Criminal Mischief Defined
Criminal mischief (O.R.C. 2909.07) typically denotes damage, destruction, or interference to another person’s property; however, there are a number of circumstances in the statute that affect the grade of the charge and potential penalties. This means you could face a misdemeanor or felony conviction, which can lead to jail or prison time, heavy fines, loss of professional licenses, loss of firearm rights, and other serious consequences.
Don’t risk facing this challenge alone. Get in touch with a qualified Cleveland criminal mischief lawyer today by calling Patituce & Associates at (440) 471-7784. We are here to help you!
Misdemeanor & Felony Criminal Mischief in Ohio
When the alleged conduct creates a risk of injury to others, the charge is a first-degree misdemeanor, with up to six months in jail if you’re convicted. Similarly, when a computer is tampered with under the statute, you’ll also face a first-degree misdemeanor charge, with penalties scaling up based on the losses the victim suffers.
Criminal mischief can be a felony crime. When aircraft, their parts, or their cargo are tampered with and create the risk of harm to another, the charge will be a fifth-degree felony, with 6 – 12 months’ incarceration if convicted. When the act is against an occupied aircraft or poses a substantial risk of harm to another, it’s a fourth-degree felony. This means you can face up to 18 months in prison.
Representing Criminal Mischief Cases in Cleveland & Beyond
As former prosecutors, our Cleveland criminal defense lawyers understand the ins and outs of prosecution tactics. Coupled with more than seven decades of combined experience in the legal field, this knowledge is just one of the reasons our firm may be the right choice for your criminal mischief case.
If you or someone you love was arrested, don’t wait to contact our Cleveland criminal mischief attorneys now for a free, no-obligation case evaluation at (440) 471-7784.