A client recently approached my firm, the Law Offices of Lance Fryrear , after being charged with felony malicious mischief. Malicious mischief charges involve damages to another person's property. This offense is classified as 1 st degree, 2 nd degree or 3 rd degree malicious mischief. In order to be charged with 1 st degree malicious mischief, the prosecutor will need to show probable cause that you did any of the following things:
- Caused damage to another person's property with a value of over $1,500
- Caused an impairment of public service by damaging property of the state, public transportation, an emergency motor vehicle or any other service
- Caused an impairment of the safety of an aircraft by damaging a part of the equipment, tampering with the fuel or any part of the aircraft
This would be charged as a Class B felony with harsh penalties. My client was facing 2 nd degree malicious mischief charges. This offense involves damaging another person's property with a value of more than $250 or creating a risk of impairment to a public service. A 2 nd degree malicious mischief charge is a Class C felony, which is punishable by a prison sentence of up to five years along with a fine of up to $10,000. Offenses like these can also pose a risk of other offenses such as voting and firearm rights depending on the circumstances of the crime. After representing my client, the charges were reduced to a gross misdemeanor. This means that my client avoided significant jail time along with avoiding a loss of voting rights and a loss of firearm rights. Team up with a Lynnwood criminal defense lawyer if you need help fighting against any criminal charges. I, Attorney Fryrear, offer a free personal consultation so call today and discuss your case with me!