Felony property crimes are the most severe property crimes one can commit. They can range from causing property damage to stealing something. Theft of cash, on the other hand, is the most common. Unfortunately, only around 18% of theft crimes are filed as charges. So first, we’ll go through some property crimes and what to expect when charged with one.
Anyone accused of felony property offenses will need to prepare a defense. You might face prison time and hefty fines and penalties if convicted of these offenses. If you think you are involved in any felony property crime, you can turn to David E. Stanley for the best advice to tackle them.
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Five Different Felony Property Crimes
Arson
The intentional and malicious burning or charring of property is classified as arson. While most arson crimes involve the destruction of structures, a person could also set fire to forest land or a boat. Arson is frequently used to conceal evidence of other crimes, such as insurance fraud or domestic abuse. Arson crimes often involve malicious intent as a distinctive sign of criminal conduct. Arsonists must be registered with the Louisiana Arson Registry.Financial Crimes and Fraud involving Property
Fraud and financial crimes are types of theft/larceny in which someone or something obtains money or property and uses it illegally to profit from it. These crimes differ from ordinary theft and robbery because of deception, fraud, or the misuse of a position of trust. Fraud and financial crimes can take various shapes in today’s challenging economy. Fraud can cover many concerns, from insurance fraud to deceptive sales to homeowners. For example, allegations of fraud might range from filing a bogus insurance claim to selling an item and never delivering it after receiving payment.
Property Theft and Burglary
Any unauthorized entry into another person’s home, watercraft, car, cemetery, or other location to commit a crime is considered simple burglary. A simple felony can result in fines of up to $2,000 and a jail sentence of up to 12 years.
Burglary is the illegal entry into any structure (not just a home or company) to commit any crime (not just theft or robbery) within. There is no need for a physical break-in; the criminal can trespass through an open door. In contrast to robbery, which involves using force or terror to gain another person’s property, a burglary typically occurs without the presence of a victim.
Burglary has been a crime for hundreds of years. Although it originated in common law, states have adopted the basic concept of burglary into their criminal laws, albeit with minor variations. Burglary laws were created to defend people’s homes and prevent violence, not to keep them safe from theft. Other laws make it illegal to take property; burglary laws, on the other hand, are intended to protect homeowners from dangerous encounters with burglars in their homes.
Robbery
Robbery is theft committed with the use of violence or the threat of violence. Unlike theft and burglary, robbery nearly invariably necessitates the presence of a victim threatened with bodily harm. The theft may be charged as “armed” or “aggravated” if a weapon is used or the victim is injured.
Vandalism
Vandalism laws intend to prevent behavior that has the potential to cost states millions of dollars in clean-up costs each year, as well as cause psychological or emotional harm to property owners. When someone defaces, modifies, or destroys another person’s property, they may be obliged to clean up, restore, or replace the damaged property or face criminal consequences such as jail time, fines, or both.
What To Do if Charged with a Felony Property Crime?
If you face felony offense charges, you must understand your legal rights and create a strong defense. Felony offenses are often punishable by hefty fines and penalties, as well as the possibility of being imprisoned for a year or more.
You have a Legal Right to be Represented
If facing a felony charge, your first concern should be to avoid saying or doing anything that will aid the prosecution’s case. Staying silent and not saying anything unless you completely grasp your legal rights is the most significant way to defend your interests. To protect yourself, remember that you have a right to an attorney and that you should discover more about the specific claims so that you may start preparing a defense against the charges you may face.
Frequently Asked Questions:
What is an Example of a Crime Against Property?
Burglary, motor vehicle theft, theft, arson, vandalism, and shoplifting are all examples of crimes against property.
What are the Major Offenses Against Property?
Theft, fraud, deception, and making off without paying are the most common property crimes, as are criminal damage, arson, forgeries, and forceful entrance. However, some property crimes, such as burglary, robbery, and blackmail, may also include components of crimes against people.
What is the Lowest Sentence for a Felony?
In general, felony offenses, whether state or federal, have a one-year minimum term. Federal felony offenses are classified into four categories, with escalating potential penalties based on the seriousness of the crime: Class “E” felonies are the least serious and can result in a prison sentence of up to three years.
Reliable Criminal Defense Attorney
Since 1983, David Stanley has successfully practiced criminal law from his Baton Rouge office. He is a well-known trial lawyer who focuses his practice on defending individuals and businesses charged with severe or complex felonies and those seeking to overturn an unjust criminal conviction or disproportionate punishment. He is mainly dedicated and experienced in the field of federal criminal defense.
Schedule a Consultation with David E. Stanley, APLC,
Criminal Defense Attorney!
Call 225-926-0200 Today!
David E. Stanley, APLC
1055 Laurel Street Suite 2
Baton Rouge, LA 70802
225-926-0200
David Stanley is the founder and principal of David E. Stanley APLC. Since 1983, Mr. Stanley has successfully practiced law from his office in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.