Fairfax Property Crime Defense Lawyer

Experienced Property Crime Defense Attorney for Clients in Fairfax, Virginia

Charges involving property crimes can be quite serious, even in cases where nobody was physically hurt. A conviction for a property crime could entail fines, restitution to the victim, prison or jail time, and a lasting criminal record that will follow you for years. When your future is at risk, consider turning to a Fairfax, Virginia property crime defense attorney for help.

At Bret Lee Legal Solutions, we have the resources and legal knowledge to represent clients accused of a variety of property crime, ranging from larceny to robbery. We will review your case in detail and come up with a defense tailored to your situation, providing one-on-one counsel and legal advice.

Penalties for Arson of a Dwelling in Virginia

Arson of a dwelling is one of the most serious property crime charges in Virginia. If the allegation is that someone maliciously burned or destroyed an occupied dwelling, manufactured home, or another place where people usually live or lodge, the penalty can be life imprisonment or any term of not less than five years. That means a person accused of setting fire to an inhabited home may be facing decades in prison.

Virginia law also punishes the burning of an unoccupied dwelling harshly. If the dwelling was unoccupied at the time, the charge is generally a Class 4 felony, punishable by up to 10 years in prison. Even when no one was hurt, prosecutors may still treat the accusation as a major violent and property-related offense because of the obvious risk to life, neighboring property, and emergency responders.

What Is Larceny?

Larceny is the unlawful taking of another person's property with the intent to permanently deprive the owner of it. In plain terms, it is theft. In Virginia, the seriousness of a larceny charge often depends on the value of the property and how it was allegedly taken. Simple larceny can become grand larceny if the value is high enough, if property is taken directly from a person, or if the item involved is a firearm. Grand larceny not from the person generally applies when the goods are valued at $1,000 or more.

Shoplifting is one of the most common examples of larceny. A person may be accused of shoplifting by concealing merchandise, changing labels, moving items into different packaging, or leaving a store without paying. What seems minor at first can become much more serious if the value is high, if there are prior theft allegations, or if the prosecution claims the conduct was part of a broader scheme. A theft conviction can still mean jail exposure, restitution, and a damaging criminal record.

Defending Against Burglary Charges

Burglary charges in Virginia are often more complicated than people expect. The prosecution must usually prove an unlawful entry, or in some cases a breaking and entering, plus a specific criminal intent at the time of entry. Under Virginia law, a burglary involving a nighttime break-in into a dwelling with intent to commit a felony or larceny is a felony crime.

A defense attorney may challenge whether there was really a breaking, whether the accused had permission to enter, whether the evidence proves the required intent, or whether the identification is reliable.

What to Expect From a Robbery Charge in Fairfax

In Virginia, the crime of robbery involves taking property from a person or in that person's presence by violence or intimidation. The felony level depends on the alleged facts. The charges can escalate if the victim suffered serious harm or a firearm was involved, for example.

Contact a Fairfax, VA Property Crime Defense Attorney

At Bret Lee Legal Solutions, we are equipped to represent you in various property crime cases, both violent and non-violent. Call 703-936-0580 or contact our Fairfax, Virginia property crime defense lawyer to schedule your complimentary consultation.