CRIMINAL MISCHIEF
BUFFALO, NY CRIMINAL MISCHIEF – ATTORNEY ANDREW S. TRAVIS
Criminal Mischief is essentially a property damage crime. If you knowingly or purposely damage someone’s property, you will be charged with Criminal Mischief. You may also be charged if the damage causes a substantial interruption of public services, utilities, communication systems, or transportation.
Examples of criminal mischief include:
- Graffiti
- Destroying telephone lines
- Kicking, hitting, or bashing in a door
- Breaking a window
- Damaging a car
- Damaging a municipal bus
- Purposefully damaging rental property
- Damaging or tampering with a grave site or headstone
- Attempting to damage or interrupt a research facility by damaging property or releasing lab animals
NY PENALTIES FOR CRIMINAL MISCHIEF
Fourth Degree Criminal Mischief |
|
|
---|---|---|
Third Degree Criminal Mischief |
|
|
Second Degree Criminal Mischief |
|
|
First Degree Criminal Mischief |
|
|
DEFENSES FOR CRIMINAL MISCHIEF
Prosecutors must be able to prove that your intentional or reckless actions were the cause of the property damage. Cases of minor property damage are handled in Municipal Court without a jury. The judge alone will hear your case and determine any sentence of jail time or fine. Hiring an experienced criminal defense attorney may lead to less severe penalties or even the charges being dismissed.
Attorney Travis will analyze the facts of your case, determine the credibility of eye-witnesses, inspect the evidence against you, and determine if proper police protocol was followed in preserving evidence. Do not plead guilty to a criminal charge without consulting an attorney. Many large law firms assign Municipal Court cases to less experienced lawyers. Andrew believes that all clients deserve the time and personal attention of an experienced attorney regardless of the offense they are charged with. If you have been charged with criminal mischief call or email our office today for a Free case evaluation.