Criminal Mischief is charged in Fort Collins and Larimer County when a person causes damage to someone else’s property. A Fort Collins man was recently arrested and charged with Criminal Mischief after he was seen spray painting “DEAD” on city property. The graffiti was distinctive enough to be recognized in other areas of the city as well – over 100 other places. It was estimated that the damage totaled $4,789.00, meaning the man is facing a felony charge for his artwork.
Criminal Mischief Graffiti in Fort Collins: Definition of Criminal Mischief in Colorado
The Larimer County, Colorado law definition of Criminal Mischief – C.R.S. 18-4-501 – is:
It’s important to note that with this crime, you can be charged for damaging your own property as well, if it is co-owned. So, if you break a door in the house you own with your significant other you could still be charged with Criminal Mischief. And, it would most likely be a Domestic Violence crime as well.
Sentence for Criminal Mischief in Loveland and Estes Park
In Fort Collins, Loveland, and Estes Park, Criminal Mischief can be a misdemeanor or felony depending on the total damage caused. Criminal mischief is:
- A class 3 misdemeanor when the aggregate damage to the real or personal property is less than three hundred dollars;
- A class 2 misdemeanor when the aggregate damage to the real or personal property is three hundred dollars or more but less than seven hundred fifty dollars;
- A class 1 misdemeanor when the aggregate damage to the real or personal property is seven hundred fifty dollars or more but less than one thousand dollars;
- A class 6 felony when the aggregate damage to the real or personal property is one thousand dollars or more but less than five thousand dollars;
- A class 5 felony when the aggregate damage to the real or personal property is five thousand dollars or more but less than twenty thousand dollars;
- A class 4 felony when the aggregate damage to the real or personal property is twenty thousand dollars or more but less than one hundred thousand dollars;
- A class 3 felony when the aggregate damage to the real or personal property is one hundred thousand dollars or more but less than one million dollars; and
- A class 2 felony when the aggregate damage to the real or personal property is one million dollars or more.
For the man above, the total damage of his graffiti was just under $5,000, which means that he is facing the class 6 felony Criminal Mischief charge.