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Have you been accused of a property crime in Rock Hill, SC? 

Property crimes range from minor offenses like shoplifting to more serious offenses like burglary or grand larceny. If you are facing property crime charges, securing the legal representation you need to protect your rights and fight for your freedom is paramount.

At Okoye Law in Rock Hill, we defend clients against all property crime charges in South Carolina. Our team of experienced criminal defense attorneys has the knowledge, skills, and dedication to help you navigate the criminal justice system and achieve the best possible outcome for your case.

If you need a Rock Hill property crimes lawyer, contact us today to schedule a consultation and learn more about how we can help protect your rights and fight for your freedom.

South Carolina Property Crimes Charges and Penalties

Property crimes refer to criminal offenses in which someone’s property is stolen, damaged, or unlawfully interfered with.

If you are facing property crime charges in South Carolina, it’s important to understand the different types of charges you may be facing and their potential penalties. 

Here are some of the most common property crimes in South Carolina:

  • Burglary — entering a building with the intent to commit a crime, such as theft or assault and battery
  • Grand larceny — stealing property valued at $2,000 or more
  • Petit larceny — stealing property valued at less than $2,000
  • Shoplifting — stealing merchandise from a store
  • Vandalism — intentionally damaging or destroying someone else’s property
  • Possession of a stolen vehicle — knowingly possessing or receiving a stolen vehicle
  • Trespass after notice — entering or remaining on someone else’s property after being given notice not to do so
Charge Classification Penalties
Burglary Felony (1st or 2nd degree) or Misdemeanor
  • Up to 15 years in prison and/or fines
  • Up to 10 years in prison and/or fines OR 
  • Up to 3 years in prison and/or fines
Grand larceny Felony Up to 10 years in prison and/or fines
Petit larceny Misdemeanor Up to 30 days in jail and/or fines
Shoplifting Misdemeanor Up to 30 days in jail and/or fines for first offense, with increasing penalties for subsequent offenses
Vandalism Misdemeanor or Felony
  • Up to 3 years in prison and/or fines for misdemeanor charges
  • Up to 10 years in prison and/or fines for felony charges
Possession of a stolen vehicle Felony Up to 10 years in prison and/or fines
Trespass after notice Misdemeanor Up to 30 days in jail and/or fines

If you have been charged with any of these property crimes, it’s important to consult with our experienced criminal defense lawyers as soon as possible. 

We can help you understand your charges and develop a strong defense strategy to protect your rights and fight for the best possible outcome for your case.

Collateral Consequences of a Property Crimes Conviction

A property crimes conviction can have serious consequences beyond the direct penalties imposed by the court. 

These collateral consequences can impact your life long after your sentence is served and can include:

  • You might not be able to find a job, particularly in fields that require background checks or a high level of trust
  • It may be difficult to find housing, especially in competitive rental markets where landlords may be hesitant to rent to someone with a criminal record
  • You may be restricted from obtaining certain professional licenses, such as a real estate license or a license to practice law.
  • Non-US citizens may face immigration consequences, including deportation or denial of a visa or citizenship.
  • You may lose your constitutional right to bear arms or vote in an election

These collateral consequences can be devastating, and it’s important to work with an experienced criminal defense lawyer who can help minimize their impact. 

A defense lawyer can explore your legal options and develop a defense strategy to protect your rights and minimize the potential long-term consequences of a property crime conviction.

Property Crimes Legal Defenses

If you are facing property crime charges, working with an experienced criminal defense lawyer who can help you explore your legal options and build a strong defense is essential. 

Here are some possible legal defenses your property crimes lawyer can raise:

  1. Lack of intent — If you did not intend to commit a property crime, your lawyer might be able to argue that you lacked the necessary mental state to be guilty of the offense.
  2. Mistaken identity — If you have been wrongly identified as the perpetrator of a property crime, your lawyer may be able to present evidence that you were not at the crime scene or that another person is more likely to have committed the offense.
  3. Duress or coercion — If you were forced to commit a property crime under threat of harm, your lawyer may be able to argue that you were acting under duress or coercion and should not be held responsible for the offense.
  4. Invalid search or seizure — If the police obtained evidence of the property crime through an illegal search or seizure, your lawyer might be able to have the evidence suppressed or excluded from the trial.
  5. Self-defense or defense of others — If you committed a property crime in self-defense or defense of others, your lawyer may be able to argue that your actions were justified and that you should not be held responsible for the offense.

It’s important to remember that every case is unique, and the legal defenses available to you will depend on the specific circumstances of your case. 

That’s why working with an experienced criminal defense lawyer who can help you explore all your legal options and build a strong defense tailored to your needs is so important.

Why Choose Okoye Law to Defend You 

Choosing the right criminal defense lawyer can make all the difference in the outcome of your property crime case. 

Here are some reasons why you should choose Okoye Law to defend you against property crime charges:

  • Experience — Our team has years of experience defending clients against property crime charges in South Carolina. 
  • Results — We have a proven track record of achieving successful outcomes for our clients in property crime cases. 
  • Personalized attention — We understand that every case is unique and provide personalized attention to every client we represent. 
  • Aggressive defense — Our attorneys are known for their aggressive defense tactics, and we will fight tirelessly on your behalf to protect your rights and achieve the best possible outcome for your case.

At Okoye Law, we understand that facing property crime charges can be overwhelming and stressful. That’s why we are committed to providing compassionate, personalized legal representation to each and every one of our clients. 

But don’t take our word for it; check out Okoye Law’s client reviews. And then, contact us today to schedule a consultation and learn how we can help you, too.

Contact Rock Hill Property Crimes Lawyers Today

If you are facing property crime charges in Rock Hill, SC, act fast and secure the legal representation you need to protect your rights and fight for the best possible outcome for your case. 

At Okoye Law, we have the experience, knowledge, and dedication to provide top-notch legal representation for your property crimes case.

Don’t wait until it’s too late. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and learn how we can help defend you against property crime charges. Call us today and take the first step towards securing your future.

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FAQ: Rock Hill Property Crime Charges

Q
What should I do if I am facing property crime charges in Rock Hill, SC?
A

If you are facing property crime charges, it’s important to consult with an experienced criminal defense lawyer as soon as possible. At Okoye Law, we offer initial consultations to help you understand your legal options and develop a defense strategy.

Q
How can a criminal defense lawyer help me with my property crime case?
A

A criminal defense lawyer can help you understand the charges you are facing, explore your legal options, and build a strong defense on your behalf. They can negotiate with prosecutors to reduce the charges or secure a plea bargain.

Q
How much does it cost to hire a property crimes lawyer in Rock Hill, SC?
A

The cost of hiring a property crimes lawyer can vary depending on the complexity of your case and the lawyer’s experience. At Okoye Law, we offer competitive rates and flexible payment options to help make legal representation more accessible to everyone.