UTAH CRIMINAL MISCHIEF ATTORNEY
Charges of Criminal Mischief in Utah are often associated with charges related to Domestic Violence. However, Criminal Mischief is a crime in and of itself and can carry real, life altering criminal consequences. Because of the potential of Criminal Mischief to endanger human safety and to damage property, Utah law enforcement officers and prosecutors take it very seriously and almost always pursue criminal charges in these cases. If you have been charged with Criminal Mischief in Utah, you need the help of a professional criminal defense lawyer with experience defending against Criminal Mischief charges in Utah. The Utah Criminal Mischief attorney at Intermountain Legal will take the time to explain the nature and possible consequences of your Criminal Mischief charges as well as helping you come up with the best possible strategy to protect your rights and protect your future. Our Criminal Mischief criminal defense lawyers have spent thousands of hours in Utah criminal courts and they know what works. People who let us help them with their Criminal Mischief charges almost without exception get better results with fewer consequences in their Criminal Mischief cases than those who try to represent themselves.
Utah Criminal Mischief Law
Under Utah law 76-6-106, a person can commit Criminal Mischief in any one of the following ways:
- Damaging or destroying property with the intention of defrauding an insurance company. This does not include arson, which is a separate crime in Utah.
- Intentionally tampering with another person’s property and as a result recklessly endangering human life, heath, or safety.
- Recklessly causing or threatening a substantial interruption or impairment of any type of “critical infrastructure.” Critical infrastructure includes: information and communication systems; financial and banking systems; transportation systems such as railroads, airlines, airports, highways, bridges or waterways; public utilities such as power, energy, and water supply systems; sewage and water treatment systems; healthcare facilities; food distribution systems; and government operations and services.
- Intentionally damaging, defacing, or destroying another person’s property. This includes graffiti. This is the most common type of Criminal Mischief charge in Utah.
- Shooting or propelling some kind of missile at any kind of vehicle, regardless of whether the vehicle is moving or standing still.
Utah Criminal Mischief Consequences
The court imposed consequences of Criminal Mischief in Utah are very specific to the type of Criminal Mischief that was committed. These consequences are dictated by the Utah Criminal Mischief statute. Depending on the details of the circumstances, a person can be charged with a second degree felony, a third degree felony, a class A misdemeanor, or a class B misdemeanor.
The Utah criminal code also takes into account the monetary amount of damage caused by the Criminal Mischief in determining the level of charges. If the Criminal Mischief caused or was intended to cause damage in excess of $5000, the crime is charged as a second degree felony. If the Criminal Mischief caused or was intended to cause between $1500 and $5000 worth of damages, the crime is charged as a third degree felony. If the Criminal Mischief caused or was intended to cause between $500 and $1500 worth of damages, the crime will be charged as a class A misdemeanor. If the Criminal Mischief caused or was intended to cause less than $500 worth of damages, the crime will be charged as a class B misdemeanor.
All of these levels of criminal charges carry the potential for incarceration and significant fines. Additionally, a conviction can result in a permanent criminal record, possible deportment for non-US citizens, future problems with employment and promotion, and may restrict your right to own a firearm. If you have questions about which criminal category your Criminal Mischief charges fit into, call the criminal defense lawyers at Intermountain Legal for a free consultation and we can help you understand the Utah law.
In addition to fines required by Utah law based on the level of criminal charges, Utah courts routinely order a person convicted of Criminal Mischief to reimburse the injured party for any damages that were caused. Additionally, a person convicted of Criminal Mischief in Utah is required by law to reimburse any government or private entity that has to respond and deal with any disruption in critical infrastructure caused by the Criminal Mischief.
Contact a Utah Criminal Mischief Lawyer
Utah Criminal Mischief charges are serious, but they don’t have to ruin the rest of your life. There are defenses which an experienced criminal defense attorney can help you assert in your case. The Utah Criminal Mischief Attorney at Intermountain Legal has the experience with the Utah law to look at the facts of your case and develop a strategy that will result in the he best possible outcome in your Criminal Mischief case. When you call for your free consultation you will speak directly with an experienced Criminal Mischief attorney who will be able to answer all of your questions and help you start down the road of putting your Criminal Mischief charges behind you. Call 801-970-2800 for a free consultation with a Utah Criminal Mischeif Attorney, or click here to contact us by email.
