Oklahoma Property Crimes Lawyer
Property crimes occur every single day in large cities at a substantially higher rate than statewide averages. Additionally, prosecutors come down hard on those accused of property crimes, based in part on this fact. When charged with a felony or misdemeanor charge involving theft or damage to property, you are facing a wide variety of serious consequences, which are affected by the type of property crime and your criminal record.
What Are Property Crimes?
Property crimes occur when one person violates, steals, or damages another person’s property. There are many different property crimes with different levels of severity and risk of harm to the public. These crimes can occur on personal property, commercial property, motor vehicles, structures, ideas, and more. Property crime offenses may involve threat, violence, harm, or intent to commit harm.
There does not have to be property damage for it to be a property crime. Simply stealing or attempting to steal suffices to amount to a crime in Oklahoma. Examples of property crime offenses can include burglary, larceny, theft, motor vehicle theft, arson, vandalism, embezzlement, and shoplifting.
Property Crime Statistics Oklahoma
Property crime rates are incredibly high in the United States. In fact, crime data from the FBI indicates that property crimes are the most common type of crime in the US. Compared to violent crimes, which are reported on average every 22 seconds, property crime cases are reported by victims every 3 seconds.
Within the state of Oklahoma, these statistics remain almost the same. The OBSI’s Uniform Crime Unit (UCR) reported in 2020 that overall property crime offenses are the most common crime in Oklahoma. The report also noted that larceny theft remained the most common property crime in Oklahoma, with an average of 74,251 thefts happening annually between 2011-2020. In 2019, there were 2,845 property crimes per 100,000 residents.
Although the property crime rate has dropped substantially in the past 20 years, it still remains high. The number of people convicted for property crimes is quite low, in addition to the number of people who report these crimes. However, if convicted of a property crime in Oklahoma, the penalties can be severe.
Contact an Experienced Criminal Defense Lawyer
The first step to help your criminal property charges in Oklahoma is to hire an experienced Oklahoma criminal defense attorney. CANNON & ASSOCIATES is dedicated to Fierce Advocacy for those facing property crime prosecution. Once you have hired an Oklahoma Criminal Defense Attorney, you can begin to build your defense and tell your story.
Property crimes in Oklahoma, as in other states, involve the destruction/damage to an object belonging to another person, or the wrongful taking of an object/property belonging to someone else. The list of property crimes in Oklahoma includes, but is not limited to, the following:
Theft Crimes
There are a multitude of crimes involving theft. Some theft crimes are violent, such as robbery and first-degree burglary; however, the majority are non-violent, such as: grand larceny, possession of stolen property, tax fraud (stealing from the government), embezzlement (federal and or state crime based on amount and involvement of banking system), business fraud, credit fraud, simply burglary, and petit larceny.
Robbery
Robbery is a distinct category of theft crime that involves the use of force, threat of force, or intimidation to steal property from another person. This element of force or threat differentiates robbery from other theft crimes, which are typically characterized by stealth or deception. Due to the inherent violence involved, robbery is often classified as a felony, carrying more severe penalties than non-violent theft crimes.
Motor Vehicle Theft
There are multiple types of motor vehicle theft, some of which are considered property crimes, such as unauthorized use of a motor vehicle, possession of a stolen vehicle, and joyriding. However, there are also fraudulent forms of vehicle theft and violent crime, such as vehicle theft commonly referred to as “carjacking.” Each of these crimes requires a specific set of elements and facts to constitute an offense, for which you can be convicted.
Grand Theft Auto
Grand Theft Auto is a serious property crime involving the unauthorized taking or stealing of a motor vehicle with the intent to deprive the owner of their property permanently. In Oklahoma, this crime is considered a felony and can carry significant penalties, including fines, imprisonment, and a permanent criminal record. The level of punishment often depends on factors such as the vehicle’s value, the offender’s criminal history, and whether any violence or additional crimes were committed during the act.
Arson
Arson is defined as the intentional act of setting fire to or causing an explosion on someone else’s property, typically with the intent to destroy or damage the property. Oklahoma law categorizes arson into different degrees, depending on factors such as the type of property, whether the building was occupied, and the extent of the damage caused. Arson is considered a serious felony in Oklahoma and can result in lengthy prison sentences, high fines, and restitution.
