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West Palm Beach Property Crimes Lawyers
Are you facing property crime charges in West Palm Beach? Don't let your future crumble under the weight of the accusations. At South Florida Justice, we're defenders in the fight for your freedom.
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24/7 Free ConsultationsLegal troubles don't clock out at 5 p.m. and neither do we.
Always by Your SideWe stand with you, fight for you, and never back down.
West Palm Beach DefendersOur local roots run as deep as our legal knowledge.
Our Track Record of Success
Property Crime Cases We Handle
When the stakes are high, trust our property crimes attorneys to advocate for you. We help clients who have been charged with:
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Criminal Mischief (Vandalism)Under Florida Statute § 806.13, criminal mischief involves willfully and maliciously damaging another person's property. Whether it's graffiti, broken windows, or more severe property damage, we'll challenge the evidence and explore all defense options.
ArsonArson, defined in Florida Statute § 806.01, is a serious felony involving willfully and unlawfully damaging a structure by fire or explosion. Our team works with fire investigation professionals to scrutinize evidence and build a strong defense.
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TrespassingFlorida Statute § 810.08 governs trespassing offenses. From simple trespass to more complex cases involving structures or conveyances, we'll examine all circumstances to protect your rights.
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Criminal Use of Personal Identification InformationThis offense, covered under Florida Statute § 817.568, involves using another person's personal information without consent. We'll work to challenge the prosecution's evidence of intent and unauthorized use.
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Dealing in Stolen PropertyGoverned by Florida Statute § 812.019, this offense involves trafficking in property known to be stolen. Our West Palm Beach property crimes attorneys will focus on challenging the prosecution's evidence of knowledge and intent.
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TheftUnder Florida Statute § 812.014, larceny encompasses a range of theft offenses. This includes petit theft for property valued under $750, grand theft for property valued at $750 or more, and retail theft (shoplifting) involving merchandise from retail establishments. We'll work to minimize the impact on your record and explore alternatives to traditional prosecution.
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Motor Vehicle TheftMotor vehicle theft, a specialized form of grand theft, carries severe penalties in Florida. Our experienced property crimes attorneys understand the nuances of these charges and will fight to protect your rights and freedom.
Burglary of a Structure or ConveyanceWhile distinct from residential burglary, this offense, outlined in Florida Statute § 810.02, still carries serious penalties. We'll scrutinize every detail of the prosecution's case, from the alleged entry to the claimed intent.
- Your Freedom, Your Rights — Fight Back Today
A property crime conviction can have far-reaching consequences on your life. At South Florida Justice, we have the experience and dedication to challenge these charges and safeguard your future.
Get in Touch with UsAvailable 24/7(561) 659-8337
Our Client Testimonials
Impact of a Property Crime Conviction
A property crime conviction can affect various aspects of your life:
- Professional licenses: Many licensed professions have strict rules about criminal convictions, especially those involving property crimes.
- Employment opportunities: Background checks often reveal property crime convictions, potentially limiting job prospects.
- Housing applications: Landlords may be hesitant to rent to individuals with property crime records.
- Firearm rights: Certain property crime convictions can affect your right to own or possess firearms.
- Immigration status: For non-citizens, property crime convictions can lead to deportation or inadmissibility issues.
- Civil liability: A criminal conviction can be used as evidence in related civil lawsuits.
Don't let a property crime charge derail your future. Our West Palm Beach property crimes lawyers will fight tirelessly to protect your rights and your reputation.
Understanding Florida Property Crime Laws
Property crimes are varied and come with a range of penalties. Understanding them can help you as your legal team prepares your defense.
Defining Property Crimes in Florida
Florida law categorizes several offenses as property crimes, generally involving damage to, destruction of, or unlawful interference with another's property. Key elements often include:
- Intent to damage or interfere with property
- Actual damage or interference with property
- Lack of owner's consent
- Value of property damaged or affected
The severity of charges often depends on the extent of damage, the type of property involved, and whether the offense was committed during a state of emergency or not.
