If you have been accused of Criminal Mischief, you need to know more about the possible charges against you. It is important to understand the consequences of a conviction so you know what to do if the police contact you. Let’s look closer at this crime in Weld, Morgan, and Logan County.
What is Criminal Mischief?
To explain this crime, we’ll look at a recent announcement in a Longmont newspaper. According to the article, the police received multiple calls about vandals shooting out the windows of cars in the small town. The police report that the windows appeared to have been shot with a BB gun. If caught, the perpetrators could be charged with Criminal Mischief – C.R.S. 18-4-501. This crime is charged whenever property is vandalized. Specifically, whenever a person “knowingly damages the…personal property of one or more persons.” Examples of Criminal Mischief charges are graffiti, damaging someone’s personal belongings after a fight, or breaking into a school and damaging property (you would also be charged with Burglary in this situation). In order to be charged, the property must have been damaged “knowingly.” You can’t be charged with this crime for accidental damage.
Sentence for Criminal Mischief
This crime can be charged as a misdemeanor or a felony, based on the dollar value of the damage done:
- $1 – $499: Class 2 Misdemeanor
- $500 – $999: Class 1 Misdemeanor
- $1,000 – $19,999: Class 4 Felony
- $20,000 or more: Class 3 Felony
Criminal Mischief is charged whenever someone’s property is purposefully damaged.
Have You Been Accused of Criminal Mischief? Don’t Talk to the Police
If you have been accused of Criminal Mischief, the most important thing you can do is to remain silent if Greeley, Evans, or Erie police contact you. This is because everything you say will be used against you in the courtroom. You can’t say anything right when you are talking to the police – if you pause after a question, they will put it in their report. If you seem unsure about your answer, they will put it in their report. The best thing you can do if the police contact you regarding accusation of vandalism is to tell them you aren’t speaking with them because you wish to contact a lawyer. Then, give the O’Malley Law Office a call. Our experienced criminal defense attorneys know the best tactics for getting your case dismissed in court or working out a favorable plea deal. You don’t want to have a criminal record – it will follow you for the rest of your life and hinder your freedom. Don’t stand alone in court – work with an experienced lawyer who will fight for the justice you deserve.
If you or a loved one has been accused of Criminal Mischief in Greeley or Weld County, be smart, exercise your right to remain silent, and contact an experienced criminal defense attorney at the O’Malley Law Office at 970-616-6009. Together, we can protect your future.
Image Credit: Pixabay – qimono