In Greeley, Colorado, Vandalism is a term for crimes occurring when a person knowingly damages someone else’s property. Some of the crimes that often include vandalism include: Criminal Mischief or Defacing Property. Although it seems like a harmless prank, damaging political yard signs can lead to criminal charges. Recently in Salida, community members woke to find their political and activists signs torn, broken and destroyed. While this is Vandalism, it could be charged as a crime of Criminal Mischief. If you are charged with a crime of Criminal Mischief or Defacing Property, you will need an experienced criminal lawyer to help you get the best possible outcome for your Greeley courts criminal charges. Read more below to learn more about the charges you could face if you are accused of Vandalism.
What is the Definition of Criminal Mischief in Weld County?
The definition of Criminal Mischief, C.R.S. 18-4-501, in Weld County is:
If you knowingly damage a person’s yard sign, like in the above story, you can be charged in Criminal Mischief. Generally, the class of this crime will be determined by the dollar amount of the property damaged.
Greeley, Colorado Sentence for Criminal Mischief
In Greeley, Criminal Mischief is sentenced dependent on the value of the property that you damaged or destroyed. In the case above, the property damaged would be less than $300 most likely and so the penalty would be according to that value of damage. The sentence would be a class 3 misdemeanor which carries a punishment of up to six months in jail, a fine of $50 to $750, or both.
In Weld County What is Defacing Property, C.R.S. 18-4-509?
Defacing Property in Weld County – C.R.S. 18-4-509, occurs when:
(b) Any person who defaces or causes, aids in, or permits the defacing of public or private property without the consent of the owner by any method of defacement, including but not limited to painting, drawing, writing, or otherwise marring the surface of the property by use of paint, spray paint, ink, or any other substance or object, commits the crime of defacing property.
Other provisions exist concerning the defacing or caves.
What is the Sentence or Punishment of Defacing Property in Greeley, Colorado?
In Greeley, Colorado, the sentence for Defacing Property is a class 2 misdemeanor, which carries penalties of up to 12 months in jail and a fine of up to $1,000. Although the nature of the crime is often taking into consideration when it is sentenced, if this a second or subsequent conviction for defacing property the sentence is a class 1 misdemeanor. Compensation for the property damages or the repair of the property (known as restitution) can be an additional penalty, separate from the fines.
Attempts at humor or just to “get back” at a neighbor you disagreed with, by painting, tearing, or otherwise destroying a person’s yards signs can be considered Vandalism. Vandalizing a person’s property can be charged as a crime of Defacing Property or Criminal Mischief. When you are facing these charges, you need an experienced Greeley criminal lawyer to help you navigate the court system and fight for your rights.
If you have been accused of Vandalism, Criminal Mischief, or Defacing Property in Weld County, be smart, exercise your right to remain silent, and contact the best criminal defense attorneys in Northern Colorado. Call the O’Malley Law Office at 970-616-6009 today. Together, we can protect your future.
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