Arizona Criminal Damage Attorney

Have you been charged with aggravated criminal damage to Arizona's public or private building? If so, you need our Arizona criminal damage attorney to defend you.

At Genesis DUI & Criminal Defense Lawyers, we know the serious nature of an aggravated criminal damage charge. Our Phoenix criminal damage attorney is ready to defend your rights and protect your freedom.

Criminal property damage in Arizona is prosecuted vigorously. You do not want to leave anything to chance, as a criminal damage conviction could change your life forever. Learn more about aggravated criminal damage charges below. Then, contact our experienced criminal defense lawyer to schedule a free consultation.

Our Arizona Criminal Damage Attorney Can Defend Your Rights

Facing charges of criminal damage in Arizona can be a daunting experience that threatens your freedom and future. Our Arizona criminal damage attorney is well-versed in state laws and has a strong track record of defending clients.

We understand the intricacies of the legal system and how overwhelming it can be for someone accused of a crime. We aim to provide a strong defense that protects your rights and aims for the best possible outcome.

We approach each case with a detailed strategy tailored to the specifics of the charges and the evidence presented. Our legal team works tirelessly to challenge the prosecution's claims and ensure your side of the story is heard clearly and persuasively.

By leveraging our extensive knowledge and experience, we aim to reduce or dismiss the charges against you. Trust our firm to navigate these complex legal waters with the utmost dedication to your case.

Criminal Damage Attorney in Arizona

A person commits criminal damage by carelessly ruining another person's property, drawing graffiti on anything other than the ground without permission from the owner, or recklessly tampering with utility property. An example of a utility property would be the property of a gas or electric company.

A person may also commit criminal damage by carelessly parking a vehicle in a manner that blocks livestock from the only reasonable source of water.

Examples of Criminal Damage

• Vandalism: This involves intentionally damaging property, like graffiti on walls or breaking windows. Vandalism can lead to criminal charges, especially if the destruction is significant. Our attorneys help argue against the intent or scale of the damage claimed.
• Defacing public or private property: If someone paints or marks another's property without permission, it's considered defacing. Defacing property can include spray painting a bridge or carving into a bench. We can challenge these allegations by questioning the evidence or the identification of the accused.
• Vehicle tampering: Tampering with someone else's vehicle, whether by slashing tires or breaking mirrors, falls under criminal damage. Such actions result in charges and can lead to claims for substantial compensation. Our team works to mitigate these issues through legal defenses and negotiations.
• Damage to utility property: Damaging utility fixtures such as water, gas, or electrical systems is a serious offense. This type of criminal damage can have widespread consequences and severe penalties. We focus on reducing the impact of such charges by proving a lack of intent or disputing the extent of the alleged damage.
• Breaking and entering damage: This occurs when someone illegally enters a property and causes damage during the process. It could be breaking a lock, door, or window. Our defense strategies often involve disproving the presence or intent of the accused at the scene.

What You Should Do If Charged With Criminal Damage in Arizona

1. Do not admit guilt or discuss the incident with anyone but your attorney.Anything you say can be used against you in court.
2. Contact a qualified criminal defense attorney immediately. A skilled lawyer can guide you through the legal process and protect your rights.
3. Document everything related to the incident. Keep track of any evidence, such as photos or videos, supporting your case.
4. Follow all legal advice and court orders. This includes appearing on all scheduled court dates and following the restrictions set by the court.
5. Request a copy of the police report. This document contains details about the allegations and evidence against you.
6. Avoid any contact with the victims. Interaction could be misinterpreted and used to further the case against you.
7. Prepare for your defense. Work closely with your attorney to gather evidence and formulate a strategy.

Penalties for Criminal Damage in the State of Arizona

Criminal damage valued at less than $250 and unrelated to gang activity is a class 2 misdemeanor, punishable by up to four months in jail and fines of up to $750. Criminal damage is a class 1 misdemeanor if a person causes $250 to $1,000 in damages to the property of another. For a class 1 misdemeanor, a person may be sentenced to a maximum of up to six months in jail and fined up to $2,500.

Criminal damage is a class 6 felony if a person causes $1,000 to $2,000 in damages to another person's own personal property. A class 6 felony is punishable by up to two years in prison.

