It’s not uncommon for people to think it’s funny to smash pumpkins on Halloween, but when smashing those pumpkins causes property damage, Criminal Mischief will likely follow. Two men are facing this vandalism crime after taking pumpkins from grocery store outdoor displays and throwing them through car windows. According to the report, the men damaged over 50 cars, causing at least $30,000 in damage. The men were driving what appears to be an easily recognizable car, which is why they were apprehended quickly. Due to the amount of damage caused, if this had occurred in Fort Collins or Larimer County, the men would be facing a felony charge for Criminal Mischief.
Larimer County Criminal Mischief Lawyer: Definition of Criminal Mischief in Boulder
The Larimer and Boulder County, Colorado law definition of Criminal Mischief – C.R.S. 18-4-501 – is:
In a matter like the one above, even though different cars were damaged in different areas, it would be considered a single criminal episode. The reason they do this is so they can total the damage and charge more harshly – a felony.
Sentence for Criminal Mischief / Vandalism in Loveland and Estes Park
In Fort Collins, Loveland, and Estes Park, Criminal Mischief is a misdemeanor or felony depending on the damage caused:
- A class 3 misdemeanor for less than three hundred dollars;
- A class 2 misdemeanor for three hundred dollars or more but less than seven hundred fifty dollars;
- A class 1 misdemeanor for seven hundred fifty dollars or more but less than one thousand dollars;
- A class 6 felony for one thousand dollars or more but less than five thousand dollars;
- A class 5 felony for five thousand dollars or more but less than twenty thousand dollars;
- A class 4 felony for twenty thousand dollars or more but less than one hundred thousand dollars;
- A class 3 felony for one hundred thousand dollars or more but less than one million dollars; and
- A class 2 felony for one million dollars or more.
The men would be facing the class 4 felony.
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 attorneys from the O’Malley Law Office at 970-658-0007 today. Together, we can protect your future.
Photo by Jonathan Talbert on Unsplash