Contents
Criminal Mischief in Columbus Defense Attorney
Criminal property damage is a major crime in the state of Ohio. Like criminal damage and vandalism, criminal mischief is a property damage crime that attracts major penalties and fines. If you have been charged with criminal mischief in Columbus or other Ohio areas, a lawyer can assist in getting you out of trouble. A lawyer can help you sort out your situation to determine the best possible course of action. Call Attorney Adam Burke now at (614) 280-9122 for your free consultation.
Definition: Ohio Criminal Mischief
Ohio Criminal mischief deals with damage caused to property, like vandalism. However, unlike vandalism, the umbrella offense of criminal mischief covers a lot of possible types of property damage.
In the state of Ohio, to be found guilty of Criminal Mischief the prosecution must prove that you:
- Knowingly shift, destroy, deface, damage, or tamper with property that belongs to someone else.
- Employ a tear gas grenade, stink bomb, smoke generator, or a similar device to interfere or stop others from enjoying or using their property.
- Tamper with, move, or destroy property signs or boundary markers.
- Tamper with, move, or destroy a safety device, which causes it to lose its effectiveness and put others at jeopardy.
Criminal mischief, depending on where it took place, may be considered a 3rd, 2nd, or 1st degree misdemeanor.
In some cases, if a person was harmed as a result of the offender’s actions, the criminal mischief is charged as felony of the 5th or the 4th degree. It may also be charged as a felony if the value of the property involved in the mischief was significant.
Penalties for Criminal Mischief in Columbus
For a 3rd to 1st degree misdemeanor, the penalty is from up to 60 days to 6 months in the local jails, with fines ranging from up to $500 to $1000. A 4th degree felony, the prison time is 6 to 18 months, with fines of up to $5000. For a 3rd degree felony, the prison time is 1 to 5 years in jail, with fines of up to $10,000. 1
Burke, Meis & Associates — Columbus, Ohio Criminal Mischief Lawyer
If you have been charged with criminal mischief in Columbus or any of the surrounding areas in Ohio, contact Burke, Meis & Associates. Attorney Adam Burke is an experienced defense attorney who will fight for your rights and your freedom. Call Attorney Adam Burke today for your free consultation at (614) 280-9122.