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Property Crimes

Property Crimes At Mielnicki & Stiffler, LLC, we have helped many clients defend against property charges of all kinds, including state and federal charges. The most common types of property crimes include:

Arson (18 Pa.C.S.A §3301)

You will be charged with Arson if you intentionally start a fire or cause an explosion, recklessly place another person in danger as a result of a fire you started, or damage the structure of another due to a fire you started.

Arson is a very serious offense and can lead to harsh penalties, including possible jail time. Depending on the circumstances, you could be charged with a first-degree felony and face 20 years in prison. There are some defenses to Arson that can be asserted and it is important to have an attorney that is experienced in this area of the law.

If you have been charged with Arson, you need to hire a Criminal Defense attorney as early as possible in your case to avoid potential problems. Pittsburgh Criminal Attorney Robert Mielnicki has over 25 years of experience representing individuals charged with both State and Federal Arson offenses.

Criminal Mischief (18 Pa.C.S.A. §3304)

You can be charged with Criminal Mischief if you damage the property of another, either intentionally, recklessly, or negligently, such as by fire, graffiti, or otherwise. You can also be charged with this crime if you tamper with a person’s property, put that person in danger, or cause that person financial loss. This is a broad crime and can encompass many different acts.

The penalties range from a summary offense to a third-degree felony depending on the circumstances of the case and the amount of damage caused. It is important to hire a Criminal Defense attorney who can help you navigate possible resolutions to your case, such as ARD, probation, community service, or counseling.

Criminal Trespass (18 Pa.C.S.A. § 3503)

You can be charged with criminal trespass if you enter or gain entry into a building or structure knowing that you do not have permission or a license to be there, or if you “break into” any building or structure. To break into a structure, you must use gain entry by force, through intimidation, or by entering through an opening not designed for human access. Generally, a criminal trespass charge is a third or second-degree felony and can carry a sentence of jail time.

Depending on the circumstances, you could be charged with Defiant Trespass (18 Pa.C.S.A. § 3503(b)). A person commits defiant trespass if, knowing you are not licensed or privilege to be on the property, enters or remains in a place after receiving notice against trespassing. Notice can be given by actual communication, a “no trespassing” sign that has been posted, or something as vague as fencing or enclosures manifesting an intent to exclude intruders. Defiant trespass can be either a third-degree misdemeanor or first-degree misdemeanor.

Under the criminal trespass statute, you could also be charged with Agricultural Trespass (18 Pa.C.S.A. §3503 (b.2)). This type of trespass occurs when a person, knowing that he is not licensed or privilege to be on the land, enters any agricultural or open land that is posted against trespassers, or is otherwise fenced in a manner to exclude trespassers, such as to confine domestic animals. This offense is generally graded as third or second-degree misdemeanor and can carry a fine up to $5,000.

There are numerous defenses that can be asserted to a trespass charge. Some common defenses include that the building was abandoned, the premises was open to the public at the time, or that you reasonably believed you were permitted to be on the premises. You need to hire the right Criminal Defense attorney who understands this area of the law and can assert these defenses on your behalf.

If you are charged with a property crime, you may face fines, restitution, or jail time. These possible penalties are:

  • Summary Offense: 90 days in jail and up to a $300 fine.
  • Misdemeanor of the third degree: 1 year in jail and up to a $2,000 fine.
  • Misdemeanor of the second degree: 2 years in jail and up to a $5,000 fine.
  • Misdemeanor of the first degree: 5 years in jail and up to a $10,000 fine.
  • Felony of the third degree: 7 years in jail and up to a $15,000 fine.
  • Felony of the second degree: 10 years in jail and up to a $25,000 fine.
  • Felony of the first degree: 20 years in jail and up to a $25,000 fine.

Hiring the right Criminal Defense Attorney can make a difference. An attorney can fight to have your charges reduced or argue for an alternative resolution, such as probation or community service.

To speak with an attorney committed to providing you with the best possible defense, for a reasonable fee, contact Mielnicki & Stiffler, LLC at (412) 330-1000.

Client Reviews
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"Mr. Mielnicki recently defended me on my DUI case. He not only got my license suspension wiped away, but he got my DUI charge knocked down to a General Impairment. This is not the first time Mr.Mielnicki has defended me either. When I was younger he defended me on a pretty serious case and got 3 felonies knocked down to misdemeanors. If you want to win, pick Rob Mielnicki." Garrett
★★★★★
"When I was losing patience finally for my girlfriends return home. Something showed me Robert. Robert was there for me and her. Visited her. And walked her through everything. Being very confident with this judge, he was able to successfully lift this detainer. If you ever need a detainer removed or a motion to be filed. I highly recommend him." Robert & Crystale
★★★★★
"On June 26, 2017 Attorney Mielnicki handled a case for us defending our son. He was professional, knowledgable and a highly skilled attorney. He returned calls promptly and always reassured us. The outcome we had hoped for worked out as he assured us it would. We couldn’t be more satisfied. We highly recommend this attorney." Client
★★★★★
"We found Attorney Mielnicki by chance/fate! We are so grateful and pleased how he helped our son with his case. He was attentive and considerate to our questions and informative with answers. We would highly recommend seeking his expertise in criminal law. He will give you the hard facts and do everything he can as an attorney to expedite a final outcome. His costs were reasonalble and his staff is just as attentive to getting answers back to you, as well! He was a great choice for us and our legal situation." Client
★★★★★
"Kept me up to date with the process of it all through Facebook messenger or calling me with the news. I would recommend him to anyone I know. I was sure he was the right attorney for the charges I was facing after the first couple minutes of talking to him." Client