In New Jersey, you may be charged with criminal mischief if you've been caught vandalizing, removing, damaging, or tampering with property. The circumstances that lead to criminal mischief are varied and can include an individual breaking a neighbor's property after an escalating conflict, a tenant destroying the property they rent, or college students vandalizing their school's property during a protest. The severity of the offense will determine the range of possible penalties that may follow a conviction.
At the Lento Law Firm, we defend individuals charged with criminal mischief in Camden County, New Jersey. If you are arrested, our Criminal Defense Team can help. Call the Lento Law Firm offices today at 888-535-3686 or complete our online form to discuss your case.
Criminal Mischief in Camden County, New Jersey
Under New Jersey law, an individual is guilty of criminal mischief if they:
“(1) Purposely 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) Purposely, knowingly or recklessly tampers with tangible property of another so as to endanger person or property, including the damaging or destroying of rental premises by a tenant in retaliation for the institution of eviction proceedings.”
The grading of criminal mischief charges becomes increasingly severe based on the amount of property damage, the nature of the property that was damaged, and whether a person was hurt or killed as a result of the damage. The more severe the criminal mischief, the greater the potential sanctions.
Disorderly Persons Offense
If the property damage costs no more than $500, the conduct is considered a disorderly persons offense. A disorderly person's offense may be punished with fines of up to $1,000 and up to six months in jail.
Fourth-degree Criminal Mischief
A fourth-degree criminal mischief charge is appropriate when the property damage is greater than $500 but less than $2,000. Criminal mischief in the fourth degree includes other specific forms of property destruction, such as:
- The damage, removal, or impairment of any signs, signals, lights, or other devices used at an airport, landing field, heliport, or other aviation facility.
- The interference or tampering with any airport, landing field, landing strip, heliport, helistop, or other aviation facility.
- The purposeful or knowing breaking, obstructing, or tampering with pipes or mains for gas, oil, water, or the cutting or destruction of public service or utility property, such as pipes, lines, wires, or cables used for gas, oil, water, electricity, or telecommunication.
Fourth-degree criminal mischief carries penalties of fines up to $10,000 and up to 18 months in prison.
Third-degree Criminal Mischief
A third-degree criminal mischief charge is appropriate if the intentional property damage was valued at $2,000 or more. Other actions that may illicit a third-degree criminal mischief charge include:
- Damaging or disrupting research property or a research facility
- Tampering with a grave, crypt, or other place where human remains are stored.
- Causing damage that interrupts or impairs public communication, transportation, the provision of water, oil, gas, or power, or any other public service
- Damaging or removing a sign, signal, or air traffic controls and causing bodily injury or damage to property.
- Tampering with an airport, landing field, heliport, or other aviation facility and recklessly causing property damage or bodily injury.
A third-degree criminal mischief conviction carries penalties of up to $15,000 and a prison term of three to five years.
Second-degree Criminal Mischief
Second-degree criminal mischief offenses are extremely serious and applied to the most severe circumstances in which an individual's property damage or tampering recklessly causes death. Second-degree criminal mischief, including impairment or interruption of essential public services, such as water, oil, gas, or power, that recklessly results in a death. The second-degree criminal mischief offense can carry penalties of up to $150,000 in fines and up to 10 years in state prison.
Increasing Criminal Mischief Complaints Across New Jersey
In recent years, New Jersey has experienced an increase in property crime, which includes criminal mischief, burglary, and trespassing. The FBI's Uniform Crime Reporting Program documented that 124,280 property crimes were reported in 2022 and 133,141 property crimes were reported in 2023.
The New Jersey legislature, hoping to deter others from engaging in property crimes, has responded by increasing the potential jail time for some property crimes and allowing juveniles to be charged as adults in certain circumstances.
New Jersey's intention to crack down on property crimes may lead to an increasing focus on investigating, charging, and prosecuting criminal mischief. If you find yourself the target of a criminal mischief allegation, the experienced Criminal Defense Team at the Lento Law Firm can prepare your best defense.
College Students and Criminal Mischief
Colleges and universities are frequently locations for acts of criminal mischief. From pranks gone wrong to campus activism, college and university students have opportunities to be involved or implicated in vandalism and other forms of criminal mischief. In most cases, your school will insist that students implicated in criminal mischief against the institution's property or facilities face criminal arrest and prosecution.
When a college or university student is accused of criminal mischief related to their school, they can face both criminal prosecution for the crime and a related school disciplinary proceeding. In these cases, your school will not try to protect you. Instead, your college or university will focus on protecting its reputation, along with its property, buildings, and infrastructure.
The Lento Law Firm defends students accused of criminal mischief in Camden County, New Jersey. If you're arrested for criminal mischief or any other crime, our experienced attorneys can help you navigate the New Jersey criminal court system.
The Collateral Consequences of a Conviction for Criminal Mischief
A conviction for criminal mischief can easily result in penalties such as fines and jail time. Additionally, the adverse collateral consequences of a conviction can touch and undermine every corner of your life.
A conviction for criminal mischief may appear in future background checks. In turn, this can create problems when you look for housing or apply for jobs.
If you hold a professional license, you may find that a criminal mischief conviction limits your ability to maintain or renew your license. Without the license required to participate in your profession, your career and, ultimately, your financial security may be in jeopardy.
Additionally, a conviction may jeopardize your reputation, personal relationships, and child custody arrangements. Any of these challenges alone could have a significant impact on your mental health and welfare. When combined, many individuals suffer greatly before, during, and after a criminal prosecution.
You must protect yourself from these adverse repercussions by taking quick and decisive action when you realize that you could be the target of a criminal investigation. Let the Lento Law Firm Team defend you from criminal mischief charges. Our experienced attorneys are ready to help protect your future.
Develop a Comprehensive Criminal Defense Strategy with the Lento Law Firm
If you have been charged with criminal mischief in Camden County, it is never too early to call the Lento Law Firm for help. As your Criminal Defense Team, our experienced attorneys can create and coordinate your criminal defense strategy, including:
- Analyzing the charges and evidence against you to identify possible defenses.
- Leading our own investigation to find exonerating witnesses and evidence.
- Advising you on the charges, the legal process, possible sentences, and any diversionary programs for which you are eligible. Participation in New Jersey's Pretrial Intervention Program may lead to the dismissal of criminal mischief charges.
- Negotiating with prosecutors and judges for dismissal, reduced penalties, or lesser charges.
- Reviewing the conduct of law enforcement and prosecutors to ensure your constitutional and due process rights are protected.
- Representing you before, during, or after a trial and advocating for your best interests at all times.
New Jersey's criminal courts are adversarial. You cannot depend on law enforcement, the prosecuting attorney, or even the judge to look out for you. Instead, you can count on our Criminal Defense Team to apply their knowledge of New Jersey criminal law, the rules of evidence and criminal procedures, and trial advocacy to your defense and to further your best interests. The experienced criminal defense attorneys of the Lento Law Firm are committed to protecting you.
Let the Lento Law Firm Criminal Defense Team Help
If you've been arrested or charged with criminal mischief or any other crime in Camden County, you may be confused, angry, and unsure of your next step. Contact the Lento Law Firm Criminal Defense Team to build the defense team you need to confront your accuser and fight the allegations made against you.
You don't need to navigate the New Jersey criminal judicial system alone. Let the Lento Law Firm Criminal Defense Team manage your defense, and we will fight for you and your future. To discuss your case with our experienced attorneys, call our offices at 888-535-3686 or complete a confidential online form.
