Vandalism, property damage, and destruction of another person’s belongings can all lead to a serious criminal charge in Colorado known as Criminal Mischief. Many people don’t realize how broad this law is or how harsh the potential penalties can be.
At O’Malley Law Office, our Colorado criminal defense attorneys regularly defend clients accused of Criminal Mischief. Here’s what you should know about how the law works, what prosecutors must prove, and how these cases can be fought.
Greeley Criminal Mischief Lawyer: What Is Criminal Mischief in Colorado?
Under C.R.S. § 18-4-501, Criminal Mischief occurs when a person knowingly damages the real or personal property of another person, including jointly owned property.
This means you can be charged even if you co-own the property with someone else. For example, if you damage your own car or home during a domestic dispute.
Examples of Criminal Mischief:
- Keying someone’s car
- Breaking a phone during an argument
- Punching a hole in a wall or door during a fight
- Damaging another person’s property out of anger or revenge
- Smashing your partner’s laptop during a breakup
Even seemingly minor incidents can lead to serious criminal charges.
Penalties for Criminal Mischief in Colorado: A Windsor Criminal Defense Attorney Explains
The severity of the charge depends on the value of the damage caused. Colorado law classifies Criminal Mischief as a petty offense, misdemeanor or felony, depending on the amount.
|
Value of Damage |
Level of Offense |
Potential Penalty |
| Less than $300 | Petty Offense | Up to 10 days in jail & $300 fine |
| $300 – $999 | Class 2 Misdemeanor | Up to 120 days in jail & $750 fine |
| $1,000 – $1,999 | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 364 days in jail & $1,000 fine |
| $2,000 – $4,999 | Class 6 Felony | 12–18 months in prison & up to $100,000 fine |
| $5,000 – $19,999 | Class 5 Felony | 1–3 years in prison & up to $100,000 fine |
| $20,000 – $99,999 | Class 4 Felony | 2–6 years in prison & up to $500,000 fine |
| $100,000 – $999,999 | Class 3 Felony | 4–12 years in prison & up to $750,000 fine |
| $1,000,000 or more | Class 2 Felony | 8–24 years in prison & up to $1,000,000 fine |
In addition to fines and jail or prison time, a conviction can result in probation, restitution to the victim, and a permanent criminal record.
Why You Need the Best Criminal Defense Attorney in Firestone
Criminal Mischief charges often arise out of emotionally charged situations like arguments, breakups, or accidents that get blown out of proportion. Weld County prosecutors, however, may not see the full story.
An experienced Colorado criminal defense attorney can:
- Negotiate to have charges reduced or dismissed
- Seek deferred judgments or diversion programs to keep your record clean
- Challenge exaggerated damage estimates
- Defend you at trial if necessary
Having the right lawyer on your side can make all the difference in protecting your freedom and your future.