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Criminal Mischief - Vandalism
The criminal offense of "Criminal Mischief" NJSA 2C:17-3, comprises what is commonly known as vandalism – damaging or interfering with the tangible property of another. Depending on the nature of the damage, the property or the risk created, it can range in seriousness from a disorderly persons offense to an indictable crime of the second degree, which is the second most serious category of crime in New Jersey. It can also include, not just damage done on purpose, but reckless and even mere criminally negligent damage under certain circumstances. It also specifically includes graffiti and damaging or destroying rental property in retaliation for the landlord starting eviction proceedings.
What if the Damage was an Accident?Whether or not you are found guilty of Criminal Mischief for damages that were accidental depends on the following factors:
| Purpose Requirement | Factors |
| Purposely or knowingly. | Damage to someone's tangible property. |
| Recklessly or negligently. | Damages someone's tangible property using explosives, fire, or other dangerous means. |
| Purposely, knowingly or recklessly. | Tampers with someone's tangible property in a way that endangers person or property. |
The seriousness of the offense depends on the factors described below.
Second Degree Crime: Punishable by 5 to 10 years in prison and up to $150,000 in fines
- tampering with or destroying any device used to regulate air traffic at an airport which recklessly causes death
- tampering with or destroying any equipment involved in the carrying out of a public service which recklessly causes death
Third Degree Crime: Punishable by 3 to 5 years in prison and up to $15,000 in fines
- causing more than $2,000 in losses
- causing interruption, or impairment, of any public service such as communication, transportation, or supply of gas or water.
- damaging or defacing any property used by a research facility or causing disruption of the facility
- damaging or defacing any gravesite or human remains
Fourth Degree Crime: Punishable by 6 to 18 months in prison and up to $10,000 in fines.
- causing between $500 and $2,000 in damages
- damaging any device used to regulate air traffic at an airport
- tampering with any airport or landing strip
- breaking or digging up of pipes or mains used to supply gas or water to a building
- destroying any electric light wires or poles or any cable or television lines
Disorderly Persons Offense: Punishable by up to 6 months in jail and $1,000 in fines.
- causing less than $500 worth of damage
Graffiti - If the damaging of the property involves graffiti, the defendant may be required to pay the owner of the defaced property the cost of the damage to the property and perform community service of either a minimum of 20 days, or the number of days required to remove the graffiti.
Destruction of Rental Property by Tenant - Any person convicted of criminal mischief which involves the destruction of rental premises by a tenant or former tenant in retaliation for eviction may also be required to pay the owner for the amount of damage caused.
Call the team of NJ defense lawyers at LS&P Lawyers at (908) 709-0500 if you or a family member is facing such charges. The initial consultation is free.
