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Property Crimes

Property Crimes Lawyer

Property Crimes in Georgia

Learn why property crimes charges can have serious, long term consequences

While property crimes are not always notorious in nature, property crimes such as arson, robbery and extortion are considered to be very egregious. Prosecutors will intensely pursue convictions and the imposition of tough sentences. Depending upon the type of property crimes charges, and the circumstances of the case, a property crime could be a misdemeanor or a felony.

We offer a CONFIDENTIAL CONSULTATION with an attorney to discuss your case, and for you to learn what we can do to defend you against any type of property crime charges. After your CONFIDENTIAL CONSULTATION you will better understand what you are facing, and the defense representation that we can provide.

Property crimes can bring harsh sentences.

If you have been charged with a property crime you should contact our criminal defense lawyers at 678-880-9360 as quickly as possible. Not hiring a lawyer would be a serious mistake.

Types of Property Crimes

Arson

Arson is an extremely serious criminal charge,and considered in Georgia to be a violent crime. Arson is generally defined as voluntarily and willfully setting fire to property. Arson can be classified as 1st, 2nd or 3rd degree and, if someone is injured in the fire, the arson charge becomes aggravated arson which is far worse. If convicted of arson you are facing a prison term between a minimum of one year to 20 years, plus fines up to $50,000. In Georgia, an accomplice will be charged with the same charges as if that person had actually set the fire. Arson charges are one of the most aggressively prosecuted crimes in Georgia.   Learn about Arson

Burglary

The core elements that constitute burglary include
1. unlawfully entering or remaining in a protected structure
2. with intent to commit a crime. The crime of burglary occurs when a person is unlawfully inside of a structure with the intent to commit a theft or other crime. This is applicable whether or not a theft or other crime takes place.   Learn about Burglary

Criminal Trespass

Criminal Trespass occurs when a person enters without legal authority, or refuses to leave, a property owned by others. Key points in proving criminal tresspass are showing that the accused did one or more of the following acts:
a. the accused lacked legal authority to be on the property
b. there is a reasonable belief that the accused knew they were not to be on the property
c. any damage done to the property was intentional or deliberate   Learn about Criminal Trespass

Robbery & Armed Robbery

Robbery is the unlawful taking of property from a person by threats of immediate harm, and is committed in a face-to-face manner, typically involving the threat of physical harm from a beating or use of a weapon. Robbery is a serious crime and will be prosecuted with the full intent to send the accused confined to state prison.  Learn about Robbery

Shoplifting

Shoplifting can generally be described as the theft of products from a retail establishment when a person takes possession of an item, conceals it, and leaves without paying for the items(s). This includes hiding an item in clothing, a bag, the packaging of another item, or any other form of concealment. Shoplifting also applies to non-concealed theft such as wearing an item and leaving the store without paying for it, or taking something from an outdoor display.   Learn about Shoplifting

Theft by Taking

Theft by Taking (a.k.a. larceny) is the wrongful taking and carrying away of personal property which is in the possession of another with the intent to convert it or permanently deprive the owner thereof. Larceny can be further defined by actions such as "by fraud" such as illegal credit card use or telemarketing cons, "by deception" such as scams and price altering, or "by tricks" such as swindling or ponzi schemes. There are additional criteria which affect how a prosecutor or judge will perceive the charges, however larceny can easily earn a prison sentence of many years.   Learn about Theft

Petty Theft

Petty theft crimes, upon conviction of, will result in a criminal record, however the punishments are usually not too severe as these are almost always a misdemeanor crime. Criminal defense for most of these crimes is fairly routine, and usually not extremely expensive.

  • Stealing cable TV or internet services
  • Dine and Dash
  • Drink and Dash
  • Unauthorized use of a dumpster
  • Unauthorized dumping
  • Bailing out to avoid cab fare
  • Turnstile jumping or "sneaking in"
  • Using slugs/fake money in, or tipping, vending machines

Unlawful Entry

A person commits the offense of criminal trespass when he or she intentionally damages any property of another without consent of that other person and the damage thereto is $500.00 or less or knowingly and maliciously interferes with the possession or use of the property of another person without consent of that person.
Key points in prosecuting unlawful entry are proving that the accused:
lacked legal authority to be on the property, or
had a reasonable belief that they were not to be on the property   Learn about Unlawful Entry

Vandalism

Vandalism charges in Georgia are either misdemeanor criminal trespass or felony criminal damage to property. A person commits the offense of criminal trespass when he or she intentionally damages any property of another without consent of that other person. Specific to criminal trespass, Georgia laws specifically identify as criminal any acts to intentionally defaces, mutilates, or defiles any grave marker, monument, or memorial to one or more deceased persons who served in the military service; or a monument, plaque, marker, or memorial which is dedicated to any past or present military personnel of this state, the U.S. or any of the states thereof, or the Confederate States of America.   Learn about Vandalism

Other Property Crimes

Extortion (Blackmail)

Extortion is the unlawful taking of property from a person by threats of future harm, and may be committed in person, via telephone, written or electronic communications, or verbally implied. Although extortion involves only the implication of inflicting harm, it remains a serious crime and will be prosecuted with the full intent to have the accused confined to state prison.

Embezzlement

Embezzlement, also considered a white collar crime, is a means of theft which results from a breach of an implied trust. This could include situations where an employee with access to a company's cash or property steals the property, auto mechanics steal from a customer's car, or financial handlers steal a customer's funds. Embezzlement is a specific intent crime and is a criminal charge that is aggressively prosecuted. Persons convicted of embezzlement may also face civil lawsuits to seek compensation for damages.

After a conviction for any crime, even a future, routine traffic stop by police may result in hassles. Let us fight to keep your record clean, defend your good name, and protect your future.

If you are being investigated for, or charged with, any type of property crime we recommend calling our law office as soon as possible. We understand the urgency of the matter, and respond quickly to all calls and online inquiries to hire a criminal defense lawyer. To get control of your situation CALL 678-880-9360 for a CONFIDENTIAL CONSULTATION with a property crimes defense attorney in Canton GA.