Cherry Hill Criminal Mischief Attorney
Criminal mischief is a relatively common charge that can result from a wide range of conduct in Camden County. Whether its the result of damage to the property of another person, tampering with utility service or an act of graffiti, a conviction under N.J.S.A. 2C:17-3 carries significant penalties. The truth is that something that started as a prank can escalate into something that can cause life-altering consequences. You can, in fact, even face a state prison term in a criminal mischief case. If you have been charged with criminal mischief in the City of Camden, Cherry Hill, Pennsauken, Collingswood, Stratford or another Camden County municipality, you need to contact an attorney at Marshall, Bonus, Proetta & Oliver. Our attorneys are skilled defense lawyers who have been practicing throughout the region for over 100 years. Several lawyers on our staff have also served as prosecutors. Contact our Cherry Hill Office at 856-662-8300 for a free initial consultation.
Criminal Mischief in Camden County New Jersey
The New Jersey Criminal Mischief Law is designed to address two forms of criminal mischief. The first variety of conduct that results in a violation occurs where someone “[p]urposely or knowingly damages tangible property of another or damages tangible property of another recklessly or negligently in the employment of fire, explosives or other dangerous means”. The second type of criminal mischief occurs where a defendant “[p]urposely, knowingly or recklessly tampers with tangible property of another so as to endanger person or property”. The severity of a criminal mischief offense falling under either of these categories hinges on the value of the property damaged, as well as other factors. The following is a breakdown of the grading:
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Third Degree Criminal Mischief
When an individual is convicted for a third-degree crime of criminal mischief they face a maximum fine of $15,000, a presumptive term of imprisonment of 3-5 years and other serious penalties. Criminal mischief is a third-degree crime under the following circumstances: (1) damage or loss equals or exceeds $2,000; (2) the incident causes impairment of public transportation, a public utility or communication system; (3) the conduct involves defacing, altering, damaging or the loss of property at a research facility or it disrupts activity at the facility; or (4) the conduct involves tampering with a crypt, mausoleum or grave with the intention of stealing or destroying human remains.
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Fourth Degree Criminal Mischief
Criminal mischief carries a state prison term of up to 18 months and a maximum fine of $10,000 when it is a fourth-degree crime. Criminal mischief is a fourth-degree crime when it involves: (1) loss or damage with a value of at least $500 but less than $2,000; (2) impairment, removal of damage of any air traffic devices like signs, signals or lights; or (3) tampering with any landing field, aviation facility or airport.
Haddon Heights Criminal Mischief Defense Lawyer
The lawyers at The Law Offices of Jonathan F. Marshall are skilled advocates with the tools to effectively defend your criminal mischief offense. We appreciate the risks associated with a criminal mischief charge and invest all in our resources to ensure that our clients escape a conviction. Irrespective of whether you were arrested in Somerdale, Berlin, Gloucester Township, Voorhees, Pine Hill or another town, we know what it will take to reach a favorable outcome. Our attorneys will guide you through the criminal justice system and give you straight answers and truthful information to help you determine the best method and strategy for dealing with your criminal mischief charges. Call our firm at 856-662-8300 for a thorough review of the facts of your case.
