Hickory Property Crime Lawyer

Hickory Property Crime Attorney

When someone unlawfully takes or damages property, they have committed a property crime. Property crimes cover a range of offenses, making understanding these nuances complex at times. A Hickory property crime lawyer can help you understand the intricacies of the law and help you in your case.

Why Choose Us?

When it comes to property crimes, picking the proper legal help is crucial. With years of representing clients for these types of charges, our Hickory criminal defense attorneys at Cody Law Firm know the ins and outs of the law. We can create personalized strategies that fit your unique situation.

We can inform you of the law, ensuring that you are knowledgeable every step of the way and aware of all possible outcomes in your case. We can handle the legal side of things to help make this process easier for you.

What Is a Property Crime?

Property crimes occur when someone illegally takes or damages someone else’s property without the use of force or threat against the person. These crimes are typically motivated by some sort of financial gain but are considered nonviolent. Some examples of property crimes include:

• Burglary. Burglary is the unlawful entry into a building with the intent to commit a crime. Burglary can occur in homes, commercial buildings, workplaces, and other buildings.
• Theft. Theft is the act of stealing or taking someone else’s property. This is usually what someone is seeking when they burglarize an establishment. Theft includes shoplifting, identity theft, and grand theft, which is stealing something of high value.
• Vandalism. Vandalism is the intentional destruction of another person or entity’s property. This could include graffiti on buildings, breaking a window, or other types of property damage.
• Arson. Arson is when someone intentionally burns property. This includes burning down a home or burning a car. Arson is considered a serious offense as it puts other people’s lives in danger and causes irreparable property damage.
• Motor Vehicle Theft. This is the illegal taking of a motor vehicle. This includes taking the vehicle by force from the owner.

Property Crime Penalties

The penalties for property crimes in Hickory, NC vary based on the crime being committed. Some of the penalties for property crimes include:

• Felony conviction
• Misdemeanor conviction
• Prison sentences
• Jail time
• Fines
• Community service
• Life in prison for serious offenses (such as arson resulting in death).

What Should I Do if I’m Charged with a Property Crime

After being charged with a property crime, it’s important to take the right steps to protect your rights and help your counsel build a strong defense. When faced with a property crime, you will want to:

• Stay calm and remain composed.
• Gather any information or evidence related to your case. Take note and remember all the details related to your charge. Evidence to gather can include photos, videos, receipts, and witness statements and information.
• Contact an attorney. They can navigate the law and build a strong case in your favor. They can also help you better understand the charges against you and the potential outcomes of the case.
• Know your rights. This includes knowing and exercising your right to remain silent and your right to an attorney. This allows you to protect yourself during your process. An attorney can inform you of your rights and make sure they are protected during the legal process.
• Remain silent. This does not just refer to your right to remain silent with law enforcement, but you also want to remain silent by avoiding discussing the case with anyone outside your lawyer. Speaking with anyone else could harm your case.
• Be prepared for trial. This means working with your attorney to prepare yourself for court. This includes thoroughly understanding your charges, understanding your defense strategy, and being aware of the process and procedures ahead. You also want to know what is required of you, such as when and where to arrive at court.
• Be aware of your options. Your attorney should be well-versed in all your legal options, so make sure you discuss them with them, including plea deals, defenses, and programs. Your attorney can help you understand the benefits and setbacks of each option and help you reach a decision that is most beneficial to you.
• Follow your attorney’s advice. Make sure you secure an attorney you can trust. Trust your attorney’s recommendations and follow the advice they give to you during the process.

FAQs

Q: What Does Property Crimes Mean in Law?

A: In law, property crimes refer to someone illegally taking, damaging, or interfering with someone else’s property without the use of force against the person. These crimes are typically nonviolent but are committed for financial gain. Property crimes include burglary, arson, theft, vandalism, and grand theft. They also range in levels of severity.

Q: What Is Considered a Property Crime?

A: There are a number of offenses that are considered property crimes. Some of these include burglary, theft, arson, grand theft, vandalism, and motor vehicle theft. Generally speaking, if someone takes or damages someone else’s property without permission, it can be considered a property crime. Penalties for property crimes range depending on the severity of the crime.

Q: Can a Property Crime Charge Be Dropped or Reduced?

A: It’s possible for property crime charges to be dropped or reduced. A property crime is usually dropped or reduced when there is insufficient evidence or if a plea deal is negotiated. Whether the charges are dropped or not depends on the circumstances of the case, the evidence provided, and the legal strategies used in the case.

Q: What Is the Most Common Property Crime?

A: The most common property crime is theft, which includes crimes such as shoplifting, pickpocketing, and other forms of stealing without direct confrontation with the victim. Theft usually has the intention of never returning the item to the victim. This category encompasses a wide range of activities, making it one of the most frequently reported property crimes.

Contact Cody Law Firm Today

If you or someone you know is facing property crime charges, we can provide you with the legal assistance you need. Cody Law Firm can provide legal guidance and a strong defense to uphold your needs and rights. Contact us today to discuss your case.