will petition the court to have the evidence suppressed.
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Negotiating a Plea Bargain
Accepting a plea bargain deal is an alternative to fighting your case in court. While an offer might look good at first, it is always advisable to have your lawyer review any potential offer before you agree to anything.
Plea bargains can be complicated, and without review by your attorney, you might accidentally agree to something that is not in your best interest. Plea deals can be great if the evidence against you is strong or if the risk posed by a potential conviction of the original charge is too high to take when the worst consequences can be avoided.
A San Diego Property Crimes Lawyer Can Work for You
Take charge after you are accused of a property crime in San Diego by contacting the Simmrin Law Group. We are ready to begin working on your defense. Contact us today to schedule a free initial case evaluation.
Call us or complete our online contact form to speak with a property crimes lawyer in San Diego. We know the uphill battle that you face. We can help to make the process as simple and painless as possible.
Call or text (310) 896-2723 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form