ARE YOU FACING A PROPERTY CRIME CHARGE?
OUR criminal defense attorneys are Ready to Fight for You!
Accusations of property crimes in the state of Arizona can lead to harsh consequences, including fines and jail time. Significantly, many individuals who face these charges might not have even known they were breaking the law when they allegedly committed vandalism, criminal damage, or graffiti.
Property crime charges can range in classification from misdemeanors to felonies, and in any of these cases, you need a criminal defense attorney on your side, fighting for you.
At The Valley Law Group, we pride ourselves on offering excellent legal care and counsel to all of our clients, no matter what charges they find themselves facing. Regardless of how your alleged crime is classified, the consequences that follow a conviction can be life-altering.
If you find yourself dealing with charges of arson or vandalism, amongst others, you deserve the care and counsel of a property crime attorney from The Valley Law Group.
There is no time to waste.
Why Choose Our Criminal Defense Attorneys?
If you have been charged with property crimes, such as the criminal destruction of property or criminal damage in the state of Arizona, you might find yourself wondering how to beat a criminal damage charge. If you intend to prove you did not commit these crimes, it is vital that you retain the services of an experienced attorney as soon as possible.
The quicker you do so, the sooner a skilled legal team can begin building your defense. Legal guidance is crucial to successfully navigate the complex criminal justice system, and you need access to a legal professional who has the knowledge necessary to offer you a strong and solid defense. At The Valley Law Group, our lawyers can do just that.
At The Valley Law Group, we work closely with each of our clients to craft a defense that is tailor-made to fit their unique case and the circumstances that surround it. Our award-winning legal team has a proven track record of success when it comes to defending clients facing a wide variety of criminal charges, including criminal damage, vandalism, and arson. When you require legal help, we are prepared to review the circumstances of your case and determine the best course of action to take in your defense.
Understanding Property Crime Charges in Arizona
Facing the legal system with charges of property crimes can be a confusing and overwhelming experience that requires the assistance of experienced and trusted counsel. You deserve a property crime attorney who will work diligently to protect your rights and fight for your freedoms and future. At The Valley Law Group, our team of dedicated criminal damage attorneys in Phoenix can craft you a personalized defense and advocate for a just outcome, whatever your charge.
Property crimes charges may include:
Arson
This charge occurs when an individual has allegedly set fire to a structure, building, or property with deliberate intent. Arizona breaks arson charges down into three separate categories: reckless burning, arson of an occupied structure, or arson of a property or structure.
Burglary
A charge of this nature is typically assessed when an individual allegedly enters a building without authorization with the intent to commit a crime, most commonly theft.
Criminal Damage
This charge arises in situations where an individual has allegedly defaced or damaged the property of another person. Arizona defines this charge as intentionally damaging or defacing the property through acts such as graffiti, breaking windows, or breaking a vehicle’s windshield.
Trespassing
This charge can occur when someone has allegedly entered land or property that does not belong to them, and their entry has not been authorized by the rightful owners. In the state of Arizona, there are three types of criminal trespass: knowingly entering or staying on real property, entry into a commercial building or yard, and knowingly entering a home without permission.
Vandalism
This charge involves the act of deliberately damaging property or an act of felony destruction of property.
When facing property charges, it is important that you are also aware of the potential penalties that could result. Not only can you face substantial fines and jail time, but you will also have to deal with the social stigma that accompanies being convicted of these crimes and a potential loss of relationships, employment, or housing that might come your way.
This is why finding a formidable property crimes lawyer to defend your rights is the best step you can take.
Penalties for these charges can vary and are often dependent on certain factors that may or may not have been involved when the alleged crime took place.
Factors can include:
- The damage that was caused during the crime
- Whether there was a weapon used when the crime was allegedly being committed
- Whether you have any previous convictions
- Whether the alleged crime resulted in any bodily injury or death
- Whether the crime had other aggravating factors like intent to harm or minor victims
- Whether the offense is considered dangerous or non-dangerous
- Whether any mitigating factors may reduce the perceived severity of the alleged crime
- Whether the structure or property was occupied during the time of the alleged crime
In most cases, a charge of criminal damage is classified as a class 1 misdemeanor, class 2 misdemeanor, class 4 felony, class 5 felony, or class 6 felony.
The classification depends on the property value of the items that were defaced or damaged. Those perpetrating aggravated criminal damage, which typically involves places of religious worship, schools, educational facilities, cemeteries or other places that memorialize the dead, and construction sights, can face charges of a class 3, 4, 5, or 6 felony.
Criminal trespass is typically broken into three degrees of classification. Depending on which degree your alleged crime falls under, you may face charges of class 3, class 2, or class 1 misdemeanors or a class 6 felony.
In cases of burglary, charges can fall into the first, second, or third degree, determined by whether or not the use of a deadly weapon was involved in the crime. In turn, convictions can be charged as class 2, 3, or 4 felonies.
