In our blog post last week, we discussed graffiti and some of the penalties that can come with a graffiti conviction. Graffiti isn't the only form of property destruction that can result in criminal charges. In Maryland, any property destruction, including defacing someone's property, is a crime.
Just as in the case of graffiti, the penalties for property destruction are dependent upon the amount of damage that is done. If the damage is at least $1,000 worth of damage, a conviction can net up to three years in prison. There is also a fine of $2,500 possible.
Damage that is below that amount can mean a 60-day jail term and a $500 fine. As you can see, the difference between the two is significant. Because of that, having good representation is vital for everyone who is facing property destruction charges.
In some cases, having proper representation might make it possible to call into question the value of damage that was done. This can make a huge difference in the charges because if the value of the damage can't be determined, the court must assume that the damage was less than $1,000. That would mean that the penalties for the charge would be the lesser of the two possibilities.
No matter what the type of property destruction you are accused of, it is vital that you understand the laws surrounding the charges. You should fully understand the significant aspects of the penalties and how the value of the damage plays a part in that. With that in mind, it is vital for you to get answers to your questions as early in your case as possible.
Source: General Assembly of Maryland, "Article - Criminal Law §6–301." accessed Feb. 05, 2015