Have you or someone you love been charged with vandalism in Castle Rock, Colorado? Take a deep breath – help is on the way.
Vandalism charges can be scary, but an experienced Castle Rock vandalism lawyer can guide you through the legal process and give you the best chance at a favorable outcome.
At Right Law Group, we’ve spent decades helping good people defend themselves when accused of criminal mischief and property damage crimes.
We approach each case with compassion and a commitment to robust defense. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you or your loved one.
Let’s start by making sure we all understand what vandalism means in the eyes of the law here in Colorado. Also known as “criminal mischief,” vandalism refers to intentionally or knowingly damaging property without consent from the owner.
Common examples include spray painting graffiti, keying a car, breaking windows, and other acts that deface or destroy someone else’s belongings.
Whether vandalism is charged as a misdemeanor or felony depends on the extent of damage done. Misdemeanors apply to smaller acts of vandalism, while felonies come into play when the property damage is more extensive. Rest assured; we have successfully defended clients against vandalism accusations of all types and severity levels throughout Colorado.
If you have been wrongly accused of vandalism, there are numerous ways a skilled defense attorney can fight the charges and protect your rights.
Some of the most effective legal defenses we may use include:
Don’t give up hope if accused of vandalism. With an assertive legal defense focused on the specifics of your case, we can show the court there is reasonable doubt in light of these alternative explanations.
Make no mistake, vandalism convictions carry stiff penalties here in Castle Rock. Under CRS 18-4-501, criminal mischief carries the following penalties.
| Property Value Range | Crime Classification | Potential Incarceration Period | Potential Monetary Penalties |
|---|---|---|---|
| Less than $300 | Petty Offense | Up to 10 days in custody | Fines not exceeding $300 |
| $300 – $999 | Class 2 Misdemeanor | Up to 120 days behind bars | Fines capped at $750 |
| $1,000 – $1,999 | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 364 days incarcerated | Fines up to $1,000 |
| $2,000 – $4,999 | Class 6 Felony | 12 to 18 months imprisonment | Monetary penalties from $1,000 to $100,000 |
| $5,000 – $19,999 | Class 5 Felony | 1 to 3 years in confinement | Fines ranging from $1,000 to $100,000 |
| $20,000 – $99,999 | Class 4 Felony | 2 to 6 years of imprisonment | Monetary penalties between $2,000 and $500,000 |
| $100,000 – $999,999 | Class 3 Felony | 4 to 12 years in prison | Fines ranging from $3,000 to $750,000 |
| $1,000,000 or more | Class 2 Felony | 8 to 24 years of incarceration | Monetary penalties between $5,000 and $1,000,000 |
Speak to an experienced Castle Rock criminal defense attorney about fighting your vandalism charges and avoiding the most severe penalties.
The good news is that with an attorney’s help, you may be able to negotiate a plea bargain, resulting in dramatically reduced penalties, community service instead of jail time, or even a dismissal of charges. Don’t leave your fate to chance.
Being accused of vandalism can be an overwhelming and frightening experience. Trying to navigate the complex criminal justice system on your own, without legal counsel, often leads to disastrous outcomes. But when you have an experienced criminal defense attorney advising you every step of the way, the odds of achieving the best resolution improve dramatically.
Here’s how legal representation protects you:
Having an advocate in your corner who knows the system and how to strategically defend your rights makes all the difference. Don’t go it alone and put your future at risk.
If you or someone you care about is facing vandalism charges, take action now by contacting Right Law Group. Complete our online form to schedule a risk-free consultation. An experienced member of our legal team will review your case details and help you craft a strategic defense to achieve the best possible outcome. Don’t leave your future to chance – call our Castle Rock vandalism defense attorneys today.
Frequently Asked Questions
Graffiti has its own specific statute under Colorado law and may be charged as anything from a petty offense to a class 2 felony, depending on the damage amount. This is more serious than some states that categorize graffiti under general criminal mischief laws.
