Property Crimes

property crime vandalism graffitiWhat exactly is a property crime?

Property crime is broad term that includes crimes which are not directed specifically at an individual, but instead directed towards an object or objects. In property crimes, the property is either taken, destroyed or vandalized in some way. Usually people are not injured since the intent is typically focused on procuring or ruining the property, but in some instances it is possible that individuals may be harmed too, like in cases of arson.

When a person is charged with a property crime in the state of California, they are generally charged according to the value of the property taken or damaged. The specifics of the crime (for example who it was taken from, how was it taken, when was it taken) also play a large role in how the court will decide to sentence you if you are convicted. After understanding the details of your case, an experienced Los Angeles property attorney can help you determine the charges you may be facing.

A detailed investigation of the incident, the property, and the procedures of law enforcement in their investigation can result in having the charge reduced from a felony to a misdemeanor. The qualified Los Angeles property crime attorney at Shield Criminal Defense Law is prepared to represent your interests and fight to achieve the best possible outcome for you in court. Call us today for a free consultation at 213-514-8732.

Hire a Professional Los Angeles Property Crime Lawyer

There are a number of property crimes California. These include, but are not limited to the following:

  • Burglary– California burglary is classified as either first or second degree burglary. First-degree burglary is burglary of a home. Second-degree burglary is considered the burglary of any other type of building, like a store or business. Click here to learn more about Los Angeles Burglary Crimes.
  • Trespassing– You could be charged and convicted of criminal trespass in California when you enter or remain on someone else’s property without their permission. The majority of trespass cases in California are considered misdemeanors, which could potentially mean penalties of up to six months in jail and/or a fine of no more than $1,000.

If you commit “aggravated trespass”, which is threatening to injure someone physically during or before entering their home or workplace without permission, you could, and likely will face felony trespass charges

  • Larceny– The law defines larceny as the purposeful theft of property without the intention of returning it to its owner. The terms theft and larceny are often synonymous with each other and in many states are merged and sentenced as the same crime.
  • Theft– Petty Theft and Grand Theft are the theft offenses most frequently charged in California. The difference between petty theft and grand theft lies in the value of the stolen property. If the stolen property has a value of $400 or more, grand theft may be charged. Learn more about Los Angeles Theft Crimes here: (insert hyperlink to theft page)
  • Vandalism– Defacing of any property is referred to as vandalism, which often involves doing damage to a person’s property. This may include graffiti and could be committed on either public (i.e., traffic lights, street signs, bus stops) or personal property (i.e., an individual’s vehicle or house).
  • Arson– California’s arson laws make it a crime to deliberately set fire to any building, land, or property.

Surprisingly, you can be charged with arson in California for setting your own home, business or property on fire if someone is harmed or if you intend to commit fraud.

  • Shoplifting– California law treats shoplifting as theft. Shoplifting can also be considered a crime of moral turpitude as it most often involves pre-meditation and purposely concealing a store’s merchandise in order to obtain it without payment. (Learn more about shoplifting laws and penalties on our theft page (insert hyperlink to theft page here)
  • White collar crimes– White collar crimes are almost always crimes committed through deceit and driven by financial gain. There is usually no threat of violence in association with these crimes and may involve government agencies and federal prosecution. Learn more about Los Angeles White Collar Crimes here: (insert hyperlink to white collar page).

What are the penalties for property related crimes?

The penalties for conviction of a property related crime could range from heavy fines to incarceration.
In these cases, some of the important factors to consider will be:

  • The value of the items connected to the property crimes, which will impact the harshness of the charges filed.
  • Whether a weapon was used when committing the crime.
  • Whether anyone was hurt in the course of the property crime

If you or a loved one has been arrested for theft, vandalism or any other Los Angeles property crime, contact an experienced Los Angeles property crime lawyer to make certain you obtain the most positive results available. Call Shield Criminal Defense Law at 213-514-8732 for your free consultation and legal analysis of your charges.