A Criminal Mischief Charge in Greeley, Colorado, involves damage to another person’s property. When you need to hire a Criminal Mischief lawyer for a Greeley Municipal Code violation, you need to look for someone who understands Greeley’s municipal code. If you have questions about a Municipal Code Violation or a Criminal Mischief charge, should call the O’Malley Law Office for a consultation.
What is the definition of Criminal Mischief Under Greeley Municipal Code 10.28.050?
In Greeley, Colorado, the definition of Criminal Mischief – G.M.C. 10.28.050 – is
Simply stated, Criminal Mischief occurs when a person causes damage valued under $1,000, to the real or personal property of another.
How is a Greeley Municipal Court Different than a Weld County Court?
Greeley Municipal Courts deal with smaller violations of the law that happen within the Greeley city limits. Generally, these violations are traffic, shoplifting, and other less serious offenses. For some cases, you may have the right to a jury trial in municipal court. Don’t be deceived though, municipal court cases can still send you to jail for up to a year, and effectively damage your chances at employment. Weld County Courts are a bit different; they handle civil cases under $25,000, misdemeanors, traffic infractions, initial hearings for felony complaints, protection orders, and small claims. Your can learn more about Criminal Mischief if it is outside of the Greeley Municipality here.
What are Examples of Criminal Mischief in Greeley, Colorado?
In Greeley, Colorado, examples of Criminal Mischief are:
- Committing vandalism
- Defacing property or painting graffiti
- Tampering with emergency exits, fire alarms, or utility meters
- Removing survey markers
- Setting off smoke bombs
- Introducing viruses to a person’s or business’s computer
- Slashing tires
- Breaking windows
What is the Sentence and Penalty for a Criminal Mischief Conviction in Greeley, Colorado?
If convicted of Criminal Mischief in Greeley, there are a few different sentences and penalties depending on the value of the property which was damaged.
- When the value of damage is less than $300: Class 3 misdemeanor punishable by up to 6 months in jail and $750 in fines.
- When the value of damage is between $300 and $750: Class 2 misdemeanor punishable by up to 1 year in prison and $1,000 in fines.
- When the value of damage is between $750 and $1,000: Class 1 misdemeanor punishable by up to 1.5 years in prison and $5,000 in fines.
It should also be noted that if the damage is more than $1,000, it would be a Felony conviction and no longer fall under the Greeley Municipal Code, or even under the Weld County – County Court. It would then be prosecuted as a felony in the Weld County District Court.
Are you facing a Greeley Municipal Code Violation for Criminal Mischief? Be smart, and do not tell the police anything. They are not there to help you. Exercise your right to remain silent and call the experienced Criminal Mischief attorneys at the O’Malley Law Office. Call 970-616-6009 or fill out the Get Help Now form to meet with an experienced criminal defense lawyer in Weld County and the Greeley area for a free consultation. Together, we can protect your future.
Image by DarlaEbbets from Pixabay