Vandalism on Halloween: Avoid the Temptation

Halloween is a time for mischief, but you should keep your tricks to innocent jokes, rather than full-blown vandalism. Every year, teenagers and adults alike will egg cars, graffiti on homes, and complete other crimes in the spirit of the holiday. Yet when Halloween comes to an end, these people may find themselves in trouble. Many times these crimes are considered vandalism, and New Yorkers can be sent to prison for this action. According to the New York Penal Code, vandalism can be charged as a misdemeanor and a felony depending on the extent of the damage.

The lowest level of vandalism is a criminal mischief in the fourth degree charge. This is covered in the New York Penal Code § 145. Most times, this crime is punishable by fines and up to one year in jail. This vandalism offense only concerns property that is under $250 in value. Criminal mischief in the third degree is ascribed to vandalism when the property damaged is valued between $250 and $1,500. This is considered a Class E felony and comes with a minimum one year in incarceration and mandatory dines.

One step up from this offense is a criminal mischief in the 2^nd degree crime. This includes a damage that is over $1,500 and is considered a Class D felony. The offenders who are charged with this crime can be issued 5 to 25 years in prison for their crime. A criminal mischief in the first degree is a Class B felony and the offender can be sent to prison for up to 25 years and there is a minimum 9 year sentence. There are times that the sentences can even be enhanced if the offender is deemed guilty of previous crimes. If you have been charged with vandalism, then you will want an attorney on your side right from the start. Don’t hesitate to call a Bronx criminal defense lawyer at the Law Offices of John M. Cromwell right away!