Colorado Criminal Mischief Lawyer

Facing Criminal Mischief Charges in Colorado? Criminal Defense Lawyer J.B. Katz Can Help

A Colorado criminal mischief lawyer can help defend individuals accused of damaging property, vandalism, or related offenses under Colorado law. The charge of criminal mischief can be either a felony or a misdemeanor depending on the value of the alleged property damage. Whatever the particular nature of the charge, you need strong and effective legal representation from a Colorado criminal mischief attorney. Upon a criminal mischief conviction, you could receive a jail sentence, significant fines, community service, or even years in prison, depending on the dollar value of the damage.

I am J.B. Katz, a criminal defense attorney who represents clients accused of criminal mischief and related charges under the Colorado Revised Statutes, including work commonly handled by a Denver criminal defense lawyer. I am known as a tough and aggressive defender of my clients’ rights throughout the legal process in Douglas County, Jefferson County, and throughout Colorado. If you have been accused of a crime, I will work tenaciously to defend your freedom and pursue a favorable outcome.

Juveniles Charged With Criminal Mischief in Colorado

If a person commits criminal mischief and willfully damages personal property, for example, through vandalism, defacing property, or graffiti, the minor can be charged with criminal mischief if a person knowingly damages or destroyed property belonging to a property owner, or property owned jointly, in either municipal court or county court. I have a great deal of experience in cases involving juvenile charges in both court systems when criminal mischief occurs under particular circumstances.

Often, juveniles facing criminal mischief charges can obtain pretrial diversion, which means that if the juvenile does not get into further trouble, the charge will be dropped and no criminal conviction will be entered on his or her record. It is important to obtain legal representation and have a lawyer present as soon as possible in these types of cases. I will work diligently to obtain the best possible outcome through proven defense strategies.

Adults Charged With Criminal Mischief in Colorado

In domestic violence cases, an adult who destroys or damages property during domestic arguments in connection with a domestic dispute can be charged with criminal mischief/domestic violence. The potential consequences can be significant and involve serious consequences, including the removal of the accused from his or her home, loss of child custody or visitation rights, and the imposition of a restraining order.

Whether it involves a stand-alone criminal mischief charge or one involving domestic violence, I approach these cases with the seriousness they deserve, including cases involving false allegations, mistaken identity, or disputes over the alleged victim. I will work hard to defend you, seeking a dismissal of charges or deferred judgment whenever possible, including increased penalties for criminal mischief in Colorado.

Understanding Colorado’s Criminal Mischief Laws

What it Takes to Secure a Criminal Mischief Conviction

Under Colorado law (C.R.S. Section 18-4-501), “[a] person commits criminal mischief when he or she knowingly damages the real or personal property of one or more other persons, including property owned by the person jointly with another person or property owned by the person in which another person has a possessory or proprietary interest, in the course of a single criminal episode.”

If you have been accused of damaging someone else’s property, you are facing serious risks, and you need an experienced attorney who knows what it takes to get your charges reduced or have your case dismissed.

Criminal Mischief Penalties

In criminal mischief cases, the value of the property involved determines whether a defendant’s charge is a misdemeanor or felony. It also determines the specific “Class” of the charge and the penalties that are on the table:

· Petty offense: Less than three hundred dollars

· Class 2 misdemeanor: Three hundred dollars or more but less than one thousand dollars

· Class 1 misdemeanor: One thousand dollars or more but less than two thousand dollars

· Class 6 felony: Two thousand dollars or more but less than five thousand dollars

· Class 5 felony: Five thousand dollars or more but less than twenty thousand dollars

· Class 4 felony Twenty thousand dollars or more but less than one hundred thousand dollars

· Class 3 felony: One hundred thousand dollars or more but less than one million dollars; and

· Class 2 felony: One million dollars or more

Whether you are facing misdemeanor or felony charges, I can explain the penalties you are facing during your free initial consultation. In all cases, the consequences of a criminal mischief conviction can be substantial, and this makes it critical that you exercise your right to remain silent and seek legal guidance as soon as possible.

Defending Yourself Under Colorado’s Criminal Mischief Laws

Regardless of the circumstances of your case, you have defenses available. Did law enforcement officers violate your constitutional rights? Did district attorneys fail to calculate the correct dollar amount? Was the personal property damaged yours (and not jointly owned property)?

These are just a few of numerous potential issues that could provide defenses in your case. Once I learn the facts of your case, I will be able to identify the specific defenses I can assert on your behalf.