Criminal Mischief may sound like a minor offense, but in Fort Collins and across Colorado, it can carry serious consequences — including felony charges and significant jail time. Whether you’ve been accused of damaging someone’s property in an argument, during a protest, or as part of a misunderstanding, it’s crucial to understand what you’re facing and how to protect your rights. At O’Malley Law Office, we help people across Colorado fight Criminal Mischief charges and work toward the best possible outcome in every case.
Loveland Criminal Mischief Lawyer: Colorado Law Definition of Criminal Mischief
Under Colorado Revised Statutes § 18-4-501, Criminal Mischief occurs when a person “knowingly damages the real or personal property of one or more other persons.” You can be charged even if the property is co-owned, like damaging something that belongs to both you and a spouse during a domestic dispute.
Some common examples include:
- Breaking a window or door during an argument
- Vandalism or graffiti
- Damaging a car or slashing tires
- Destroying or defacing someone else’s personal property
- Property damage in domestic violence cases
Misdemeanor vs. Felony Criminal Mischief: How is Criminal Mischief Charged in Fort Collins and Estes Park
The severity of a Criminal Mischief charge in Fort Collins and Estes Park, Colorado, depends largely on the monetary value of the damage. Here’s a general breakdown:
|
Value of Property Damage |
Charge |
Penalty |
| Less than $300 | Petty Offense | Up to 10 days in the Larimer County Jail |
| $300 – $999 | Class 2 Misdemeanor | Up to 120 days in the Larimer County Jail |
| $1,000 – $1,999 | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 364 days in the Larimer County Jail |
| $2,000 – $4,999 | Class 6 Felony | 12 – 18 months in DOC (prison) |
| $5,000 – $19,999 | Class 5 Felony | 1 – 3 years in prison |
| $20,000 – $99,999 | Class 4 Felony | 2 – 6 years in prison |
| $100,000 – $999,999 | Class 3 Felony | 4 – 12 years in prison |
| $1,000,000 or more | Class 2 Felony | 8 – 24 years in prison |
It’s important to note: even relatively minor damage can become a felony if the total cost exceeds a low threshold.
In addition to possible jail or prison time, a conviction for criminal mischief can result in:
- A permanent criminal record
- Restitution payments to the victim(s)
- Probation
- Community service
- Court-ordered anger management or substance abuse treatment
If the offense occurred in the context of a domestic dispute, you could also face domestic violence sentencing enhancements and mandatory protective orders.
If you or someone you love has been charged with Criminal Mischief, be smart, exercise your right to remain silent and contact the best criminal defense attorney from the O’Malley Law Office at 970-658-0007 to schedule a free initial consultation. Together, we can protect your future.
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