San Antonio Property Crimes Attorney
Experienced Property Crime Attorneys in San Antonio
Property crimes in Texas can carry serious consequences if convicted, which is why it’s important to have a San Antonio property crime attorney on your side who understands the law and will fight for you.
A San Antonio property crimes attorney can provide essential legal assistance to individuals facing charges such as theft, burglary, vandalism, or arson. These crimes can result in severe consequences, including jail time, fines, and a permanent criminal record. Experienced property crimes lawyers will investigate the case, analyze the evidence, and identify potential defenses, such as lack of intent or ownership disputes. They can negotiate with prosecutors to reduce charges or penalties and, if necessary, provide strong representation in court. With their expertise in Texas property crime laws, they work to protect their clients’ rights and secure the best possible outcome.
FORMER PROSECUTOR
San Antonio Criminal Defense Attorney Brad Thornton has spent years in courtrooms fighting for justice. As a prosecutor, Brad was a leader in cases ranging from marijuana to murder from arrest to appeal. Who better to fight for your rights than someone who knows the “other side” and has tried the toughest of cases out there? Put his experience and knowledge to work for you.
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Types of Property Crimes in Texas
Arson
Arson occurs when someone intentionally starts a fire or causes an explosion with the intent to cause damage to property or harm another person. It is classified as either first-degree or second-degree, and the penalties for conviction vary based on the amount of damage done. Attorney Brad Thornton understands how these charges are brought against defendants and can work with them to build a strong case for their defense.
Burglary
Burglary involves breaking into another person’s home with the intention of committing theft, assault, or some other type of felony offense once inside the residence. Thornton Criminal Defense knows that burglary convictions can result in prison sentences ranging from several months up to life imprisonment depending on what type of items were taken and how much damage was done during the commission of the crime.
Criminal Trespass
Criminal trespass involves entering onto someone else’s property without permission or remaining there after being asked to leave by the owner or a representative of the owner. This crime can range from minor trespassing offenses such as illegally camping in state parks to more serious offenses like breaking into someone’s home without their consent. The penalty for this offense depends on whether it was a misdemeanor or felony as well as other factors such as whether force was used during commission of the crime.
Criminal Mischief
Criminal mischief involves damaging or destroying another person’s property with malicious intent such as spray-painting graffiti on public buildings or vandalizing vehicles. San Antonio criminal defense lawyers understand that these types of offenses come with steep punishments if convicted and can work with their clients to reduce those punishments through various legal strategies such as plea bargains and suppressions motions.
Graffiti
Graffiti is defined as any type of markings or drawings made without permission on public or private property. San Antonio criminal defense attorneys understand that graffiti cases are often complex due to questions of ownership and intent. Depending on the circumstances involved in the case, graffiti can be charged as either a misdemeanor or felony offense.
Punishment Ranges
Level of Offense | Potential Incarceration | Potential Fine |
First-degree Felony | 5 - 99 years in prison | Up to $10,000 |
Second-degree Felony | 2 - 20 years in prison | Up to $10,000 |
Third-degree Felony | 2 - 10 years in prison | Up to $10,000 |
State Jail Felony | 180 days - 2 years in jail | Up to $10,000 |
Class A Misdemeanor | Up to 1 year in jail | Up to $4,000 |
Class B Misdemeanor | Up to 180 days in jail | Up to $2,000 |
Defenses to Property Crimes in Texas
When facing a charge of property crime in San Antonio, Texas it is important to consider the most effective legal strategies that can be employed. San Antonio property crime lawyer, Brad Thornton, understands the potential defenses available to those accused of property crimes including:
- Lack of intent – Intent is an essential element for many types of property crimes, so showing that there was no malicious intent or other illegal purpose behind the action may help reduce or even dismiss the charges.
- Mistake of fact – If the accused was unaware that he or she was on someone else’s property when committing a crime, then this could potentially serve as an affirmative defense.
- Alibi defense – If the accused was somewhere else when the crime occurred, then this could serve as a defense to the charge.
Schedule a Free Consultation With Our San Antonio Property Crimes Lawyers Today
In San Antonio, property crime charges can be extremely serious and may result in harsh punishments if convicted. It’s essential to remember that even if you are charged with a property crime in San Antonio, Texas you still have rights and options available to you under the law. It is important to have experienced San Antonio criminal defense attorneys like Brad Thornton of Thornton Criminal Defense on your side in order to increase your chances of obtaining a favorable result for your case. Contact us today for assistance with defending yourself against any type of property crime charge!