Our Comprehensive Property Crime Defense Services
If you are facing charges pertaining to property crimes, you require a just and solid defense constructed by a skilled property crime defense attorney who can see you through any pretrial negotiations, the trial itself, and any appeals process that might be deemed necessary. At The Valley Law Group, our team of dedicated property crime attorneys will commit their knowledge and resources to ensure that you receive the best defense and legal services available. No matter the details of your case, our services can help you protect your rights and freedoms.
Initial Consultation and Case Evaluation
The first step in the process will include an initial consultation where you will meet with The Valley Law Group team and review the unique details of your case. We will listen with attention and compassion to your side of the story and provide you with our honest assessment of the case at hand. This first consultation is to ensure we gather the necessary information to begin building the base for your defense and outline a strategy that fits your unique needs.
Investigation and Evidence Gathering
Your attorney will then shift their attention to investigating the details of your case and gathering other essential evidence they need to build your defense strategy. Our team will thoroughly review any police reports, evidence collections, and witness statements and find ways in which the prosecution’s evidence can be challenged. Every avenue available to us will be exhausted as we work to gather evidence to be used in your defense.
Negotiation with Prosecutors
One of the most essential parts of your defense strategy will be negotiations with the prosecution. Once we have built the necessary experience and knowledge, the team at The Valley Law Group can seek a reduction of your charges or a dismissal if possible. Likewise, we can also seek potential alternatives to sentencing. Our priority is mitigating the impact a property crime charge would have on your life while protecting your rights and freedoms.
Court Representation
In situations where your case goes to trial, we will present our expertly crafted defense in the courtroom. Our skilled property crime attorneys are prepared to represent you and question the tactics and details presented by the prosecution. Our proven track record in court is key to a positive outcome in your case.
Post-Conviction Support
Our defense of your case does not end once the trial is over. If you seek an appeal, an expungement of your record, or a reinstatement of your driver’s license, we are prepared to counsel you through these legal proceedings. Our team of attorneys will support you in rebuilding your life and regaining control over your future and freedom.
The Legal Process for Property Crime Cases
At The Valley Law Group, we understand that navigating property crime charges can be a daunting task. It is our intent to inform you regarding the process typically involved in these cases so that you can feel confident walking into a courtroom or negotiation situation with our attorneys by your side.
Arrest and Booking
If you are arrested for property crimes, you will be taken to your local police station and booked into the system. This will typically involve fingerprinting, the gathering of your personal information, and photographing. During this time, it is imperative that you remain calm and cooperate, but do not give any kind of statement or admit to any kind of fault until you have spoken with your attorney.
Arraignment
At your arraignment hearing, you will be asked to enter a plea of guilty, not guilty, or no contest and will be officially charged. It is vital that your attorney is present at your arraignment to best counsel you on how to handle yourself at this time.
Pre-Trial Business
Before your trial, your attorney will exchange evidence and file motions with the prosecution. There might be pre-trial hearings held to discuss the admissibility of certain evidence. During this time, stay in contact with your lawyer and provide them with any information they might request from you.
Plea Bargaining or Negotiation
Depending on the details surrounding your case, your attorney may be able to negotiate with the prosecution to reach a plea deal, which could result in a light sentence or reduced charges. It is imperative you trust your lawyer during this time and not second guess their actions.
Trial
Your case will proceed to trial if a plea deal cannot be reached. Both sides–your attorney and the prosecuting attorney–will present their arguments and evidence and may cross-examine witnesses. The judge and/or jury will then reach a verdict. It is essential that you listen to your attorneys at this time and take their counsel seriously.
Sentencing
The judge will then determine a sentence if you are found guilty. This sentence could include fines or jail time. It is important that you cooperate with the courts and not ruin your chances of securing an appeal in the future.
Post-Conviction Care
If desired and available to you, you may want to appeal your sentence or seek an expungement of your record. Your attorney can assist with this process, so it is vital you stay in contact following your trial and sentencing.
Property Crimes Frequently Asked Questions
Contact Us for a Free Consultation
If you or someone you love have found themselves charged with property crimes in Arizona, there is no time to waste. Contact The Valley Law Group and schedule a free consultation so we can review the details of your case and offer you counsel on the best defense strategy that fits your unique needs. This is a challenging time, but we are dedicated to exploring every potential avenue to support you.Client Testimonials
At The Valley Law Group, our team of legal professionals is dedicated to ensuring you receive the best possible legal care and counsel offered in the state of Arizona. Our priority is building you a defense that can stand up in court to give you the opportunity to secure your rights and freedom. We achieve this by offering tailored defense strategies to all our clients.
Our property crime attorneys have a proven track record of successfully defending clients, and we want you to feel confident that the right people are on your side.
