Property crime charges fall into four major categories in West Covina:
- Trespassing
- Vandalism
- Arson
- Burglary
The penalties for any property crime can be very harsh. You could be saddled with incredibly high fines or even incarcerated if you are convicted of a property crime. Fortunately, you can work with a property crimes lawyer in West Covina to get professional help. The Simmrin Law Group can give you the legal advice you need today.
Property Crimes in West Covina: Trespassing
Trespassing takes place any time someone enters another person’s property without permission. In many cases, you will only be charged with an infraction if you are accused of trespassing. Infractions are generally only punished with a fine of $100.
However, you can face harsher consequences if you are charged with criminal trespass, which involves entering property while:
- Intending to interfere with it
- Intending to damage it
- Causing actual interference or damage
Additionally, you could face a charge for aggravated trespass in West Covina. Aggravated trespass occurs if you:
- Threatened someone
- Intended to make the person afraid with the threat
- Then entered their workplace, home, or a building by their home within 30 days
You could be charged with a misdemeanor or a felony if you are accused of aggravated trespass. A conviction for aggravated trespass can lead to fines of $1,000 and 3 years in jail. Make sure that you’re ready to fight any trespassing charge by working with a property crimes lawyer in West Covina.
For a free legal consultation, call (310) 896-2723
Property Crimes in West Covina: Vandalism
You can be charged with vandalism if you enter another person’s property and:
- Damage something
- Deface something
- Destroy something
West Covina handles instances of vandalism very seriously. The severity of the charges you face will depend on the amount of damage you are accused of causing:
- Infraction. You can be charged with an infraction for causing $250 in damages. Note that you may face harsher charges if you are accused of doing small amounts of damage multiple times.
- Misdemeanor. West Covina can charge vandalism as a misdemeanor if an individual causes up to $400 in damages, or if smaller acts of vandalism are repeatedly committed.
- Felony. Individuals can face felony charges for vandalism for causing more than $400 in damages.
The penalties for vandalism will depend on how much damage was done. In some situations, you could end up sentenced to 3 years in prison and left with high fines if you are convicted of an act of vandalism in West Covina.
Criminal Defense Lawyer Near Me (310) 896-2723
Property Crimes in West Covina: Arson
Individuals who set a fire intentionally can be charged with arson in West Covina. The court system uses two charges to prosecute arson, based on the intentions of the person who set the fire:
Reckless Burning
You can be charged with reckless burning if mental illness caused you to set a fire. Reckless burning charges are also used if someone sets a fire just for the thrill of it. You will generally face less severe penalties if you are charged with reckless burning.
Malicious Arson
Individuals commit malicious arson by setting a fire to personal property, motor vehicles, structures, or forested land in order to:
- Damage the property
- Injure or kill another person
- Defraud an insurance company
The penalties for arson are very high in California. You could be sentenced to years in prison and tens of thousands of dollars in fines if you are convicted of arson. Make sure you’re ready for your day in court by working with a skilled criminal defense lawyer in West Covina.
Click to contact our Criminal Defense Lawyer today
Property Crimes in West Covina: Burglary
The act of burglary involves entering the property of another person to commit a felony or petty theft. There are two major charges used to prosecute instances of burglary in West Covina:
Commercial Burglary
Commercial burglary involves entering a business to carry out petty theft or a felony. This is also referred to as second degree burglary. You can be sentenced to 3 years in prison if you are convicted of commercial burglary.
Residential Burglary
Individuals can be charged with residential burglary for entering a private home. The court system also calls this first degree burglary. The penalties for first degree burglary include fines of $10,000 and up to 6 years in prison.
Complete a Free Case Evaluation form now
Get Professional Help Handling a Property Crime Charge
Dealing with property crime charges on your own can make it easier for prosecutors to convict you. You can get the help you need from the Simmrin Law Group’s property crime lawyers in West Covina. We have a reputation for winning cases and we’re ready to help you. You can get advice about your case with a FREE consultation.
Start protecting yourself today by calling (310) 896-2723 or filling out our contact form.
Call or text (310) 896-2723 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form