Montecito Property Crimes Lawyer

Property crimes are serious, and even more so when the accused person’s future is on the line.

That’s where Sanford Horowitz’s expertise comes in handy. Having begun his legal career in Santa Barbara County as a Prosecutor for the District Attorney’s Office, Sanford has a wealth of experience defending clients against the crime of robbery, particularly in the area of Montecito.

Montecito is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful communities to live. But it’s an unfortunate fact that residents in this picturesque Santa Barbara city face a relatively high property crime rate – more than the national average per capita.

For those facing serious charges, Sanford Horowitz’s zealous defense is their best bet. Sanford, a highly successful Santa Barbara attorney, has spent the majority of his legal career defending clients accused of property crimes including general theft, theft from vehicles, and grand theft auto; burglary and robbery; and aggravated assault.

If you are dealing with criminal charges related to property crime, you are likely concerned about the possibility of jail time, court fines, community service, and other consequences. The good news is that Sanford Horowitz knows how to thoroughly vet your case to ensure you haven’t been accused with faulty evidence.

A misdemeanor grand theft is punishable up to one year in county jail. If charged with felony, a person may be sentenced to sixteen months, two years, or three years of incarceration in the county jail.

Request your free initial consultation by calling us at (805) 749-5670 or filling out our online contact form. We are here to help!

Defenses Against Property Crimes

The defenses strategies commonly used in theft and robbery cases depend on the unique facts and circumstances of each situation. When it comes to legal defenses for theft charges, Sanford may be able to prove that:

• You did not intend to steal
• The allegedly stolen property actually belonged to you
• The person who owed the item consented to you taking it

For robbery charges, Sanford may draw attention to the following considerations:

• Absence of force or fear: If no force or fear is used to take the property, the offense is
  not a robbery. However, another offense might be charged depending on the facts.
• Misidentification: An eyewitness might incorrectly identify the accused, so it is
  necessary to challenge the identification and search for other witnesses.
• No intention to keep/take property: While you might use force or fear for some
  purpose other than to take the property of another, this is not sufficient intent to
  constitute robbery even if you end up keeping the property. If you use force to throw
  someone out of your home, you cannot be found to have committed robbery because
  the person leaves his or her backpack.
• Honest claim of right: If you honestly believe that you own or have a right of
  possession of the property, this is a legitimate defense to robbery. All that is required
  is that you have a subjective belief that you have a right to the property even if that
  belief is not reasonable.

No matter what situation you find yourself in, you should know what your rights are under the law. Sanford Horowitz Criminal Defense, P.C. is prepared to fight on your behalf. 

If you’d like to schedule a consultation about your case with a qualified, Montecito criminal defense attorney, call (805) 749-5670 or fill out this contact form.