There are many regulations for conduct in public libraries. Rules like “no loud talking” and “no running” and pretty obvious ones everyone who has ever been to a library understands. These rules are generally posted in an area where everyone has access to them, making it clear what the library expectations are. But how about the rule “no peeing on the books?” I am not sure this rule has ever been added to the list, but I have a feeling one library may be thinking about amending their rules after an experience with an intoxicated man. The man allegedly fell out of a chair, and proceeded to go between two bookshelves and relieve himself on a set of books. When police arrived, the man had slurred speech, difficulty standing and could not express a complete thought. According to the news report, the man caused about $1,000 worth of damage and was arrested for Criminal Mischief.
Criminal Mischief in Weld County
Colorado law defines C.R.S. 18-4-501 – Criminal Mischief – as:
Because the man’s urine damaged the library’s property, this criminal act is charged as Criminal Mischief. This crime can be charged as a felony or misdemeanor, depending on the total amount of damage caused. The following table breaks down the total damage amounts and what corresponding level of misdemeanor or felony will be charged in Weld, Morgan or Logan County:
|
Class of Crime |
Aggregate Damage of all Property Harmed |
| Class 3 Misdemeanor | Less than $300 |
| Class 2 Misdemeanor | $300 to $749 |
| Class 1 Misdemeanor | $750 to $999 |
| Class 6 Felony | $1,000 to $4,999 |
| Class 5 Felony | $5,000 to $19,999 |
| Class 4 Felony | $20,000 to $99,999 |
| Class 3 Felony | $100,000 to $999,999 |
| Class 2 Felony | $1,000,000 or more |
This is one of the reasons the best criminal defense lawyers at our office will scrutinize the true value of items allegedly harmed.
Unfortunately for the man in the story, the damages he caused just reached a felony level. Any damages totaling $1,000 or more will be charged as a felony, which carries a possible penalty of serving time in the Colorado Department of Corrections (DOC) along with fines. This is one of the reasons the best criminal defense lawyers at our office will scrutinize the true value of items allegedly harmed. In this case, the books’ value was likely quoted from their new replacement value. Yet, the books were used and used replacement books are widely available. With just a little digging, our defense attorney could bring the charges down to a misdemeanor – where it should be.
If you or someone you love has been charged with Criminal Mischief in Greeley, Johnstown, or Berthoud, be smart, exercise your right to remain silent, and call the best criminal defense lawyers from the O’Malley Law Office at (970) 616-6009 to schedule a free consultation. We can even do jail visits at the Weld County Jail. Together, we can protect your future.
Image Credit: FreeDigitalPhotos.net – Supertrooper