Property Crime Attorneys

Our Michigan Lawyers Represent Clients Nationwide

“Property crime” is an umbrella term for offenses that damage or endanger another’s assets or property. False accusations and cases of mistaken identity are often key factors in these cases, and it may prove difficult to bring them to light successfully in court without the solid defense of a skilled attorney. At Oliver Bell Group, we seek not only to represent those fighting property crime convictions but to defend them from the life-altering consequences those convictions could bring.

Home Invasion

Breaking and entering is a serious charge that can result in harsh penalties. If you are being faced with a home invasion or breaking and entering conviction, you need a talented team of attorneys on your side. This type of crime is one that prosecutors will push harshly against you – but you do not have to fear facing a long jail sentence with a Troy criminal defense attorney at your side.

For a conviction to be reached, there must be proof that the property was indeed broken into with force. Breaking down doors or opening windows constitutes unlawful entry into a home or building. Even if entry does not require full force, such as in the case of a partially open door or window, one foot on the property can give prosecutors grounds to argue for breaking and entering.

There are several degrees of home invasion charges in Michigan, including:

• First degree: Breaking and entering with intent to commit theft, assault, or another felony. First-degree home invasions often involve weaponry. If a felony is committed after breaking and entering but was not premeditated, it still is considered a first-degree home invasion. The penalty could be up to 20 years imprisonment and up to $5,000 in fines.
• Second degree: Breaking and entering with intent to commit a felony or assault, unarmed, constitutes second-degree home invasion. Breaking and entering and committing a felony or assault at any time in the process is also included. Penalties for second-degree home invasions include up to 15 years of imprisonment and up to $3,000 in fines.
• Third degree: Breaking and entering with the intent to commit a misdemeanor (or committing one in the process of the break-in) constitutes a third-degree breaking and entering charge. You could face up to five years in jail and $2,000 in fines.

If you want to fight back against these sentences and penalties, you need Oliver Bell Group on your side.

Auto Theft

Long prison sentences await those convicted of auto theft. Penalties such as fines and prison time also exist for owners or dealers of stolen vehicles. Theft of a vehicle is a serious charge to face and could affect your life (and license) forever.

You need an experienced criminal defense attorney to guide you through the legal process of defending yourself from these charges. The attorneys of Oliver Bell Group have experience in dealing with auto theft charges and clearing the names of the accused.

There are several subsections of auto theft, including:

• Unlawful driving of an automobile: Taking possession of a vehicle that is not yours and driving it off the scene constitutes UDAA. According to Michigan’s Penal Code, this is a felony even if you simply aid in the alleged theft. Many people are unwilling or unknowing participants in these acts, however, and deserve defense against charges held against them.
• Buying or possession of a stolen vehicle: While some deal in stolen cars knowingly, it is incredibly common for a car to be bought without the new owner knowing its status. In Michigan, anyone who conceals, buys, possesses, or is given a stolen vehicle and is convicted can be punished with up to five years in prison and thousands of dollars in fines. Sometimes, the fines are worth three times the value of the car.

Embezzlement & Fraud

Classified as “white-collar crimes,” embezzlement and fraud occur when someone is accused of using money from a property or business to fund their own personal means. If you or someone you know is already being investigated or suspected of embezzlement, a competent lawyer is needed to defend the party at risk. Michigan’s laws on fraud and embezzlement can be complex and hard to understand. That’s why you need a reliable Troy property crime attorney.

The penalties for embezzlement depend on whether the crime involved:

• Property or money less than $200: A fine of $500, or 3x the value of the money in question. In addition, up to 93 days of jail time may be served.
• Property valued between $200 and $1,000: Fines up to $2,000 or 3x the value of the property. One year in jail may also be part of a sentence.
• Property valued between $1,000 and $20,000: Fines up to $10,000 and up to five years in prison.
• Property valued between $20,000 and $50,000: Fines up to $15,000 or 3x the value of the property, and up to 15 years in prison.
• Property valued between $50,000 and $100,000: Fines up to $25,000 or 3x the value of the property, as well as up to 15 years in prison.
• Property valued at $100,000: This is considered an extreme embezzlement case, and the person charged could incur a fine of $50,000 or 3x the value of the property as well as face 20 years in prison.

If the money or property in question belonged to a charitable organization, each penalty incurs more fines and possible jail time. Both felony and misdemeanor charges can be applied to these cases.

The financial and life-altering aspects of these charges can be devastating – that is why Oliver Bell Group is here to help.

Call or send us a message to schedule your free consultation.