Property crime is a common issue in Connecticut. The chances of becoming a victim of a property crime are “1 in 59” in the state according to Neighborhood Scout. The number is high, as there are many different types of offenses that fall under this category. The consequences can range from fines to ending up in jail and needing bail bonds. If you’ve been accused of an unlawful act, here’s what you need to know. 

3 Types of Property Crime  

1. Burglary

When someone breaks into or enters—forcefully or not—a home, vehicle, or dwelling, the offense is generally considered burglary. Even if you’re caught trespassing, but you didn’t steal any items, you could be charged. Typically, if the defendant is convicted, they’ll spend around one to three years in jail; however, if they’ve been charged more than once with this offense, they could get a much longer sentence.  

2. Vandalism

When someone intentionally damages or destroys property, creating a physical blemish that lowers the value, the offense falls under vandalism. Some examples include keying a vehicle, breaking a window, or knocking over a gravestone. Often, the offense will be considered a misdemeanor as long as the property wasn’t worth a lot of money. Most of the time you’ll owe a fine, but in some cases, you can be put in jail or on probation. 

3. Arson

This offense is defined as maliciously burning someone else’s property, such as a boat, truck, or house. Additionally, you can be charged with arson if you set public property on fire, such as a forest. The penalties depend on a variety of factors, including how much the property was worth, the amount of damage, and the defendant’s intentions. If, for example, someone sets a home on fire, they could be forced to pay a steep fine or end up in jail for years—sometimes decades. 

If a family member of yours has been accused of one of the above offenses, contact the local bail bonds service at 3-D Bail Bonds. Serving all of Connecticut, we will work hard to get your loved one back home. We have over 20 years of experience, so we know what it takes to protect your family. Visit our website to learn more, follow our Facebook for updates, or call (860) 247-2245 to speak to a bondsman at our main office in Hartford. To get in touch with our New Britain location, call (860) 229-2525, or call (203) 562-6666 to speak to a team member in New Haven. Bail bonds is all we do!