Vandalism
Vandalism involves the willful destruction or defacement of someone else’s property and includes actions such as graffiti, breaking windows, or damaging vehicles. Oklahoma law treats vandalism as a property crime, with penalties that may range from fines and community service to jail time, depending on the severity of the damage and whether the offense was committed with malicious intent. Vandalism charges can also result in civil liabilities for the cost of repairs.
For more information on property crimes and how to defend against them, please click here to learn about our approach to protecting your rights.
What are The Consequences of Being Convicted of a Property Crime?
Depending on the type of property crime you are convicted of, the consequences can be severe. The criminal penalties for a property crime conviction will depend on the type of crime you have been convicted of, whether it was a felony or a misdemeanor conviction, and several other factors. If you are convicted of a first-degree felony for burglary, for example, you could face up to 20 years in prison.
Besides the criminal penalties resulting from a property crime conviction, you will also face the following consequences:
- Permanent criminal record – Most property crimes result in a permanent criminal record. With a permanent criminal record, you will be subject to background checks from employers, schools, banks, state organizations, and other financial institutions. As such, you will face difficulties accessing employment, getting a loan for a house, accessing public housing, and much more.
- Revocation of rights – If convicted of a felony, such as grand larceny, burglary, arson, or motor vehicle theft, you will lose certain constitutional rights, such as the right to vote and to bear arms.
- 85% rule – Some property crimes in Oklahoma are 85% crimes. People convicted of an 85% crime are required to serve at least 85% of their sentence, without the possibility of parole or release before this has been served. Some 85% of property crimes include first-degree arson and first-degree burglary.
- Fines – Depending on the property crime you are convicted of, you may have to pay huge fines worth more than the original value of the property. With motor vehicle theft, for example, you may have to pay three times the original value of the car, which could be anywhere up to $500,000.
The consequences of a property crime conviction are serious and will have an enormous impact on your life and future opportunities. If you are facing criminal charges for a property crime, it is vital that you speak with an experienced criminal defense attorney. They will do everything in their power to get your charges dismissed and help ensure that you do not spend time in prison and receive a permanent criminal record.
What Should I Do If I Am Accused of a Property Crime?
Being accused of a property crime can be terrifying. Many people are unsure how to behave when arrested for a property crime and are unaware of their legal rights. There are several things you should do to ensure that you do not implicate yourself or others in the crime and that your rights are protected.
Know Your Options, If Charged With Property Crimes In Oklahoma
It is important to know your rights and retain an Oklahoma criminal defense attorney with experience defending property crimes as soon as possible. Your life and freedom are on the line, and you need a defense. You are facing substantial penalties if convicted of a property felony. In addition to your freedom and reputation being on the line, a felony conviction will deprive you of civil rights – owning or being in the presence of a firearm, voting, holding office, employment/housing, and cause difficulty in obtaining a loan or mortgage, and other penalties.
In the end, there are two main approaches to defending a property crime in Oklahoma: an innocence defense or admission of the act, but a defense of the reason you did the specific crime. An innocence defense primarily consists of developing your story and identifying alibis to your location and conduct, if they exist, and attacking the credibility of all eyewitness identification and law enforcement investigations. In a case where you cannot contest you committed the act, there are several legal and factual defenses available to you: protecting yourself by self-defense, defense of another, which removes your culpability; accident or mistake of fact, i.e. accidental discharge of a firearm shooting someone; mental capacity defenses, such as insanity, lack of the ability to distinguish between right and wrong, or lack of mental capacity; inability to form the requisite intent due to intoxication; and a number of other mitigating and extenuating circumstances.
CANNON & ASSOCIATES has reached many successful outcomes, including the dismissal or reduction of charges and negotiated agreements, including probation, reasonable restitution, and diversion programs. In white-collar property cases, CANNON & ASSOCIATES has successfully defended clients through zealous advocacy, detailed independent investigation, holding witnesses’ credibility under a microscope, and ensuring the client’s rights are protected under the law. You need a Fierce Advocate to defend your life and freedom if you have been accused of or believe you are about to be accused or charged with a property crime in Oklahoma.
What Are Some of The Defenses To Property Crimes?
To fight against property crime charges, you will need a strong criminal defense strategy. Defenses for property crime cases vary depending on the particular circumstances of your case, the type of charges you are facing, and the evidence against you. An experienced criminal defense attorney will use these factors to assess the best defense that should be used for your case.
