Were you accused of a property crime in San Diego?
You can get fast help to handle a property crime accusation in San Diego by reaching out to the Simmrin Law Group immediately after you are arrested. 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 right now 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 court system in San Diego uses two distinct charges to prosecute arson. Individuals are charged based on their intent in starting a fire. You may need professional help from a criminal defense lawyer in San Diego if you are accused of:
Reckless Burning
Individuals who start a fire because they enjoy the thrill or excitement of it 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:
- Fines of up to $1,000
- Jail time of up to six months
Malicious Arson
Malicious arson involves starting a fire to harm or kill someone, to defraud an insurance company, or to damage property out of anger or hatred. Malicious arson is always a felony. If you are convicted of malicious arson or felony reckless burning, 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
Property Crimes in San Diego: Burglary
Individuals in San Diego may be charged with burglary if they:
- Enter a room, building, or locked vehicle while
- Intending to commit a felony or petty theft
There are two main charges used to prosecute burglary:
First-Degree Burglary / Residential Burglary
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 you are convicted of a residential burglary in San Diego.
Second-Degree Burglary / Commercial Burglary
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 of time in prison.
Property Crimes in San Diego: Trespassing
Trespassing occurs anytime someone enters another person’s property without first securing their permission. Basic trespassing – or entering a property without causing damage or interfering with anything – is generally treated as an infraction. This means it is only punished with a small fine. However, you could also be charged with:
Criminal Trespassing
Entering someone else’s property while intending to damage it or to interfere with it is considered criminal trespassing. A conviction could result in:
- Fines of up to $1,000
- Jail time of up to six months
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 jail time of up to three years.
Property Crimes in San Diego: Vandalism
The court in San Diego defines vandalism as the act of 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
As we mentioned earlier, infractions are generally only punished with a small fine. You could face harsher penalties for a misdemeanor or a felony conviction. You could be sentenced to fines of up to $3,000. Depending on your situation, you could even face up to three years of time in prison.
You can get help handling any property crimes charge in San Diego by contacting a legal professional. Let a criminal defense lawyer begin working on your case now if you are accused of arson, burglary, trespassing, or vandalism.
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 as soon as you contact us to get a FREE initial case evaluation.
Call us at (310) 997-4688 or complete our online contact form to speak with a property crimes lawyer in San Diego.