A property crime lawyer will concentrate on a highly specialized area of law. Property crime involves the deliberate destruction of a residental or commercial property. Crime of this nature may involve arson, vandalism and other serious acts of property destruction. Arson is considered one of the most serious forms of property crime.
When a property is seriously damaged the owner may decide to take legal action against the responsible party. Therefore, it is best to secure a reputable attorney who is skilled in all areas of property crime and possible penalties.
When a property crime is committed the owner of the residential or commercial property will consult with an attorney. In addition, the attorney will make a determination if the person making the accusation has just cause. It may be a good idea to bring photos of the damaged property when you see the attorney. Clear and concise photos are excellent proof that in fact a property crime did occur.
Due to the fact that deliberatly defacing or damaging property is a crime, a case of this nature may be tried on federal level. In addition, after the crime is tried on a federal level the plaintiff may seek money or punative damages through a civil court of law. The lawyer that is representing the plaintiff should explain everything in detail.
If the property is serious enough the Judge may order the person responsible to serve jail time. For example, arson is quite serious and a jail sentence may be a strong possibility. In addition, a court of law may also require the guilty party to pay the plaintiff damages for their destructive actions. Whatever the outcome of a property crime trial may be, the plaintiff has the right to also sue the responsible party in a civil court.
A reputatble property crime attorney will help the plaintiff prove his or her case. Property crime is quite serious and stiff penalties can sometimes be handed down as a strong deterrant. Usually a person who receives still sentencing and heavy fines should learn that crime does not pay.
Property crime is also a major contributer as to why property insurance rates are high. Essentially the people who pay their premiums on time and have no dealings with the law end up paying the price for property crime with higher premium payments. Consulting with a property crime lawyer is the first step if you are the victim of property crime.