In California, an individual can be charged with a property crime or theft if it’s believed that he or she unlawfully stole the property of another person with a focus and intent to deprive the property’s owner. The most common kinds of theft cases include:
- Larceny
- Extortion
- Breaking and entering
- Shoplifting
- Embezzlement
- Armed robbery
- Identification theft
The severity of the crime of which the person is accused will rely upon the worth and value of the stolen property. People are charged with petty theft for valuables assessed at $400 or less. If the amount is great than $400, then the charges will fall under grand theft. Other elements considered when filing charges will include how devious the scheme was, the relationship to the victim, and the items that were stolen.
What Are the Potential Punishments for a Glendale Property Crime?
As indicated above, property crimes are classified as a felony or petty act. Grand theft may fall under felony or misdemeanor status and is punishable by one year or more in a county jail or state prison. Petty theft is always a misdemeanor and is punishable by monetary fines and county jail time up to 6 months. State laws were codified to punish anyone who is found guilty of theft.
Defending a Property Crime
When a person is charged with a property crime, it is imperative that he or she speaks with a criminal lawyer as soon as possible. Criminal defense lawyers understand how to provide you with the best defense. If you are accused of theft, you might have a chance to explain your side of the story in the event that you believed the item was yours. This scenario would require supporting evidence.
Drug and Alcohol Involvement
Being inebriated, through drugs or alcohol, has also been used as a reasonable defense in property crime matters. Therefore, the attorney might be able to argue that the individual was unable to intentionally steal anything at all.
Entrapment Defense
Some defendants have successfully proven that entrapment existed under the circumstance. This often occurs when someone commits a property crime but was convinced to go along with the act in order to have another individual apprehended.
Should a Property Crimes Lawyer in Glendale Be Hired?
Even minor offenses, like shoplifting or writing a bad check, have serious repercussions outside of jail time and fines. It could also affect future chances at employment or professional certifications. It is for this reason that people who have been accused of a property crime are a sitting duck for prosecutors, judges, and the jury. Working with a Glendale property crimes lawyer like Parsanj Law Group is often a wise choice when confronted with this type of issue. Call us at 818-698-6680.
