Top 5 Most Common Crimes in Los Angeles

In recent years, Los Angeles has seen a rise in crimes all across the board including property crimes and violent crimes. Because of this upward trend, the Los Angeles Police Department has put more effort into making arrests for these crimes in an effort to curb the City’s crime rates. If you have been arrested and charged with a crime, it is important to hire an experienced defense attorney who can help fight for your freedom.

Choosing Wallin & Klarich to represent your case puts you in the best position to receive the best outcome for your case. We have over 40 years of experience in Southern California. Call us today at (877) 4-NO-JAIL  for your free appeal consultation! 

Most Common Crimes in Los Angeles

The most common crimes in Los Angeles encompass a broad spectrum of offenses, but a few tend to stand out in the crime reports. While Los Angeles has seen a rise in all kinds of crimes, the most common crimes are:

1. Larceny
2. Burglary
3. Motor Vehicle Theft
4. Aggravated Assault
5. Robbery

Larceny

Larceny, a prevalent form of property crime in Los Angeles, is the unlawful taking and carrying away of someone else’s personal property with the intent to permanently deprive the owner of its possession. Larceny can either be treated as a misdemeanor or a felony. Typically, if the taken personal property is less than $950, it will be treated as a misdemeanor. If the personal property taken is worth more than $950, it will be treated as a felony. There are a range of penalties for larceny depending on if it is treated as a misdemeanor or a felony:

• Misdemeanor (Petty Larceny)
  • Fines up to $1,000; and/or
  • Up to 6 months jail time
• Felony (Grand Larceny)
  • 6 months to 3 years jail time

It is also important to understand that prior convictions can increase penalties. Because of these consequences, it is important to have an experienced defense attorney on your side. It could be the difference between freedom and jail time. Call our office today for a free consultation!

Burglary

Burglary, another prevalent property crime in Los Angeles, involves the unlawful entry into a building or other structure with the intent to commit a crime, usually theft. Burglary can be either first-degree or second-degree depending on the case. A first-degree burglary charge is a serious felony that carries heavy penalties. A second-degree burglary charge can be either a misdemeanor or felony depending on factors such as whether the burglary was committed in a dwelling, whether the accused was armed, and whether the burglary resulted in anyone’s injury. Here are common penalties for burglary charges:

• First-Degree Burglary
  • 2-6 years in state prison
• Second-Degree Burglary
  • Misdemeanor
    • $1,000 fine
    • Up to 1 year in county jail
  • Felony
    • Up to 3 years in county jail

Additionally, under California’s Three Strikes Law, prior convictions can quickly increase these penalties. It is important to have an experienced defense attorney on your side who can help you navigate the complexities of a burglary charge. Call our office today!

Motor Vehicle Theft

Motor vehicle theft is another common property crime in Los Angeles. Motor vehicle theft involves the unlawful taking or attempting to take a motor vehicle. The City’s sprawling metropolis, abundant freeways, and the high value of cars make it a hotbed for such activities. Most motor vehicle thefts are charged as felonies. Facing motor vehicle theft charges can have severe consequences, including hefty fines, imprisonment, and a criminal record that can impact future employment and housing opportunities. Penalties for motor vehicle theft include:

• Up to $10,000 fine
• 16 months to 3 years in prison

If you have been charged with motor vehicle theft, it is important to hire an experienced defense attorney to help you through the process. 

Aggravated Assault

Aggravated assault, also called assault with a deadly weapon, is a prominent form of violent crime in Los Angeles. Aggravated assault involves an attack with the intent to cause serious bodily harm, often involving the use of a deadly weapon. A deadly weapon includes any object that can be used to inflict severe bodily injury. This includes guns, knives, bottles, rocks, and more. Additionally, aggravated assault can be prosecuted as a misdemeanor or felony depending on the case. The severity of this crime can result in severe penalties, including substantial fines and lengthy prison sentences:

• Misdemeanor
  • Up to 1 year in prison
• Felony
  • Up to 4 years in prison
  • $10,000 fine

While facing an aggravated assault charge can seem like a daunting task, it doesn’t have to be. Our attorneys at Wallin & Klarich have 40+ years of experience and can help you through every step of the process. Call our office today for a free consultation!

Robbery

Robbery, another common violent crime in Los Angeles, involves the use of force or intimidation to take someone’s property. The penalties for robbery can be severe including imprisonment, fines, and mandatory probation, and the severity can escalate if weapons were involved. Below are some common penalties for a robbery conviction:

• Second-Degree Robbery
  • 2-5 years in prison
• First-Degree Robbery
  • 3-6 years in prison

If you have been charged with robbery, you need an experienced defense attorney on your side. Our attorneys at Wallin & Klarich have over 40 years of experience and know the best defenses to use to get the best outcome for your case. Call us today!

California Three Strikes Law

In 1994, California voters approved Proposition 184, commonly known as the Three Strikes Law. This law was created to enhance the prison sentence for repeat offenders found guilty of a subsequent felony offense. However, in November 2012, California voters passed Proposition 36, which aimed to amend the Three Strikes Law. Under the revised law, individuals would only receive a life sentence if they were convicted of a new serious or violent felony.

The term “strike” refers to a previous felony conviction that qualifies as a serious or violent felony according to California Penal Code sections 1192.7(c) and 667.5. If you have a prior felony strike conviction on your record and commit another felony considered a strike-able offense, your sentence will be doubled. For those with two prior felony strike convictions, a subsequent serious or violent felony conviction can result in a punishment of 25 years to life. You can find more information in California Penal Code 667(e)(2).

Contact Wallin & Klarich Today 

If you need a defense attorney with experience, look no further. With 40+ years of experience, our attorneys at Wallin & Klarich have helped thousands of clients with their plea bargains and the rest of their cases. We know the most effective defenses to argue on your behalf, and we will do everything in our power to help you achieve the best possible result in your case. 

You may not be aware of all your options. Calling our office costs you nothing, but picking up the phone could be the difference between years in prison and years of freedom. Let our skilled attorneys examine your case to find the best way to avoid prison.

Discover how our team can assist you. Contact us today, toll-free at (877) 4-NO-JAIL or (877) 466-5245 for a free consultation with a skilled defense attorney.