Property crimes are among the most common criminal offenses in California, and they include crimes committed while a person is illegally on another's property, crimes involving stealing, and crimes involving destroying or defacing another person or organization's property.
At Fuller Law Firm, our team provides competent and effective representation for individuals facing charges related to property crimes. We believe that someone can make a bad decision without being a bad person. That is why we take the time to get to know each of our criminal defense clients personally. By understanding the unique set of life circumstances and challenges our clients face, we can build a strong defense against property crime charges.
Most California property crimes fall into one of the following classifications:
The criminal penalties associated with a property crime will depend on the specific crime the defendant has been charged with as well as the circumstances surrounding the alleged criminal activity. Misdemeanor criminal offenses in California are punishable by up to a year in county jail, while felony offenses carry much harsher penalties.
If you have been charged with a property crime, you could be facing steep fines and jail time in addition to other professional and personal consequences. Do not try to fight these charges alone. Speak with an experienced California property crimes attorney from the Fuller Law Firm. We may be able to help you keep a conviction off of your record.
Our experienced team will carefully examine the facts of your case in order to determine if the prosecutor has enough evidence to prove your alleged crimes beyond a reasonable doubt. If insufficient evidence exists to convict you, we will work hard to get a "not guilty" verdict or to get the entire case dropped. If the prosecution's evidence is overwhelming, we will work to negotiate an arrangement to get the charges reduced or dismissed. No matter how serious the charges against you may be, we will remain at your side every step of the way.
Having a property crime conviction on your record can be problematic in terms of gaining future employment and state licensing. Although many property crime convictions are eligible to be sealed eventually, these convictions will still be visible on certain background checks. Many employers do not hire job applicants with theft records because they are worried about the employee's potential to steal from their business. Serious theft offenses are often considered "crimes of moral turpitude." This means that these crimes are considered particularly problematic. State licensing boards may deny professional licenses and certifications if an applicant has been convicted of one of these crimes. Theft and other major property crimes may also pose serious consequences for immigrants seeking a visa, Green Card, or naturalization as a citizen of the United States.
If you have been charged with theft, burglary, or another property crime, you need a criminal defense attorney who can help protect your rights. Contact our office to schedule a free consultation and case review today. Call 408-234-7563 for an appointment. We serve clients accused of property crimes in Santa Clara County, Alameda County, Fremont, Palo Alto, Gilroy, and the San Jose area.