PROPERTY CRIMES DEFENSE LAWYER IN TEXAS
Types of Property Crimes
Property crimes in Greenville and Bonham involve unlawful theft, damage, destruction, or interference with a person's property. There is no violence used or threatened. The term “property crimes” encompasses a range of offenses ranging from the more minor, such as trespassing, to serious crimes such as arson.
At Jessica McDonald & Associates, we have successfully defended many Greenville and Bonham property crimes. Call 9034589108 to schedule a Consultation and learn how we can help you fight the charges you're facing.
Trespassing
Trespassing involves entering someone's property without their permission. It is different from burglary in that the defendant has no intent to commit a crime when they enter the property. Trespassing is generally a misdemeanor although factors can elevate the degree of offense. For example, trespassing is usually a Class C misdemeanor but damaging property, prior criminal trespassing convictions, or being in specifically restricted areas can enhance the degree of the offense.
Vandalism
A defendant commits vandalism by destroying or damaging someone's property without their permission. Examples of vandalism include graffitiing, keying a car, or knocking down a street sign. The level of damage incurred usually determines the degree of offense/punishment.
Theft
Theft is the taking of a person's property without their permission and with the intent to permanently deprive them of it. The potential sentences for theft vary widely based on the type and value of the property taken.
Range of Punishment for Theft:
Class C Misdemeanor- For property value of less than $100 the range of punishment is a fine of up to $500.
Class B Misdemeanor- For property value of $100-$750 the range of punishment is a fine of up to $2,000 and up to 180 days in a County jail.
Class A Misdemeanor- For property value between $750-$2500 the range of punishment is a fine of up to $4,000 and up to 1 year in county jail.
Felony Theft
State jail felony- For property value between $2,500-$30,000 the range of punishment is a fine of up to $10,000 and 180 days-2 years in a state jail facility of the Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ).
3rd degree felony- For property value between $30,000-$150,000 or if the property is a firearm the range of punishment is 2-10 years in a prison facility of the Texas Department of Criminal Justice.
2nd degree felony- For property value between $150,000-$300,000 the range of punishment is 2-20 years in a prison facility of the Texas Department of Criminal Justice.
1st degree felony- For property value between $300,000+ the range of punishment is 5 years to life in prison with a fine of up to $10,000
Burglary
When someone unlawfully enters a building or structure with the intent to commit a crime, they commit burglary. Even if they don't commit the crime once they are inside the premises, they are still guilty of burglary.
Arson
Usually charged as a felony, arson is a serious offense that involves intentionally burning a building, structure, or forest land. The penalties for arson increase significantly if the premises were occupied at the time, or if anyone was injured or killed as a result of the fire.
Penalties for Texas Property Crimes
Possible penalties for property crimes include:
- Fines
- Restitution to the victim for their loss
- Probation
- Community service
- Parole
- Imprisonment
The penalty for a property crime depends on several factors, including whether the charge is a misdemeanor or a felony and the seriousness of the allegations, including the type and value of the property.
Defenses Against Property Crimes Allegations in Texas
Depending on the circumstances of the allegations, there can be several defenses available to defendants in Greenville and Bonham charged with property crimes. Common defenses include mistake, necessity, and coercion.
Mistake
If a defendant holds a genuine but mistaken belief as to the facts when they commit the act, they may not be guilty. This is because the defendant doesn't have the intention required to prove most property crimes, and so they cannot be held criminally liable.
For example, if a defendant takes another person's bike from a bike rack outside their apartment building because it looks almost identical to theirs, they may be able to argue the defense of mistake of fact.
Public or Private Necessity
Necessity is a common defense to property crimes for situations where the defendant interfered with the property in an emergency. If the defendant needed to interfere with the property to prevent greater harm to the community (public necessity) or themself (private necessity), then they are not criminally liable for the act.
For example, if a passerby sees a fire inside a closed shop and breaks a window to extinguish the fire, they may not be criminally responsible for the damage to the window based on public necessity.
Coercion
Where a defendant commits a property crime as a direct result of immediate threats or force such as blackmail, they may be able to argue coercion. If successful, they cannot be held criminally responsible for the crime as they did not act voluntarily.
Speak to a Property Crimes Attorney in Greenville and Bonham Today
If you are facing charges of a property crime, it's imperative you speak to an experienced criminal defense attorney immediately. At Jessica McDonald & Associates, we have the expertise and experience to craft a defense to get you the best-possible outcome. Call 9034589108 or fill out an online form today to schedule a Consultation.