Property and Theft Crimes

Property Crimes and Financial Crimes Defense Lawyer in Greenville, SC

Property crimes in South Carolina cover a variety of conduct that includes causing property damage, stealing property, or interfering with an alleged victim’s right to possess or use their property.

SC property crimes and financial crimes include:

• Burglary
• Petty Larceny / Grand Larceny
• Obtaining Goods Under False Pretenses
• Financial Transaction Card Fraud / Theft
• Breach of Trust with Fraudulent Intent
• Forgery
• Fraudulent Check
• Arson
• Possession of Stolen Vehicles
• Shoplifting
• White Collar

Property crime and financial crime charges almost always involve an alleged victim who owns the property in question, and they often involve the payment of restitution to compensate for stolen property or damaged property, even if it was recovered. 

What are the Criminal Penalties for Property Crimes in SC?

Many SC property crimes have penalties that are determined by the value of the property that allegedly to have been stolen, damaged, or destroyed. These offenses include shoplifting, petty larceny, grand larceny, possession of stolen goods, and possession of stolen vehicles. The value of the stolen, damaged, or destroyed property may also determine whether you are charged with a misdemeanor or a felony, and whether the charge will be handled in a Magistrate / Municipal Court or in General Sessions.

SC burglary charges carry a variety of penalties that may depend on the evidence and allegations in your case. These penalties change depending on when and where the burglary allegedly occurred and whether other crimes were allegedly committed at the same time. The penalties for Burglary are severe, and can include prison time–even life in prison.

What is a Property Crime Enhancement?

Any SC property crime for which its penalty is determined by the monetary value of the property stolen, damaged, or destroyed can be enhanced to a 10-year felony if the defendant’s record includes 2 or more convictions for property crimes where the penalty was also determined by the value of the property involved.

For example, a person who shoplifts a lighter and is charged with shoplifting can be charged with a felony and incarcerated for up to 10 years if they also have two prior convictions for other property crimes, even if the value of the property in those two prior convictions is minuscule. Note that an economic crime may not involve theft at all. Take the same example, but the person is charged with malicious damage to a fence post or a car mirror that cost the property owner $10 to fix. That person may be charged with Malicious Injury to Property (real property or personal property) and similarly charged with a 10-year felony.

Property Crime Defense Attorney in Greenville or Upstate SC

If you have been charged with any property crime, call the criminal defense lawyers at Watson Fowler NOW at (864) 467-0380 or fill out our online contact form to schedule a free consultation.