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Castle Rock Vandalism Lawyer

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Castle Rock Vandalism Attorney

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Home > Castle Rock Vandalism Lawyer

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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.

castle rock criminal defense attorney

Penalties for Vandalism/Criminal Mischief Charges in Colorado

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

Property Value Range Crime Classification Potential Incarceration Period Potential Monetary Penalties
Less than $300 Petty Offense Up to 10 days in custody Fines not exceeding $300
$300 – $999 Class 2 Misdemeanor Up to 120 days behind bars Fines capped at $750
$1,000 – $1,999 Class 1 Misdemeanor Up to 364 days incarcerated Fines up to $1,000
$2,000 – $4,999 Class 6 Felony 12 to 18 months imprisonment Monetary penalties from $1,000 to $100,000
$5,000 – $19,999 Class 5 Felony 1 to 3 years in confinement Fines ranging from $1,000 to $100,000
$20,000 – $99,999 Class 4 Felony 2 to 6 years of imprisonment Monetary penalties between $2,000 and $500,000
$100,000 – $999,999 Class 3 Felony 4 to 12 years in prison Fines ranging from $3,000 to $750,000
$1,000,000 or more Class 2 Felony 8 to 24 years of incarceration Monetary penalties between $5,000 and $1,000,000
  • 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.

The Advantages of Working With a Castle Rock Criminal Defense Lawyer

Being accused of vandalism can be an overwhelming and frightening experience. Trying to navigate the complex criminal justice system on your own, without legal counsel, often leads to disastrous outcomes. But when you have an experienced criminal defense attorney advising you every step of the way, the odds of achieving the best resolution improve dramatically.

Here’s how legal representation protects you:

  • Your attorney serves as a guide, advising which actions to take and avoid. We ensure you don’t make damaging legal mistakes that unrepresented people often make when defending themselves. Knowledge truly is power.
  • Skilled negotiation by your lawyer frequently leads to plea bargains, resulting in significantly reduced penalties or even complete dismissal of charges in some cases. We know how to craft convincing arguments to persuade prosecutors.
  • Your attorney thoroughly scrutinizes the prosecution’s evidence and exploits technicalities or inconsistencies to get charges dismissed or knocked down to lesser infractions. We won’t take anything at face value.
  • The attorney-client privilege ensures anything you discuss with your lawyer remains 100% confidential. You can be completely open without fear it will come back to haunt you.

Having an advocate in your corner who knows the system and how to strategically defend your rights makes all the difference. Don’t go it alone and put your future at risk.

Schedule a Free Consultation Right Away

If you or someone you care about is facing vandalism charges, take action now by contacting Right Law Group. Complete our online form to schedule a risk-free consultation. An experienced member of our legal team will review your case details and help you craft a strategic defense to achieve the best possible outcome. Don’t leave your future to chance – call our Castle Rock vandalism defense attorneys today.

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Resources

Colorado criminal procedure

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  • Arrest or
    Summons
    01

    Arrest or
    Summons

    The process begins with either an arrest or a summons. The accused is either arrested or served with paperwork summoning them to appear in court. During an arrest, Miranda rights may or may not be read to you. Officers are only required to recite your rights if they intend to question you about potentially incriminating things.

  • Bond Hearing
    02

    Bond Hearing

    In most cases, you're entitled to have a reasonable bond set after you've been arrested. In situations involving domestic violence, the police will request input from the victim before setting a bond. Bonds are set to ensure that a person appears in court at their court dates. If they don’t show up, they forfeit the money that was paid for the bond.

  • Advisement of
    Charges
    03

    Advisement of
    Charges

    Whether you are arrested or given a summons to appear, the court must make sure you understand what crimes you are being accused of committing. This is called advisement of charges. The District Attorney will detail the specific charges against you, and the Judge has to make sure you understand what possible penalties are associated with that charge in the state.

