Property crimes involve the illegal taking or destruction of private or public property. If you are being charged with property crimes, the penalties could include jail time, civil fines, and other restrictions on your liberties.
Our criminal defense lawyers in Kent can defend you against property crimes charges to keep your record clean and help you avoid the worst punishments.
The attorneys at NextLaw have over 100 combined years of legal experience and a passion for protecting the rights of the accused. With over 150 jury trials under our belt, you can count on us for competent defense against property crime charges.
Contact our offices today to speak to Kent property crimes lawyers about your case.
Why You Need a Property Crimes Lawyer
Property crimes can result in swift and hard punishment, especially if the offender caused substantial damage or injured someone. Prosecutors won’t hesitate to pursue the maximum penalties and will use every strategy to secure a conviction.
A criminal defense lawyer can meet the prosecution’s case and gather evidence that casts reasonable doubt on their argument. A lawyer can also negotiate with prosecutors to secure lesser charges or fight to have the charges dropped entirely.
Despite what some might think, hiring an attorney is not a tacit admission of guilt. It is a way to protect your rights and interests from an imperfect criminal justice system. Feel free to send our team at NextLaw a message today to learn more about how our criminal defense lawyers can help.
For a free legal consultation with a property crimes lawyer serving Kent, call (253) 238-2558
Common Property Crimes in Kent
The term “property crimes” encompasses various criminal offenses related to property, such as theft, burglary, vandalism, or trespassing. They can be distinguished from violent crimes in that they typically don’t involve the use of force or coercion against another person. Despite that, property crimes can cause great harm to those affected.
Below are common types of criminal charges our Kent property crimes lawyers have managed:
- Theft. Theft refers to the illicit taking of another’s private property with the intent to deprive them. The severity of theft charges is generally related to the value of the stolen property.
- Trespassing. Trespassing consists of entering another’s property without permission or refusing to leave after being asked. There are different penalties for trespassing on property vs. inside buildings.
- Vandalism. Vandalism, or “malicious mischief” as the law calls it, is the intentional destruction or defacing of property. Defacing religious icons or public infrastructure can carry additional criminal penalties.
- Burglary. Illegally entering another’s property with the intent to commit a crime is burglary. The intended crime doesn’t have to actually be committed for it to be burglary.
- Auto theft. Auto theft is the stealing of a motor vehicle. Washington law punishes auto theft more harshly than other kinds of theft due to the necessity of cars in modern society.
- Fraud. Washington law defines fraud as using misrepresentations or deceit to falsify written documents or property. It includes crimes like forgery or identity theft.
- Arson. RCW 9A.48.020 defines arson as knowingly and maliciously causing a fire or explosion to damage a building or property. Arson carries enhanced penalties if it causes injury/death or more than $10,000 in damage.
Kent Property Crimes Lawyer Near Me
Call: (253) 238-2558Punishment for Property Crimes in Kent
Property crimes can be punished as either misdemeanors or felony crimes. For instance, theft under $750 is a gross misdemeanor carrying up to 364 days in jail and a $5,000.
Thefts of amounts greater than $750 are felony offenses, with a potential maximum of ten years in prison. Arson is almost always charged as a felony offense, while vandalism and trespassing can be misdemeanors or felonies, depending on the type of property involved.
Factors that impact the penalty for property crimes include the following:
- The value of the stolen/damaged property.
- Whether the offense caused bodily injury or death
- If the offender had a deadly weapon when they committed the crime.
- The offender’s prior criminal history.
- The identity and vulnerability of the victim (e.g., child, senior, disabled person, etc.).
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Defenses to Property Crime Charges
Most defenses against property crime charges involve arguing against one or more of the necessary elements that constitute the crime:
- No intent. Property crimes like theft or vandalism require the offender to intend to commit the crime. For example, it’s not vandalism if you accidentally cause damage to property.
- Reasonable justification. There may be a reasonable justification for the behavior under consideration—e.g., trespassing to put out a fire.
- Right of ownership. There are legitimate disputes about property ownership that may cause you to reasonably believe the property is yours.
- Duress or coercion. If you were forced to commit the act or acted under threat to another person, it can mitigate criminal responsibility.
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Call Dan Next: Property Crimes Lawyers in Kent
Property crime charges are not a minor issue and require a serious legal defense to avoid the worst consequences. NextLaw can be your advocate and defend you against all types of common property offenses.
We have extensive experience in a trial setting and a long list of satisfied clients to vouch for our skills. Let us share your burden and work to preserve your freedoms.
Contact us online or reach out by phone today to schedule a case consultation with our Kent property crimes lawyers. Your liberties may be at stake, so don’t delay.
Call or text (253) 238-2558 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form