Frequent crimes involving the theft or damage of someone else’s property are classified as property crimes. They can vary from minor infractions like theft or vandalism to serious felonies like armed robbery and arson. Some of these crimes may not need the perpetrator making off with stolen items or even harming a victim, such as a burglary, which simply necessitates unauthorized access with the intent to conduct a crime. Others necessitate the actual seizure of funds or property. Some crimes, such as robbery, need the presence of a victim at the moment of the act. The amount stolen, the use of force or arms in theft-related cases, and actual or probable physical injury are all elements that affect the severity of most property offenses.
Shoplifting
Shoplifting occurs when someone takes or conceals products from a retailer. This commonly occurs when someone walks out of a business with a piece of an item hidden in their purse or pocket. A burglar can shoplift at practically any retail location, including supermarkets, department shops, and apparel stores. Although each state’s laws differ, shoplifting crimes usually consist of two elements:
- Taking hold of or hiding things that are being offered for sale.
- The intention is to deprive the things’ legitimate owner (usually a retailer) of ownership without paying the purchase price.
Theft/Robbery
Robbery occurs when a person uses violence or intimidation or violence to obtain property or money from another person. Robberies can take place in a variety of locations, including institutions and convenience stores. Theft is commonly described as the illegal taking of another’s property with the purpose to deprive them of it permanently.
The vital aspects of this definition are:
Taking someone else’s property to permanently deprive the victim of such property.
The taking aspect of theft usually entails obtaining ownership of someone else’s property, as well as removing or attempting to take the goods. However, in most theft-related cases, the element of purpose is where the majority of the difficult legal issues occur.
Arson
Arson is a sort of property crime that is among the most serious. When a person destroys any land or structure, it is considered arson. If the aim was to swindle investors or hurt someone, the charges might be more serious. The intentional and spiteful burning or charring of property is referred to as arson. Putting fire on someone’s property with false purposes, such as when one burns their property to collect insurance money, is an example of arson. A person commits arson in the most basic sense when they willfully use a fire or explosive to:
- Damage another person’s real or personal property without their permission; or
- Damage another person’s real or personal property to mislead an insurance company
Depending on whether the structure was occupied and if insurance fraud was planned, several states recognize different degrees of arson. In less serious arson instances, modest penalties may be imposed, however, in more serious arson cases, the death sentence may be imposed.
Property offenses are grave, and you should consult with an experienced criminal defense attorney before making any choices concerning your case. A qualified criminal defense Autrey law company lawyer can examine the weight of the facts against you, evaluate any defenses you may have, and provide you with legal guidance depending on your state’s laws.
