Were you accused of a property crime? If so, it’s normal to feel overwhelmed and uncertain about what comes next.
Crimes of this nature tend to carry penalties like fines, jail time, and a lasting criminal record that can affect your future opportunities for years to come. However, if you hire a Bellevue criminal defense lawyer, you might be able to minimize the consequences of your actions.
At NextLaw, our lawyers have over two decades of combined legal experience. Reach out to us today for legal representation. We’re here to help, and we want to advocate for your rights as your Bellevue property crimes lawyer.
Common Types of Property Crimes in Bellevue
Property crimes cover a broad range of offenses. From theft and destruction to the unlawful use of another person’s property, your lawyer can tell you more about the severity of your charges based on the value of the property that was involved in the crime.
The circumstances of the alleged offense will also be taken into consideration. That said, in general, these are examples of common property crimes in Washington State:
- Theft
- Burglary
- Vandalism
- Shoplifting
- Trespassing
- Arson
- Possession of stolen property
When you contact our law firm, we can tell you more about who we are and how we can apply our experience to your situation. Let’s take a closer look at four types of property crimes to give you a more thorough understanding of what they encompass.
Theft
Theft charges apply when you unlawfully take someone else’s property with the intent to deprive them of it permanently. This criminal behavior is divided into three different degrees based on the value of the stolen property.
- Third–degree theft is a gross demeanor when the property value is less than $750.
- Second–degree theft is a Class C felony involving property between $750 and $5,000.
- First–degree theft is a Class B felony regarding property valued at over $5,000.
Burglary
A burglary occurs when someone unlawfully enters a building and remains inside with the intent to commit a crime. There are two degrees of burglary charges, including first and second.
- Second–degree burglary is a Class B felony.
- First–degree burglary is a Class A felony involving weapons or assault.
Vandalism
Also known as malicious mischief, vandalism is when you intentionally damage someone else’s property.
Shoplifting
Shoplifting is a type of theft that involves the unauthorized removal of merchandise from a retail store. Depending on the value of the goods, a shoplifting charge can result in either a misdemeanor or a felony.
For a free legal consultation with a property crimes lawyer serving Bellevue, call 253 238 2558
Penalties for Property Crimes in Washington
The consequences of a property crime conviction can be severe enough to the point where they end up impacting nearly all aspects of your life. These are examples of repercussions you may face if you are found guilty of committing property crimes:
- Fines
- Imprisonment
- Restitution
- Probation
- Permanent criminal record
For example, a conviction for first-degree burglary could result in up to 10 years in prison and fines of up to $20,000. Meanwhile, lesser offenses—like third-degree theft—can land you up to one year in jail and a $5,000 fine.
Bellevue Property Crimes Lawyer Near Me 253 238 2558
How a Bellevue Property Crimes Attorney Can Help You
Facing property crime charges can be an overwhelming and stressful experience, but you don’t have to go through it all by yourself. By speaking to a Bellevue property crimes law firm, you can talk to legal professionals who can look into the details of your case and build a strong defense.
From analyzing the prosecutor’s arguments to looking at the evidence presented during the discovery phase, your lawyer can provide you with invaluable insight. If there are gaps in the evidence or doubts about intent, your lawyer can use these elements to challenge your charges.
Not only does this bolster your defense, but your attorney will also protect your rights throughout every step of the legal process. If any violations occur, you’ll have someone on your side who’s willing to advocate for you and file motions to suppress the evidence gathered unlawfully.
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Common Defenses Against Property Crime Charges
When you retain us as your legal counsel, you can trust us to spend time tailoring our defense strategies to the specifics of your case. Here are examples that can give you a better idea of common defenses against property crime charges:
- Lack of intent
- Mistaken identity
- Insufficient evidence
- Presence of an alibi
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Contact a Bellevue Property Crimes Law Firm Today For Legal Representation
If you are facing charges associated with property crimes accusations, you should reach out to NextLaw as soon as possible. When you call, you’ll have the opportunity to talk to a Bellevue property crimes attorney who can tell you more about us and how we can help you.
The earlier you contact us, the more time we’ll have to build a strong defense on your behalf. Reach out today to explore your options. Call Dan Next!
Call or text 253 238 2558 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form