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Malicious Destruction of Property in Michigan is a serious crime that requires a serious defense. Contact The Kronzek FirmPLC 866-766-5245
Malicious Destruction of Property in Michigan is a serious crime that requires a serious defense. Contact The Kronzek FirmPLC 866-766-5245
Malicious Destruction of Property in Michigan is a serious crime that requires a serious defense. Contact The Kronzek FirmPLC 866-766-5245

Michigan Malicious Destruction of Property Lawyers

 

Malicious Destruction of Property is a Michigan Crime that often lands people in jail and sometimes ends with a prison sentence.  This is especially true for people who are not well defended.  The attorneys at The Kronzek Firm are experts at defending people facing felony and misdemeanor charges in Michigan.  If you are looking for a good Malicious Destruction Attorney in Michigan, you owe it to yourself to consult with out trial team.  We will not charge you for a first consult.

 

About Malicious Destruction Prosecutions:

Malicious destruction of property is a crime which alleges that a person willfully and maliciously destroys property owned by another.  This encompasses a wide range of property, but the most commonly focused aspect is the destruction of personal property.

 

What are the penalties for Malicious Destruction?

If the amount of the injury or destruction is $20,000.00 or more, or the amount is $1,000.00 to $20,000.00 plus two or more prior convictions, then this is felony with the maximum penalty up to 10 years in prison, a fine up to $15,000.00, or 3 times the amount of the injury or destruction, whichever is greater, or both.

 

If the amount of the injury or destruction is $1,000.00 to $20,000.00, or the amount is $200.00 to $1,000.00 plus one or more prior convictions, then this is a felony with a maximum penalty up to 5 years in prison, a fine up to $10,000.00, or 3 times the amount of the injury or destruction, whichever is greater, or both.

 

If the amount of the injury or destruction is $200.00 to $1,000.00, or the amount is less than $200.00 plus one or more prior conviction, then this is a misdemeanor with a maximum penalty up to 1 year in jail, a fine up to $2,000.00, or 3 times the amount of the injury or destruction, whichever is greater, or both.

 

If the amount of the injury or destruction is less than $200.00, then this is a misdemeanor with a maximum penalty of 93 days in jail, a fine up to $500.00, or 3 times the amount of the injury or destruction, whichever is greater, or both.

 

The amounts of the destruction may be aggregated over a 12-month period. So for instance, if a person goes on a spree destroying cars in various parking lots over a period of a few weeks, the total value of the damage may be added together. Another example might be if a person drives down a road knocking over every mailbox in his or her path. The total value of damaged property would be added together over that time frame.

 

If convicted, the court may  order restitution be paid to the victim for the value of the destroyed property, either for repairs or replacement. This includes juveniles who destroy property as well.

 

Malicious Destruction of a Barn, House, or other Building

Willful and malicious destruction of certain buildings or appurtenances is prohibited as well. If the amount of the destruction to the house, barn, or building is $20,000.00 or more, or if the value is $1,000.00 to $20,000.00 plus 2 or more prior convictions, then this is a felony with a maximum penalty up to 10 years in prison, a fine up to $15,000.00, or 3 times the value of the destruction, whichever is greater, or both.

 

If the amount of the destruction is $1,000.00 to $20,000.00, or if the value is $200.00 to $1,000.00 plus one or more prior convictions, then this is a felony with a maximum penalty up to 5 years in prison, a fine up to $10,000.00, or 3 times the amount of the destruction, whichever is greater, or both.

 

If the amount of the destruction is $200.00 to $1,000.00, or the value is less than $200.00 plus one or more prior convictions, then this is a misdemeanor with a maximum penalty up to1 year in jail, a fine up to $2,000.00, or 3 times the amount of the destruction, whichever is greater, or both.

 

If the amount of the destruction is less than $200.00, then this is a misdemeanor with a maximum punishment of 93 days in jail, a fine up to $500.00, or 3 times the amount of the destruction, whichever is greater, or both.

 

The amounts of destruction may be aggregated over a 12-month period as well to determine the total value of damage.

 

Other Types of Malicious Destruction of Property (MDOP)

Other types of MDOP include:

1. Destroying or injuring the personal property of fire departments or police officers is a felony, regardless of the monetary value of the property.

2. Intentionally damaging or destroying a school bus without permission, thereby creating a safety or health hazard for those who occupy the bus, is a felony with a maximum penalty of 5 years in prison, or a fine up to $5,000.00, or both.

3. Malicious destruction of dams, canals, reservoirs, or trenches, bridges, or a railroad is also a felony.

4. Maliciously breaking down fences or opening gates is a misdemeanor.

5. Maliciously destroying shrubs, grass, trees, turf, crops, plants, or soil has various penalties depending on the value of the destroyed items—up to 10 years in prison, a fine up to $15,000.00, or 3 times the value, whichever is greater, or both. So, for example, if a person cut some crop circles on a neighboring farm, there could be a stiff potential punishment.

6. Maliciously breaking guide posts, sign boards, lamp posts, etc. is a misdemeanor.

7. Destruction of utility lines, posts, or other property is a felony with a maximum penalty up to 5 years in prison, a fine up to $5,000.00, or both.

8. Malicious destruction of logs and timber is a misdemeanor.

9. Destruction  of signs, bills, and notices on private land is a misdemeanor.

10. Destroying appliances and machinery used in mines is a felony with a maximum penalty up to 20 years in prison or a fine up to $10,000.00.

11. Destruction  of a tomb, monument, or gravestone has a maximum penalty of up to 10 years in prison, a fine up to $15,000.00, or 3 times the amount of damage, whichever is greater, or both. The penalty depends on the monetary value of the destroyed property.

12. Destroying  property seized by legal process is a misdemeanor.

13. Destruction of library books, vessels such as boats, buoys, research property, and more, are prohibited by law. Contact Us [link to Contact Us form] if your case involves an unusual fact pattern or obscure type of property.

 

Aggressive Criminal Defense

At The Kronzek Firm, our experienced lawyers defend clients every step of the way. We thoroughly analyze the evidence in the case, mounting any legal or factual defenses available. Our lawyers have around 100 years of combined experience. Have questions? Call us for a free consultation at (866) 7-NoJail!. Our attorneys are on call  24 hours a day to help you.

 

 

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