Defense Attorneys for Vandalism Charges
If you are being investigated for or have been arrested for vandalism or a criminal mischief offense in Palm Beach or Broward County, contact vandalism attorney Matt Shafran at Weinstein Legal to begin building your defense. A conviction for criminal mischief vandalism can carry steep consequences that can impact many aspects of your life quite negatively, but there is hope. It may be possible to have your charges reduced or dismissed entirely, but you must act swiftly and hire appropriate legal representation.
Mr. Shafran is a partner at Weinstein Legal and serves as head of the criminal defense division at the firm. He has years of experiencing defending criminal cases throughout Palm Beach and Broward County as well as the greater South Florida area. As a former prosecutor, Mr. Shafran knows the tactics that the state will attempt to use to secure a conviction against you and is always one step ahead. The prosecution is already working hard to prove your guilt, you deserve the same aggressive legal representation from a vandalism attorney working to prove your innocence.
Are you facing charges for criminal mischief vandalism and find yourself in need of a vandalism attorney? Call Weinstein Legal today for a free and confidential case evaluation to review the unique facts surrounding your arrest. Ask for South Florida criminal defense attorney Matt Shafran today: (954) 845-0505.
Penalties for Vandalism Charges in Florida
The potential penalties you will face following criminal mischief vandalism in Florida will vary based on several elements of your specific case. These factors often include:
- The monetary value of damage your actions cause
- Whether the damaged property is public, private, or government-owned
- Your past criminal history and any prior arrests or convictions
- Whether you are currently on probation or parole for another crime
- Whether your actions impede business operations at an organization
- Whether the offense hinders public communication, transportation, supply of water, gas or power, or other public services
- And more
The state may prosecute criminal mischief vandalism in Florida as either a misdemeanor or a felony charge, depending on the circumstances of the case. This will affect your potential sentencing following a conviction. Due to the broad range of possible consequences and the varying degrees of charges, it is essential to speak with a well-informed vandalism attorney such as Matt Shafran at Weinstein Legal before your first court date. Even if you are a repeat offender or have a past criminal record, it may still be possible to secure a positive outcome for your case.
Penalties for criminal mischief vandalism in Florida are as follows:
- If you commit less than $200 in damage, you may face fines of up to $500, up to sixty days in jail, and up to six months of probation. This is a second-degree misdemeanor charge.
- If you commit between $200 and $1,000 in damage, you may face fines of up to $1,000, up to one year in jail, and up to twelve months of probation. This is a first-degree misdemeanor charge.
- If you commit more than $1,000 in damage, you may face fines of up to $5,000, up to five years in jail, and up to five years of probation. This is a third-degree felony charge.
Additionally, fines for repeated graffiti vandalism charges in Florida are as follows:
- A minimum of $250 for a first conviction
- A minimum of $500 for a second conviction
- A minimum of $1,000 for a third or subsequent conviction
If you have prior criminal mischief vandalism charges on your record, you will automatically incur a third-degree felony. This is also the case if you commit a vandalism crime on government property, during a state of emergency, or impede the function of any public service.
In addition to court fines, possible jail time, and a probation sentence, you may face other penalties such as mandated restitution to the victim or business, community service, and more. A felony vandalism charge is particularly serious as you will have this mark on your record for life, which may hinder you from finding employment or housing, voting in political elections, having the right to own a firearm, and more.
Whether you are facing misdemeanor or felony charges for criminal mischief vandalism in Florida, it is crucial that you speak with a vandalism attorney such as Matt Shafran at Weinstein Legal as soon as possible to begin working on your defense.
Florida Statutes Section 806.13
Florida State Statutes Section 806.13 outlines the official legal definition of criminal mischief, vandalism, graffiti, and more, along with state-mandated penalties and consequences for the varying levels of offense.
In the state of Florida, criminal mischief is defined as:
“A person commits the offense of criminal mischief if he or she willfully and maliciously injures or damages by any means any real or personal property belonging to another, including, but not limited to, the placement of graffiti thereon or other acts of vandalism thereto.”
Additionally, the statute lays out criteria that may result in misdemeanor offenses being upgraded to felony charges. These include committing acts of vandalism on a house of worship, to public service items such as telephone wires, and more.
For more information regarding Florida State Statute 806.13 and to learn more about your specific charges, contact vandalism attorney Matt Shafran at Weinstein Legal for a free case evaluation now.
Hiring an Attorney for Vandalism Charges in Palm Beach & Broward County
If you or a loved one are facing charges for criminal mischief vandalism on Palm Beach or Broward County, it is imperative that you speak with a vandalism attorney right away. This is particularly true if you are facing felony charges, are a repeat offender, or if you are on probation or parole for another crime as you may have more at stake. All criminal mischief vandalism charges are serious, as you face the possibility of jail time, hefty fines, and more. To avoid tarnishing your reputation with a conviction, it’s essential to begin building your defense right away.
Contact the experienced team at Weinstein Legal today and ask to speak with head of the criminal defense division, Matt Shafran. Mr. Shafran is an experienced vandalism attorney in South Florida with years of experience representing individuals throughout Palm Beach and Broward County. However, for the best potential outcome in a court of law, you must act quickly. Each day that passes is another day that the prosecution is working against you. Mr. Shafran will work just as tirelessly to prove your innocence. Weinstein Legal maintains three offices throughout South and Central Florida:
Call Weinstein Legal now at (954)845-0505 for an entirely free and confidential case evaluation. Our phones are open 24-hours a day, 365-days a year, so no call for help will ever go unanswered.