Criminal Mischief

The criminal allegation of committing criminal mischief, otherwise referenced as vandalism, is found at Florida Statute 806.13. Because an allegation of the like typically involves damage to the property of another, it is imperative to employ the services of an experienced and dedicated Tampa criminal attorney as soon as possible. Alleged victims of this crime are most always very angry that their property has been damaged or destroyed and tend to be quite vengeful when it comes to recovering the cost to replace or repair the property that was damaged. As such, these alleged victims are motivated to prosecute and generally are quite cooperative with law enforcement. Every Tampa criminal lawyer at The Mayberry Law Firm is experienced in both prosecuting and defending property crimes. Our record in both defending the substantive criminal mischief allegation and ensuring that the restitution amount is correct and not excessive should a conviction occur, is impeccable. We will work to the end to ensure our client’s rights are protected to the fullest extent of the law, despite the severity of the allegation and amount of damage to the subject property.

What Is Criminal Mischief?

Criminal Mischief occurs when a person willfully or maliciously injures or damages in any way, the property of another including the placement of graffiti on such property. Depending on the amount of damage done, impairment of certain business or utility operations, amount of previous convictions for this crime or the subject matter of the property damaged, the criminal act can be classified as a second degree misdemeanor punishable by up to 60 days in jail all the way up to a third degree felony punishable by up to 5 years in the Florida Department of Corrections and a $5,000 fine. The more serious the damage, the more serious the crime. The same goes for the subject matter of a criminal property crime. As with property crimes like petty theft, grand theft, embezzlement or arson, a conviction or plea to criminal mischief will most definitely include the repayment of restitution to the alleged victim. At times, the restitution requirement can be as punitive as the actual penalty from the Court in that many alleged victims will attempt to take advantage of the system and earn a windfall. This is impermissible and our Tampa criminal attorneys will work tirelessly to ensure this doesn’t occur in your case.

How Does Criminal Mischief Generally Occur?

In many instances criminal mischief occurs in concert with an individual being intoxicated or, occurs during a dispute between significant others. Rarely does a case involving this crime occur randomly and often a certain amount of strategy must be employed to mitigate both the physical damage caused, and management of the emotions of the aggrieved party. An angry partner keying a car; an intoxicated bar goer breaking someone else’s property due to alcohol’s influence over decision making, amongst other actions, can often make up such a charge. In sum and substance, to be charged with vandalism / criminal mischief, all that need be proven is that damage has been done to the property of another, against the other person’s will.

How Can We Help?

Each of our Tampa criminal lawyers is well versed in what must be proven in all cases. Jason Mayberry was a prosecutor early in his career, prosecuting hundreds of criminal mischiefs in that time. With such a job comes the experience of what is necessary to move forward on, and successfully convict for such a crime. Since then, we have been defending Tampa criminal charges on a daily basis since we began standing up for the rights of those accused. We understand that no matter the severity of the criminal mischief, a criminal conviction can damage an individual in ways unimaginable until it happens. We will work tirelessly to provide you with the best defense possible, while earning you the best result available considering the facts and circumstances of your case. The criminal attorneys at The Mayberry Law Firm are available at 813-444-7435. Our consults are free, give us a call today. We’re here to help.