Proudly Serving the People of South Carolina
Property Crimes Attorney in Columbia, South Carolina
Fight Back Against Larceny Or Burglary Charges
If you’re facing burglary or larceny charges, you need a criminal defense attorney on your side. Residents in Columbia, SC turn to the Law Office Of Patrick C. Sharpe LLC when they need effective legal representation. Attorney Sharpe has extensive experience handling burglary and larceny cases. He will build you a solid criminal defense and fight for you in the courtroom.
Take the necessary steps to avoid the serious consequences of burglary or larceny charges. Call now to schedule a consultation with a criminal defense attorney in Columbia, SC.
Law On Property Crimes In South Carolina
When you hear the word “property crime,” you may think of destruction or vandalism of property. Both are certainly examples of such criminal activity, but there are many other types of this kind of crime. If you have been charged with one of the crimes below, a property crimes attorney may be able to help.
- Intentionally burning down somebody’s garage
- Shoplifting from a store
- Holding onto a box as a favor although you know it contains stolen property
- Breaking into another person’s home to take money that is owed to you
- Robbing a person on the street while acting as if there is a gun in your hand or pocket
- Larceny
3 Things You Should Know About Burglary Charges
Burglary charges are serious in South Carolina. Here are a few things you should know if you have been accused of burglary:
- First-degree burglary charges carry a minimum 15-year prison sentence
- Burglary charges could affect your child custody arrangement, immigration status, or professional licenses
- You can be charged with burglarizing an occupied or unoccupied home, business, or vehicle
Your future is on the line. Contact us today to make an appointment with a criminal defense attorney.
What Is Arson In South Carolina?
Arson in South Carolina involves the intentional burning of a property, even if it is your own. There are three different degrees of arson in the state of South Carolina:
- First degree arson — This crime is committed when somebody willfully and maliciously causes an explosion or fire to a property that causes damage to a building or other structure and results in the death or serious injury to a person.
- Second degree arson — Second degree arson is if a person willfully and maliciously causes an explosion or burns a home, business, church, public school, private school, warehouse or government building.
- Third degree arson — This is when a person causes an explosion or burns a building other than those specified above, a vehicle, a watercraft or other form of personal property.
The Lawsuit Filing Deadline In South Carolina
In the state of South Carolina, whether your potential case involves damage to real property (i.e. your house) or personal property (such as vehicle damage), it needs to be brought to the state’s civil court system within three years, according to the South Carolina Code of Laws section 15-3-530.
What happens if you try to file your property damage lawsuit after the time limit has passed? In this case, it is a safe bet that the defendant will file a motion asking the court to dismiss the case. The court should then grant the dismissal unless rare circumstances make an extension of the deadline appropriate.
If you are dealing with a charge for destruction of property, call an experienced property crimes attorney today.
He kept me informed about all of my options as well as ensured I received the best results.
- Andre B.
