Being charged with criminal mischief in New Jersey may not sound like a very serious crime, but unfortunately it could lead to very significant consequences. Criminal Mischief is not a crime to take lightly. If you have been charged with this, you will need a criminal mischief attorney in New Jersey to represent you.

Criminal Mischief – What It Could Mean For You

In New Jersey, this property damage crime usually involves vandalism, trespassing, or another type of damage to property.

You could be charged with and convicted of this crime if the state proves the following:

1. You purposely or knowingly damaged the property of another, or recklessly or negligently damaged the property of another by fire or explosives; or
2. You purposely, knowingly, or recklessly tampered with the property of another so that such tampering endangers someone or some property.

There are different levels of consequences depending on the seriousness of the charge, all of which will require a New Jersey criminal mischief attorney if you want the best chance at favorable results.

Disorderly Persons

You risk spending up to 6 months in jail if you are found guilty of a disorderly persons criminal mischief charge, which is property damage less than $500.

4^th Degree Offense

You could face a potential prison sentence of up to 18 months for criminal mischief in the 4^th degree if the following is proven:

1. If the act knowingly causes loss of between $500 and $2,000;
2. If it involves damaging, removing, or impairing such air traffic devices as lights, signs, and signals; or
3. If it involves tampering with any airport, landing field, airport, or aviation facility.

3^rd Degree Offense

This crime will be categorized as a third degree offense if:

1. You knowingly cause damage of $2,000 or more;
2. There is a substantial interruption or impairment of a public utility, communication system, or public transportation;
3. You damage, deface, alter, or cause the loss of property used at a research facility or causes disruption to the facility;
4. You tamper with any grave, crypt, or mausoleum with the intent of destroying or stealing any part thereof, including human remains.

There is a potential sentence of up to 3 to 5 years in state prison for these acts.

Don’t Risk The Consequences – Call A New Jersey Criminal Mischief Attorney Now!

If you or a loved one are currently facing these or similar charges, be sure to contact Mark Catanzaro today. He is an experienced criminal mischief attorney in New Jersey who has successfully represented many clients in the past. He will fight to obtain favorable results