Are you facing charges for criminal mischief vandalism and find yourself in need of a vandalism attorney? Call Weinstein Legal today for a free and confidential case evaluation to review the unique facts surrounding your arrest.
Penalties for Vandalism Charges in Florida
The potential penalties you will face following criminal mischief vandalism in Florida will vary based on several elements of your specific case. These factors often include:
- The monetary value of damage your actions cause
- Whether the damaged property is public, private, or government-owned
- Your past criminal history and any prior arrests or convictions
- Whether you are currently on probation or parole for another crime
- Whether your actions impede business operations at an organization
- Whether the offense hinders public communication, transportation, supply of water, gas or power, or other public services
- And more
The state may prosecute criminal mischief vandalism in Florida as either a misdemeanor or a felony charge, depending on the circumstances of the case. This will affect your potential sentencing following a conviction. Due to the broad range of possible consequences and the varying degrees of charges, it is essential to speak with a well-informed vandalism attorney such as Matt Shafran at Weinstein Legal before your first court date. Even if you are a repeat offender or have a past criminal record, it may still be possible to secure a positive outcome for your case.
Penalties for criminal mischief vandalism in Florida are as follows:
- If you commit less than $200 in damage, you may face fines of up to $500, up to sixty days in jail, and up to six months of probation. This is a second-degree misdemeanor charge.
- If you commit between $200 and $1,000 in damage, you may face fines of up to $1,000, up to one year in jail, and up to twelve months of probation. This is a first-degree misdemeanor charge.
- If you commit more than $1,000 in damage, you may face fines of up to $5,000, up to five years in jail, and up to five years of probation. This is a third-degree felony charge.
Additionally, fines for repeated graffiti vandalism charges in Florida are as follows:
- A minimum of $250 for a first conviction
- A minimum of $500 for a second conviction
- A minimum of $1,000 for a third or subsequent conviction
If you have prior criminal mischief vandalism charges on your record, you will automatically incur a third-degree felony. This is also the case if you commit a vandalism crime on government property, during a state of emergency, or impede the function of any public service.
In addition to court fines, possible jail time, and a probation sentence, you may face other penalties such as mandated restitution to the victim or business, community service, and more. A felony vandalism charge is particularly serious as you will have this mark on your record for life, which may hinder you from finding employment or housing, voting in political elections, having the right to own a firearm, and more.
Florida Statutes Section 806.13
Florida State Statutes Section 806.13 outlines the official legal definition of criminal mischief, vandalism, graffiti, and more, along with state-mandated penalties and consequences for the varying offense levels.
In the state of Florida, criminal mischief is defined as:
"A person commits the offense of criminal mischief if he or she willfully and maliciously injures or damages by any means any real or personal property belonging to another, including, but not limited to, the placement of graffiti thereon or other acts of vandalism thereto."
Additionally, the statute lays out criteria that may result in misdemeanor offenses being upgraded to felony charges. These include committing acts of vandalism on a house of worship, to public service items such as telephone wires, and more.
Hiring an Attorney for Vandalism Charges in Palm Beach & Broward County
If you or a loved one are facing charges for criminal mischief vandalism on Palm Beach or Broward County, it is imperative that you speak with a vandalism attorney right away. This is particularly true if you are facing felony charges, are a repeat offender, or if you are on probation or parole for another crime as you may have more at stake.
Contact the experienced team at Weinstein Legal today and ask to speak with head of the criminal defense division, Matt Shafran. Mr. Shafran is an experienced vandalism attorney in South Florida with years of experience representing individuals throughout Palm Beach and Broward County. However, for the best potential outcome in a court of law, you must act quickly. Each day that passes is another day that the prosecution is working against you.
