New York Property Crimes Defense Lawyer
Property offenses are criminal acts targeted at property, instead of at a person. The crime may involve tampering with or destroying property, entering someone else’s property unlawfully, or taking someone else’s property. Although many property crimes are considered nonviolent offenses, the punishments can still be very severe depending on the nature of the criminal acts, the nature of the defendant, and the amount of loss caused.
If you’ve been charged with a property crime in New York, you need to retain an experienced, effective criminal defense attorney as soon as possible. The property crimes defense attorneys at Dupée & Monroe can help you build a strong defense and fight to see your charges reduced or dropped entirely.
Common Property Offenses in New York
There is a wide range of crimes under New York’s Penal Law that could be considered property crimes. At Dupée & Monroe, our seasoned criminal defense team represents defendants charged with all manner of property crimes, including both nonviolent and violent charges.
Some of the most common property crimes we see include the following:
Making Graffiti. New York police and prosecutors take graffiti crimes very seriously. Drawing, etching, painting, covering, or otherwise marking private or public property without permission is a class A misdemeanor, punishable by heavy fines and jail time.
Criminal Trespass. Unlawfully entering or remaining on another person’s property without permission is known as criminal trespass. Depending upon the nature of the building (e.g., whether it’s a dwelling), whether the defendant was armed, and the defendant’s criminal history, trespass can be punished as a low-level misdemeanor or a felony.
Criminal Mischief. Criminal mischief generally refers to the unlawful destruction of another person’s property or an abandoned building. At base, criminal mischief is a Class A misdemeanor. If the damage is severe, the defendant has a criminal history, the means used are dangerous (e.g., an explosive), or other aggravating factors apply, mischief is chargeable as a serious felony.
Burglary. Burglary refers to the illegal entering of someone else’s property with the intention of committing a crime therein. The crime can be larceny, or it could be some other criminal act such as property destruction, arson, extortion, or assault. The punishments are more severe if the building was a dwelling, the defendant was armed at the time, and/or the defendant caused someone physical injury.
Larceny. Larceny refers to the unlawful taking of another person’s property, i.e., theft. Depending upon the value of property stolen, whether violent means were used or threatened, the defendant’s criminal history, and other factors, larceny can be charged as anything from a misdemeanor (petit larceny) to a class B felony.
Arson. Arson refers to intentionally starting a fire or causing an explosion in order to damage the property of another person without consent. Depending on the nature of the property destroyed, such as a motor vehicle or building; the means used, for example, by means of a flammable substance or explosive; whether financial incentives were involved; and whether people were or could have been hurt in the act, the crime can be charged as a misdemeanor, a lesser felony, or the highest-level violent felony.
Penalties and Punishments for Property Crimes in New York
Although property crimes specifically concern crimes against property, as opposed to crimes against people, they can still be punished severely. Certain property crimes may even be considered violent crimes, depending on whether they put victims in danger of serious harm. Property crimes can range from low-level misdemeanors to the most serious felonies.
Punishments can vary depending on the criminal history of the defendant, whether the crime is considered “violent,” whether the defendant is considered a juvenile, and other factors. Generally speaking, the different levels of criminal charges in New York are punishable as follows:
- Class A felonies are punishable by 20-25 years or up to life imprisonment, and/or fines up to $5,000;
- Class B felonies are punishable by prison terms of up to 25 years;
- Class C felonies are punishable by prison terms of up to 15 years;
- Class D felonies are punishable by prison terms of up to 7 years;
- Class E felonies are punishable by prison terms of up to 4 years;
- Class A misdemeanors are punishable by up to one year in jail and/or $1,000 in fines;
- Class B misdemeanors are punishable by up to three months in jail and/or $500 in fines.
Call Today for Help Fighting Property Crime Charges in the Hudson Valley
If you have been arrested and charged with property crimes or other serious charges under New York state law, contact Dupée & Monroe, P.C., in Goshen. We represent clients charged with burglary, larceny, arson, and other criminal offenses in Orange County and throughout the Hudson Valley.