At Cannon & Associates, we focus on getting charges and cases dismissed. Our aim is to prevent you from spending time in jail, getting a permanent record, and having the rest of your life impacted by a criminal record. Some defenses we may use for your property crimes case include:
- Mistake – Almost all property crime cases require the accused to have intent. If you took or destroyed property by accident, our lawyers may be able to argue the mistake on your behalf. For example, if a person walks out of a shop with property without having paid for it, a lawyer may argue that it was a mistake.
- Necessity – Sometimes, a person may need to steal or destroy property out of necessity. This defense can arise if you broke a window or door in order to escape a dangerous situation, for example.
- Coercion – This defense can be used if you were forced to commit a property crime by another person under threat of violence, injury, or death. If a person threatened to kill you unless you stole a vehicle, for example, a lawyer could use coercion as a defense.
The only way to get your property crime case dismissed or charges reduced substantially is by having a strong criminal defense. Contact Cannon & Associates today to figure out what type of defense could be used for your case.
How Can an Experienced Oklahoma Property Crimes Lawyer Help Me?
With all property crime cases, the onus is on the prosecutor to prove that you are guilty of the crime. If you can prove to a Judge or jury that you are innocent, using a strong criminal defense, your case will be dismissed.
However, trying to prove innocence without a deep understanding of the criminal legal system can be extremely difficult. Hiring a criminal defense attorney is the best way to ensure that you get your case dismissed and avoid criminal penalties for a property crime. Some ways they can help you include:
- Advise – A criminal defense lawyer will advise you on your situation by explaining the charges you are facing, the likelihood of avoiding criminal penalties, and the consequences of a conviction. They will advise you on what you should do to avoid further consequences and how best to proceed with your case.
- Investigate – To build a strong criminal defense, you need evidence to support your case. Your lawyer should investigate your case by assessing the evidence brought against you, speaking with witnesses, looking at CCTV footage, and assessing whether police officers violated your rights during the arrest and interrogation. They can then use this evidence to build a reliable defense on your behalf.
- Represent – The principal job of your attorney is to act as a strong legal representative. This means protecting your rights at all stages of your case and fighting aggressively on your behalf. Your attorney should communicate with prosecutors on your behalf, investigate all potential avenues available for your defense, and fight in court on your behalf if necessary.
If you are facing property crime charges, strong legal representation is essential. The consequences of a property crime conviction are severe, and you could face a long time in prison, a permanent criminal record, and further lifelong consequences. It is essential that you seek legal counsel from an experienced criminal defense attorney to protect your future.
Contact Cannon & Associates Today for Representation
Our firm will do everything possible to defend your freedom and your future. Our firm will investigate the allegations, examine law enforcement conduct, interview all potential witnesses, examine credibility issues with your accusers, identify all potential defenses, and identify every weakness in the prosecution’s case.
Free Resources from OKC Criminal Defense Attorneys:
We’re available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to schedule a Free Case Planning Session to understand your options and rights in an Oklahoma criminal case!
The attorneys at CANNON & ASSOCIATES have built a strong reputation for achieving favorable outcomes for clients facing a wide range of criminal charges. With a commitment to providing dedicated and strategic defense, the team has earned top ratings and numerous accolades for its legal expertise. To learn more about the firm’s services and read what clients have to say, check out our Google reviews. Contact CANNON & ASSOCIATES today for a free, confidential consultation.
EXPERIENCE MATTERS
John Cannon is a former prosecutor and assistant attorney general, he understands the elements and factors of law that dictate how these cases are handled in the criminal court system. John has been honored by being identified as a Top 40 under 40 in Criminal Defense by the National Trial Lawyers Association. John has the experience and will bring it to bear in your case. He can sometimes prevent charges from being filed if he is involved in the case early enough and can explain your story to the prosecution. He is a fierce advocate in court if you are preparing to go to trial to prove your innocence. Additionally, he has an outstanding record of reaching the best possible outcome for hundreds of clients accused of a wide variety of property crime and theft charges explained above, evidenced by receiving the highest possible AVVO rating – 10 (superb). Contact CANNON & ASSOCIATES to protect your freedom, your future, and your story.
