Property crimes rank among of the most commonly charged criminal offenses in Doylestown and the rest of Bucks County, Pennsylvania. The nature of these crimes can vary greatly, depending on circumstances such as the value of the property stolen and the method by which property may be taken or destroyed. If you stand accused of a property crime, your freedom is at risk. The severity of these crimes can range from misdemeanors to felonies, and could result in many years in prison, high fines, and a long-standing criminal record. You deserve to have your case defended by a highly experienced criminal defense attorney; one who will fight for your rights.
If you or someone you care about has been charged of a property crime in Doylestown, PA or the rest of Bucks County, experienced property crime attorney Joseph D. Lento is here to help.
Doylestown/Bucks County Property Crime Defense Attorney
Joseph Lento is an experienced, aggressive Doylestown defense attorney, boasting nearly two decades working in various roles within PA's criminal justice system.
If you're facing property crime charges in Bucks County and need a comprehensive, customized defense, contact the attorneys at the Lento Law Firm. Joseph Lento built his practice on the ideals of customer service and justice and he will fight for your rights and freedom. Call (888) 535-3686 today to schedule your consultation and discover what Joseph Lento can do to clear your name.
Bucks County Court Process
If arrested in Bucks County for a property-related crime, your case will be scheduled for a preliminary hearing at the applicable Magisterial District Court. There are 18 of these District Courts within Bucks County. If the case proceeds past the preliminary hearing, the case will be scheduled for a formal arraignment in the Bucks County Justice Center, which is located at:
100 N Main Street
Doylestown, PA 18901
The process will continue from that point forward. These types of cases often either result in the case proceeding to trial or being resolved through non-trial disposition via a dismissal or plea.
Property Crimes in Pennsylvania
A property crime occurs when an individual commits an illegal act against their own or another's property. This can involve:
- theft
- defacing property
- committing fraud to obtain property
- creating fake items
- passing bad checks
- trespass on another's property
In Pennsylvania, common property crimes Doylestown citizens are often charged with can include, but are not limited to:
Common Property Crimes
Arson
- When a person intentionally starts a fire, causes an explosion, or otherwise assists another person in committing this offense
- First or second degree felony
- Sentence will increase to life without parole or the death penalty if loss of life is involved in the act of arson
Bad Check Writing
- When a person writes a check or provides some other payment of money with the knowledge that a closed account, insufficient funds, or any other factor will not allow payment, or if it was counterfeit
- Degree of offense depends on prior offenses and the value of the bad check
- When a person enters a building or occupied structure with the intent to commit a crime within the building
- Excludes buildings that are open to the public at the time of entry or persons authorized to enter the building
- Felony of the first or second degree, depending on the case
- The unauthorized or unprivileged entry and/or occupation of a building or occupied structure with the knowledge that it was unauthorized or unprivileged
- Felony of the second or third degree, depending on the case
- Intentionally, recklessly, or negligently damaging tangible property belonging to someone else, with or without intent to damage the person or property
- Deceiving or threatening another individual into financial loss
- Defacing or damaging tangible public property, or real or personal property of another
- Misdemeanor or felony, depending on the value of the property
Forgery
- Altering or mimicking the writing of someone else without his or her permission with the intent to defraud or injure
- Degree of offense depends on what document is forged
Identity Theft
- When a person uses or possesses the identification information of another person without his or her consent
- Each use of the information is a separate offense
- Degree of offense depends on priors and value involved in the offense
- Intentionally receiving, keeping, or disposing of another's movable property while knowing or believing the property was stolen
- Degree of offense depends on value of the property
- Taking possession of or removing merchandise from a store with the intent to deprive the store of the merchandise without payment
- Also applies to the alteration or removal of any security devices, tags, or labels with the intent to deprive the store of the merchandise without payment
- Intent of retail theft is presumed if a person intentionally conceals merchandise with the purpose of depriving the store of the merchandise without payment
- Degree of offense depends on value of the property and any priors
- Also known as theft by deception
- When a person obtains or keeps another person's property through deception
- Degree of offense depends on value of the property
Defending Property Crimes Cases in Bucks County
A conviction for a property-related crime can quickly derail your life. No matter what the circumstances surrounding your arrest may be, there are grounds for mounting a defense. Defenses exist to help protect your constitutional rights. Some of the most common are as follows:
- Value of Property: For many crimes, the severity of the crime is based upon the value of the property affected. You can argue the value of the property is lower than that argued by the prosecutor.
- Misidentification: If you were not the party that committed the crime, you can show that you were misidentified as the offender.
- File a Suppression Motion: Suppression motions keep out unconstitutionally collected evidence. When the police violate your constitutional rights when collecting evidence, the evidence collected in an illegal way can be kept out of court.
- Show Reasonable Doubt: Any criminal case in this country must be proven "beyond a reasonable doubt," a very high standard. With the help of your criminal defense attorney, you can present areas of doubt to the jury to work towards a not guilty verdict in your case.
Working with a Doylestown Property Crime Defense Lawyer
If you have been accused of a property crime in Bucks County, it is highly recommended that you begin defending your rights and your future with as soon as possible. Joseph Lento is passionate about helping property crimes charges like yours through the system and making sure justice is served on all sides.
For your consultation on how Joseph Lento and the team at Lento Law Firm can help you, call (888) 535-3686 today.
