Property offenses encompass a wide range of criminal charges from simple theft to complex fraud schemes. These charges can have serious consequences including criminal records, fines, and imprisonment. Our experienced criminal defense lawyers have successfully defended clients facing all types of property offenses and understand the complex legal and evidentiary issues involved.
Theft involves taking property belonging to another person with the intent to deprive them of it permanently. This includes shoplifting, stealing from employers, and taking property without permission.
• Shoplifting from retail stores
• Employee theft from workplace
• Theft of vehicles or parts
• Theft of services
• Identity theft and credit card fraud
• Challenge the intent to steal
• Argue mistake or accident
• Question the ownership of property
• Challenge the value of stolen items
• Present evidence of permission
• Summary conviction: up to 2 years imprisonment
• Indictable offense: up to 10 years imprisonment
• Criminal record
• Restitution and fines
Fraud involves dishonestly depriving another person of property, money, or valuable security through deception, false pretenses, or other dishonest means. This includes both simple and complex fraud schemes.
• Credit card fraud
• Insurance fraud
• Investment fraud and Ponzi schemes
• Identity theft
• Corporate fraud and embezzlement
• Government benefit fraud
• Challenge the dishonest intent
• Question the deception element
• Argue mistake or misunderstanding
• Challenge the value of loss
• Present evidence of legitimate business
• Maximum penalty of 14 years imprisonment
• Criminal record
• Restitution and fines
• Impact on employment and licensing
• Asset forfeiture
Robbery is theft with violence or the threat of violence. It involves stealing property while using force, threats of force, or intimidation against the victim. This is a very serious offense with severe penalties.
• Armed robbery (with weapons)
• Unarmed robbery (without weapons)
• Bank robbery
• Home invasion robbery
• Carjacking
• Challenge the violence or threat element
• Question the intent to steal
• Argue self-defense or necessity
• Challenge identification evidence
• Present evidence of consent
• Maximum penalty of life imprisonment
• Mandatory minimum sentences
• Criminal record
• Impact on employment and travel
• Restitution and fines
Mischief involves willfully destroying or damaging property, rendering it useless or inoperative, or interfering with the lawful use of property. This includes vandalism, graffiti, and property damage.
• Vandalism and graffiti
• Vehicle damage
• Damage to public property
• Computer mischief and hacking
• Interference with business operations
• Challenge the willful intent
• Argue accident or mistake
• Question the extent of damage
• Challenge the value of damage
• Present evidence of permission
• Summary conviction: up to 2 years imprisonment
• Indictable offense: up to 10 years imprisonment
• Criminal record
• Restitution for damages
This offense involves possessing property that was obtained through criminal activity, knowing or believing that it was obtained by crime. This includes possessing stolen goods, counterfeit items, or proceeds of crime.
• Possessing stolen electronics
• Receiving stolen vehicles
• Possessing counterfeit goods
• Money laundering
• Possessing proceeds of drug trafficking
• Challenge the knowledge element
• Question the criminal origin of property
• Argue legitimate purchase
• Challenge the possession element
• Present evidence of lawful acquisition
• Maximum penalty of 10 years imprisonment
• Criminal record
• Asset forfeiture
• Impact on employment
• Restitution and fines
Break and enter involves unlawfully entering a place with intent to commit an indictable offense. This includes residential break-ins, commercial burglary, and entering with intent to steal or cause damage.
• Residential break and enter
• Commercial break and enter
• Break and enter with intent
• Break and enter and commit theft
• Break and enter and assault
• Challenge the unlawful entry
• Question the intent element
• Argue permission or invitation
• Challenge identification evidence
• Present evidence of legitimate purpose
• Maximum penalty of life imprisonment
• Mandatory minimum sentences
• Criminal record
• Impact on employment and travel
• Restitution and fines
Property offenses can have serious consequences. Don't face them alone. Contact our experienced property crime defense lawyers immediately.