New Jersey Criminal Mischief Attorney
Criminal mischief is typically defined by a person causing damage to the tangible property of another individual. A criminal mischief charge can be a third- or fourth-degree crime typically based on the extent of the damage. These different degrees of crime carry different penalties for a conviction, but any charge of criminal mischief can have a negative effect on a person’s permanent record.
Potential Criminal Mischief Punishment
If you are convicted of criminal mischief in New Jersey, you could face a number of serious legal consequences. If the damage to the property is between $200 and $500, you will likely be charged with a fourth-degree crime, whereas if the property damage exceeds $500 but is less than $75,000, you will probably face a third-degree charge. Potential penalties include:
- Up to 18 months in prison for a fourth-degree conviction
- Up to 5 years in prison for a third-degree conviction
- Mandatory community service
- Monetary fines, generally up to the amount of property damage.
These consequences can affect the rest of a person’s life, so it is important to have a strong legal defense if you have been accused of criminal mischief.
Contact a Criminal Mischief NJ Attorney
If you or someone you know is facing charges of criminal mischief, an experienced New Jersey property crime lawyer of the Law Office of Jason A. Volet in Freehold or Neptune can help you protect your rights. Contact our offices today at 732-863-5050 to learn more about your legal options.
