Don't Let a Criminal Mischief in Pennsylvania Ruin
Your Life!
Fight for Your Rights with a Top Defense Lawyer
Criminal Mischief and vandalism may
seem like petty charges, but they can ultimately cause serious
issues in your life. Particularly for a young person, starting out
with a permanent criminal record if you are found guilty or
plead to the charges can affect career opportunities for
the rest of your life. And although property crimes are
typically punished less severely than personal crimes, the more
serious offences can still carry lengthy prison sentences and hefty
fines. Facing a charge that could take away your freedom can be
quite unnerving.
We know that people make mistakes. Chances are
you did something you now regret. Many property damage charges
result from a lost temper or a youthful mistake. We can help you
take responsibility for your actions and work to get you the best
possible outcome in court.
Or may be you did some crazy things celebrating the World
Champion Philadelphia Phillies! that got out of hand, and got
you arrested. This can happen, but that doesn't mean you deserve to
be branded as a criminal for life!
However, maybe you are not guilty at all. We
want to know what happened from your point of view. When you
feel like no one is on your side, we want to be the legal defense
attorneys working on your behalf.
We have handled many criminal mischief and
vandalism cases in Pennsylvania courts. We know what you are up
against and will work to ensure you get the best result possible on
your day in court.
Please contact us for a free legal case
evaluation on your charges.
Criminal Mischief - Laws & Penalties in Pennsylvania
Any of the following can be considered criminal
mischief:
- Negligently, recklessly, or intentionally damaging
property of another by fire, explosives, or other dangerous means,
- Tampering with the property of another to endanger a
person or property,
- Causing someone to suffer monetary loss by deception
or threat,
- Defacing or damaging property with graffiti, or
- Intentionally damaging real or personal property of
another.
The charge and potential sentence you will face
depends on the value of the property that was damaged.
|
Value |
Charge |
Sentence |
|
More than $5,000 |
3rd degree Felony |
Up to 7 years in prison |
|
$1,000-$5,000 |
2nd Degree Misdemeanor |
Up to 2 years in prison |
|
More than $500 |
3rd Degree Misdemeanor |
Up to 1 year in prison |
If the property was valued at less than $500,
the charge is a summary offense and will bring a maximum potential
sentence of 90 days in jail.
Additional Penalties for Domestic Relationships
If you are accused of criminal mischief against a victim who is
in a domestic relationship with you, you can face additional
domestic violence penalties.
Ref:
18 Pa. C.S.§3304
Institutional Vandalism - Laws & Penalties
Institutional vandalism is that which
desecrates any of the following types of property:
-
Church
-
Cemetery
-
State or local building
-
Synagogue
-
School
-
Community center
This charge is a 3rd degree felony
if the loss is greater than $5,000. Your potential sentence for this
felony is up to 7 years in prison. If the amount of the loss is less
than $5,000, you will be charged with a 2nd degree
misdemeanor and face a potential sentence of up to 2 years in
prison.
Ref:
18 Pa.C.S.§3307
Get a Free Criminal Case Evaluation on The Charges You Face
If you are facing serious property crimes like these or any
others, let us know. We can help ensure your rights are being
protected at every stage of the criminal justice process. Call for a
consultation on your case today, and find out what we can do to help
you fix this situation. (800) 508-6630
We represents clients facing traffic and
criminal charges anywhere across Pennsylvania, including
Philadelphia, Harrisburg, Lebanon, Carlisle and Lancaster, and in
Bucks, Montgomery, Northampton, and Lehigh Counties. In Western
Pennsylvania, we cover areas including the Pittsburgh, PA metro area
and Allegheny County. Call anytime there's no obligation.
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