Defending Criminal Charges for Property Crimes
The category of “property crimes” in Utah is broad, including both felony and misdemeanor charges. The offense level for most charges will depend on the value of the item taken or the cost of the damage caused. But there are several exceptions. Felony charges in Davis County are typically filed in the District Court in Farmington. Misdemeanor cases (class B and below) are usually handled by local justice courts.
If you are facing prosecution for property crimes in Utah, having the right defense attorney can make a real difference. Contact us today.
Our team has experience representing clients charged with felony and misdemeanor property crimes, including:
- Theft
- Burglary
- Robbery
- Arson
- Theft by Deception
- Theft by Receiving Stolen Property
- Communications Fraud
- Insurance Fraud
- Retail Theft (Shoplifting)
- Mail Theft
- Theft of Services
- Criminal Mischief
- Damage or Destruction of Property
Penalties for Property Crimes
Penalties for most criminal charges involving taking or damaging physical property (meaning generally, things that are not houses or land) are based on the value of the things taken or the cost of repairing or replacing damaged property.
In general, damage or loss valued at less than $1,500 will result in a misdemeanor charge (class A or class B). Damage or loss valued at more than $1,500 leads to felony charges, starting at the third-degree level. If the value is more than $5,000 then a second-degree felony can be filed.
Exceptions to Value-Based Penalties
The Utah criminal code provides a few specific exceptions to the standard value-based penalty system. The most commonly charged exceptions are for guns and vehicles. Theft of any firearm or motor vehicle can be charged at the second-degree felony level, regardless of the actual value of the item.
Property Crimes Classified as “Violent” Offenses
Certain property crimes are considered to be “violent” offenses under Utah law. This designation has particular significance in the context of planning for future expungement eligibility.
Property crimes classified as “violent felonies” include:
- Burglary
- Robbery
- Arson
- Criminal Mischief (under current law)
Finding the Right Attorney
Any criminal charge should be taken seriously. Having the right attorney can make a real difference. Contact us today to see what we can do for you.