Contrary to what it may sound like, a charge of criminal mischief is essentially an accusation of property damage. Damaging property will be considered a disorderly persons grade offense if the value of the property in question is less than $500. Significant levels of property damage are considered 3rd and 4th degree offenses. New Jersey residents charged with criminal mischief must take the situation very seriously. You will be facing fines and jail time even if the damage was minimal thereby making it important a New Jersey criminal mischief lawyer is contacted. Contact an
experienced defense attorneywith our office today to schedule a free case evaluation.
How These Criminal Mischief Charges OccurCases of minor property damage are handled in Municipal Court. This means that you will not have a jury trial and that a judge alone will hear your case. The judge will determine any sentence and has a great deal of discretion in determining whether one must serve jail time or simply pay a fine. Hiring an experienced criminal mischief attorney in New Jersey may lead to the charges being dismissed or, in the event of a conviction, the Judge imposing a less severe penalty.
A charge of criminal mischief is a broad charge that may include many behaviors. Examples of criminal mischief include:
- Engaging in graffiti
- Destroying telephone lines
- Kicking, hitting, or bashing in a door
- Breaking a window
- Damaging a car
- Damaging a municipal bus
- Purposefully damaging rental property
- Damaging or tampering with a grave site or headstone
- Attempting to damage or interrupt a research facility by damaging property or releasing lab animals
Prosecutors must be able to prove that your intentional or reckless actions were the cause of the property damage. Once retained, John will analyze the facts of your case, determine the credibility of eye-witnesses, inspect the evidence against you, and determine if proper police protocol was followed in preserving evidence. John will counsel you about your legal options, and help you obtain the best possible result for your case. Do not plead guilty to a criminal charge without consulting a New Jersey criminal mischief attorney. If you have been charged with criminal mischief call or email our office today.
Role of An Experienced LawyerMany large law firms assign Municipal Court cases to less experienced lawyers. John believes that all clients deserve the time and personal attention of an experienced attorney regardless of the offense they are charged with.
Once retained, our New Jersey criminal mischief lawyer will give your case the attention it deserves. We will be available to answer all of your legal questions and keep you informed during each step of the process. We focus on the law so you can get your life back on track. For more information about how we can help you, call for an appointment.