A property crimes charge in Santa Monica can push your life off course. The court system hands down harsh penalties for property crimes convictions. You could be forced to pay high fines or sent to jail or prison if you are found guilty of a property crime.
Successfully handling a property crimes charge can require skill and experience. You can get the help you need by working with a knowledgeable property crimes lawyer in Santa Monica. The Simmrin Law Group has a history of winning courtroom battles and we can take on your case today.
Build Your Defense with a Property Crimes Lawyer
The court system in Santa Monica defines property crimes as actions that damage or destroy goods or land belonging to other people. There are several common charges that are considered property crimes:
- Arson
- Burglary
- Trespassing
- Vandalism
Vandalism and trespassing are sometimes treated as infractions in court. Other property crimes are viewed as misdemeanors and felonies. A property crimes conviction can come with severe consequences that you can end up dealing with for years to come.
You can boost your chances for courtroom success by getting in touch with a criminal defense lawyer right away. Draw on the legal know-how of a skilled property crimes lawyer to make sure you have a solid defense.
For a free legal consultation with a Criminal Defense lawyer serving Santa Monica, call (310) 896-2723
Arson Charges in Santa Monica, CA
Arson occurs when someone intentionally starts a fire. The court system in Santa Monica uses two charges to address accusations of arson:
- Reckless Burning
- Malicious Arson
Reckless burning involves setting a fire without any malicious intent. Individuals who set a fire for the thrill or because they are suffering from a mental illness may be charged with reckless burning.
You can face malicious arson charges if malice motivated you to start a fire. The court system in Santa Monica considers it malicious to start a fire to:
- Hurt Another Person
- Defraud an Insurance Company
- Cause Property Damage
Arson can be charged as either a misdemeanor or a felony. You could end up spending 10 years in prison and facing $50,000 in fines if you are convicted of arson. Get started on your defense against arson charges today by contacting a property crimes lawyer.
Criminal Defense Lawyer Near Me (310) 896-2723
Santa Monica’s Burglary Charges
Santa Monica defines burglary as entering a room, building or locked vehicle to commit either:
- Petty Theft
- A Felony
You could end up facing one of two charges for burglary in Santa Monica:
- First Degree Burglary / Residential Burglary
- Second Degree Burglary / Commercial Burglary
First degree burglary involves entering a private home to carry out a felony or petty theft. You will generally face more severe charges if you are accused of first degree burglary.
You might be charged with second degree burglary for entering a business. The courts usually treat second degree burglary less harshly than first degree burglary.
Any burglary conviction can lead to serious repercussions. You might be sentenced to 6 years in prison and left with fines of $10,000.
Click to contact our Criminal Defense Lawyers today
Trespassing Charges in California
You could face three charges if you are accused of trespassing in Santa Monica:
- Trespass
- Criminal Trespass
- Aggravated Trespass
Basic trespass involves entering another individual’s property or land without first getting their permission. You could be charged with an infraction if you commit trespass. A trespass conviction usually results in a small fine.
A criminal trespass charge applies if you enter someone’s property while planning to interfere with it or damage it. The court system treats criminal trespass as a misdemeanor. You might end up sentenced to 6 months of jail time if convicted of criminal trespass.
Aggravated trespass occurs if you trespass into an individual’s workplace or home after you threaten them. You can face felony charges if you are accused of aggravated trespass. Depending on your situation, you could be sent to jail for 3 years with an aggravated trespass conviction.
Complete a Free Case Evaluation form now
Vandalism as a Property Crime
Vandalism involves destroying, damaging, or defacing another individual’s property. If you are accused of vandalism you can be charged with a(n):
- Infraction
- Misdemeanor
- Felony
An infraction charge will be used if you caused no more than $250 of damage. You may be charged far more severely if you repeatedly carry out small acts of vandalism.
The court system uses misdemeanor vandalism charges for cases where $250-$400 worth of damage occurs. In some cases, you will be charged with misdemeanor vandalism for multiple small acts of vandalism.
Additionally, you can face felony vandalism charges for more than $400 of damage. A felony vandalism charge can be very serious. You could be sent to prison for 3 years if you are convicted of felony vandalism.
Fight Back with a Property Crimes Lawyer in Santa Monica
Handling a property crimes charge on your own can end up making things worse. Take control of your future by working with a skilled property crimes lawyer who understands the court system. The Simmrin Law Group can provide you with the legal guidance you need to build a solid defense. Contact us now for a FREE consultation so we can go over your options.
You can call (310) 997-4688 or fill out the form on the right to get started today.
Call or text (310) 896-2723 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form