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Salinas Property Crime Lawyers
Dedicated Advocacy to Secure Favorable Outcomes for Every Client
When someone hears the term “property crime,” they often assume these charges aren’t very serious. However, police reports of such incidents tell a different story. While many people don’t realize it, property crimes can qualify as both misdemeanors and felonies — and these crimes can be violent or non-violent. The truth is that these allegations — regardless of individual circumstances — can cause major difficulties for the accused. Therefore, speaking with a Salinas, CA property crime lawyer may be in your best interest.
At the Law Offices of William V. Pernik, you’ll work with dedicated legal counsel whose main focus is to protect your rights and secure a favorable outcome on your behalf. This can sometimes be a difficult task — particularly if the prosecuting attorney wants to go for the maximum sentence. Regardless of the facts of your case, our criminal law professionals will work hard to have charges dismissed, secure an acquittal, or achieve another positive result that will minimize the effects of criminal allegations on your life.
Contact our Salinas, CA property crime attorneys today to schedule a free case evaluation.
What Are Common Property Crimes Under Criminal Law?
A criminal conviction of any kind can have lasting consequences. Even if someone is able to avoid jail time, they may experience trouble securing housing, finding employment, and even qualifying for professional licenses. Unfortunately, this could be true for nearly every property crime charge — so it’s critical to work with an attorney who has experience in cases similar to yours.
At the Law Offices of William V. Pernik, our Salinas, CA criminal defense lawyers are experienced in a variety of property crime cases, including:
- Larceny
- Fraud
- Shoplifting
- Trespassing
- Arson
- Motor vehicle theft
- Robbery
- Vandalism
- Burglary
- Embezzlement
At the Law Offices of William V. Pernik, our legal team has represented clients in these charges and many others. Unfortunately, there’s not a lot of goodwill handed down to individuals facing criminal charges these days. California citizens are constantly inundated with news of rising crime in communities they thought were safe, and prosecutors are increasingly hoping to show that they’re taking it seriously. Unfortunately, this means people are often treated unfairly in the system.
You should anticipate being prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law — even if the District Attorney claims they’re “going easy” on you. Don’t fall for these tricks. Attorney William V. Pernik is here to ensure the criminal justice system doesn’t railroad you. Contact us today.
What Are Possible Penalties for California Property Crimes?
To get a good idea of potential penalties you might face, it’s important to speak with a Salinas criminal defense attorney who has experience in property crimes and related practice areas. This is the only way to get personalized advice on sentencing options in your case. However, it’s worth noting that these penalties can vary significantly depending on the circumstances of your case.
For instance, a misdemeanor shoplifting charge may only result in probation for a defendant — or a maximum sentence of six months in jail. However, things get much more serious if someone is facing felony charges or has a prior criminal record. In fact, certain property crimes in Salinas, CA may qualify as an offense under the California Three Strikes Law. For instance, both arson and burglary are property crimes that can result in a strike.
Even in instances where a conviction doesn’t qualify under the law, all felony criminal cases can result in state prison sentences of more than a year. Due to the potential severity of penalties — and the uncertainty of what sentence may be given — it’s always a wise decision to meet with Salinas criminal defense attorneys before doing anything.
At the Law Offices of William V. Pernik, we’ve helped clients avoid the worst possible outcomes. We’ve managed to have charges dismissed, negotiate fair plea deals, and secure not-guilty verdicts at trial. We are also experienced in achieving alternative sentences (e.g., Mental Health Diversion, etc.), so rest assured that we’ll take a personalized approach to your case.
Do You Need to Hire a Criminal Defense Lawyer?
When someone is arrested for a property crime in California, they often wonder whether they need to hire an attorney. In some instances, these individuals feel as if the criminal charges against them are valid — and there’s no way to avoid a conviction. In other situations, they may believe that the evidence will exonerate them. There are even those who feel that they can forgo a dedicated criminal defense firm because the state provides a court-appointed attorney.
Unfortunately, all these assumptions can backfire on a person. First, it doesn’t matter whether it appears that the state has an “open-and-shut” case. The reality is that you’re still entitled to legal representation, and mistakes on the part of the prosecution can result in charges being dismissed. It may even be the case that there was never enough evidence for an arrest, or perhaps your constitutional rights were violated.
When it comes to beliefs that the evidence will exonerate you, keep in mind that an estimated 4-6% of individuals incarcerated are innocent. Finally, don’t make the mistake of thinking that a public defender can properly represent you in theft and other property crime cases. Your freedom could literally be at stake, and these court-appointed professionals are often dangerously overworked. You deserve a Salinas property crime attorney who is dedicated to your case. Contact our law firm today.
Contact a Salinas Property Crime Lawyer Today
If you’re facing criminal charges, it’s important to remember that you have rights. It doesn’t matter how strong the case against you may seem. The simple fact is that the majority of criminal cases don’t go to trial, and in many instances, this is because criminal defense lawyers are able to secure favorable outcomes for their clients. Whether you’re facing misdemeanor or felony charges, it’s important to seek out legal guidance before making any major decisions.
At the Law Offices of William V. Pernik, our dedicated team of legal professionals will advocate tirelessly for your rights. Whether you’re facing accusations as seemingly minor as shoplifting or as serious as arson or white-collar crimes — the combined experience of our attorneys can prove invaluable to your case. Contact us at 831-480-9165 today to schedule your free initial consultation. Our Salinas property crime lawyers are ready to review your case and help you understand your options.