Property Crime Classifications and Penalties
Florida classifies property crimes based on severity:
- Second-degree misdemeanor: For minor offenses like simple trespass, a sentence of up to 60 days in jail and a $500 fine.
- First-degree misdemeanor: For offenses like criminal mischief with damage under $1,000, a sentence of up to 1 year in jail and a $1,000 fine.
- Third-degree felony: For more serious offenses like criminal mischief with damage over $1,000, a sentence of up to 5 years in prison and a $5,000 fine.
- Second-degree felony: For severe offenses like second-degree arson, a sentence of up to 15 years in prison and a $10,000 fine.
- First-degree felony: For the most serious property crimes like first-degree arson, a sentence of up to 30 years in prison and a $10,000 fine.
Factors like prior convictions, use of weapons, or offenses committed during a state of emergency can enhance penalties.
Statute of Limitations for Property Crime Cases
Understanding the statute of limitations is crucial in property crime cases. In Florida, the time limit for bringing charges after the date of the offense varies based on the severity of the offense:
- Misdemeanor: 2 years.
- Third-degree felony: 3 years.
- Second-degree felony: 3 years.
- First-degree felony: 4 years.
However, certain circumstances can extend these time limits. Our experienced property crimes attorneys will carefully examine the timeline of your case to ensure charges are brought within the legal limits.
Why Choose South Florida Justice for Your Property Crime Defense?
You can rely on us to lead the charge in your case and defend your rights with unwavering dedication.
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Property Crime ExperienceOur team boasts deep knowledge in property crime law as an experienced criminal defense team. This allows us to provide you with a focused and effective defense strategy that goes beyond the scope of typical general practice representation.
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Lightning-Fast ResponseIn property crime cases, time is your enemy. That's why our rapid-response team springs into action the moment you call. We're preserving crucial evidence and building your defense while other lawyers are still checking their voicemails.
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No Stone Left UnturnedOur investigators are relentless. We dig deeper, look closer, and question everything. By the time we're done, we'll know your case better than the prosecution does — and we'll use that knowledge to dismantle their arguments piece by piece.
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Master NegotiatorsSometimes, the smartest fights happen outside the courtroom. Our attorneys are skilled negotiators with a track record of turning "ironclad" cases into favorable plea deals or even dismissed charges.
- Always Trial-Ready
While we explore every avenue for resolution, we prepare for court. Our trial-ready approach means we're always prepared to aggressively protect your freedom.
Areas We Serve
Our West Palm Beach office allows us to effectively handle property crime cases throughout South Florida, including:
- Palm Beach Country
- Miami Country
- Broward Country
- St. Lucie Country
- Martin Country
- Okeechobee Country
Frequently Asked Questions
- What should I do if I'm accused of a property crime?
If you're accused of a property crime, remain calm and exercise your right to remain silent. Do not discuss the allegations with anyone except your attorney. Politely decline to answer questions or consent to searches without a warrant.
Most importantly, contact an experienced property crimes defense attorney in WPB immediately. Call us now at (561) 659-8337 for immediate assistance.
- What's the difference between criminal mischief and vandalism?
In Florida, "vandalism" isn't a specific legal term. Instead, acts typically considered vandalism are prosecuted under criminal mischief laws. Criminal mischief involves willfully and maliciously damaging another's property.
- Can I be charged with arson if the fire was accidental?
Arson requires willful and unlawful intent. If the fire was truly accidental, you shouldn't be charged with arson. However, you may still face other charges, such as criminal mischief or negligence.
- What if I didn't know I was trespassing?
Trespass laws in Florida generally require that you knew or should have known you were not allowed on the property. If you genuinely believed you had permission to be there, this could be a valid defense.
- How does the value of damaged property affect criminal mischief charges?
The value of damaged property directly impacts the severity of criminal mischief charges in Florida:
- Damage under $200: Second-degree misdemeanor.
- Damage $200-$1,000: First-degree misdemeanor.
- Damage over $1,000: Third-degree felony.