Types of Property Crimes
Property crimes in Huntsville and Madison County involve unlawful theft, damage, destruction, or interference with a person's property. There is no violence used or threatened. The term “property crimes” encompasses a range of offenses ranging from the more minor, such as trespassing, to serious crimes such as arson.
At Segal and Segal, we have successfully defended many Huntsville and Madison County property crimes. Call (256) 533 4529 to schedule a consultation and learn how we can help you fight the charges you're facing.
Trespassing
Trespassing involves entering someone's property without their permission. It is different from burglary in that the defendant has no intent to commit a crime when they enter the property.
Criminal Mischief or "Vandalism"
A defendant commits criminal mischief by destroying or damaging someone's property without permission. Criminal mischief includes graffitiing, car keying, or knocking down a street sign.
Theft
Theft is the taking of a person's property without their permission and intending to deprive them of it permanently. The potential sentences for theft vary widely based on the type and value of the property taken.
Burglary
When someone unlawfully enters a building or structure intending to commit a crime, they commit burglary. Even if they don't commit the crime once they are inside the premises, they are still guilty of burglary.
Arson
Usually charged as a felony, arson is a serious offense that involves intentionally burning a building, structure, or forest land. The penalties for arson increase significantly if the premises were occupied at the time or if anyone was injured or killed due to the fire.
Penalties for Alabama Property Crimes
Possible penalties for property crimes include:
- Fines
- Restitution to the victim for their loss
- Probation
- Community service
- Parole
- Imprisonment
The penalty for a property crime depends on several factors, including whether the charge is a misdemeanor or a felony and the allegations' seriousness, including the property's type and value.
Defenses Against Property Crimes Allegations in Alabama
Depending on the circumstances of the allegations, several defenses can be available to defendants in Huntsville and Madison County charged with property crimes. Common defenses include mistake, necessity, and coercion.
Mistake
If a defendant holds a genuine but mistaken belief about the facts when they commit the act, they may not be guilty. This is because the defendant doesn't intend to commit the crime. Most property crimes require intent, so a person without intent should not t be held criminally liable.
For example, if a defendant takes another person's bike from a bike rack outside their apartment building because it looks almost identical to theirs, they may be able to argue the defense of mistake of fact.
Public or Private Necessity
Necessity is a common defense to property crimes for situations where the defendant interfered with the property in an emergency. If the defendant needed to interfere with the property to prevent greater harm to the community (public necessity) or themself (private necessity), then they are not criminally liable for the act.
For example, if a passerby sees a fire inside a closed shop and breaks a window to extinguish it, they may not be criminally responsible for the damage to the window based on public necessity.
Coercion
Where a defendant commits a property crime as a direct result of immediate threats or force such as blackmail, they may be able to argue coercion. If successful, they cannot be held criminally responsible for the crime as they did not act voluntarily.
Speak to a Property Crimes Attorney in Huntsville and Madison County Today
If you face property crime charges, you must speak to an experienced criminal defense attorney immediately. At Segal and Segal, we have the expertise and experience to craft a defense to get you the best possible outcome. Call (256) 533 4529 or complete an online form today to schedule a consultation.