According to the Federal Bureau of Investigation, last year a property crime was reported approximately every three seconds in the United States, making them the most reported crimes in the country.
These criminal offenses are usually intended with only the property in mind, as most of these crimes — although not all — do not include injuries or casualties.
That does not mean those who commit property crimes will not need an experienced criminal defense attorney in Washington D.C. or Maryland, as these offenses are still very serious and carry severe legal consequences.
What Are the Four Types of Property Crimes?
There are more than ten million property crimes reported annually throughout the U.S., making them approximately ten times more prevalent than violent crimes.
The four types of property crimes include:
- Larceny/Theft
- Burglary
- Motor Vehicle Theft
- Arson
What Is Larceny/Theft?
Larceny or theft is the most common property crime committed, comprising nearly 60% of all reported crimes throughout the country.
These cases often include pickpocketing, shoplifting, stealing personal items from backpacks or lockers, or unlawfully taking someone else’s property without force.
What Is Burglary?
Burglaries are the second most reported property crimes and total approximately two million reports each year, which equates to 18% of all crime reports.
Burglary cases are crimes where a person unlawfully enters a structure to commit theft.
It is important to understand the differences between theft, robbery, and burglary, so you know why robbery is not considered a property crime and how each is handled within the legal system.
What Is Motor Vehicle Theft?
Motor vehicle theft occurs when someone takes a vehicle from its original owner without permission and can include thefts of SUVs, trucks, buses, motorcycles, and other motorized vehicles.
Over one million vehicles are reported stolen each year, accounting for more than ten percent of all annual reported crimes in the United States.
What Is Arson?
Arson is the act of willfully turning a certain property, which can include homes, businesses, or other structures, with malicious intent.
In some cases, vandalism is included in property crimes too because it is also considered destruction of real or personal property.
While violent crimes are prevalent and are often the leading news headlines throughout our communities, property crimes occur much more frequently and require an experienced Washington D.C. criminal defense attorney to ensure your case is treated fairly by the prosecutor’s office.
If you have been charged with a property crime, contact our Maryland and Washington D.C.criminal defense lawyers at Lotze Mosley LLP today by calling (202) 393-0535 to discuss your case and the solutions we can provide, so you are not left facing these serious charges alone.
