Castle Rock Vandalism Lawyer

Have you or someone you love been charged with vandalism in Castle Rock, Colorado? Take a deep breath – help is on the way.

Vandalism charges can be scary, but an experienced Castle Rock vandalism lawyer can guide you through the legal process and give you the best chance at a favorable outcome.

At Right Law Group, we’ve spent decades helping good people defend themselves when accused of criminal mischief and property damage crimes.

We approach each case with compassion and a commitment to robust defense. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you or your loved one.

What is Vandalism Under Colorado Law?

Let’s start by making sure we all understand what vandalism means in the eyes of the law here in Colorado. Also known as “criminal mischief,” vandalism refers to intentionally or knowingly damaging property without consent from the owner.

Common examples include spray painting graffiti, keying a car, breaking windows, and other acts that deface or destroy someone else’s belongings.

Whether vandalism is charged as a misdemeanor or felony depends on the extent of damage done. Misdemeanors apply to smaller acts of vandalism, while felonies come into play when the property damage is more extensive. Rest assured; we have successfully defended clients against vandalism accusations of all types and severity levels throughout Colorado.

Common Defenses Against Vandalism Charges

If you have been wrongly accused of vandalism, there are numerous ways a skilled defense attorney can fight the charges and protect your rights.

Some of the most effective legal defenses we may use include:

• Challenging the lack of solid evidence – The prosecution has the burden of proving beyond a reasonable doubt that you committed the vandalism. If the evidence is weak or circumstantial, we can argue reasonable doubt exists and demand acquittal.
• Mistaken identity – Eyewitness misidentification is a leading cause of wrongful convictions. We will scrutinize any photo lineups or in-person identifications used and potentially suppress them from court if improperly conducted.
• No criminal intent – For a vandalism conviction, the state must prove you “knowingly” damaged the property. If you can show it was a genuine accident or you had no intent to cause damage, it may not meet the criteria for a crime.
• Lawful justification – Certain circumstances provide legal justification for property damage, such as to avert greater impending harm. Self-defense or defense of others may also justify otherwise criminal acts.
• Lack of meaningful damage – Some states recognize a “de minimis” defense when any damage caused is negligible. We may argue the victim incurred no material loss.
• Mental state – If you were experiencing a psychiatric issue that impacted your conduct, this may provide a defense.
• Duress/coercion – If you can demonstrate you were forced or threatened into committing the alleged vandalism by another person, this can defeat the charges against you.
• Unconstitutional search – If evidence was obtained via an illegal search, we could possibly get it suppressed.

Don’t give up hope if accused of vandalism. With an assertive legal defense focused on the specifics of your case, we can show the court there is reasonable doubt in light of these alternative explanations.

Penalties for Vandalism/Criminal Mischief Charges in Colorado

Make no mistake, vandalism convictions carry stiff penalties here in Castle Rock. Under CRS 18-4-501, criminal mischief carries the following penalties.

• Restitution to victims is always required.
• Community service may also be mandated.

Speak to an experienced Castle Rock criminal defense attorney about fighting your vandalism charges and avoiding the most severe penalties.

The good news is that with an attorney’s help, you may be able to negotiate a plea bargain, resulting in dramatically reduced penalties, community service instead of jail time, or even a dismissal of charges. Don’t leave your fate to chance.