The criminal offense of Criminal Mischief occurs often in Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Broward County, Miami Dade County, and many other parts of South Florida. Broward County and Miami Dade County are hot spots for Criminal Mischief. Police officers charge people with Criminal Mischief because it is a very broadly defined criminal offense that can encompass many forms of behavior. To prove the criminal offense of Criminal Mischief, the State Attorney must prove beyond a reasonable doubt that the criminal suspect injured or damaged property, that the property injured or damaged belonged to another, and that the injury or damage was done willfully and maliciously. Property can be injured or damaged by administering graffiti to it, breaking it, or doing other acts of vandalism to it. “Willfully” means intentionally, knowingly, and purposely. “Maliciously” means wrongfully, intentionally, without legal justification or excuse, and with the knowledge that injury or damage will or may be caused to another person or the property of another person. The punishment provided by law for the crime of Criminal Mischief is greater depending upon the value of the property damaged. Therefore, if the jury finds the criminal suspect guilty of Criminal Mischief, the jury must determine by its verdict whether the damage to the property was $1,000 or greater, whether by reason of the damage there was an interruption or impairment of a business operation or public communication, transportation, supply of water, gas or power, or other public service which cost $1,000 or more in labor and supplies to restore, whether the damage to the property was greater than $200 but less than $1,000, or whether the damage to the property was $200 or less.
A criminal defense lawyer can help to defend you against a charge of Criminal Mischief and help to prepare an argument as to why the criminal charge should be dropped or the case dismissed. Kenneth P. Hassett is a criminal defense attorney serving Fort Lauderdale, Broward County, and Miami Dade County of South Florida. He has represented many clients charged with Criminal Mischief and he possesses the amount of experience that helps to put clients more at ease. He is familiar with the court systems of Fort Lauderdale, Broward County, and Miami Dade County, as well as other areas in South Florida. Call for an immediate free consultation with a Fort Lauderdale Criminal Mischief Lawyer 24 hours per day seven days per week.
806.13 Criminal mischief; penalties; penalty for minor.
Disclaimer
The information on this page does not represent legal advice. Florida Statues obtained from Online Sunshine, www.leg.state.fl.us, the official site of the Florida Legislature. Because the law is continually changing, some of the provisions contained herein may be out of date. It is always wise to seek counsel from an experienced criminal attorney like Kenneth Hassett.
If you have been charged as an Accessory After the Fact or a Principal in the First Degree to a criminal offense in Broward or Miami-Dade County, call Criminal Defense Attorney Kenneth P. Hassett.