Defending Clients in Austin against Property Crime Charges
Property and vandalism crimes in the State of Texas can be misdemeanors or felonies, depending upon the circumstances surrounding the offense. Of the two, felonies are more serious crimes and carry more serious penalties upon conviction, including both monetary fines and potential jail time. However, you should keep in mind that criminal charges and criminal convictions are not the same things.
Just because you have been charged with a property crime does not mean that you will ultimately be convicted of the offense. However, if you have been arrested or charged with a property crime in Austin, it is important that you seek out the services of experienced legal counsel as soon as possible.
If you are facing property crime or vandalism charges, the knowledgeable Austin property crimes and vandalism attorneys at Granger and Mueller PC can assist you. Our legal team can investigate the circumstances behind your charge/arrest and could help you assert a favorable legal defense in a Texas courtroom. We could also explore your legal options and assist you with obtaining a favorable plea deal with the state prosecutor who is handling your criminal case.
Please reach out to us today to find out more about how we could help defend you against your property crime or vandalism charge.
Types of Property Crimes and Vandalism Charges in Texas
All Texas property crimes have one thing in common: they involve destroying, damaging, or stealing real property or intangible property that belongs to another person.
In addition, there are several classifications of property crimes and vandalism charges that you could face under the Texas Penal Code – all of which are serious. Some of the most common property crimes include the following:
- Vandalism charges (for destroying property)
- Criminal mischief charges
- Arson charges
- Breaking and entering charges
- Extortion charges
Potential Legal Defenses to a Property Crime Charge
If you have been charged with committing a property crime in the State of Texas, there are several legal defenses that you could raise in response. In order for you to be found guilty or convicted of a property crime in Texas, the state prosecutor usually needs to prove that you acted knowingly or intentionally. Most legal defenses negate this element of intent. Some of the most common legal defenses to a property crime charge in Texas include:
- Duress – where the accused was coerced to commit the criminal offense or threatened with some type of physical harm
- Legal justification – where the actions of the accused were legally justified under the circumstances
- Reasonable belief – where the accused held a reasonable belief that he or she had permission to use the subject property
- Renunciation – where the accused made one or more significant attempts to stop the property crime
Speak to an Experienced Austin Property Crimes and Vandalism Attorney about Your Case Today
The legal team at Granger and Mueller PC can help defend you against a pending property crime charge. For a free case evaluation and legal consultation with a knowledgeable Austin property crimes and vandalism lawyer, please call us today at 512-474-9999 or contact us online.