Lynnwood Malicious Mischief Attorney
About Malicious Mischief
The term "malicious mischief" refers to damage or destruction done to property. If the action is done against a member of a family or household, it can be labeled as a domestic violence crime. This offense can be
penalized by fines and jail sentences. In addition, if you are convicted you may be ordered to pay up to twice the amount of the value of the damaged property and be ordered to domestic violence or anger management courses. There are three degrees of malicious mischief charges that you can be found guilty of. In the third degree you face up to a $5000 fine and incarceration of up to one year. When you are convicted on first degree charges, it is a felony and fines can go as high as $20,000. Depending on the circumstances of your case, you can be sentenced to 10 years in jail.
It becomes vital, therefore, to have a skilled Lynnwood criminal defense lawyer to protect your rights. The penalties can affect your future for many years to come. Over the years, I have developed many methods to successful overcome malicious mischief charges. It all starts, however, with the intent to fight for justice on your behalf and the willingness to do the hard work involved to obtain that goal. Help in your case is as easy as calling my firm and asking for Jonathan.
Fighting Malicious Mischief Charges
I actively pursue defenses which force the prosecutor to show that any damage was deliberate and done "knowingly and maliciously." Frequently, this can be difficult for a prosecutor to prove. In a dispute between family or household members, accidents can occur or unintentional harm can be done. In other cases, it can be shown that the property in question was yours and no one else's. You cannot be charged for destroying your own property. Many times it can be shown that the case is solely a matter of one person's word against another's. Without proof that you were the one that caused the damage, the charges against you may get dismissed.
If you are charged with malicious mischief, you'll need high-quality legal assistance. Contact a Lynnwood domestic violence attorneyfrom my firm today.