Men and women in Denver and across Colorado can face charges of Criminal Mischief after “knowingly” damaging real or personal property. “Intent” is an important requirement for the Criminal Mischief statute, though police across Colorado often charge Criminal Mischief even when you’ve damaged property by accident. In these cases, it is always best to involve a criminal defense lawyer at the O’Malley Law Office to fight aggressively for your rights and freedom.
Criminal Mischief Definition in Jefferson County, Colorado
In Jefferson County and across Colorado, the definition of Criminal Mischief, C.R.S. 18-4-501, is:
“A person commits criminal mischief when he or she knowingly damages the real or personal property of one or more other persons, including property owned by the person jointly with another person or property owned by the person in which another person has a possessory or proprietary interest, in the course of a single criminal episode.”
Criminal Mischief a Misdemeanor or Felony in Arapahoe and Douglas County Based On Aggregate Damage
Criminal Mischief can be either a misdemeanor or felony in Arapahoe County, Douglas County and across Colorado based on the aggregate damage. Below are the ranges of criminal charges for Criminal Mischief based on the aggregate damage to real or personal property:
1. Criminal Mischief is a class 3 misdemeanor where the aggregate damage to the real or personal property is less than three hundred dollars.
2. Criminal Mischief is a class 2 misdemeanor where the aggregate damage to the real or personal property is three hundred dollars or more but less than seven hundred fifty dollars.
3. Criminal Mischief is a class 1 misdemeanor when the aggregate damage to the real or personal property is seven hundred fifty dollars or more but less than one thousand dollars.
4. Criminal Mischief is a class 6 felony where the aggregate damage to the real or personal property is one thousand dollars or more but less than five thousand dollars.
5. Criminal Mischief is a class 5 felony when the aggregate damage to the real or personal property is five thousand dollars or more but less than twenty thousand dollars.
6. Criminal Mischief is a class 4 felony when the aggregate damage to the real or personal property is twenty thousand dollars or more but less than one hundred thousand dollars.
7. Criminal Mischief is a class 3 felony when the aggregate damage to the real or personal property is one hundred thousand dollars or more but less than one million dollars.
8. Criminal Mischief is a class 2 felony when the aggregate damage to the real or personal property is one million dollars or more.
Co-Owned Property in Adams County | Not a Defense to Criminal Mischief Charges
Even if property is co-owned / jointly owned by you and the alleged victim, it is not a defense to Criminal Mischief charges in Adams County and across Colorado. In many Criminal Mischief cases, an alleged victim might claim an item you are accused of damaging is worth more than it actually is out of bitterness or anger. As a result, you may face more serious felony charges because of the assumed high value of the damaged item. That’s when the expertise of one of our criminal defense lawyers is vital, as we can work with investigators and experts to determine the true value of an item and reduce criminal charges against you. Additionally, in Criminal Mischief cases involving a current or past significant other, Domestic Violence, C.R.S. 18-6-800.3, charges are often filed alongside Criminal Mischief charges. Domestic Violence acts as a sentence enhancer and can greatly affect the consequences if a person is found guilty. This may include your firearm rights or your ability to find housing. Don’t wait if facing any accusations or criminal charges of Criminal Mischief in Colorado. Call the top Criminal Mischief lawyers at the O’Malley Law Office today and protect your future.
If you or anyone you know is charged with Criminal Mischief, contact the best criminal defense attorneys at the O’Malley Law Office today. We have been defending good people charged with Criminal Mischief for years throughout Colorado. We can help maintain a positive life for you and your loved ones. Call us today at 303-731-0719. Together, we can protect your future.
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