In California, a person who commits a property crime may face misdemeanor or felony charges depending on the severity of the offense. For crimes that involve the unlawful obtainment of another party's property, the severity of the charges and penalties levied against the alleged perpetrator generally depends on the total value of the involved property and the method in which the crime was committed. Charges and penalties for property damage offenses depend upon how badly the involved property is damaged and the location of the crime. A conviction for any of these crimes often comes with devastating consequences. It is vital for those accused of property crime to seek legal counsel as soon as they can.
After many years of hard work and success, Daniel E. Kann has established himself in the legal community as one of the top criminal defense attorneys in southern California. His abundant knowledge and resources allow him to provide clients with highly customized, effective representation, both inside and outside the courtroom. For a free, comprehensive consultation with The Law Offices of Daniel E. Kann, call (888) 744-7730.
What are the Different Types of Property Crimes?
The criminal offenses which are covered by this area of law are listed below, along with their specific statutes in the California Penal Code (PC) for reference:
- Burglary – PC 459, 460, and 461
- Vandalism – PC 594(a)
- Grand Theft – PC 487
- Petty Theft – PC 484
- Felony Petty Theft with Prior Convictions – PC 666
- Commercial Burglary – PC 459
- Trespass – PC 602
- Commercial Trespass – PC 602(m)
- Possession of Burglary Tools – PC 466
- Receiving Stolen Property – PC 496
- Theft – PC 485
- Arson – PC 451
Since property crime law is so various and complex, you may not know the reasons why a certain charge has been levied against you. An experienced criminal defense lawyer can help you understand the meaning of your charges along with their implications.
What are the Penalties for Property Crimes?
If the court finds you guilty of a property crime, you may face one or more of the following penalties, depending on the nature and severity of your offense:
- Incarceration
- Exorbitant Fines
- Probation
- Restitution
- Community Service
- Restraining Orders
Even if an individual is convicted of the most "minor" misdemeanor crime and does not face any jail time, he or she may still face many struggles in the future. A criminal record may limit your opportunities in the job and housing market, especially these days where a background check is but a click away. If you are ordered to pay restitution, but are struggling with finances, your troubles may only be exacerbated.
Picking the Right Southern California Property Crimes Defense Attorney
If you are currently facing criminal charges in this area, you should get in contact with The Law Offices of Daniel E. Kann immediately. We will fight aggressively for you in court and do our best to get your charges dropped; if that is not possible, then we will utilize our abilities in negotiation to get you better sentencing options. Contact us today.