Hikers are up in arms about some recent vandalism that occurred along Meadow View Trail in Jefferson County. According to the news report, someone has been using spray paint to graffiti various items in nature. Apparently the tag ‘lil dubz’ was painted on rocks and trees all along the trail and it is unknown if the spray paint can even be removed. No suspects have been identified at this time, but the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office is requesting that anyone with information contact them. Unless someone comes forward with information or this ‘lil dubz’ is identified, it definitely seems like an uphill battle to find the alleged vandal or vandals. If they are caught, however, they will probably be facing Criminal Mischief charges. In Fort Collins, Criminal Mischief of this type is a misdemeanor crime with potential jail time in the Larimer County Jail.
Larimer County Graffiti Criminal Mischief Lawyer: What is the Definition of Criminal Mischief?
The Colorado law definition of Criminal Mischief – C.R.S. 18-4-501 – is:
Now, after reading the definition you may be thinking, who owns nature? If this had occurred at Horsetooth Mountain Park or any other park lands in Larimer, Boulder, or Grand County, who would be the victim? All property belongs to someone, right? And in this case, it is probably the State of Colorado or Jefferson County that owns the land and would be listed as the victims in this case.
Fort Collins Criminal Mischief Lawyer: What is the Sentence / Punishment for Painting Graffiti on Trees and Rocks?
Much like the Theft statute, Criminal Mischief can be charged as a felony or misdemeanor in Fort Collins, Loveland, and Estes Park depending on the amount of property damage caused:
| Class of Fort Collins Crime | Aggregate Damage of Property Harmed |
| Class 3 Misdemeanor Criminal Mischief | Less than $300 |
| Class 2 Misdemeanor Criminal Mischief | $300 to $749 |
| Class 1 Misdemeanor Criminal Mischief | $750 to $999 |
| Class 6 Felony Criminal Mischief | $1,000 to $4,999 |
| Class 5 Felony Criminal Mischief | $5,000 to $19,999 |
| Class 4 Felony Criminal Mischief | $20,000 to $99,999 |
| Class 3 Felony Criminal Mischief | $100,000 to $999,999 |
| Class 2 Felony Criminal Mischief | $1,000,000 or more |
For the alleged vandal(s) above, if the state decides the amount of damage exceeds $999, they could be looking at felony charges. There is no telling what dollar amount will be put on the damage they caused. A misdemeanor charges can be punishable by a sentence to the Larimer County Jail and a felony charge can be punishable by a sentence to the Colorado Department of Corrections.