NEW JERSEY CRIMINAL MISCHIEF LAWYER

Criminal mischief charges in New Jersey should not be
taken lightly.  In many circumstances,
criminal mischief charges are indictable offenses (felonies).  Therefore, a conviction for criminal mischief
may result in serious prison time in addition to fines, community service and
other penalties.  It is important for
anyone charged with criminal mischief in New Jersey to consult with an
experienced New Jersey Criminal Mischief Lawyer.

Free Consultations Available – (908) 358-2938

The Sloan Law Firm handles criminal mischief and other criminal offenses occurring in New Jersey.  If you or a loved one has been charged with criminal mischief and would like a free initial consultation to discuss the case, call: (908) 358-2938.

N.J.S.A. 2C:17-3 Criminal Mischief.

a. Offense defined. A person is guilty of criminal
mischief if he:

(1)  Purposely or
knowingly damages tangible property of another or damages tangible property of
another recklessly or negligently in the employment of fire, explosives or
other dangerous means listed in subsection a. of N.J.S.2C:17-2; or

(2) Purposely, knowingly or recklessly tampers with
tangible property of another so as to endanger person or property, including
the damaging or destroying of a rental premises by a tenant in retaliation for
institution of eviction proceedings.

b. Grading.

(1) Criminal mischief is a crime of the third degree if
the actor purposely or knowingly causes pecuniary loss of $2,000.00 or more.

(2) Criminal mischief is a crime of the fourth degree if
the actor causes pecuniary loss in excess of $500.00 but less than $2000.00. It
is a disorderly persons offense if the actor causes pecuniary loss of $500.00
or less.

(3) Criminal mischief is a crime of the third degree if
the actor damages, defaces, eradicates, alters, receives, releases or causes
the loss of any research property used by the research facility, or otherwise
causes physical disruption to the functioning of the research facility. The
term “physical disruption” does not include any lawful activity that
results from public, governmental, or research facility employee reaction to the
disclosure of information about the research facility.

(4) Criminal mischief is a crime of the fourth degree if
the actor damages, removes or impairs the operation of any device, including,
but not limited to, a sign, signal, light or other equipment, which serves to
regulate or ensure the safety of air traffic at any airport, landing field,
landing strip, heliport, helistop or any other aviation facility; however, if
the damage, removal or impediment of the device recklessly causes bodily injury
or damage to property, the actor is guilty of a crime of the third degree, or
if it recklessly causes a death, the actor is guilty of a crime of the second
degree.

(5) Criminal mischief is a crime of the fourth degree if
the actor interferes or tampers with any airport, landing field, landing strip,
heliport, helistop or any other aviation facility; however if the interference
or tampering with the airport, landing field, landing strip, heliport, helistop
or other aviation facility recklessly causes bodily injury or damage to property,
the actor is guilty of a crime of the third degree, or if it recklessly causes
a death, the actor is guilty of a crime of the second degree.

(6) Criminal mischief is a crime of the third degree if
the actor tampers with a grave, crypt, mausoleum or other site where human
remains are stored or interred, with the purpose to desecrate, destroy or steal
such human remains or any part thereof.

(7) Criminal mischief is a crime of the third degree if
the actor purposely or knowingly causes a substantial interruption or
impairment of public communication, transportation, supply of water, oil, gas
or power, or other public service. Criminal mischief is a crime of the second
degree if the substantial interruption or impairment recklessly causes death.

(8) Criminal mischief is a crime of the fourth degree if
the actor purposely or knowingly breaks, digs up, obstructs or otherwise
tampers with any pipes or mains for conducting gas, oil or water, or any works
erected for supplying buildings with gas, oil or water, or any appurtenances or
appendages therewith connected, or injures, cuts, breaks down, destroys or
otherwise tampers with any electric light wires, poles or appurtenances, or any
telephone, telecommunications, cable television or telegraph wires, lines,
cable or appurtenances.

c. A person convicted of an offense of criminal mischief
that involves an act of graffiti may, in addition to any other penalty imposed
by the court, be required to pay to the owner of the damaged property monetary
restitution in the amount of the pecuniary damage caused by the act of graffiti
and to perform community service, which shall include removing the graffiti
from the property, if appropriate. If community service is ordered, it shall be
for either not less than 20 days or not less than the number of days necessary
to remove the graffiti from the property.

d. As used in this section:

“Act of graffiti” means the drawing, painting
or making of any mark or inscription on public or private real or personal
property without the permission of the owner.

e. A person convicted of an offense of criminal mischief
that involves the damaging or destroying of a rental premises by a tenant in
retaliation for institution of eviction proceedings, may, in addition to any
other penalty imposed by the court, be required to pay to the owner of the
property monetary restitution in the amount of the pecuniary damage caused by
the damage or destruction.

Free Consultations Available – Call (908) 358-2938

The Sloan Law Firm provides aggressive and experienced legal defense to anyone charged with criminal mischief and other criminal offenses in New Jersey.  If you or a loved one have been charged with these offenses and would like to discuss the charge with a New Jersey Criminal Lawyer, please do not hesitate to contact the Sloan Law Firm at: (908) 358-2938.  The initial consultation is always free.  We are available 24/7.

• Sussex County