Criminal Mischief Attorney Colorado – Legal Representation for Vandalism and Property Damage Cases
If you are looking for a criminal mischief attorney, Colorado has many options to choose from. However, not all have the level of experience you need to get the best outcome. David H. Johnson is a highly effective criminal mischief attorney Colorado residents can rely on to fight on their behalf.
What Is the Meaning of Criminal Mischief?
In Colorado, criminal mischief is defined as knowingly damaging the personal or real property of another person. This includes vandalism, breaking personal possessions, altering them, or destroying them completely. It deals only with the damage done to an item. It is also important to note, even if you own the item you can be charged with criminal mischief if the item is jointly owned with another person.
Criminal mischief charges carry a wide range of penalties that depend on the worth of the items damaged.
What Are the Penalties of Criminal Mischief in Colorado?
It’s important to know that if you are accused and in need of a criminal mischief lawyer, Colorado law classifies this type of offense as either a misdemeanor or felony, depending on the value of the items involved.
Misdemeanor charges include the following:
- Class 3 misdemeanor (items valued at less than $300): Up to 6 months jail time and a fine from $50 to $750.
- Class 2 misdemeanor (items valued at $300 to less than $750): 3 to 12 months in jail and fines from $250 to $1,000.
- Class 1 misdemeanor (items valued at$750 to less than $1,000): 6 to 18 months in jail, $500 to $5,000 in fines.
- For vandalism or destruction of items worth $1,000 or more, felony charges apply. These include:
- Class 6 felony (items valued at $1,000 to less than $5,000): 12 to 18 months in prison, $1,000 to $100,000 in fines
- Class 5 felony (items valued at $5,000 to less than $20,000): 1 to 3 years in prison and $1,000 to $100,000 in fines
- Class 4 felony (items valued at $20,000 to less than $100,000): 2 to 6 years in prison, $2,000 to $500,000 in fines
- Class 3 felony (items valued at $100,000 to less than $1 million): 4 to 12 years, $3,000 to $750,000
- Class 2 felony (items valued at$1 million and up): 8 to 24 years in prison, fines between $5,000 and $1 million
In order to fight the charges brought against you and avoid these penalties (or get them dropped altogether), you need the help of an experienced criminal mischief lawyer. Colorado law carries these hefty penalties to deter crimes. If you are charged and need help fighting these allegations, legal representation may be your best option moving forward.
Why You Need a Criminal Mischief Attorney – Colorado Criminal Defense Law
In addition to the abovementioned penalties, there are many long-term consequences of a felony conviction. These include:
- Lost right to own firearms;
- Inability to serve in certain positions of trust;
- Harder time securing employment;
- Inability to vote while in prison;
- Ineligibility for certain government benefits or housing.
A conviction can limit future opportunities, so it’s important to seek legal help if you are facing felony criminal mischief charges. David H. Johnson can provide the legal guidance you need when navigating your case. With past experience in prosecution and over 25 years of defending clients in numerous cases, David H. Johnson is a criminal mischief attorney Colorado residents can trust when it comes to representing their best interests. His skill in negotiation and litigation combined with genuine concern for your wellbeing will be invaluable in handling your case. To get your free consultation with a qualified criminal defense attorney, you can call 970-829-1221.