What is Criminal Mischief and what are the penalties?
Palm Beach criminal mischief is occasionally a random occurrence but is often the result of a heated argument or break up. It can also be the result of someone trying to shake down someone for restitution. Either way often times you have an upset individual trying to get the prosecutor to lay down the law. This is why you need an experienced Palm Beach County criminal mischief attorney. Under Florida law, criminal mischief (vandalism) is defined as the wilful and malicious destruction of property belonging to another person. The severity of the punishment increases as the damages increase. Criminal mischief under $200 is a second degree misdemeanor punishable by up to 60 days in jail, 6 months of probation, $500 fine, court cost and cost of prosecution. Criminal mischief greater than $200 but less than $1,000 can be charged as a first degree misdemeanor punishable by up to 364 days in jail, 12 months of probation, $1,000 fine, court cost and cost of prosecution. Criminal mischief over $1,000 or a second criminal mischief can be charged as a Palm Beach County Felony criminal mischief. As a third degree felony it is punishable by up to 5 years in prison, 60 months of DOC probation, $5,000 fine, court cost and cost of prosecution. If you are accused of criminal mischief in Palm Beach County contact Palm Beach County criminal mischief attorney Jesse Cohen at 786-521-2295 today.
Criminal Mischief Defined
Under Section 806.13, Florida Statutes (2013), criminal mischief is defined as the wilful and malicious causing of injury or damage, by any means, to any real or personal property belonging to another person. Under the statute and case law, injury or damage to property can include acts of graffiti, vandalism, sabotage, defacement, breakage, and other acts of destruction.
Defenses to Criminal Mischief in Palm Beach County
In Florida, there are numerous defenses available to contest a criminal mischief charge. Some of the more common defenses include the following:
- You didn’t do it?
- You owned it or partially owned it?
- It was an accident?
- They did it not you?
- You had a reason to do it?
- You were defending yourself?
If you have been arrested for criminal mischief in Palm Beach County or vandalism in Belle Glade, Boca Raton, Boynton Beach, Delray Beach, Greenacres, Jupiter, Lake Park, Lake Worth, North Palm Beach, Palm Beach, Palm Beach Gardens, Palm Springs, Riviera Beach, Royal Palm Beach, Wellington, West Palm Beach or the surrounding areas in Palm Beach County contact Palm Beach County criminal mischief lawyer Jesse Cohen today. The initial consultation is free and confidential. Call Jesse Cohen at 786-521-2295 today.