Criminal Mischief might sound like a minor offense, but in Timnath and Fort Collins, Colorado it can carry serious penalties that affect your freedom, finances, and future. What may have started as a misunderstanding, accident, or moment of frustration can quickly turn into a criminal charge with long-term consequences.
If you’ve been accused of Criminal Mischief, it’s important to understand the law, what the prosecution must prove, and how a skilled criminal defense attorney can help protect your rights.
What Is Criminal Mischief? A Fort Collins Defense Lawyer Explains
Under Colorado Revised Statute § 18-4-501, Criminal Mischief occurs when someone knowingly damages another person’s property, including jointly owned property, without the owner’s consent.
This charge can apply in a wide range of situations, from minor property damage to serious destruction involving thousands of dollars.
Larimer County Criminal Mischief Attorney: Examples of Criminal Mischief Cases
Examples of conduct that could lead to Criminal Mischief charges include:
- Breaking someone’s phone, car window, or personal belongings during an argument
- Spray-painting or vandalizing property
- Damaging a rental property or hotel room
- Keying a car or defacing public property
- Destroying property jointly owned with a spouse or partner
Even if the damage was accidental, exaggerated, or caused during an emotionally charged moment, police may still file charges.
Penalties for Criminal Mischief in Colorado
The penalties for Criminal Mischief depend on the value of the property damaged. The higher the amount of damage, the more serious the charge.
|
Value of Damage |
Charge Level |
Possible Penalties |
| Less than $300 | Pety Offense | Up to 10 days in jail and/or up to $750 in fines |
| $300 – $1,000 | Class 2 Misdemeanor | Up to 120 days in jail and/or up to $1,000 in fines |
| $1,000 – $2,000 | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 364 days in jail and/or up to $1,000 in fines |
| $2,000 – $5,000 | Class 6 Felony | 12–18 months in prison and fines up to $100,000 |
| $5,000 – $20,000 | Class 5 Felony | 1–3 years in prison and fines up to $100,000 |
| $20,000 – $100,000 | Class 4 Felony | 2–6 years in prison and fines up to $500,000 |
| $100,000 – $1,000,000 | Class 3 Felony | 4–12 years in prison and fines up to $750,000 |
| More than $1,000,000 | Class 2 Felony | 8–24 years in prison and fines up to $1,000,000 |
In addition to potential jail or prison time, a conviction may also require restitution, repayment to the alleged victim for the value of the damaged property, and can leave you with a permanent criminal record.
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 to schedule a free initial consultation. Together, we can protect your future.
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