  • Preliminary Hearing
    (for Higher Felony
    Charges)
    04

    Preliminary Hearing
    (for Higher Felony
    Charges)

    A preliminary hearing is a way for your defense attorney to challenge the District Attorney’s right to bring charges against you by making them prove that there is reason to believe you committed a crime. The Judge is not deciding your guilt or innocence, but rather whether or not there is probable cause to charge you with the crime in question.

  • Pretrial Conference /
    Disposition
    Hearing
    05

    Pretrial Conference /
    Disposition
    Hearing

    This court date comes after your attorney has reviewed all of the reports and evidence in your case. Here’s where your attorney will engage in plea negotiations with the DA. If they can reach an agreement on the case, you may be able to take a plea bargain. If they cannot reach a resolution, your case will be set for an arraignment or trial date.

  • Arraignment
    06

    Arraignment

    An arraignment is the final date for you to decide how you choose to plea. Guilty or not guilty. If you plead guilty, then the case is set for a sentencing date. If you plead not guilty, you and your attorney will then set the case for trial.

  • Motions Hearing
    07

    Motions Hearing

    A motion hearing is when an attorney makes a request that requires a decision from the judge. For example, motions to suppress evidence or statements. These motions can limit the information that goes before a jury if it benefits your case, and there are legal grounds for doing so.

  • Pretrial Readiness
    Conference
    08

    Pretrial Readiness
    Conference

    A pretrial readiness conference is held at some point before trial. It usually is held about a week to a month before the date trial is set to begin. This court date ensures everyone is ready to go to trial on the set date. It is also a time for lawyers to bring up any issues they may have to be addressed before the day of trial.

  • Jury Trial
    09

    Jury Trial

    After a jury is selected for trial, the District Attorney’s responsibility is to present the case to the jury. The DA must prove beyond a reasonable doubt that you are guilty of the crime. Otherwise, the jury must find you innocent. Your attorney will be able to cross-examine all of the witnesses, present evidence, and ultimately help you navigate this process.

  • Sentencing
    Date
    10

    Sentencing
    Date

    At sentencing, the Judge must decide the appropriate legal penalty for the crime you plead guilty. The Judge’s decision is based on the listed penalties for the specific charge, recommendations from the presentence investigation, your criminal history, as well as statements made at the sentencing by the District Attorney, your attorney, you, and any named victims of the crime.

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Colorado Statutes

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Assault

Burglary

Drug Offenses

Trespass, Tampering and Criminal Mischief

Frequently Asked Questions

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How are graffiti charges handled?

Graffiti has its own specific statute under Colorado law and may be charged as anything from a petty offense to a class 2 felony, depending on the damage amount. This is more serious than some states that categorize graffiti under general criminal mischief laws.

Experienced Criminal Defense Lawyer

Right Law Group Is the Colorado Criminal Defense Team for You

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Right Law Group Is Standing By to Help

If you or a loved one are facing vandalism charges in Douglas County, turn to the dedicated criminal defense attorneys at Right Law Group. With decades of combined experience, including former prosecutors and District Attorneys, we have the insider expertise to build an aggressive defense focused on achieving the strongest possible outcome for your future.

We have helped thousands of clients resolve criminal charges throughout Colorado. Our relentless, passionate advocacy has led to countless reduced and dismissed charges. But more importantly, we provide the compassionate counsel and guidance critical during this stressful time.

With top ratings from over 500 clients we’ve served and three convenient office locations, Right Law Group has the resources and determination to spare no effort defending your rights and freedom. Don’t leave your life to chance – contact us today to schedule your free case evaluation so we can start formulating a strategy for your case. The sooner we get to work, the more effectively we can fight for the tomorrow you deserve.

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Areas Served

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El Paso County

Douglas County

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Arapahoe County

  • Centennial
  • Englewood
  • Greenwood Village
  • Cherry Hills Village
  • Foxfield
  • Sheridan
  • Columbine Valley
  • Byers
  • Southglenn
  • Castlewood
  • Peoria

Pueblo County

Teller County

Fremont County

  • Coaldale
  • Cotopaxi
  • Hillside
  • Howard
  • Texas Creek
  • Wellsville