Property Crimes
Fight Your Property Crime Charges
If you have been arrested for robbery, burglary, criminal trespassing, or shoplifting, our property crimes attorneys at Tipp Coburn Lockwood, P.C., in Missoula, will use their extensive knowledge to vigilantly defend your rights. Our attorneys have over 55 years of experience in Montana criminal defense law, including the defense of property crimes. We will carefully review your case and the evidence against you, and will also get to know you personally to build a strong defense. At Tipp Coburn Lockwood, we can provide you with the aggressive legal representation you need. Contact our law firm today if you have been arrested for a property crime.
Most Common Property Crimes
There are many different property crimes, and though they all may seem similar, there are several differences between each of them. The penalties for each of these crimes varies, and the sentence you receive can depend on a number of factors, including whether this is your first offense and what was stolen.
- Robbery: This type of property crime involves stealing someone’s property, either with the use of force or the threat to use force. Robbery is considered a violent crime, even if you only threaten violence and do not actually cause harm to the victim.
- Burglary: Burglary often involves theft, but not always. Burglary is entering a structure or dwelling, either with or without the use of force, with the intent to commit a crime there.
- Criminal trespassing: If you enter and remain on a person’s property without the property owner’s consent, you may be convicted of criminal trespassing. This can include various types of property, such as a house or apartment, place of business, or someone’s car.
- Shoplifting: Shoplifting is the theft of goods or merchandise from a retail store or other place of business, usually under the pretenses of acting as a customer.
- Criminal mischief: Destroying or damaging another’s property could end with you facing Criminal Mischief charges. Depending on the value of the property affected, you could be facing a felony.
Charged with a property crime? Call Us Today.
Working With Our Attorneys
Our expert attorneys will work with you through every step of the process, to ensure you are prepared and understand the charges against you, as well as our proposed defense. We get to know each of our clients personally, which allows us to provide you with a far stronger defense.
Our attorneys will use their 55-plus years of experience to vigilantly defend your rights.
If you have an otherwise clean criminal record, free from a history of past crimes, we will use this information to build a strong defense. This information can help us ensure you receive a reduced sentence. Some common defense we use for clients arrested for property crimes include:
- Claim of ownership: If you took something that you thought was yours and we can provide sufficient evidence to support this claim, it can be an effective defense.
- Return of property: If you returned the stolen property, that act can sometimes help in receiving a reduced sentence in a plea deal. If you took the property with the intention of returning it, meaning you borrowed the item, and can provide sufficient evidence to support this claim, this can also be an effective defense.
- Restitution: Often being ready, willing, and able to make restitution payment for any property damage can greatly affect how your case will be handled by the prosecutor and the judge.
- Entrapment: If you were induced to commit a crime by someone else that you would not have otherwise committed, this is known as entrapment. This can be a viable defense in property crimes cases.
Schedule Your Free Consultation Today
The attorneys ofTipp Coburn Lockwood will use their decades of experience to vigilantly defend your rights. If you or a loved one was arrested for a property crime, call 406-812-7634 or contact our law firm online today.
Our attorneys have been fighting for Montanans since 1959. Over the years, we have represented more than 7,500 clients and helped them recover millions of dollars in compensation. We are affiliated with renowned legal organizations, including The National Trial Lawyers and the Montana Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers.
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Frequently Asked Questions
We represent clients facing both misdemeanors and felonies, including but not limited to:
- DUI (Driving Under the Influence)
- Drug offenses (possession, distribution, trafficking)
- Sex crimes (sexual assault, rape)
- Theft, burglary, and trespassing
- Assault and criminal endangerment
- Homicide and attempted homicide
A public defender is a court-appointed attorney for those who cannot afford a private lawyer and must meet certain income requirements. However, public defenders often have large caseloads, which can impact their availability and approach. A private criminal defense attorney offers personalized attention, tailored legal strategies, and greater availability.
Hiring a private defense attorney offers:
- Customized legal strategy
- Personalized service
- Strong communication
- A willingness to take your case to trial if necessary
- Focus on minimizing or avoiding serious penalties and a criminal record
Penalties vary by charge but may include:
- Jail time (up to 1 year for misdemeanors)
- Prison time (1 year or more for felonies)
- Fines
- Probation
- Loss of rights (e.g., firearm ownership, voting)
- Mandatory sex offender registration (for certain crimes)
Yes. A skilled defense attorney can build a strong case, challenge the prosecution’s evidence, negotiate plea deals, or fight for a dismissal—all of which can help prevent a conviction and keep your record clean.
Yes, we offer free initial consultations. Call us at 406-812-7634 or send us an email using our online contact form to schedule yours.
Our firm was founded in 1959 and has represented over 7,500 clients across Montana. We are affiliated with The National Trial Lawyers and the Montana Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers.
Clients consistently highlight our:
- Professionalism and dedication
- Prompt case resolution
- Respectful and compassionate service
- Willingness to go the extra mile
Visit our testimonials section for more feedback from previous clients.
We are based in Missoula, Montana, and serve clients across the state.
To begin your defense, schedule your free consultation by calling 406-812-7634 or contacting us online.