Theft Attorney Manassas

What Is Property Crime?

“Crimes against property” refer to criminal offenses involving theft, destruction, or unauthorized use of another person’s property. These offenses can range from minor misdemeanors to serious felonies, significantly impacting a person’s criminal record and future opportunities. Understanding the nuances of each type of offense and the legal implications is crucial for an effective defense strategy.

Types of Theft Charges:

• Arson. This offense involves deliberately setting fire to a structure with the intent of causing damage. Arson charges can also relate to attempts that pose a risk to human safety, which could lead to more severe legal consequences. 
• Armed Robbery. This offense involves using a firearm or any other deadly weapon to intimidate a victim or victims in the course of carrying out a robbery. It is one of the most serious theft-related offenses and often results in long-term imprisonment.
• Burglary. Common-law burglary involves breaking into someone else’s home at night with the intent to commit theft or any other felony offense. Statutory burglary covers cases in which the perpetrator breaks into a business, commits the offense during the day, or does so with the intention of committing murder, rape, arson, violent theft, assault & battery, or any other felony. Each type of burglary is treated differently under the law, often depending on the intent and whether any additional crimes were committed. 
• Destruction of Property. This offense involves intentionally destroying someone else’s property. The severity of the charges typically depends on the assessed value of the damage, emphasizing the importance of legal guidance to navigate these complexities.
• Embezzlement. This offense involves stealing money from your employer. Embezzlement cases hinge on the trust violated between the employee and employer, often involving complex financial records to determine the scope of the theft.
• Grand Larceny. This felony charge can be triggered when someone exceeds the value thresholds for petty theft. Legal defenses often focus on disproving intent or the circumstances surrounding the alleged theft. 
• Petty Theft. Formally called petit larceny, this misdemeanor offense involves stealing property from someone else with the intent to permanently deprive them of that property. Defending against petty theft requires attention to the details of the incident, including the item's value and the defendant's actions. 
• Shoplifting. Stealing from a retail establishment is one of the most common forms of petit larceny, or petty theft. Retailers often pursue legal action aggressively to deter theft, highlighting the need for strategic legal defenses.
• Trespassing. Absent any aggravating factors, unlawfully entering another person’s property is considered trespassing. Consequences can include fines and jail time, especially when property damage is involved.
• Unauthorized Use of a Vehicle. This offense is distinct from auto theft in that the perpetrator does not intend to permanently steal the vehicle. Legal outcomes often depend on demonstrating the intent behind the vehicle's unauthorized use.

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Penalties for Property Crimes in Northern Virginia

The extent of the penalties in a conviction will depend on the severity of your case, including the value of the property stolen, destroyed, or abused. More serious offenses with extensive property damage will warrant felony charges, which can lead to multiple years in prison and other harsh penalties. Understanding these penalties is crucial, as they can impact your employment opportunities, housing, and even credit score. In Northern Virginia, courts consider numerous factors, including prior convictions and the circumstances of the offense, which can alter potential outcomes significantly. Additionally, knowing the specific legal thresholds and nuances, such as how property value influences charge classifications, can be essential in building a robust defense strategy.

What Is the Penalty for Theft?

• Arson. Depending on the specifics of the situation, including any dangerous conditions created by the act, arson can be charged as a Class 2 or Class 3 felony. A conviction can lead to a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison. Legal defenses often revolve around intent and mitigating any suggested harm to human life during the incident.
• Armed Robbery  The offense will be charged as a Class 2 felony. A conviction guarantees a minimum of 5 years in prison, with a maximum sentence of 20 years in jail plus up to $100,000 in fines. The use of a weapon during the crime makes it one of the most severely punished theft offenses because it involves the potential for serious risk to life.
• Burglary. Burglaries are typically prosecuted as felonies and can result in maximum prison sentences of 20 years plus fines of up to $100,000. Sentences can be influenced by various factors, including whether an injury or more serious crime occurred during the burglary.
• Destruction of Property. This crime can trigger misdemeanor or felony charges depending on the value of the damaged assets. If the items were valued at less than $1,000, you will likely be charged with a misdemeanor, which carries a maximum prison sentence of 1 year and fines of up to $2,500. If you destroy more than $1,000 worth of someone else’s property, you could instead face Class 6 felony charges. This can result in a prison sentence of 1 to 5 years. Navigating these charges effectively involves understanding valuation disputes and defending against accusations of intentional damage.
• Embezzlement. This can result in misdemeanor or felony charges. If you stole less than $500, you will be charged with a misdemeanor and could face up to a year in prison and a fine of up to $2,500. If you stole $500 or more, you can face felony charges and up to 20 years of jail time. Complex financial investigations often become pivotal in determining the outcomes of embezzlement cases.
• Grand Larceny. Stealing items valued at more than $5 off someone’s person or items valued more than $1,000 from a store will generally result in grand larceny charges. A conviction can lead to up to 20 years in prison. Grand larceny defenses might include challenging the valuation of the item stolen or questioning the intention of permanent deprivation.
• Petty Theft. Stealing items valued at less than $5 from someone’s person or items valued at less than $1,000 from a store will typically be considered petty theft versus grand larceny, a more serious felony offense. A first or second offense can lead to a year in prison and fines of up to $2,500. Defending petty theft often involves demonstrating the context of the alleged incident, including evidence of misunderstandings or lack of intent to permanently deprive the owner of the property.
• Shoplifting. Stores have a right to request additional compensation of up to $350 after all stolen merchandise has been returned in addition to the fines and penalties levied by the court. Shoplifting cases involving the theft of more than $1,000 in merchandise can trigger more serious grand larceny charges. Often, store surveillance and eyewitness testimony play critical roles in these cases, necessitating competent legal strategies to challenge the evidence presented.
• Trespassing. This is a misdemeanor offense that carries a maximum penalty of a year in prison and fines of up to $2,500. Trespassing can become more severe when it involves repeated offenses or results in property damage, affecting how a lawyer might approach the case.
• Unauthorized Use of a Vehicle. The extent of the charges will depend on the vehicle’s value. If you improperly use a vehicle valued at less than $200, you will only face misdemeanor charges, which can result in a year of jail time and up to $2,500 in fines. Improperly using a vehicle valued at more than $200 can lead to felony charges, which carry prison sentences of 1 to 5 years. Defense often hinges on proving the absence of intent to permanently deprive the owner of the vehicle.

How Dischley Law, PLLC Can Help

At Dischley Law, PLLC, we understand the gravity of facing a theft charge and how it can affect every aspect of your life. Our attorneys, equipped with over two decades of experience and a deep understanding of both prosecution and defense, stand ready to craft a robust defense strategy tailored to your unique situation. Our approach is to meticulously examine every detail of your case, using our insights from having previously worked as prosecutors to anticipate and counter the objections and strategies employed by the other side. This nuanced insight allows us to mount an aggressive defense aimed at minimizing penalties or achieving a dismissal where possible.

We pride ourselves on offering personalized attention, making sure that our clients are informed and confident throughout the legal process. In Manassas and across Northern Virginia, we provide a client-first experience that prioritizes your legal rights and future well-being. Our goal is not just to represent you but to do so in a way that leaves you feeling supported and empowered to make the best decisions for your circumstances. We actively communicate with our clients to update them on every development and ensure that they understand potential impacts and strategies at each stage. Contact us today to learn more about how we can assist you.