In New Jersey, allegations of criminal mischief often arise from common disputes that become contentious, escalating conflicts involving high emotions and casual interactions that get out of hand. If property has been damaged, criminal mischief charges may follow.
If you've been accused of vandalizing, removing, damaging, or tampering with someone else's property, you could be charged with criminal mischief. If you are prosecuted, the possible sanctions you face will depend on the type of property that is damaged and the extent and severity of the damage.
Whether you live in Washington Township, Franklin Township, Woolwich Township, or any other area of Gloucester County, criminal mischief allegations should be taken seriously.
At the Lento Law Firm, we defend individuals charged with criminal mischief and other crimes in New Jersey. Call the Lento Law Firm offices today at 888-535-3686 or complete our online form to discuss your case with our Criminal Defense Team.
Criminal Mischief in Gloucester County, New Jersey
New Jersey law broadly defines criminal mischief as applying to a person who:
- “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
- "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.”
If convicted, the type of property and the amount of damage sustained by the property determine the sanction. Additionally, the most serious criminal mischief charges and penalties are reserved for cases in which someone was hurt or killed as a result of the damage.
The Grading of Criminal Mischief Charges and Related Sanctions
In New Jersey, criminal mischief charges are graded based on severity, beginning with the less severe disorderly person's offense and increasing to second-degree charges. As the charges become more severe, the penalties become harsher.
Disorderly Persons Offense
If an individual destroys or otherwise damages property and the damage costs no more than $500, they may be charged with a disorderly person's offense. A disorderly person's offense is punishable with fines of up to $1,000 and up to six months in jail.
Fourth-degree Criminal Mischief
An individual may be charged with fourth-degree criminal mischief if 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
If the intentional property damage was valued at $2,000 or more, the accused may be charged with third-degree criminal mischief. Other actions that may lead to a third-degree criminal mischief charge include:
- Damaging or disrupting research property or a research facility.
- Tampering with any place where human remains are stored, such as a grave or crypt.
- 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 fines of up to $15,000 and a three to five-year prison sentence.
Second-degree Criminal Mischief
In New Jersey, second-degree criminal mischief charges are extremely serious. An individual charged with second-degree criminal mischief may have been implicated in property damage or tampering that recklessly caused a death. Second-degree criminal mischief also includes the impairment or interruption of essential public services, such as water, oil, gas, or power, that recklessly results in death.
A second-degree criminal mischief offense can carry penalties of up to $150,000 in fines and a prison sentence of up to 10 years.
If you are charged with criminal mischief, call the Lento Law Firm for help.
College Students and Criminal Mischief in Gloucester County
If you attend Rowan College of South Jersey, Rowan University, or any other school in Gloucester County, you may have seen a prank that went wrong or witnessed how quickly a campus event can become overheated and destructive. Students often find themselves involved in activities that could lead to allegations of criminal mischief.
In most cases, colleges and universities treat damage to or vandalism of their property very seriously. Most schools will insist that any student who damages the institution's property or facilities be prosecuted.
A college or university student implicated in criminal mischief related to their school or campus may face criminal prosecution for the crime and be subject to their school's disciplinary procedures.
Any student involved in a property crime involving school property should expect both the criminal judicial and the student discipline processes to be adversarial.
You don't have to navigate the New Jersey criminal justice system alone. The Lento Law Firm defends students accused of criminal mischief in Gloucester County, New Jersey. Our experienced attorneys can help you navigate the New Jersey criminal court system.
The Stakes Are High in Criminal Mischief Trials
An arrest or conviction for criminal mischief can lead to far-reaching and adverse consequences for the accused individual.
A conviction for criminal mischief often results in serious sanctions, including fines or jail time. Additionally, the conviction may appear in future background checks and could limit job prospects and make it more difficult to find housing.
Furthermore, individuals who hold a professional license may find that their ability to maintain or renew the license has been limited by a conviction. Without the license required for their profession, it may be impossible to continue working in their chosen career.
An accusation of or conviction for criminal mischief takes its toll on personal relationships as well, jeopardizing your reputation, relationships, and child custody arrangements.
Any of these challenges alone could have a significant adverse effect on your mental health and welfare. Combined, a criminal prosecution or conviction has the potential to undermine every aspect of your life.
With so much at stake, anyone accused of criminal mischief must take swift action to protect themselves and their life. Let the Lento Law Firm defend you from criminal mischief charges. Our experienced attorneys are ready to help protect your future.
FBI Tracks Increase in Criminal Mischief in New Jersey
According to the FBI and its Uniform Crime Reporting Program, New Jersey has experienced increased property crimes, including criminal mischief, burglary, and trespassing in recent years. For New Jersey, the FBI documented 124,280 reported property crimes in 2022 and 133,141 reported property crimes in 2023.
The New Jersey legislature has responded by increasing the potential penalties for some property crimes and allowing juveniles to be charged as adults in certain circumstances. The increased attention to property crimes may lead law enforcement and prosecutors to investigate, charge, and prosecute criminal mischief more aggressively.
If you face a criminal mischief allegation, the experienced Criminal Defense Team at the Lento Law Firm can help.
Let the Lento Law Firm Develop a Comprehensive Criminal Defense Strategy on Your Behalf
If you are accused of criminal mischief or another crime in Gloucester County, you may feel angry, confused, and isolated. Don't let fear impede your judgment. Instead, partner with the Lento Law Firm and our experienced criminal defense attorneys. To protect you and your future, our Criminal Defense Team can:
- Analyze the charges and evidence against you to develop a defense strategy based on our knowledge of New Jersey criminal law and the rules of evidence and criminal procedures.
- Review the activities of law enforcement and prosecutors to ensure your constitutional rights are protected.
- Advise you on the charges, the legal process, possible sentences, and any diversionary programs, such as New Jersey's Pretrial Intervention Program, for which you may be eligible.
- Investigate the facts and witnesses of your case to identify exonerating evidence.
- Confer and negotiate with prosecutors and judges for dismissal, reduced penalties, or lesser charges.
- Advocate on your behalf during pretrial hearings, trial, and any subsequent appeals.
In New Jersey, the criminal judicial system is complex and adversarial. You don't have to navigate the courts alone.
The Lento Law Firm can help. Our Criminal Defense Team will fight on your behalf to challenge any allegation of criminal mischief made against you. To protect yourself and your future, call our offices at 888-535-3686 or complete a confidential online form.
