Facing Criminal Mischief Charges? We Can Help.
If you have been charged with criminal mischief, you might be confused about what this means and the severity of the offense. For any criminal charges you are facing, we can help you. Criminal defense attorney Elaine Lukic has over 25 years of experience in criminal law, serving as both a prosecutor and a Lakewood criminal defense attorney. We can explain the nature of the charges against you and help build a strong defense to protect your rights.
To begin building a defense against a criminal mischief charge, call or fill out a contact form today.
What Is Criminal Mischief?
Criminal mischief occurs when you damage someone else’s property without their permission. CRS 18-4-501 defines the offense as knowingly damaging another person’s real or personal property in the course of a single criminal episode. Notably, this offense can occur even if you partially own the property with someone else.
Types Of Criminal Mischief
Because of the broad nature of the law, there are several types of instances that can be considered criminal mischief. Some of the scenarios that commonly lead to these criminal charges include:
- Painting graffiti on someone else’s property
- Breaking windows or otherwise vandalizing a stranger’s property
- Setting off smoke bombs
- Punching a wall during an argument with a romantic partner
- Slashing someone’s tires for revenge
- Breaking other property during a domestic dispute
- Tampering with utility meters or survey markers
Being convicted of the crime of criminal mischief can result in significant penalties.
Penalties For Criminal Mischief
The potential penalties for criminal mischief depend on the total value of the property that was destroyed or damaged. This crime can be classified as a petty offense, misdemeanor, or felony, depending on the property’s values. Penalties include:
- Property damage less than $300 – Petty offense – Up to ten days in county jail, a fine up to $300
- Property damage $300 – $999 – Class 2 misdemeanor – Up to 120 days in jail, a fine up to $750
- Property damage $1,000-$1,999 – Class 1 misdemeanor – Up to one year in jail, a fine up to $1,000
- Property damage $2,000-$4,999 – Class 6 felony – Up to eighteen months in jail, a fine up to $100,000
- Property damage $5,000-$20,000 – Class 5 felony – Up to three years in prison, a fine up to $100,000
- Property damage $20,000-$99,999 – Class 4 felony – Up to six years in prison, a fine up to $500,000
- Property damage $100,000-$999,999 – Class 3 felony – Up to twelve years in prison, a fine up to $750,000
- Property damage $1,000,000 or more – Class 2 felony – Up to twenty-four years in prison, a fine up to $1,000,000
If the crime involves a vehicle, you can lose your driving privileges.
It is possible in some situations to get probation instead of jail time, depending on the circumstances and your attorney’s arguments. If any piece of property is missing, you could be accused of theft. In that case, you need a Lakewood theft and burglary lawyer.
Contact Me For A Free Case Review
If you have been charged with criminal mischief, do not take the situation lightly. The penalties are severe and can negatively impact you for years to come. You can speak to a lawyer experienced in criminal law to help defend your rights.
Would you like to learn more in a free consultation? Call (303) 809-3425 or send me an email.