Criminal damage is a class 5 felony if a person causes $2,000 to $10,000 in damages to the property of another or if the damage caused is linked to gang activity. A class 5 felony is punishable by six months to 2.5 years in prison.

Criminal damage is a class 4 felony if a person causes $10,000 or more in damages to property of another person's property. It is also a class 4 felony to cause $5,000 or more in damages to utility property or damage it in a way that causes a safety hazard. A class 4 felony is punishable by one year to 3.75 years in prison.

For any felony conviction, a person may also face fines of up to $150,000.

How To Get Your Case Dismissed

Achieving a case dismissal requires a strong defensive strategy and an understanding of the legal grounds for dismissal without criminal intent.

Our team thoroughly investigates each case to identify any procedural errors or rights violations that could lead to dismissal. We scrutinize the prosecution's evidence to find flaws or inconsistencies. Our proactive approach can substantially increase the chances of your charges being dropped.

In addition to challenging the prosecution's case, we explore alternative resolutions. This may include negotiating for lesser charges or qualifying for a diversion program, which could ultimately lead to a dismissal.

We focus on protecting your reputation and minimizing the impact of the charges on your future. We are committed to providing a defense that fights for dismissal and safeguards your long-term interests.

Should You Take a Plea Bargain?

Deciding whether to accept a plea bargain is a critical decision that should not be made without thorough legal advice. A plea bargain can offer a quicker resolution and potentially lighter penalties than a trial, but it also requires you to plead guilty to a charge.

Our attorneys provide clear, straightforward advice on the benefits and risks associated with plea bargains. We ensure you understand all your options so you can make an informed decision.

It's important to consider how a plea bargain could affect your future, such as potential employment consequences or legal records. Our firm evaluates every angle of your case, including the strength of the evidence against you and the likelihood of achieving a better outcome at trial.

We cover the long-term impacts of criminal acts and negotiate the most favorable terms possible if you decide to accept a plea. We stand by your side, ensuring your rights are protected.

You Need a Criminal Defense Attorney To Protect Your Rights

A seasoned criminal defense attorney with knowledgeable legal representation is essential when charged with criminal damage in Arizona. Our legal team is dedicated to defending your rights and achieving the best outcome.

We employ our deep criminal law knowledge and tactical defense strategies to challenge the charges against you. Our firm is committed to working relentlessly on your behalf every step of the way.

In our continuous effort to defend your freedom, we maintain open and honest communication, keeping you informed and involved. We understand the stress and uncertainty that criminal charges bring, and we strive to make the legal process as clear and manageable as possible.

We minimize the potential penalties and prevent the charges from disrupting your life. Trust in our expertise and dedication to fight for your rights and future.

Contact Us For a Free Consultation with Our Arizona Criminal Damage Attorney

Have you been accused of being a member of a criminal street gang? Criminal damage charges are always serious. It would help if you had the strongest criminal damage defense lawyer possible. We are ready to defend your rights at Genesis DUI & Criminal Defense Lawyers.

We are located in Arizona and offer a free legal consultation. Our criminal defense lawyer in Arizona is ready to discuss your criminal charges. Contact us today to schedule a free case consultation.

Canyon State Law in Mesa

3707 E Southern Ave Mesa, AZ 85206

(480) 405-1847

All initial consultations are free, and we will help you quickly determine what to do with your pending criminal charges. Our criminal damage attorneys and staff are friendly and understanding of your situation.

We can help you if you have been arrested and charged with any of the following crimes in Arizona:

• Domestic Violence
• Assault
• Indecent Exposure
• Public Sexual Indecency
• Criminal Trespass First Degree
• Criminal Trespass Second Degree
• Criminal Trespass Third-Degree
• Theft
• Prostitution
• Disorderly conduct

Criminal Damage Attorneys Near Me

Canyon State Law has criminal damage attorneys in convenient locations across Maricopa, Pinal, and other counties in Arizona. Visit our web page for each of these cities for more specific information:

• Mesa, AZ
• Gilbert, AZ
• Surprise, AZ
• Peoria, AZ
• Chandler, AZ
• Queen Creek, AZ
• Pinal County, AZ
• Scottsdale, AZ