Property Crimes

Property crime is a category of crime that includes, among other crimes, burglary, larceny, theft, motor vehicle theft, arson, shoplifting, and vandalism. Property crime only involves the taking of money or property, and does not involve force or threat of force against a victim. Although robbery involves taking property, it is classified as a violent crime, as force or threat of force on an individual that is present is involved in contrast to burglary which is typically of an unoccupied dwelling or other unoccupied building.

Property crimes are high-volume crimes, with cash, electronics, power tools, cameras, and jewellery. "Hot products" tend to be items that are concealable, removable, available, valuable, and enjoyable, with an ease of "disposal" being the most important characteristic.

Types of property crime

Burglary of residences, retail establishments, and other commercial facilities involves breaking and entering, and stealing property. Attempted forcible entry into a property is also classified as burglary.

Burglary at single-family home construction sites is an increasing problem. Tools and equipment at the construction sites comprising between 5 and 20 percent of building costs.

Theft

Motor vehicle theft is a common form of property crime, often perpetrated by youths for joyriding. Vehicle thefts are committed for their auto parts or with intent of re-selling them on the black market.

Arson

Arson involves any intentional fire setting or attempting to set fire. A frequent motive for arson is insurance fraud, with the fire staged to appear accidental. Other motives for arson include desire to commit vandalism or mischief, for thrill or excitement, for revenge, to conceal other crimes, or as a hate crime.

Many people plead guilty to property crimes, such as shoplifting and theft, not knowing what the long-term impact of that decision will be. At the law firm of Edward Shkolnikov we offer a free attorney consultation to explain how a guilty plea can affect you in years to come.

The Law Office of Edward Shkolnikov represents clients charged with all types of property crimes in Los Angeles county, including:

Shoplifting;
Employee theft;
Burglary of a motor vehicle;
Unauthorized use of a motor vehicle (UMV) or joyriding;
Graffiti;
Vandalism and reckless damage to property;
Burglary, which is breaking and entering into someone's home with the intent to commit a crime;

Even though you may avoid jail time by pleading guilty, the long-term consequences can be far more serious. A conviction on a misdemeanor or felony charge will result in a permanent criminal record that will be visible to employers, landlords and others who conduct background checks. Background check can result in you being turned down for a job or an apartment, paying higher insurance rates.

If you require cost-effective legal counsel, contact Los Angeles law office of Edward Shkolnikov for a confidential consultation.

The information on this Los Angeles Criminal Defense Attorney - Law Offices of Edward Shkolnikov website is for general information purposes only. The information on this website should not be taken as legal advice for any individual case or situation. The information on this website does not constitute an attorney-client relationship.

Los Angeles Criminal Defense Attorney - Law Offices of Edward Shkolnikov
13245 Riverside Dr., Suite 501, Sherman Oaks, CA 91423
Phone: 323.655.6005; Fax: 323.655.6030; Email: Attorney@Shkolnikovlaw.com