malicious injury to property is a common crime in Oklahoma. Over 70% of property crimes in 2015 involved larceny and theft. But what about the other crimes? These fall generally under the “malicious injury to property.” Thousands of malicious injury crimes occur annually. These may be vandalism, arson, or other destructive acts. Crimes like these cost not only the victim money, but oftentimes the city or county also. If you face malicious injury charges, this article will explain more and what legal consequences exist.
Malicious Injury and Its Definition:
If any person “maliciously injures, defaces, or destroys” another person’s property then they are subject to malicious injury charges. See 21 Okl.St.Ann. § 1760. Further, the property does not have to belong to one individual. It can be community property such as park benches or highway signs. So graffiti, shooting signs, and other forms of vandalism are all malicious injury crimes.
Legal Penalties for Malicious Injury:
Oklahoma has several different penalties for malicious property damage. These are depending upon how severe the property damage is among other things. For instance, property damage less than $1,000 is generally a misdemeanor crime. Second offenses are also misdemeanor crimes. However, if the property damages amount to over $1,000, then you face felony charges.
Articles related to EXPUNGING JUVENILE CRIMINAL CHARGES in Roger County.
In Oklahoma misdemeanors usually have fines of $500 or less and possible jail time up to one year. Felonies though, open the possibility for criminal fines and charges, plus potential civil suits from property owners. Civil suits can be the entire restitution plus any other financial or emotional restitution. These can result in thousands of dollars in fees.
Claremore Malicious Injury to Property Lawyers Can Help:
Our criminal defense attorneys understand the malicious injury to property can often be the result of mischief, pranks or simply a bad decision. While these pranks can sometimes get out of hand, you shouldn’t suffer lifetime consequences for it. Let our attorneys fight for you to have a clean record and put this charge behind you. Our first consultation is free.
