CRIMINAL DEFENSE
Criminal Mischief
Criminal Mischief And Vandalism Defense Attorney
If you or your child was arrested for damaging another person’s property, the case may carry fines, probation, jail exposure, and even a misdemeanor or felony conviction depending on the alleged loss amount.
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Texas Penal Code Section 28.03 prohibits intentionally or knowingly damaging another person’s tangible property, tampering with property and causing monetary loss or substantial inconvenience, or drawing or placing markings on another person’s property without effective consent.
Defenses often center on consent, identity, intent, and the true amount of damage. In many cases the claimed pecuniary loss is exaggerated, and challenging the value of the damage can be an effective way to reduce the level of the offense.
The punishment level rises with the dollar value of the damage. At the low end it may be a fine-only Class C misdemeanor, while higher alleged losses can elevate the charge to jail, state-jail, or felony levels carrying years in prison.
We work to get these cases dismissed where possible and to reduce the charge where the evidence or valuation does not support the level alleged by the state. Early investigation and damage-value analysis can make a major difference.
