Philadelphia PROPERTY CRIMES Lawyers

Property crimes is defined asany illegal act that damages, devalues or destroys another’s property, or that deprives a person of property or the right to property against their will. The term “Property Crimes” represents is a vast category of offenses covered under both state and federal laws, that are grouped together because they involve money or property and do not involve force or the threat of force against another.

Some of the crimes that are fall into the category of property crimes include:

• Theft;
• Burglary;
• Larceny;
• Shoplifting and Retail Theft;
• Fraud – Check Fraud, Credit Card Fraud, Tax Fraud, etc.;
• Embezzlement;
• Library Theft;
• Internet Crimes;
• White Collar Crimes;
• Employee Theft;
• Identity Theft;
• Counterfeiting;
• Forgery;
• Grand Theft Auto;
• Unauthorized Use of Vehicle;
• Trespassing;
• Arson;
• Vandalism;
• Receiving Stolen Property;
• Extortion (Blackmail);
• Criminal Mischief;
• Unauthorized Use, Opening, Injuring or Tampering With a Fire Apparatus or Hydrants;
• Institutional Vandalism or Espionage;

The penalties for property crimes vary widely from summary offenses to felonies, and are dependant upon the specific offense committed and the value of the property involved. While property crimes are considered less serious the violent crimes many have the same penalties such as fines, restitution, community service, probation and jail time.