Utah Property Crimes - Salt Lake Defense Attorney

If you are charged with property crimes in Utah, you could be facing jail, prison, and potentially thousands of dollars in fines. An experienced Utah criminal defense lawyer can substantially improve your chances of success in defending your case. Based in Salt Lake City, criminal attorney Stephen Howard has successfully defended clients facing Utah property crimes including robbery, theft, fraud, criminal mischief, and more. Contact us today to schedule an initial consultation.

Elements of Property Crimes in Utah

Utah property crimes generally involve taking, damaging, or destroying property of another person. Criminal intent is a key element in most Utah property crime cases. A person who damages or destroys property by accident will not normally be guilty of a crime. A person who takes property of another with the honest belief that he or she has the legal right to possess that property is also not guilty of a crime. There is still a potential for civil liability. But without proof of the required criminal intent, mere evidence that property was taken, destroyed, or damaged is not, by itself, sufficient to support a criminal charge.

Potential Penalties for Utah Property Crimes

Property crimes in Utah can range in seriousness from minor misdemeanors all the way to first-degree felony charges. The punishments for property crimes can range from simple probation to life prison terms.

For many Utah property crime charges, the level of the offense will depend on the value of the property involved. Charges involving property or damage valued at less than $500 are normally filed as class B misdemeanors. If the value is $500 or more but less than $1,500, charges can be filed as class A misdemeanor. If the value is more than $1,500 the charge can be filed as a third degree felony. If the value is more than $5,000 then a second degree felony can be filed. Under some circumstances, the charge can be enhanced (based on the use of a weapon, participation in a group criminal act, etc.) to the first degree felony level with the potential for life in prison.

There are certain offenses that are considered felonies regardless of the value of the property. Crimes such as theft of a motor vehicle or theft of a firearm are automatic second degree felonies regardless of the value of the items taken.

Choosing a Utah Criminal Defense Attorney in Salt Lake City

If you are facing prosecution in Utah for a property crime, having an experienced criminal defense attorney on your side can make all the difference in your case. As a Utah criminal attorney, Stephen Howard has defended thousands of serious criminal cases. His track record includes not guilty verdicts or dismissals in cases including aggravated robbery, burglary, theft, forgery, fraud, credit card fraud, and more.

Based in Salt Lake City, criminal defense attorney Stephen Howard is pleased to offer services to clients throughout Utah. Contact us now to schedule an initial consultation and case analysis.