Orlando Criminal Mischief Lawyers

Accused of vandalism or destroying property? In Florida, you can face criminal mischief charges if you willfully and maliciously damage or vandalize public property or the private property of another person. As the result of a single, foolish act, you could end up with a lifetime criminal record. However, it is possible to get a fresh start and second chance.

At The Umansky Law Firm, we work to see that an arrest for criminal mischief does not haunt you for the rest of your life. Our criminal attorneys represent juveniles and adults who are arrested for damaging property, destroying, or placing graffiti on property in Orlando and other communities in Central Florida. With more than 60 years of combined experience, we can provide insight and information that you need to understand your rights and options.

Misdemeanor And Felony Criminal Mischief

Criminal mischief can be charged as a misdemeanor or a felony, depending on the amount of damage and the type of structure that was damaged.

If the damage was $200 or less, it is a second-degree misdemeanor.
If the damage was greater than $200 but less than $1,000, it is a first-degree misdemeanor.
If a church, synagogue, mosque or other place of worship was damaged and the damage is greater than $200, it is a third-degree felony.
If the damage was greater than $1,000 or if there was interruption or impairment of a business operation or public service that cost $1,000 or more in labor and supplies to restore, it is a third-degree felony.

Our goal in a criminal mischief case is to keep you from being charged with a felony — and, if possible, to keep you from ending up with a criminal record. You may be entitled to first-offender treatment.

Penalties For Criminal Mischief in Florida

As with all types of crimes, the penalties for a conviction on a criminal mischief charge are dependent on the level of the charge. Below are some of the general consequences you may be facing if you are convicted:

Third-degree felony: Up to five years in prison and up to $5,000 in fines
First-degree misdemeanor: Up to one year in jail and up to $1,000 in fines
Second-degree misdemeanor: Up to 60 days in jail and up to $500 in fines
Charges including graffiti: If the criminal mischief charge you are facing contains an element of graffiti, you are facing community service hours, to include removal of the graffiti. You also may have to pay mandatory minimum fines based upon your previous related convictions:
- First conviction: $250
- Second conviction: $500
- Third conviction: $1,000