Criminal Mischief and Property Damage Lawyer in Greeley, Colorado

Criminal Mischief and Cybercrime Charges at the Weld County Courts

Criminal Mischief and Cybercrime are charged at the Weld County Courts in Greeley, Colorado, for acts of property damage.  Domestic Violence and Criminal Mischief are charged when a person damages the property of a former romantic partner.  It doesn’t need to be a house or a car, either – damaging any object that belongs to another person could result in Criminal Mischief charges – even a property item owned by you jointly with another.

Domestic Violence and Cybercrime carries similar penalties to Criminal Mischief, and is charged when a person causes damage to an intimate partner’s property by using a computer in excess of authorization given to him.  Importantly, remember that “computer” includes a cell phone or smart phone.  Often, the intent behind this misdemeanor and felony crime is to participate in illegal activity, such as Theft.  If you have been charged with Criminal Mischief or Cybercrime, don’t wait to contact a top criminal defense lawyer who will protect you and your future.

Weld County Court Definition of Criminal Mischief, C.R.S. 18-4-501 | Property Damage and Vandalism Charges

The Weld County Court defines Criminal Mischief, C.R.S. 18-4-501, as:

A person commits criminal mischief when he or she knowingly damages the real or personal property of one or more other persons, including property owned by the person jointly with another person or property owned by the person in which another person has a possessory or proprietary interest, in the course of a single criminal episode.

Criminal Mischief is charged whenever a person causes damage to another’s property.  Under this statute, this not only includes property that belonged to another person, but also property that was shared between the actor and another. We normally see this charge in Domestic Violence cases where a door or household item is broken during and argument.  Alcohol is involved the majority of the time as emotions spiral out of control.

What is Cybercrime in Greeley and Weld County?

In Greeley, Colorado, Cybercrime, C.R.S. 18-5.5-102 – formerly known as Computer Crime – is the act of accessing a computer or computer network that exceeds any authorization that the person may possess.  The purpose behind this access may be to defraud, commit an act of Theft, cause damage to the computer or the computer owner, or its data for revenge, or engage in other illegal activity.  Imagine getting on an ex’s Instagram account and posting something embarrassing to the account holder, and you’ve got Cybercrime.  Imagine paying your Visa bill from an old lover’s bank account, and you have Cybercrime. It is a very broad charge and easy to prove.  Click here to learn more about Cybercrime.

Weld County Jail Time and Other Penalties for Criminal Mischief and Cybercrime

Time at the Weld County Jail and other penalties for a conviction of Criminal Mischief or Cybercrime depend on the dollar amount of damage caused in the commission of the crime.  The table below outlines the sentences and penalties for acts of Criminal Mischief and Cybercrime:

Amount of Damage Caused Sentence Penalties
Under $300 Petty offense
  • Maximum of 10 days in the Weld County Jail
  • Up to $300 in fines
  • Restitution payments to recover monetary losses
$300 – $1,000 M2 / Class 2 misdemeanor
  • Maximum of 120 days in the Weld County Jail
  • Up to $750 in fines
  • Restitution payments
$1,000 – $2,000 M1 / Class 1 misdemeanor
  • Maximum of 364 days in the Weld County Jail
  • Up to $1,000 in fines
  • Restitution payments
$2,000 – $5,000 F6 / Class 6 felony
  • 1 year to 18 months in a Colorado prison
  • $1,000 to $100,000 in fines
  • 1 year of mandatory parole following incarceration
  • Restitution payments
$5,000 – $20,000 F5 / Class 5 felony
  • 1 to 3 years in a Colorado prison
  • $1,000 to $100,000 in fines
  • 2 years of mandatory parole following incarceration
  • Restitution payments
$20,000 – $100,000 F4 / Class 4 felony
  • 2 to 6 years in a Colorado prison
  • $2,000 to $500,000 in fines
  • 3 years of mandatory parole following incarceration
  • Restitution payments
$100,000 – $1,000,000 F3 / Class 3 felony
  • 4 to 12 years in a Colorado prison
  • $3,000 to $750,000 in fines
  • 3 years of mandatory parole following incarceration
  • Restitution payments
$1,000,000 or more F2 / Class 2 felony
  • 8 to 24 years in a Colorado prison
  • $5,000 to $1,000,000 in fines
  • 3 years of mandatory parole following incarceration
  • Restitution payments

Contact a Top Greeley Vandalism / Property Damage Lawyer Today

Domestic Violence Criminal Mischief

Whether you have been charged with a petty offense or a class 2 felony, your best option is to hire the best Greeley Vandalism and Property Damage lawyer to represent you at the Weld County Court in your Domestic Violence Criminal Mischief case.  It is never wise to think that your charges are “minor” and that you can navigate the complex legal system alone.  Even if you have been charged with a petty offense or misdemeanor, your criminal record can make it difficult to find a job or housing after you have finished sentencing requirements.  Time is of the essence – don’t hesitate to call an experienced criminal defense attorney who can keep you out of the Weld County Jail and protect your future.

Have you been charged with Criminal Mischief or Cybercrime?  First, be smart, and exercise your right to remain silent.  Don’t talk about your case with the Greeley Police or Weld County Sheriff.  Then call (970) 616-6009 to talk to a top criminal defense lawyer about your charges today. Together, we can protect your future.

The location for the Weld County Courthouse is 901 9th Avenue, Greeley, Colorado. We’ll see you there!

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