The crime of Criminal Mischief involves damage or destruction to another’s personal property. The value of the property damaged will determine whether the crime is a felony or a misdemeanor. For example, if the damaged property is valued at $200 or less, it will be a second degree misdemeanor (punishable by not more than 60 days in jail and not more than a $500 fine). However, if the value is more than $200 but less than $1,000, you will be charged with a first degree misdemeanor (punishable by not more than 1 year in jail and not more than $1,000 fine). If the value of the damaged item was more than $1,000, you will be charged with a felony.
Typically, victims usually estimate that the value of the damaged property is worth more than it actually is. Therefore, it is important to be represented by a lawyer who can protect against such unreasonable estimations in value. Convictions for Criminal Mischief will always carry restitution orders. This means that you will be required to reimburse the victim for the damage done.
If you or a friend or family member were arrested for Criminal Mischief, regardless of whether the crime allegedly occurred in Melbourne, Palm Bay, Cocoa, Cocoa Beach, Merritt Island, Titusville, Rockledge, Cape Canaveral, Satellite Beach, Indian Harbour Beach, West Melbourne, Melbourne Village, Melbourne Beach, Indialantic, Palm Shores, Grant-Valkaria, Mims, or anywhere else in Brevard County, Florida, Contact me to immediately schedule your free consultation.