A person commits simple criminal damage to property when he/she intentionally damages any property of another, without the consent of the owner, that does not qualify as Aggravated Criminal Damage to Property, and by any means other than fire or explosion.
This crime includes intentional damage to a dwelling, house, apartment, or other structure used in whole or in part as a home, residence, or place of abode by a person who leased or rented the property.
PENALTIES FOR SIMPLE CRIMINAL DAMAGE TO PROPERTY CONVICTION
A conviction for simple criminal damage to property is punishable based on the damage amounts to property.
A person who commits the crime of simple criminal damage to property where the damage is less than $1,000.00 may be fined not more than $1,000.00, or imprisoned for not more than six months, or both.
Where the damage amounts to between $1,000.00 and $50,000.00, the person may be fined not more than $1,000.00, or imprisoned with or without hard labor for not more than two years, or both.
Where the damage amounts to $50,000.00 or more, the person may be fined not more than $10,000.00, or imprisoned with or without hard labor for not less than one nor more than ten years, or both.
The court may also order the person to make full restitution to the owner of the property. If a person ordered to make restitution is found to be indigent and therefore unable to make restitution in full at the time of conviction, the court may order a periodic payment plan consistent with the person's ability to pay.
When there has been damage to multiple properties by a number of distinct acts of the person which are part of a continuous sequence of events, the aggregate of the amount of the damages shall determine the grade of the offense.
WE WILL DEFEND YOU AGAINST SIMPLE CRIMINAL DAMAGE TO PROPERTY CONVICTION
If you've been charged with simple criminal damage to property, the consequences of a conviction are severe. It is vital that you not take any chances. Don't attempt to navigate the criminal justice system without the assistance of an experienced criminal attorney.
Attorney Ebonee Norris and her experienced legal team can help.
To schedule a confidential consultation to discuss your case, call us at (318) 771-7000 or contact us online today.