One seemingly small mistake, like taking something that isn’t yours or damaging property during an argument, can turn into a huge legal problem fast. Property crimes are often described as “low-level” or “nonviolent,” which leads many people to underestimate the impact of the charge.
But the truth is that even a misdemeanor can give you a criminal record that can ruin professional opportunities and put you at a disadvantage long after you’ve paid your fines. If you’ve been charged with a property crime, understanding the potential consequences and how to fight your charges is crucial.
Here’s what you need to know.
Minor charges carry serious legal weight
Small property offenses are often framed as “fixable” and “not a big deal,” but the legal system doesn’t treat them lightly. On the surface, charges like shoplifting, vandalism, trespassing, or petty theft seem manageable, but the consequences can be serious. Property crime lawyers emphasize the importance of early intervention because penalties can escalate based on prior convictions, even if they’re minor.
A simple property-related misdemeanor can lead to enhanced penalties, and many states impose mandatory jail time for repeat theft or property crimes. And when prosecutors work to prove intent, it’s usually broad.
For example, intent isn’t always inferred from deliberation prior to a person’s actions. Even accidental or impulsive actions can be framed as intentional, depending on how the prosecutor makes their argument. This risk is especially high in shoplifting cases where surveillance footage shows a suspect’s movements in the store.
Misdemeanors can become felonies
Most people don’t realize how fast charges can be upgraded. Property value thresholds are low in many states ($500-$1,000), and prosecutors won’t hesitate to aggregate multiple small items to increase a charge. This means you could end up with a felony charge over just a handful of stolen items.
Employment and career damage can outlast your sentence
Employers typically screen applicants for criminal history, and while not all crimes are a deterrent, property crimes create a barrier because they involve trust and responsibility. These are traits employers value and you’re less likely to get hired with a property crime on your record. Employers err on the side of caution and won’t necessarily be willing to hear your side of the story, even if it was an isolated incident.
It’s illegal for companies to discriminate against applicants based on criminal history, but there is an exception if the offense poses a threat to the employer or other employees. To get around this, businesses usually justify their exclusion based on “employee dishonesty” risk categories. This can drastically reduce your employment opportunities.
Licensing boards might deny or delay certification
In certain industries, background checks can make or break your ability to obtain a professional license. Even a misdemeanor can require you to attend a mandatory hearing or cause you to be denied, depending on the state.
Renting a house or apartment will be difficult
Landlords and property managers screen applicants just like employers, and property damage is a huge red flag for rejection. Theft is also a red flag since it could potentially put other tenants at risk. Blanket bans on applicants with a criminal record are illegal, but that doesn’t stop landlords from rejecting anyone with a record. In some cases, people are denied housing for convictions that have been expunged in addition to convictions that aren’t even theirs. And they’re not even given the chance to dispute the findings.
The biggest problem is that even dismissed cases can appear on tenant screening reports. Just being charged with a property crime can be enough for a landlord to deny your application. If you’re lucky enough to be accepted, you’ll probably need to pay a larger deposit, additional fees, or get a cosigner.
Insurance rates and coverage can change (or disappear)
Few people realize that insurance companies monitor criminal records. Property crimes are red flags that indicate you’re high-risk, which can increase your premiums for car insurance, homeowners’ insurance, and even renters’ insurance. In some cases, you might get dropped by your current policy or be denied claims in the future. For example, it’s harder to file a claim for theft or vandalism when you have a related criminal record. And if you start a business, you might struggle to get commercial insurance.
Early action makes all the difference
No matter how small it may seem, a property charge can become a lifelong obstacle. If you’re facing property crime charges, the smartest move you can make is to treat your situation with urgency and talk to an experienced criminal defense attorney right away.
You need a strong legal strategy to protect your future.
Peyman Khosravani is a seasoned expert in blockchain, digital transformation, and emerging technologies, with a strong focus on innovation in finance, business, and marketing. With a robust background in blockchain and decentralized finance (DeFi), Peyman has successfully guided global organizations in refining digital strategies and optimizing data-driven decision-making. His work emphasizes leveraging technology for societal impact, focusing on fairness, justice, and transparency. A passionate advocate for the transformative power of digital tools, Peyman’s expertise spans across helping startups and established businesses navigate digital landscapes, drive growth, and stay ahead of industry trends. His insights into analytics and communication empower companies to effectively connect with customers and harness data to fuel their success in an ever-evolving digital world.
