Criminal Mischief and Domestic Violence in Denver
Damaging another’s property can lead to Criminal Mischief charges in Denver, Colorado. Our attorneys have seen cases where police press charges after a couple has an argument, and one partner will throw plates or even damage the other’s vehicle in their anger. Police can even charge you with this crime if you damaged something that is jointly owned by you and your spouse. To top it off in cases like this, Peace Officers often add on charges of Domestic Violence, a sentence enhancer, because they would view your actions against the property as violent.
Criminal Mischief charges do not only involve damage to property of people you know, but also to that of strangers. Other scenarios could include vandalism and pranks. Even an accident that resulted in damages could mean charges, and you will have to prove that you did not knowingly cause the damage.
Criminal Mischief Example in Larimer County
Two men in Larimer County turned themselves in to the Loveland Police Department after a warrant for their arrest was issued for criminal mischief. The incidents they are charged with were from a year ago – 7 people made reports of their cars being hit and damaged by rocks being thrown off of Kechter Road bridge onto I-25. While the Criminal Mischief charges against the men are serious enough, they should be very thankful that no one was hurt, otherwise they would be facing much higher penalties. This crime could also include charges of Reckless Endangerment, which involves acting in a way that causes substantial risk of serious bodily injury to another person.
Criminal Mischief Sentencing in Douglas County
In Douglas County and throughout Colorado, Criminal Mischief ranges from a class 3 misdemeanor all the way to a class 2 felony, depending on the dollar amount of aggregate damage to real or personal property. For example, if the cost to repair all of the damaged vehicles from the incident at I-25 and Kechter Road bridge added up to over $5,000 but less than $20,000, the crime would be considered a class 5 felony. A class 4 felony in Colorado cities such as Castle Rock and Parker will mean a sentence of 1 – 3 years in prison and fines as high as $100,000. If the damage done totaled between $20,000 and $100,000, the men would face a class 4 felony, punishable by 2 – 6 years in the Colorado Department of Corrections and fines up to $500,000.
Adams County Lawyer for Criminal Mischief Charges
If you are contacted by Adams County law enforcement regarding Criminal Mischief charges, be smart: exercise your right to remain silent and contact an experienced defense lawyer at 303-731-0719. Together, we can protect your future.