Arkansas criminal attorney: Burglary and vandalism crimes
Arkansas property crimes can include burglary, vandalism, arson, and trespassing. These are not considered violent crimes, which means they won’t carry as harsh of a penalty, but they are serious offenses that can include felony charges and possible jail time.
A common property-related crime is vandalism. Vandalism in Arkansas is actually called criminal mischief, and there are two types: first degree and second degree. First degree criminal mischief in Arkansas is the more serious charge because it has a higher level of criminal intent. It also covers property damage in excess of $25,000. Criminal mischief in the second degree is a less serious charge and covers mostly misdemeanor property damage.
Burglary is another Arkansas property crime, and it too comes in different versions: residential burglary and commercial burglary. Residential burglary is breaking into someone else’s home, and commercial burglary is breaking into a commercial or business building. Residential burglary is a Class B felony and commercial burglary is a Class C felony. Another type of crime is breaking or entering. This is different than burglary. Breaking or entering covers vehicles, cash registers, safety deposit boxes, vending machines, even those boxes on the bus where you drop in your fare. Like burglary, breaking or entering crimes are felonies.
In my practice, I like to look at the big picture when assessing a case. For instance, you’ll frequently see property crimes where the accused and the property owner know each other and have some type of domestic relationship. Trespassing and criminal mischief charges are common between people who have dated, were married, or have a child together. Also, burglary crimes are often committed by people with drug addictions. Things like this are important to know when deciding what’s the best route to take with a client. The facts of the particular case are certainly important, but so is the client’s background and the things that happened that brought him or her to where they are now.
If you’ve been charged with burglary, trespassing, criminal mischief, arson, or another property-related crime in Arkansas, contact criminal defense attorney Patrick Stegall. A felony charge like this can be devastating to your future, but you may have defenses which could keep you out of jail and keep the charge from going on your record permanently. Mr. Stegall specializes in helping his clients get such outcomes, and may be able to help you too.
Click here to read Arkansas Criminal Law Articles on Property Crimes
