Criminal mischief is a disorderly persons offense simply defined as destruction of property under $500.00. A person can be charged with criminal mischief when:
- He or she purposely or knowingly damages the tangible property of another person;
- Recklessly or negligently causes property damage in the employment of a fire; or
- A renter causes damage to the rental property in retaliation for eviction proceedings.
A conviction for criminal mischief can lead to the standard disorderly persons penalties including restitution for the value of the damage. However, as the cost of the damage increases over the $500.00 statutory limit, you could be charged with an indictable offense in the 3rd or 4th degree.
If you have been charged with criminal mischief in any of the Long Beach Island municipalities (Barnegat Light, Long Beach Township, Harvey Cedars, Surf City, Ship Bottom, or Beach Haven), contact the experience LBI criminal defense attorneys of Villani & DeLuca at 732-782-9833 for a free initial consultation.