Fighting Property Damage Charges

If a person causes damage to the property of another person without the consent of the other person, he or she can be charged with criminal damage to the property. If it is believed that you caused damage of any kind to a person’s property, under Minnesota law, you can be charged with first-, second-, third- or fourth-degree property damage.

If you’ve found yourself facing property damage charges, you need a Minneapolis property damage attorney to fight the charges that have been brought against you. If convicted of the charges, you could be fined, forced to pay restitution, put on probation, made to do community service or even imprisoned.

A Variety OF Property Damage Charges

Property damage can be a felony or misdemeanor, depending on the charge. The severity of the charge is determined based on the value of the property that has been damaged or if the damage happened maliciously. Damaging property based on another person’s gender, race, age, sexual orientation or religion is considered to be based on bias or discrimination.

Here is a breakdown of the charges:

• First-degree property damage – There was a risk of bodily harm to another person and damage was caused. The value was greater than $1000, valued at more than $500 and it was not the first offense within the last three years or the property was the property of a common carrier that can no longer be used.
• Second-degree property damage – Damage to the property was done because of the property owner’s sexual orientation, race, gender, religion or age.
• Third-degree property damage – The damage caused is more than $500 but less than $1000.
• Fourth-degree property damage – The value of the property is less than $500.

Types Of Property Damage

When looking at property damage, there are four areas that charges may be filed against a person. Whether bodily harm was inflicted on another person during the commission of a crime is the first area.

Second is an evaluation of whether the value of the property has been decreased by the damage.

Third in these areas is looking at whether or not the property is owned by a common carrier and if public services were impaired. Determining if discrimination was involved is the fourth area. All of these are outlined within the charges. In terms of the property type, it can be someone’s home, a vehicle or anything that another person can prove ownership of that has monetary value thus damage resulting in financial losses. You should contact and consult Jennifer Speas, a skilled Minnesota property damage attorney, to explore your options and defend your rights if you have been accused of property damage.

Contact A Minneapolis Property Damage Lawyer

You have the right to defend yourself if you’ve been accused of property damage, and you can do so with the help of an attorney who is experienced. In some situations, misunderstandings may exist or the damage may have been exaggerated. Bringing the facts to light is essential to the defense of your case. Call 612-333-6160 to schedule an initial consultation and learn more about how the Speas Law Firm, P.A., can assist you.