Pohatcong Criminal Mischief Lawyers

Criminal Defense Attorneys in Sussex and Warren County, New Jersey

Criminal Mischief Charges in NJ

According to the New Jersey Criminal Code, N.J.S.A 2C:17-3(a), a person is guilty of criminal mischief if he: (1) purposefully 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; or (2) purposefully, knowingly, or recklessly tampers with tangible property of another so as to endanger person or property, including the damaging or destroying of a rental premises by a tenant in retaliation for institution of eviction proceedings. These charges are often associated with vandalism or graffiti, but can arise in a variety of circumstances. They are also frequently issued in conjunction with charges for trespassing. Regardless of the circumstances, criminal mischief is a serious crime in New Jersey, with charges that range in severity based on the estimated monetary loss associated with the damaged property.

If you are charged with criminal mischief in Sussex County or Warren County, the defense team at our firm is ready to help you fight these charges. Having successfully represented clients in Sparta, Phillipsburg, Hackettstown, Vernon, and throughout New Jersey, we have the knowledge and experience to deliver superior results. In fact, our firm’s founder, Travis J. Tormey, has been named among the Top 40 Attorneys under 40 in the Nation, by the National Trial Lawyers Association. To discuss your criminal mischief charges with one of our NJ criminal defense attorneys today, contact us at 973-755-1695 for a cost-free consultation.

Criminal Mischief Defense Lawyers in Phillipsburg NJ

Under New Jersey law, criminal mischief is a crime of the third degree if the actor purposely or knowingly causes pecuniary loss of $2,000 or more; a crime of the fourth degree if the actor causes pecuniary loss in excess of $500 but less than $2,000; and a disorderly persons offense if the actor causes pecuniary loss of $500 or less. The criminal code also sets forth specific actions that constitute criminal mischief, ranging from fourth to second degree crimes under N.J.S.A. 2C:17-3(b)(3) to (8): damaging, defacing, eradicating, altering, releasing, or receiving any research property used by a research facility; damaging, removing or impairing the operation of any device, sign, signal, or light equipment at an airport, landing field, heliport or any other aviation facility; tampering with a grave, crypt, mausoleum or other site where human remains are stored; knowingly or purposely causing a substantial interruption or impairment of public communication, transportation, supply of utilities or other public services; knowingly or purposely breaking, digging up or obstructing any pipes or mains for conduction gas, oil, or water; or cutting, breaking down, or destroying any electric, telephone, or cable television wires.

The penalties for criminal mischief will depend on the grading of the offense and will be as follows: for second degree criminal mischief a fine of up to $150,000 and imprisonment of five to ten years; for third degree criminal mischief a fine of up to $15,000 and imprisonment of three to five years; for fourth degree criminal mischief a fine of up to $10,000 and imprisonment of up to 18 months; and for a disorderly persons offense of criminal mischief a fine of up to $1,000 and up to six months in jail. And according to N.J.S.A. 2C:17-3(c), any mischief that involves an act of graffiti may, in addition to the penalties imposed by the court, will require restitution to the property owner and community service which shall include removing the graffiti.

Contact Hackettstown Criminal Mischief Defense Attorneys to Discuss Your Case

Obviously, the penalties for criminal mischief in New Jersey are far reaching. If you are facing criminal mischief charges in Sussex County or Warren County, our criminal defense attorneys can help you defend the case in court. Simply contact our offices today to begin building your best defense.