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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. (888) 412-3298
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.