Criminal property damage charges in Indiana like arson or criminal mischief, have the potential to land you in prison. You need a criminal defense lawyer to fight for your rights and legal protection in court.
A similar criminal charge in Indiana is computer tampering. These criminal charges are serious property crimes with serious penalties.
Our Indiana defense attorneys have handled many cases like this and have likely handled one similar to yours. However, we know that every case is different and requires special handling. We are interested in learning about your case, and will offer our help and advice in a free criminal consultation.
Indiana Criminal Mischief – Laws & Penalties
The charge of criminal mischief can range from fairly minor to a serious felony. If you are facing this charge in Indiana Courts, you should know what you are up against and equip yourself with an attorney that will aggressively defend you in court.
You may be charged with criminal mischief if you recklessly, knowingly, or intentionally damage or deface property of another without their consent, or knowingly or intentionally cause another person to suffer loss by deception or threats. You may also be charged with this offense if you damage a school, church, or community center.
Generally, criminal mischief is a Class B misdemeanor punishable by 180 days in jail and fines reaching $1,000.
However, in some circumstances it is a Class A misdemeanor punishable by up to 1 year in jail and fines of up to $5,000. Those circumstances that lead to this elevated charge include:
- Where the loss was between $250 and $2,500,
- The property in question was a moving vehicle,
- The property in question was a train, train car, or railroad equipment, or
- The property damage was done by graffiti.
In rare circumstances, the offense of criminal mischief is considered a Class D felony punishable by 6 months to 3 years in prison and fines up to $10,000. Those situations include:
- When the damage causes interruption or impairment of public utilities,
- The damage is to a public record,
- It interrupts or impairs work in a scientific facility
- It involves an law enforcement animal, or
- It cases substantial interruption r impairment of work in a food processing facility.
Ref: IC 35-43-1-2
Indiana Computer Tampering – Laws & Penalties
A serious high-tech offense, computer tampering can land you in prison for several years. Your choice in attorneys is vital at a time like this. You may be charged with computer tampering if you knowingly or intentionally alter or damage a computer program or data which comprises a part of a computer system or network without the owner.
This offense is typically a Class D felony punishable by 6 months to 3 years in prison. However, if the offense is committed with the purpose of terrorism, it is a Class C felony and the potential sentence is raised to 2-8 years in prison.
In rare cases where the offense of computer tampering is committed with the purpose of terrorism and it results in serious bodily injury to someone it is a Class B felony punishable by 6-20 years in prison. All computer tampering charges carry a potential fine of up to $10,000.
Ref: IC 35-43-1-4
Facing Criminal Mischief or Related Property Damage Charges in Indiana?
If you are acused of criminal mischief, computer tampering, or any criminal property damage charge in Indiana, get some legal advice from an experienced defense attorney. Not all property crimes are minor. They can lead to lengthy prison terms and hefty fines. If you are facing serious charges like these, contact us for a consultation on your case immediately. We can help!