Juvenile Criminal Mischief is a crime in which a minor damages the property of others or causes substantial inconvenience to a property owner. Depending on the dollar value of the property that was damaged, these charges can be either a misdemeanour or a felony.
Juvenile Criminal Mischief Penalties
The penalties for juvenile criminal mischief charges are varied depending on the type and potential damages a given “mischievous action” caused. They vary by state, but generally the following these guidelines:
Possible Penalties
1. For a misdemeanour (damage under $500), any or all of the following:
- Fines of up to $500
- Restitution
- Counselling
- Probation
- Detention
2. For a felony (damages over amounts anywhere from $500 to $1500), any or all of the following:
- Fines of up to several thousands of dollars
- 5 years in prison
Juvenile Criminal Mischief Sentencing
In most cases a minor is sent to juvenile court. While he cannot obtain bail, he is not tried in front of a jury and the judge has wide discretion in how he sentences the offender. Minors with no prior convictions can expect most judges to look for a way to avoid a criminal record if at all possible. It may be wise to obtain legal advice in such cases, since you may not be familiar with the system or understand how to negotiate with the judge.
There Is Legal Help for Juvenile Criminal Mischief Charges
No one wants to face criminal charges before they are out of their teens, but one foolish decision can put a minor in that position. Such charges should not be taken lightly. Learn the penalties for the kind of charges your child is facing and make sure you understand the best way to address them. An experienced juvenile attorney can help you discern your options and present appropriate sentencing alternatives to the presiding judge.
- If you need help with a Juvenile Criminal charge, Submit Your Case for a Free Review from a local Juvenile Criminal Defense Lawyer.
