Property crimes involve damaging or stealing the property of another person. You can end up facing stiff penalties for all property crime convictions. Individuals who are convicted of property crimes can be fined and sent to jail or prison.
Getting legal help on your side right away increases your chances of winning a property crime case. The Simmrin Law Group can offer you the advice you need today. Our property crimes lawyers in Whittier are highly trained and ready to defend you.
Whittier’s Laws on Trespassing
Many people believe trespassing charges are not very severe. However, you can end up facing penalties if you are charged with:
Property Crimes: Trespassing
A basic act of trespassing involves entering someone else’s land or property without permission. This minor offense is typically considered an infraction. You will likely have to pay a small fine if convicted of basic trespassing.
Property Crimes: Criminal Trespassing
Criminal trespassing involves entering another person’s property or land and:
- Intending to interfere with it
- Intending to damage it
- Actually interfering with it
- Actually damaging it
You can be fined up to $1,000 and sent to jail for 6 months for a criminal trespassing conviction.
Property Crimes: Aggravated Trespassing
You can face aggravated trespassing charges if you threaten someone and then enter:
- Their workplace
- Their home
- A building beside their home
Individuals convicted of aggravated trespassing can end up spending up to 3 years in jail.
It takes time to build a successful defense for a trespassing charge. You can get the help you need right now from a criminal defense lawyer in Whittier.
For a free legal consultation, call (310) 896-2723
Understanding Charges of Vandalism in Whittier
The court in Whittier defines vandalism as defacing, damaging, or destroy the property of another person. The amount of damage or destruction caused by vandalism will determine which charges you face:
Infraction
Individuals who cause no more than $250 dollars in damage or destruction can be charged with an infraction. You may face a more severe charge for repeatedly committing small acts of vandalism. The penalty for a vandalism infraction is generally a small fine.
Misdemeanor
The court will use misdemeanor charges for instances of vandalism that cause $250 – $400 in damage. People who cause small acts of vandalism multiple times can also face misdemeanor charges. You can end up jailed for a year if convicted of misdemeanor vandalism.
Felony
Felony vandalism occurs when someone causes more than $400 in damages. The court can sentence you to up to prison for 3 years for a felony vandalism conviction.
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Arson Charges in Whittier
Arson involves setting fire to land, property, structures, or motor vehicles. California generally punishes arson very harshly, due in part to the tremendous damage done by wildfires in the state. You could face these legal charges if accused of arson:
Property Crimes: Reckless Burning
People who start fires just for the thrill can be charged with reckless burning. The court also uses reckless burning charges for individuals who are suffering from a mental illness when they set a fire. This charge is generally less severe than malicious arson.
Property Crimes: Malicious Arson
The court defines malicious arson as setting a fire to damage property or to injure or kill another person. You can also be charged with malicious arson if you start a fire to defraud an insurance company. Malicious arson is the more serious charge used to prosecute arson.
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Burglary Charges in the Whittier Area
Burglary is a multi-part criminal act. Burglary involves:
- Trespassing into someone’s locked vehicle, room, or building, AND
- Planning to commit petty theft or a felony
Depending on the location of the burglary, you could be charged with:
Property Crimes: First Degree Burglary
First degree burglary involves entering a private residence while planning a felony or petty theft. The court also calls this residential burglary. First degree burglary is a very serious charge. Individuals convicted of first degree burglary can end up in prison for 6 years.
Property Crimes: Second Degree Burglary
You can be charged with second degree burglary if you intend to burgle a business. You may also hear this charge called commercial burglary. Commercial burglary is generally punished less severely than residential burglary.
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A Whittier Property Crimes Lawyer Can Help You
Your future will depend on the steps you take after you’ve been charged with a property crime. Make sure you get expert legal advice from a law firm you can trust by contacting the Simmrin Law Group today. Our property crime lawyers in Whittier offer FREE consultations so you can start getting the help you need right away.
Protect yourself now by calling us at (310) 896-2723 or completing our online contact form.
Call or text (310) 896-2723 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form