Property Crimes

Property crimes generally concern stealing, dealing in stolen property, and intruding upon, or damaging real or personal property. With the potential for harsh penalties upon a conviction, and the potential difficulty of finding future employment with a conviction for theft on your record, these charges should be fought with the assistance of a skilled criminal defense attorney. Pensacola property crime lawyer Ryan M. Cardoso meticulously analyzes the facts of each case and considers the needs of his client to determine a strategic approach to resolving criminal charges or accusations. Realizing that people may feel anxious about the outcome of their case, Mr. Cardoso provides responsive, steady guidance throughout the proceedings. With years of courtroom experience, Mr. Cardoso has the knowledge and dedication that it takes to challenge a Florida property crime charge. He also can help you fight a DUI case or another type of criminal charge.

While theft charges cover the taking or stealing of another party’s belongings, property crimes are also associated with the destruction of or intrusion upon premises possessed by another party. There are distinct misdemeanor and felony property crimes under Florida law. These include burglary and burglary-related crimes, such as burglary of a dwelling, burglary of a structure, burglary of a conveyance, arson, criminal trespass, and criminal mischief or vandalism.

Burglary, for instance, is defined in Florida as entering or remaining in a home, building, or vehicle with the intent to commit a crime. All burglary charges are felonies of varying degrees. The severity of the felony will depend on the details alleged by the police and prosecution, such as whether a weapon was used, whether the building was occupied, whether an occupant was assaulted, whether controlled substances were stolen, or other aggravating factors. Penalties for burglary can range from felony probation to life in prison and include heavy fines. As these penalties indicate, burglary is a very serious offense under state law, so you should retain a property crime attorney in the Pensacola area promptly if you have been charged or are being investigated.

Meanwhile, arson is a first-degree felony if it involves willfully and unlawfully, or while in the commission of any felony, damaging any dwelling, whether occupied or not, or any structure normally occupied by people, with the use of fire or explosion. If the structure is owned by the defendant or is not normally used by people, the charge is typically for arson in the second degree. The penalties depend on the extent of the damage, the occurrence of any human injuries or deaths, and other aspects surrounding the incident.

Criminal mischief, like arson, involves the intentional destruction of another party’s property, but on a lesser scale. Spray painting graffiti on walls and breaking windows or other property are common examples of criminal mischief. The offense can range from a second-degree misdemeanor to a third-degree felony, depending on the monetary value of the damaged property. A Pensacola property crime attorney can advise you on the level of the charge that you may be facing. If other exacerbating factors exist, however, the charge may be increased. Punishments typically include restitution for the damage, and they could also involve probation or up to five years in prison.

Criminal trespass occurs when a person willfully enters a building, school, or property without authorization or permission, or refuses to leave after an initial invitation. Many of these offenses are misdemeanors, with a few exceptions. If the defendant was armed with a gun or weapon, it is a third-degree felony offense in Florida, punishable by up to five years in prison and a maximum fine of $5,000.

Property crimes are complex and may be difficult for the prosecution to prove, particularly with regard to the element of criminal intent. Furthermore, the state must establish each and every element of the offense charged beyond a reasonable doubt in order to secure a conviction. A skilled defense lawyer can thoroughly examine the facts of your case to determine your potential defenses, and assess the the strengths and weaknesses in the prosecution’s evidence, so that you get the best possible results in your particular situation.

Formulating a winning defense strategy is essential for any case, especially if you are facing criminal charges for alleged property crimes in Florida. Ryan M. Cardoso will handle your defense personally to provide you with effective legal representation at every stage of the case. Mr. Cardoso represents clients in Pensacola, Cantonment, Century, Gulf Breeze, Jay, Milton, Navarre, Pace, and other areas within Escambia and Santa Rosa Counties. Schedule a consultation by calling Cardoso Law, PLLC at (850) 466-2073 or contacting us online. We also can assist people who are facing an assault and battery charge or representation in other criminal matters.