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Property crimes include a wide range of offenses from petty theft to armed burglary. The penalties for anyone convicted of a property crime may include fines, restitution orders to victims, and confinement in jail or prison. Anyone facing accusations of stealing or damaging property can rely on a Sandy property crimes lawyer to protect their freedom and future.
When defendants in Sandy stand accused of committing a property crime, they turn to Blackley & Wingad for strategic representation and unwavering support. Our dedicated team of defense lawyers brings decades of combined courtroom and trial experience. When we take on a case, we do so with a focus on securing the most favorable outcome possible for our clients.
We understand the complexities of property crimes and the potential consequences of a conviction. By carefully listening to our clients’ accounts of events and methodically combing through the evidence, we can build a case that positions the people we represent for a positive outcome that protects their freedom and safeguards their reputation.
Sandy has an annual crime rate of 22.43 per 1,000 residents in a typical year, and property crimes add to those numbers. Those offenses are investigated throughout neighborhoods like Alta Canyon, Willow Creek, Crescent, and other parts of the city where residents and businesses rely on law enforcement to respond to suspicious activity.
There are 3.11 million registered cars in Utah, and stolen vehicles are a serious property crime. Vehicle thefts are often a crime of opportunity that results from cars being left unattended for long periods of time. Suspects may break into cars searching for valuables or steal vehicles that are taken away and stripped for parts.
Other property crimes involve:
Depending on the value of the property and how it was stolen or damaged, suspects could face misdemeanor or felony charges.
Following an arrest in Sandy, suspects are typically taken to Salt Lake County Jail, which is located at 3415 South 900 West in nearby Salt Lake City. During booking and processing, fingerprints and photos are taken. A judge may allow the defendant out on bail, especially if they are facing first-time charges or lower-level offenses. Upon release, the accused party is told when to make their first court appearance.
At an initial arraignment, the defendant is formally notified of their charges and allowed to plead guilty or not guilty. An entry of not guilty then leads to the pre-trial phase, where the defense can review the evidence and prepare their strategy moving forward. A strong defense could position the defendant for a favorable plea bargain offer, which could resolve the case through reduced charges or penalties.
When prosecutors no longer have sufficient evidence to pursue charges or the victim’s story is found to not be credible, prosecutors may drop charges. Many criminal cases are resolved through plea bargaining. Defendants also have the right to take their case to trial, where a judge or jury may decide whether the accused party committed a crime.
The right defense strategy can protect a defendant from becoming one of the roughly 13,000 people behind bars in the state. A strong defense begins with a close examination of the evidence. If prosecutors are relying on weak or circumstantial evidence, the defendant’s attorney can use those shortcomings to push for reduced or dropped charges.
Criminal intent could play a role in shaping the outcome of certain events. If the defendant believed that the stolen property was theirs or did not intend to damage or steal that property, their lawyer can argue that the actions were done without criminal intent. Misidentification is another strong defense strategy, especially when the state cannot present strong evidence linking the accused party to the scene of the alleged crime.
Defense attorneys can do more than independently investigate a case. They are also seasoned negotiators who can leverage their years of experience to strike deals with prosecutors that shield their clients from heavy penalties. In some cases, plea bargaining can lead to offers of reduced charges that allow the accused to put the whole ordeal behind them. Having support and guidance during a difficult time can make all the difference in how a case plays out.
Facing criminal charges can be an unsettling and stressful experience. When a defendant decides to hire a property crimes lawyer, they can potentially avoid the consequences of a life-altering conviction. Utah’s property crimes can lead to confinement in jail or prison, but defendants only face property crime penalties when prosecutors can prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
A Sandy property crimes attorney can rely on their years or decades of experience managing complex cases when managing a criminal case. Defense attorneys can look into the allegations and circumstances that led to an arrest to provide alternative explanations about what role their client did or did not play in those events.
Criminal charges can disrupt your life like nothing else. If you are facing accusations that you stole or damaged property, now is the time to act. The defense attorneys at Blackley & Wingad can provide you with the strategic and focused legal support your case deserves. Our lawyers bring decades of combined experience, and we always prioritize the interests of our clients.
When you secure legal representation from our firm, you gain the steady and unwavering support of a team that is willing to zealously work to protect your rights and freedom. Don’t risk your freedom on unproven legal representation. Contact our office today to secure the exceptional legal services and advocacy that our law firm can bring to your case.
Fighting criminal charges. Safeguarding families. Delivering results.
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