A criminal damage charge occurs when the accused recklessly defaces, damages or tampers with someone else’s property. Criminal damage can also be accused if the person is drawing or inscribing a message, slogan, sign or symbol on any public or private building, structure or surface without the permission of the owner. 

If you have been charged with a criminal damage charge, it is important that you consult with a criminal defense attorney. When working with our law firm, you will have an experienced attorney who has defended thousands of cases over a 20+ year period in Phoenix. Having an attorney that knows how to effectively break down the specifics of a criminal damage case will provide you with a chance that you might not otherwise have in getting your charge dismissed or reduced. We offer free consultations to help you determine what your next steps need to be.

The penalties for a criminal damage charge will vary based on the specific charge that is handed down. Below is a penalty chart of what you could expect if you’re convicted of a criminal damage charge:

• Class 2 Misdemeanor: The damaged property is valued at less than $250. The penalties include up to 4 months in jail, up to $750 in fines, and 2 years’ probation.
• Class 1 Misdemeanor: The damaged property is valued at less than $1,000. The penalties include up to 6 months in jail, up to $2,500 in fines, and 3 years’ probation.
• Class 6 Felony: The damaged property is valued between $1,000 and $2,000. The penalties include up to 2 years in prison, up to $150,000 in fines, and 3 years’ probation for a first offense.
• Class 5 Felony: The damaged property is valued between $2,000 and $10,000. The penalties include up to 2.5 years in prison, up to $150,000 in fines, and 3 years’ probation for a first offense.
• Class 4 Felony: The damaged property is valued at $10,000 or more. The penalties include up to 3

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Aggravated criminal damage is considered a person that intentionally or recklessly without the express permission of the owner. More specifically, a criminal damage charge will turn aggravated if the person:

• Defaced, damaged or changed the appearance in any way of any building, structure, personal property or place used for worship or any religious purpose. 
• Defaced or damaged any building, structure or place used as a school or educational facility. 
• Defaced, damaged or tampered with a cemetery, mortuary or personal property of the cemetery or mortuary or other facility that is used for the purpose of burial or memorializing. 
• Defaced, damaged or tampered with any utility or agricultural infrastructure, construction site or existing structure for the purpose of obtaining nonferrous metals.

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