Criminal Damage Defense Attorney In Phoenix

Criminal damage can come with significant consequences if convicted in the state of Arizona. Initially, you may think that damaging property would not be a significant crime, but you can expect significant fines, jail time and probation if convicted. Because of this, it is extremely important to have a consultation with an experienced criminal defense attorney. 

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If you or a loved one has been charged with criminal damage, it is important that you consult with a criminal defense attorney. When working with our law firm, you will have an experienced attorney who will provide an aggressive representation so that you can have the best chance to get your case resolved. We offer free consultations to help you determine what your next steps need to be. 

Being convicted of criminal damage can lead to strong consequences. It is important to understand the different potential criminal damage charges and the associated penalties with those charges. 

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• Class 2 Misdemeanor: This is charged when the damaged property is valued less than $250. The penalties for conviction are up to 4 months in jail. Fines up to $750 and 2 years of probation.

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• Class 1 Misdemeanor: This is charged when the damaged property is valued less than $1,000. The penalties for conviction are up to 6 months in jail. Fines up to $2,500 and 3 years of probation.

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• Class 6 Felony: This is charged when the damaged property is valued between $1,000 and $2,000. The penalties for conviction are up to 2 years in prison. Fines up to $150,000 and 3 years of probation.

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• Class 5 Felony: This is charged when the damaged property is valued between $2,000 and $10,000. The penalties for conviction are up to 2.5 years in prison. Fines up to $150,000 and 3 years of probation.

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• Class 4 Felony: This is charged when the damaged property is valued higher than $10,000. The penalties for conviction are up to 3.75 years in prison. Fines up to $150,000 and 4 years of probation.

Based on the details of the particular case, criminal damage can become aggravated according to ARS§13-1604. The details that could turn criminal damage from a standard charge to an aggravated charge are:

• Defacing, damaging or in any way changing the appearance of any building, structure, personal property or place used for worship or any religious purpose.
  

• Defacing or damaging any building, structure or place used as a school or as an educational facility.
  

• Defacing, damaging or tampering with any cemetery, mortuary or personal property of the cemetery or mortuary or other facility used for the purpose of burial or memorializing the dead.
  

• Defacing, damaging or tampering with any utility or agricultural infrastructure or property, construction site or existing structure for the purpose of obtaining nonferrous metals.