The penalties for ARS 13-1602 criminal damage range from hefty fines to jail time, depending on the classification of the crime. Since criminal damage can be treated as either a misdemeanor or a felony, the consequences vary based on the circumstances.
A Phoenix criminal defense lawyer from Suzuki Law Offices can help you understand how this law applies to your case and explain the potential penalties you may be facing based on the charges against you.
We can also help to build a defense that aims to reduce the charges so that you can avoid more serious consequences. But first, you need to know more about what this law means for you.
Understanding ARS 13-1602 Criminal Damage
ARS 13-1602 is the Arizona statute that covers criminal damage. The law deals with a range of offenses, including:
- Damaging or defacing someone else’s property
- Tampering with another person’s property
- Vandalizing a public or private building, structure, or surface
- Physical obstruction of a passageway to deprive livestock of access to water
- Intentionally tampering with a utility property
If you’re accused of any of the above, you may face several penalties. Suzuki Law Offices can advise you on what you’re up against and devise a plan to achieve a better outcome for your case. Learn more about criminal damage charges in Arizona from our guide.
Penalties for ARS 13-1602 Criminal Damage
When looking at the penalties for ARS 12-602 criminal damage, it all depends on the type of charges you’re facing. This crime is usually separated into either a misdemeanor or a felony.
Each classification comes with various types of penalties, with serious offenses receiving harsher consequences. Here’s how the classifications compare:
Misdemeanor
Under Arizona law, a misdemeanor often covers minor acts of criminal damage. The classification is based on the amount of damage caused and your actions at the time. As such, you may receive either a Class 2 or a Class 1 misdemeanor.
Here’s how it works:
- Class 2: When criminal damage involves $250 or less in property damage. A conviction can result in up to four months in jail and a fine of up to $750.
- Class 1: When criminal damage is worth between $250 and $1,000. It can get you up to six months in jail and a fine of up to $2,500.
Felony
Felony charges generally involve more significant property damage and carry more serious consequences than a misdemeanor. This type of charge is usually split into three different categories, depending on the amount of damage.
Here’s how it works, supposing that there are no aggravating factors involved in the case:
- Class 6: Covers property damage of $1,000 or more but less than $2,000. For a first-time offense, the potential prison range is usually four months to 1.5 years.
- Class 5: When property damage amounts to $2,000 or more but less than $10,000, it can result in prison time for between six months and two years.
- Class 4: If the damage results in $10,000 or more, you could get one to three years in prison for a first offense.
If there are aggravating factors, sentences can range from two years for a Class 6 felony to 3.75 years for a Class 4 felony. You may also face significant fines and probation. A lawyer from Suzuki Law Offices will assess your situation and explain what the charges mean so that you know how to go about protecting your rights and your future.
Potential Defense Strategies for Criminal Damage Charges
At Suzuki Law Offices, we can help you put together an effective and tailored defense strategy aimed at reducing or erasing the criminal damage charges against you.
Based on the specifics of your case, here are some of the most common approaches you may be able to take:
- Lack of evidence: It’s up to the prosecutors to prove that you are guilty of committing a criminal offense. If they don’t have enough evidence or there are any errors, we will challenge this as part of your defense.
- Lack of intent: In some instances, you may have accidentally caused damage to the property in question. Since ARS 13-1602 looks at reckless and intentional damage, a lack of intent may work as a solid argument for your case.
- Mistaken identity: If you think the offense has been attributed to you by mistake, let your attorney know and they may be able to use this as part of your strategy.
- Alibi: Being able to prove you were elsewhere or with someone else at the time of the criminal damage, is one of the best defenses you could use.
- Consent: It may be the case that the property owner originally gave you permission to make changes to their property. For example, you may have been asked to graffiti a wall as part of an art project. If you have evidence of this consent, this would likely work in your favor.
This is why you need to speak to a criminal defense attorney. They already know how local laws work and what the best approach might be for your situation. They’ll listen carefully to your side of the story and work with you to develop a strategy.
Let a Criminal Defense Attorney in Arizona Take Care of Your Defense
When you get in touch with Suzuki Law Offices, we’ll provide the legal advice you need and manage your entire case from start to finish. Our legal team will explain your options, handle all the legal documentation, gather the necessary evidence, and represent you in court.
We can also review your case and go over the penalties for ARS 13-1602 criminal damage you may be facing. With decades of experience and a former federal prosecutor on our side, we can build a strong defense and protect your rights with ease.
Book a free consultation to discuss your case in detail and get the answers to all your questions.
Call or text (602) 682-5270 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form