Utah’s Criminal Mischief laws cover a wide range of offenses, from property destruction to reckless endangerment. If you’re facing charges, understanding the law and working with an experienced Criminal Mischief Defense Lawyer like Jake Gunter can help protect your rights and minimize penalties.
Criminal Mischief in Utah is governed by Utah Code Ann. 76-1-106 (2018). This statute addresses illegal actions such as damaging another person’s property, tampering with critical infrastructure, or recklessly endangering public safety. Below are key provisions of the law:
In many domestic violence cases, Criminal Mischief charges are added when property is damaged, such as throwing a phone or breaking a door. For instance, damaging a phone valued under $500 results in a Class B Misdemeanor.
Keying a car or damaging a vehicle’s engine can result in felony charges if repair costs exceed $1,500. If the damages are inflated or miscalculated, you may have grounds to challenge the charges.
Utah categorizes Criminal Mischief based on the financial damage caused:
Unlike other crimes, such as DUI or domestic violence, Criminal Mischief charges cannot be enhanced based on prior convictions. The severity is strictly determined by the financial impact of the damage.
An experienced Criminal Mischief Defense Lawyer will explore all options to challenge the charges, including:
The prosecution must prove the financial value of the damages. If the alleged damages are inflated or miscalculated, your attorney can present evidence to lower the charges. For example:
Criminal Mischief charges often require intentional or reckless behavior. If your actions were accidental, your lawyer could argue for reduced charges or dismissal.
Prosecutors cannot combine damages from multiple acts to reach a felony threshold. For instance, if you are accused of damaging three different cars, each causing $500 in damage, you should face three separate Class A Misdemeanor charges, not a single felony charge.
Juveniles can also face Criminal Mischief charges, often for acts like vandalism or graffiti. While the penalties are less severe than for adults, these charges can still impact a young person’s future. A skilled defense lawyer can help minimize the consequences and explore diversion programs.
You are accused of breaking a phone during an argument, causing less than $500 in damage. Your defense lawyer may argue the damage was unintentional or negotiate to reduce the charges to a lesser offense.
You are accused of keying a car, with damages estimated at $1,570. A defense lawyer could bring in a collision repair expert to challenge the cost and potentially reduce the charge to a Class A Misdemeanor.
Jake Gunter has extensive experience defending clients against Criminal Mischief charges in Utah. His approach includes:
Jake Gunter offers free consultations and flexible payment plans to help clients navigate their legal challenges.
If you’re facing Criminal Mischief charges in Utah, don’t face them alone. Contact Jake Gunter, an experienced Criminal Mischief Defense Lawyer, for a free consultation at (801) 373-6345. Protect your rights and explore your best defense strategies.
For additional insights on Criminal Defense Law and to get to know Jake Gunter better, check out these helpful videos:
These resources will provide you with valuable information as you consider your legal options. For any questions or to schedule a free consultation, feel free to reach out to us directly.
