If you’ve been charged with a property crime, you need an experienced Cape Cod criminal defense attorney to protect your rights and freedom. At our firm, we know facing criminal charges can be overwhelming, but you don’t have to face these charges alone.
Property crimes in Massachusetts encompass a wide range of offenses, from shoplifting to armed robbery. These charges often arise from misunderstandings, false accusations, or desperate circumstances. Whether you’re facing charges for theft, burglary, robbery, or related property crimes in Cape Cod, the consequences can be severe – affecting your employment opportunities, housing options, and personal relationships.
Defending Against Property Crime Charges in Cape Cod: What You Need to Know
These cases are handled by local courts in Barnstable and the Cape & Islands District Attorney’s Office. The unique nature of Cape Cod’s seasonal community means property crime cases often involve complex jurisdictional issues, especially when witnesses or property owners are out of state. The local courts have extensive experience handling cases involving vacation homes, seasonal businesses, and marine property.
Our district attorneys and judges understand the specific challenges that arise in tourist areas, from identifying suspects through seasonal security camera footage to handling evidence collected from multiple jurisdictions. A Cape Cod property crime attorney who knows the local court system understands Cape Cod’s seasonal patterns, and has experience with year-round and seasonal property matters is crucial to building an effective defense strategy.
Types of Property Crimes in Cape Cod
Property crimes in Cape Cod encompass a wide range of crimes with varied consequences, from petty theft to sophisticated scams. The following section provides an overview of the various types of property crimes in Cape Cod, highlighting the diverse nature of these offenses.
Theft
- Shoplifting
- Stealing from a store or building
- Taking items from a person (mugging/robbery)
- Armed robbery (using a weapon)
- Breaking into homes or buildings to steal
- Breaking into cars
- Home invasion
- Having tools meant for breaking in
- Identity theft
- Credit card fraud
- Writing bad checks
- Insurance scams
- Computer fraud
- Forgery
- Scams and false pretenses
Property Damage Crimes
- Vandalism
- Graffiti
- Breaking things that belong to others
- Destroying property
- Setting fires (arson)
Stolen Property Crimes
- Buying stolen items, having stolen items, or hiding stolen items
Vehicle Crimes
- Stealing cars
- Taking cars without permission
- Carjacking
- Car insurance fraud
Business-Related Crimes
- Employee theft
- Embezzlement (taking money from your employer)
- Switching price tags
- Organized retail theft (working with others to steal)
Seasonal Cape Cod Property Crimes
Seasonal property crimes in Cape Cod often stem from complex socioeconomic factors and personal struggles. Many individuals turn to these acts out of desperation, particularly during the off-season when job opportunities are scarce. The combination of unattended vacation homes and the desperation fueled by substance abuse can often create a perfect storm for seasonal property crime in Cape Cod.
Beach and Boat Crimes
- Stealing items from boats such as expensive electronics
- Taking items from marinas, including valuable equipment
- Stealing personal items from beachgoers, like wallets or jewelry
- Damaging waterfront property with vandalism
Tourist-Related Crimes
- Stealing items from hotels or motels
- Vacation rental scams
- Damaging seasonal properties
- Bicycle theft
Historical Property Crimes
- Damaging historical landmarks
- Taking or damaging archaeological items
- Vandalizing preserved sites
The seriousness of these crimes and the potential penalties depend upon the following factors:
- The value of the stolen or damaged property
- Whether the accused has committed this crime in the past
- If weapons like a gun or a knife were used
- Where the property crime is alleged to have happened
- Which persons were affected by the crime
How a Cape Cod Property Crime Lawyer Be Your Advocate
We have several ways that we can help you as a defendant facing property crime charges:
For First-Time Offenders
A skilled property crime lawyer in Cape Cod can argue to reduce the penalties for breaking and entering charges, especially for first offenses. We can often get you into specialized diversion programs that serve multiple purposes.
These programs are designed to keep your record clean and ensure you stay out of jail. They typically involve community service requirements and most importantly, they could lead to the complete dismissal of your charges upon successful completion.
Juveniles and young adults can also participate in The Cape and Islands District Attorney Office’s Juvenile Diversion Program, which provides numerous resources such as counseling, educational programs, and more to prevent the likelihood of recidivism.
If You’ve Been in Trouble with the Law Before
If you have a prior record, we will direct our defense strategy differently. Our approach focuses on thoroughly examining and challenging the evidence against you, including identifying any weaknesses or inconsistencies. We work diligently with prosecutors to negotiate reduced penalties and secure the lowest possible sentence.
Additionally, we seek out appropriate treatment programs that can help demonstrate your commitment to rehabilitation and potentially influence the court’s sentencing decision. Our property crime attorneys in Cape Cod know that struggling with mental health issues and/or drug addiction can be the driver behind situations that result in criminal charges.
Referral to one of the Massachusetts Specialty Courts can make a significant difference in improving your case outcome and aiding in your recovery. A referral to either Drug Court or Mental Health Court in Cape Cod is determined by evaluating which condition—substance use or mental health—is the primary factor driving the defendant’s behavior, though both courts are equipped to address co-occurring disorders through their treatment and supervision programs.
What You Should Do Now to Help Your Case
Taking the right steps immediately can significantly impact your case outcome. First and foremost, do not discuss your case with anyone – this is crucial for protecting your rights. Preserve any evidence you may have related to the incident and write down everything you can remember while it’s fresh in your memory.
Let the property crime lawyers at Nate Amendola Defense handle all communication with law enforcement on your behalf. Finally, make a detailed list of anyone who witnessed what happened, as their testimony could be vital to your defense.
For a free legal consultation with a property crimes lawyer serving Cape Cod, call (781) 740-0800
How Nate Amendola Defense Can Protect Your Future
When we represent you in court for a property crime charge, our holistic approach takes into consideration all aspects of your life as an individual:
Your Career and Job Opportunities
We’ll work to keep your record clean and prevent harm to your professional reputation, argue to keep charges from appearing in background checks, and help to clear your record of charges at a later date if needed.
Your Finances
We will negotiate with the prosecution for fair and reasonable restitution payment plans, fight to avoid additional fines that could cause you financial hardship and protect your current assets.
If You Are Not a U.S. Citizen
We will negotiate with the prosecution for deals that won’t affect your immigration status. We will collaborate with immigration lawyers to protect your path to citizenship. Some outcomes will not hurt your current immigration case status, and we’ll fight to ensure that the consequences are minimal or completely avoided.
Cape Cod Property Crimes Lawyer Near Me (781) 740-0800
Nate Amendola Defense: Your First and Last Call
Remember, every case involving criminal charges has a unique set of circumstances. When you work with a Cape Cod criminal lawyer at Nate Amendola Defense, we will craft a customized defense strategy.
We have been successful in achieving the following outcomes for our clients:
- Reduction or dismissal of criminal charges
- Probation instead of jail
- Reduced sentencing plea bargains
- Fair payback plans
- Diversion and treatment programs
- Community service
The sooner you call us directly, the more we can do to help. You don’t have to handle this by yourself. Contact us now for a free, 100% confidential consultation.
Call or text (781) 740-0800 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
