There are various types of property crimes, and they impose harsh penalties on the guilty. If the police arrest you for such an offense, you need a professional and experienced lawyer for your legal battle. An attorney could make a big difference in the court’s verdict by reducing the penalty or acquitting you as a convict. Here, we will discuss types of property crimes and why you need a lawyer if anyone accuses you of such crimes.
Types of property crime
The different types of property crimes are as follows:
- Theft
A common misconception among people is they think robbery, burglary, and theft are the same thing. However, there is a significant difference between them. A crime is considered theft when one person takes property from another without his permission and without the intention of returning it. Proving the theft crime can be challenging for the plaintiff or the prosecutor.
The prosecutor should substantiate that the accused took the property, intending to keep or sell it. In most cases, the accused claim they were borrowing it or believed the property belongs to them. Even if the crime is proven, the accused is penalized and punished based on the crime degree. Punishment and penalties also differ from place to place.
- Robbery
When the threat of violence is in theft, the crime falls under the category of robbery. If a weapon or a victim is hurt, the police consider it as aggravated or armed robbery. The most crucial consideration for robbery is the degree and timing of force.
For example, if the culprit resorts to violence when trying to desert, the accused will most likely face charges of theft and assault, not robbery. Robbery is considered a more serious crime than theft, so the punishment and penalties are harsher. Just like theft, the punishment depends on the degree of crime and the weapons used by the accused.
- Extortion
Most people consider extortion to force a person to pay money to avert a looming threat to them. But it can also involve property. For example, the accused threatened the victim to expose their browsing history if the victim did not give him a specific material or item. The item can be a car, an expensive watch, and many more. A culprit does not need to be charged with extortion due to the exchange of property. Threatening a person is enough to be penalized for extortion. The maximum penalty for extortion is ten years of incarceration and a $10,000 fine.
Why do you need a lawyer?
The consequences of being guilty of these crimes can be devastating. Getting your name on criminal records can shatter your professional life as well. A lawyer can help you to reduce severe penalties and absolve you from the charges. You can find yourself in a difficult situation if you have not got a lawyer on your side. A professional and experienced lawyer will leave no stones unturned to get the best result in your favor.
End words Not going with a lawyer is the worst mistake you can make. A lawyer has deep knowledge of all the crimes and will implement it while studying your case. It will help you to get the best verdict from the judge.
