In New Jersey, anyone implicated in vandalizing, removing, damaging, or tampering with property belonging to another could be prosecuted for criminal mischief. The type of property that is damaged and the severity of the damage will determine the range of possible penalties that may follow a conviction.
Whether you live in Mercer County's larger cities, such as Hamilton Township and Trenton, or smaller communities, allegations of criminal mischief often follow contentious disputes or escalating conflicts involving high emotions.
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 Mercer County, New Jersey
In New Jersey, a criminal mischief charge is appropriate if an individual:
“(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 institution of eviction proceedings.”
If convicted, the sanction received depends on the type of property, the amount of damage sustained by the property, and if anyone was hurt or killed as a result of the damage.
The Grading of Criminal Mischief Charges and Related Penalties
The grading of criminal mischief charges begins with a disorderly person's offense and increases to second-degree charges. More serious charges lead to harsher penalties.
Disorderly Persons Offense
If the property damage costs no more than $500, the conduct is considered a disorderly persons offense. A disorderly person offense may be punished with:
- Fines of up to $1,000.
- 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.
- 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 a grave, crypt, or other place where human remains are stored.
- This causes damage that interrupts or impairs public communication and transportation, as well as the provision of water, oil, gas, 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.
- Up to three to five years in prison.
Second-degree Criminal Mischief
Second-degree criminal mischief offenses 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.
- A prison sentence of up to 10 years.
If you are charged with criminal mischief, call the Lento Law Firm for help.
FBI Reports Increase in Criminal Mischief in New Jersey
In recent years, New Jersey has experienced increased property crimes, including 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 has responded by increasing the potential penalties 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 in Mercer County
If you attend Princeton University, The College of New Jersey, Thomas Edison State University, Mercer County Community College, or any other school in Mercer County, you may know that students often find themselves involved in activities that could lead to criminal mischief.
It is easy to see how students may engage in a prank that goes wrong or that campus activism can heat up and become destructive. In most cases, your school will insist that students who have engaged 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. You should expect both the criminal judicial and the student discipline processes to be adversarial.
Your school will not protect you. Instead, your college or university will defend its reputation, secure its property, buildings, and infrastructure, and assure students, parents, and alumni of its commitment to safety and security.
You don't have to navigate the New Jersey criminal justice system alone. The Lento Law Firm defends students accused of criminal mischief in Mercer County, New Jersey. 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 fines and jail time. No one wants to be incarcerated or pay hefty fines. Furthermore, the adverse collateral consequences often undermine every aspect of your life.
A conviction for criminal mischief may appear in future background checks, creating 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 financial security may be in jeopardy.
Additionally, a conviction may jeopardize your reputation, relationships, and child custody arrangements.
Any of these challenges alone could have a significant impact on your mental health and welfare. When combined, a criminal prosecution or conviction will have long-reaching impacts.
To protect yourself from these repercussions, build a defense team as soon as you learn you may be the target of a criminal investigation. Let the Lento Law Firm defend you from criminal mischief charges. Our experienced attorneys are ready to help protect your future, and it's never too early to contact the Criminal Defense Team.
Developing a Comprehensive Criminal Defense Strategy with the Lento Law Firm
If you have been charged with criminal mischief in Mercer County, you must quickly build a defense team to protect you and your rights, and the Lento Law Firm should be your first call. As your Criminal Defense Team, our experienced attorneys can develop and execute a criminal defense strategy tailored to you and your unique circumstances.
We can help you navigate the New Jersey criminal justice system by:
- Analyzing the charges and evidence against you.
- Ensuring that law enforcement and prosecutors honor your constitutional rights.
- Identifying weaknesses in the prosecution's case and possible defenses to the charges.
- Leading our own investigation to find exonerating witnesses and evidence.
- Advising 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.
- Negotiating with prosecutors and judges for dismissal, reduced penalties, or lesser charges.
- Applying our knowledge of New Jersey criminal law, the rules of evidence and criminal procedures, and trial advocacy to your defense.
New Jersey's criminal justice system is adversarial. You don't want to navigate it alone. Instead, you can partner with Lento Law Firm, and our experienced criminal defense attorneys will fight to protect you and your future.
The Lento Law Firm Criminal Defense Team Can Help
If you are accused of criminal mischief or other criminal activities in Mercer County, the stakes are high. You may feel isolated, angry, and uncertain about your next step. Don't let uncertainty keep you from protecting yourself and your future.
Let the Lento Law Firm Criminal Defense Team manage your defense and challenge the allegations made against you. To discuss your case with our experienced attorneys, call our offices at 888-535-3686 or complete a confidential online form.
