Are you facing a Criminal Mischief charge in Greeley, Colorado? The experienced Criminal Mischief attorneys at the O’Malley Law office can help you understand and defend these charges. When a person damages the property of another person, they can face a Criminal Mischief charge. Recently, a Greeley man was charged with Criminal Mischief after an alleged victim claimed that he discharged a firearm into the residence several times. The bullets went into the living room, kitchen, and a second story bedroom, where they almost hit the victim’s son. The man charged was a nephew of the victim and was charged with Criminal Mischief, Illegal Discharge of a Firearm, and Attempted First Degree Murder. Below, our attorneys discuss Criminal Mischief charges and why it is important to have an insightful attorney to fight for the best outcome in your criminal case.
Definition of Criminal Mischief, C.R.S. 18-4-501, in Weld County
In Weld County, the definition of Criminal Mischief, C.R.S. 18-4-501, is someone who:
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.
When the man in the above story fired shots into the house, it was estimated to cause over $4,000 in damages, so one of his charges was Criminal Mischief. These charges are especially common in cases involving family arguments or disagreements between neighbors when property is damaged and can often accompany other charges as seen in the story.
Common Acts of Criminal Mischief or Vandalism in Severance, Ault, and Windsor, Colorado
What acts are considered Criminal Mischief in Severance, Ault, Windsor and in the rest of Colorado?
- Graffiti or tagging
- Keying a car
- Purposefully breaking a window
- Slashing car tires
- Putting a virus on a computer
- Tampering with utility meters, emergency exits, or fire alarms
- Breaking windows with rocks
Criminal Mischief acts are commonly referred to as Vandalism. It is important to note that anytime there is damage to the property of another person “knowingly,” then Criminal Mischief or Vandalism can be charged. This part of the definition reminds us that accidental damages are not normally charged as criminal conduct, but are reserved for civil court lawsuits.
Penalties and Sentence for a Criminal Mischief Conviction in Weld County
Depending on the value of the property that was damaged or destroyed, the penalties and sentence for Criminal Mischief can vary. Damages of property valued less than $300 dollars is a Petty Offense, with penalties of up to 10 days in Weld County Jail and / or a fine of up to $300. The sentences and penalties become more severe with the amount of damages. For example, in the above story, since the damages were estimated over $4,000, the man could face a sentence on a class 6 felony because the damage to the property is less $5,000 but more but more than $2,000. The penalties for a class 6 felony are 12 months – 18 months in a Colorado State Prison and / or $1,000 to $100,000 in fines.
Why Hire a Top Greeley, Colorado, Criminal Mischief Attorney? |Charges Which Accompany Criminal Mischief
Having a leading Greeley Criminal Mischief attorney at your side is the best way to get a positive outcome in your court case. These charges can have you facing time in jail or prison, loss of job and a permanent criminal record. The defense attorneys at the O’Malley Law Office have over 30 years of experience in Criminal Mischief cases and successfully fighting for our clients’ futures. Criminal Mischief cases can also be charged alongside other charges, as seen in the beginning story. Some common related charges are:
- Illegal Discharge of a Firearm – C.R.S. 18-12-107.5
- Arson – C.R.S. 18-4-102, 18-4-103, 18-4-104, 18-4-105
- Burglary – C.R.S. 18-4-202, 18-4-203, 18-4-204
- Trespassing – C.R.S 18-4-502, 18-4-503, 18-4-504
Facing a Vandalism or Criminal Mischief charge in Greeley or Weld County? Be smart, and don’t tell the police anything. Be smart, they are not your friend. Exercise your right to remain silent and call the experienced Criminal Mischief attorneys at the O’Malley Law Office. Call 970-616-6009 before you head to the Weld County Courthouse, in order to meet with an experienced criminal defense lawyer in Weld County and the Greeley area. Together, we can protect your future.
The location for the Weld County Courthouse is 901 9th Avenue, Greeley, Colorado. We’ll see you there!
Photo by David Peinado