Montrose Criminal Mischief Attorney

Facing criminal mischief charges can be stressful and overwhelming, especially when your reputation and future are at stake. As a dedicated Montrose Criminal Mischief Lawyer, The Martin Law Firm provides experienced and aggressive defense to protect your rights at every stage of the process. Brent Martin works to challenge the evidence, reduce penalties, and fight for the best possible outcome. If you are accused of criminal mischief, having the right attorney on your side is essential.

What Criminal Mischief Means in Colorado

Under Colorado law (C.R.S. § 18-4-501), criminal mischief happens when someone knowingly damages the property of another person. This can include real estate, vehicles, tools, or even public property. The keyword here is “knowingly.” Accidents and misunderstandings happen — and we work hard to show when there was no criminal intent.

Examples of criminal mischief charges include:

• Breaking a window during an argument
• Keying a car after a dispute
• Destroying someone’s phone or computer
• Graffiti or vandalism on private or public property

Many cases involve disputes between people who know each other, such as neighbors, family members, or ex-partners. We understand that these cases can be emotional and complicated.

Misdemeanor vs Felony Criminal Mischief

The level of charge depends on the value of the damage. Colorado law breaks it down like this:

• Less than $300 – Petty offense
• $300 – $999 – Class 2 misdemeanor
• $1,000 – $1,999 – Class 1 misdemeanor
• $2,000 – $4,999 – Class 6 felony
• $5,000 – $19,999 – Class 5 felony
• $20,000 – $99,999 – Class 4 felony
• $100,000 – $999,999 – Class 3 felony
• $1,000,000 or more – Class 2 felony

As the value of the damage goes up, so do the penalties. Felonies can lead to state prison time and a permanent record that impacts your life long after the case is over.

Penalties and Long-Term Consequences

Punishments can range from fines and probation to years in prison. But there are other effects many people don’t think about until it’s too late:

• Difficulty getting a job or keeping a professional license
• Trouble renting an apartment or qualifying for housing
• Problems with student loans or college admissions
• Impact on immigration status for non-citizens
• Loss of trust in the community

This is why getting experienced legal help early is so important.

How We Defend Criminal Mischief Cases

Our attorneys carefully examine every part of your case to find the best defense. We don’t believe in one-size-fits-all solutions. Possible defenses include:

• The damage was accidental and not intentional
• You were wrongly accused or misidentified
• The property was yours or you had permission to use it
• The value of the damage was less than claimed
• The police violated your rights during the investigation

We also look for ways to reduce charges, such as through plea negotiations, diversion programs, or deferred judgments that could later allow your record to be sealed.

Steps to Take After Being Charged

If you are facing a charge, taking quick action can protect your rights. We recommend you:

• Stay calm and avoid discussing the case with others
• Write down everything that happened while it’s still fresh
• Take photos or gather any evidence that supports your side
• Contact a lawyer right away before talking to police or prosecutors

Possible Case Outcomes

Our goal is always to achieve the best result for your situation. Outcomes can include:

• Case dismissal if the evidence is weak
• Plea deal to a lower offense with no jail time
• Entry into a diversion program to keep your record clean
• Deferred judgment with the option for future sealing
• Trial victory where you are found not guilty

Each case is different, and we work closely with you to explain every option.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can criminal mischief charges be dropped?
Yes, if we can show there was no intent or the evidence is weak, prosecutors may agree to dismiss the case.

Will this go on my record forever?
Misdemeanors and felonies stay on your record, but some cases can later be sealed. We guide clients through that process when possible.

What if I already paid for the damage?
Restitution may help, but it does not automatically make the case go away. We can use it as part of negotiations with prosecutors.

Is jail time guaranteed?
Not always. Many first-time offenders can avoid jail through probation or diversion programs.

Protect Your Future Today

Being accused of damaging property can turn your life upside down, but you don’t have to face it alone. The Martin Law Firm is ready to help you fight back, protect your rights, and work toward a fresh start. Call us today at (970) 730-4354 for a free consultation and let us start building your defense.