Protecting Your Record and Livelihood
Property crimes cover a vast spectrum of offenses, ranging from misdemeanor vandalism to high-stakes felony burglary. A property crime conviction carries a stigma of dishonesty that can permanently derail careers, result in the loss of professional licenses, and destroy security clearances—in addition to carrying the threat of significant incarceration.
Stanton Law DC provides meticulous, detail-oriented defense against all manner of property offenses in Washington, D.C. and Maryland. We rigorously challenge the government's evidence, from the authenticity of surveillance footage to the complex legal elements of specific intent and property valuation.
Representative Defense Strategies
Challenging Intent and "Mistake of Fact"
Theft and burglary are specific intent crimes. To secure a conviction, the government must prove beyond a reasonable doubt that the accused intended to permanently deprive the owner of their property. A genuine misunderstanding over ownership, borrowing without intent to steal, or entering a building without criminal intent can serve as complete defenses.
Deconstructing Surveillance and Digital Evidence
Modern property cases are heavily reliant on digital footprints: security cameras, Ring doorbells, GPS tracking, and digital transaction logs. We scrutinize metadata, challenge the chain of custody, and highlight the frequent unreliability of blurry or out-of-context video footage.
The Valuation Battleground
In both D.C. and Maryland, the difference between a minor misdemeanor and a serious felony often hinges entirely on the alleged value of the stolen or damaged property. Prosecutors routinely inflate these figures using replacement costs rather than fair market value. Stanton Law DC aggressively contests the government's valuation methods to keep charges out of felony territory.
District of Columbia Property Offenses
| Statute & Offense | Description & Thresholds | Maximum Penalties |
|---|---|---|
| Theft (First Degree)D.C. Code § 22-3211 / § 22-3212(a) | Property of $1,000 or more. | 10 Years $25,000 Fine |
| Theft (Second Degree)D.C. Code § 22-3212(b) | Property valued at less than $1,000. | 180 Days $1,000 Fine |
| Burglary (First Degree)D.C. Code § 22-801(a) | Breaking and entering a dwelling with intent to commit an offense. | 5-Year Mandatory Min. 30 Years |
| Burglary (Second Degree)D.C. Code § 22-801(b) | Breaking and entering a non-dwelling with intent to commit an offense. | 2-Year Mandatory Min. 15 Years |
| Destruction of PropertyD.C. Code § 22-303 | Felony if damage is $1,000 or more. | Felony: 10 Years Misdemeanor: 180 Days |
Maryland Property Offenses
| Statute & Offense | Description & Thresholds | Maximum Penalties |
|---|---|---|
| Felony TheftMD Crim. Law § 7-104 | Property valued between $1,500 and $25,000. | 5 Years $10,000 Fine |
| Misdemeanor TheftMD Crim. Law § 7-104 | Property valued at less than $1,500. | 6 Months $500 Fine |
| Burglary (First Degree)MD Crim. Law § 6-202 | Breaking and entering a dwelling with intent to commit theft or violence. | 20 Years |
| Burglary (Second Degree)MD Crim. Law § 6-203 | Breaking and entering a storehouse with criminal intent. | 15 Years |
| Malicious Destruction of PropertyMD Crim. Law § 6-301 | Felony threshold is $1,000. | Felony: 3 Years Misdemeanor: 60 Days |