Cleveland Criminal Mischief Defense

Call Patituce & Associates When Your Freedom Is on the Line

Criminal mischief (O.R.C. 2909.07) typically denotes damage, destruction, or interference to another person’s property; however, there are a number of circumstances in the statute that affect the grade of the charge and potential penalties. This means you could face a misdemeanor or felony conviction, which can lead to jail time and other serious consequences.

Don’t risk facing this challenge alone. Get in touch with a qualified Cleveland criminal defense lawyer today by calling Patituce & Associates at (440) 709-8088. We are here to help you!

How Serious Are Criminal Mischief Charges?

When the alleged conduct creates a risk of injury to others, the charge is a first-degree misdemeanor, with up to six months in jail if you're convicted. Similarly, when a computer is tampered with under the statute, you'll also face a first-degree misdemeanor charge, with penalties scaling up based on the losses the victim suffers.

Criminal mischief can also be a felony crime. When aircrafts, their parts, or their cargo are tampered with and create the risk of harm to another, the charge will be a fifth-degree felony, with 6 - 12 months' incarceration if convicted. When the act is against an occupied aircraft, or poses a substantial risk of harm to another, it's a fourth degree felony. This means you can face up to 18 months in prison.

Our Cleveland Defense Lawyers Are Ready to Fight for You!

As former prosecutors, we at Patituce & Associates understand the ins and outs of prosecution tactics. Coupled with more than three decades of experience in the legal field, this knowledge is just one of the reasons our firm may be the right choice for your case. If you or someone you love was arrested for criminal mischief, don’t wait to contact our Cleveland criminal defense attorneys now for a free, no-obligation case evaluation.