Whenever someone damages another person’s property in Arvada, a criminal mischief charge can follow. Even damaging property that you jointly own with someone can lead to significant trouble. Graffiti, acts of vandalism, and destroying belongings are all examples of criminal mischief in Jefferson County. It isn’t uncommon for a criminal mischief charge to also include a domestic violence enhancement. Damaging a former or current partner’s property can lead to additional ramifications. Contact an experienced criminal mischief attorney today for help in your case.
Things to Know About Criminal Mischief in Jefferson County
A difficult element of criminal mischief is how quickly the consequences elevate in relation to value of property damage. Breaking someone’s smartphone can lead to penalties the average person wouldn’t expect. While accidents do happen, law enforcement that chooses to charge criminal mischief will often do so applying value to items as if they were new. Sometimes local police will inflate the total value of damage to make the situation appear to be more severe than it actually is. This is where a defense attorney’s analysis is key. We can often pinpoint where this exaggeration occurs and potentially get the charges reduced.
What Are the Penalties Like for Criminal Mischief in Colorado?
Much like theft, criminal mischief consequences depend on the value of property involved. This charge is either a misdemeanor or felony based on the following figures:
| Value of Damage | Charge | Penalties |
| less than $2,000 | misdemeanor | up to 12 months in county jail, fines of up to $1,000 |
| more than $2,000 but less than $100,000 | felony | 1 – 6 years in the Colorado Department of Corrections, fines of $1,000 – $500,000 |
Criminal offenses that include scales such as these require skilled representation. When the damage increases, so do your potential penalties for conviction. Additionally, in situations that involve domestic violence, restrictive protective orders and a mandatory arrest apply quickly.
Arvada Criminal Defense
As you can see, a criminal mischief case can include some impactful penalties. It is essential that you hire an attorney who strives for the best potential outcome in each case. Whether no property was destroyed or an accident occurred, your freedom and future are important and worth protecting. Contact our office for a free consultation. We offer affordable fees and flexible payment plans for those facing criminal mischief allegations throughout Colorado.
If you or someone you know has been charged with criminal mischief, be smart. Contact the determined criminal lawyers at Sawyer Legal Group, LLC at 303-830-0880. Together, we can protect your future.
Photo by Ian Battaglia
