Veteran Jacksonville Criminal Defense Attorney FLA Legal Professionals, LLC Discusses Criminal Mischief

As a criminal defense attorney serving clients in Duval, Clay, Flagler, and Baker Counties, I’ve represented a number of juveniles and young adults who have been charged with criminal mischief. Criminal mischief—or vandalism as it is often referred—occurs when a person “willfully and maliciously injures or damages by any means any real or personal property belonging to another.” Depending on factors such as the amount of damage, the type of property involved, or the location, criminal mischief can be charged as a misdemeanor or felony in the state of Florida. I have successfully defended clients who have been charged with criminal mischief in greater Jacksonville and other areas of northeast Florida.

Elements of Criminal Mischief in FL

In order for the state attorney to prosecute you for criminal mischief or vandalism, he or she must establish the following elements of the crime:

• The defendant damaged real property,
• The property was owned by the alleged victim,
• And the damage was done willfully and maliciously

Unless the prosecuting attorney can prove all three beyond a reasonable doubt, they cannot obtain a conviction. My experience as a criminal defense lawyer in Florida has taught me that it’s often difficult to prove intent in the case of criminal mischief. Because of this, it’s possible to get a Duval or Clay County state attorney to reduce or drop the charges against my clients.

Types of Criminal Mischief

Depending on the circumstances, criminal mischief can either be charged as a misdemeanor or felony. For the most part, the level of crime depends on the amount of damage:

• If the property damage is $200 or less, it’s a misdemeanor of the second degree.
• If the property damage is greater than $200 but less than $1000, it’s a misdemeanor of the first degree.
• If the property damage is over $1000, it is a third degree felony

The monetary thresholds can change based upon the circumstances surrounding the alleged crime. For instance, criminal mischief to a place of worship or religious institution becomes a felony when the amount of damage exceeds $200. Furthermore, additional fines are assessed when the criminal mischief conviction involves graffiti.

Choosing the Right Criminal Defense Lawyer to Represent You

If you or your child has been charged with criminal mischief in Duval, Flagler, or anywhere else in northeastern Florida, you need to take your defense seriously. If you choose an overloaded, overworked public defender, you may be pressured to accept a negotiated plea. At the Jacksonville law office of attorney Maria Rogers, by limiting the number of incoming cases, we’re able to give each of our clients the individual attention they deserve.

A criminal mischief charge can result in fines, jail time, and a criminal record. Experienced criminal defense attorneys are familiar with the most effective defenses—defenses that can often lead to an acquittal or reduction of charges. If you’ve been arrested, charged, or are under investigation for a crime in the State of Florida, retain the services of a reputable, effective criminal defense lawyer immediately.