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Criminal Damage

Phoenix Criminal Damage Attorneys

What Is Criminal Damage?

You can be charged with criminal damage if you damage or deface any property belonging to another person, or if you tamper with the property of another person, resulting in the impairment of its value or function. Tampering or damaging with the property of utility is also considered criminal damage. Graffiti is criminal damage if you draw or inscribe anything on any building, structure, or surface that is not yours or without the permission of the lawful owner. The experienced and knowledgeable criminal damage attorneys at MayesTelles PLLC can help you protect your rights.

Call (602) 428-7104 today to speak to a Phoenix criminal damage attorney at MayesTelles PLLC.

What Are the Penalties for Criminal Damage?

The consequences for a criminal damage conviction vary depending on the value of the damage.

Below is a brief overview of the charges and potential penalties for varying degrees of criminal damage:

  • Class 2 Misdemeanor: When the damaged property is valued at less than $250; penalties include up to 4 months in jail, up to $750 in fines, and 2 years’ probation
  • Class 1 Misdemeanor: When the damaged property is valued at less than $1,000; penalties include up to 6 months in jail, up to $2,500 in fines, and 3 years’ probation
  • Class 6 Felony: When the damaged property is valued between $1,000 and $2,000; penalties include up to 2 years in prison, up to $150,000 in fines, and 3 years’ probation for a first offense
  • Class 5 Felony: When the damaged property is valued between $2,000 and $10,000; penalties include up to 2.5 years in prison, up to $150,000 in fines, and 3 years’ probation for a first offense
  • Class 4 Felony: When the damaged property is valued at $10,000 or more; penalties include up to 3.75 years in prison, up to $150,000 in fines, and 4 years’ probation for a first offense

Additionally, when an individual is charged with recklessly causing $5,000 worth of damage to a public utility, he or she can be charged with a class 4 felony. Penalties include up to 3.75 years in prison, up to $150,000 in fines, and 4 years’ probation for a first offense

In any case, prosecutors need only prove that the damage was the result of reckless behavior. For example if a person was in a car accident and damaged a utility pole and that person was found to have been speeding, the prosecutor will seek a conviction on the basis that the speeding was the reckless cause to the damage to the utility pole. 

Graffiti is one of the most common offenses charged as criminal damage. Most courts require a term of incarceration for a graffiti offense even it is a first offense. In other cases people mistakenly believe that if they damage property in their own apartment they cannot be charged with criminal damage; however, if you are not the owner of the damaged property, you can be charged.

Defending against Criminal Damage Allegations

There are many variations and defenses to criminal damage allegations. What is common about all criminal damage charges is that they are serious and will likely result in incarnation if convicted. The experienced and knowledgeable criminal damage defense attorneys at MayesTelles PLLC are here to help you.

We can use any of the following defenses to help fight for reduced or dismissed charges:

  • Innocence
  • Insufficient to cause damage to the property
  • Lack of intent to cause damage
  • Lack of reckless activity
  • Damage did not impair usefulness or value of property

Contact MayesTelles PLLC for Criminal Damage Defense

If you have been arrested for a criminal damage allegation, there are harsh penalties on the line. Our firm has had extensive success taking on these types of cases and we can help you. Our top priority is building the most effective defense possible to help our clients achieve the desired outcome.

Get started now by scheduling a free consultation with us! Contact a Phoenix criminal damage lawyer at MayesTelles PLLC by calling (602) 428-7104.

We've Won Thousands of Cases

  • Criminal Damage & Leaving the Scene

    Our client, D.S., was charged with one count of Criminal Damage (a class 1 misdemeanor) and one count of Leaving the Scene of an Accident (a class 2 misdemeanor). We were able to get the client's case dismissed.

  • Open Container Violation

    Our client, T.O., was charged with an open container violation which is a class 1 misdemeanor. We were able to secure a "not guilty" verdict at trial. Location: Scottsdale Municipal Court

  • Criminal Damage (Felony 5)

    Our client was facing one count of Criminal Damage, a fifth degree felony. We were able to achieve an entire case dismissal.

Why Choose MayesTelles PLLC?

  • Nearly 200 Years of Combined Experience
  • Thousands of Cases Successfully Handled
  • Voted Top 100 Trial Lawyers
  • Available to Our Clients 24/7
  • Former Prosecutors & Law Enforcement
  • AV Preeminent Rated Attorneys

Contact Us Today

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CLIENT TESTIMONIALS

Hear From Past Clients We've Helped
    "I would recommend them 1,000%"
    The entire staff was so kind and nobody treated me any different because of my past! There are no words I can give you to thank you for what your company has done for me!! Thank you so much!
    - K.H.
    "Only Pick MayesTelles"
    I sure hope to never get in trouble again but when I did I put my money and trust in MayesTelles. Not only do they listen, they CARE! As if it was them in my shoes! They don't judge you or make you feel uncomfortable and you can sit back and relax.
    - L. M.
    "Put My Mind at Ease"
    I never thought I would be someone needing a criminal lawyer. Choosing Mayes Telles was a great choice which has put my mind at ease. Melanie Laboy has been super responsive to my case and kept me informed during this entire process.
    - E.W.
    "I had a great experience and would definitely recommend David Lish."
    Got myself in some trouble and David Lish pulled me right out. He was really good at making me feel comfortable and helping me understand exactly what was going on with my case. David made my Felony go down to a misdemeanor and allowed me to come home to N
    - Elizabeth
    "Zach Thornley the greatest criminal lawyer at Mayes Telles"
    Zach turned hell to heaven (not guilty) for me and I will never say enough thank you for the fantastic job he did!!!!! Zach thank you
    - SG
    "The Best Lawyer in My Experience"
    David Telles is the best lawyer in my experience. It was a pretty big case, but he handled very professionally. My case was dismissed, I was very happy with the result and I am really thanks to David Telles.
    - Hanna
    "Professional, fair, and successful results for our clients."
    We are often asked what law firm do we see offers excellent advice and successful results for our clients and we tell them Mayes Telles. Blake Mayes, David Telles and Dean Turnbow have had fantastic communication with our office and our clients can't speak
    - Sanctuary Bail Bonds
    "Professional, fair, and successful results for our clients."
    We are often asked what law firm do we see offers excellent advice and successful results for our clients and we tell them Mayes Telles. Blake Mayes, David Telles and Dean Turnbow have had fantastic communication with our office...
    - Sanctuary Bail Bonds