Seattle Malicious Mischief Attorneys

Defending your rights against criminal property damage accusations and other charges

Breaking a window, keying a car, even spray-painting graffiti on a wall may not seem like serious offenses, but prosecutors feel otherwise, often charging violators with malicious mischief. Conviction on malicious mischief charges can result in steep penalties, including jail time and heavy fines. It is a frightening turn of events, but a knowledgeable Seattle malicious mischief attorney at the Law Offices of James Newton, PLLC can help.

With more than 60 years of accumulated experience, the Seattle criminal attorneys of James Newton Law give you the high-quality legal representation you need to minimize your consequences or possibly even have the charges dropped.

Degrees of malicious mischief in Washington State

Malicious mischief is a common charge for allegedly damaging another person’s property. Its definition is broad and can include breaking or defacing property and possessions as well as erasing or damaging information, records, data or computer programs.

There are generally three classifications of malicious mischief in Washington. The level of the charge depends primarily on the dollar value of property damage incurred:

First degree

• Property damage is valued over $1,500
• Class B felony punishable by up to 10 years in prison and fines up to $20,000

Second degree

• Property damage valued between $250 and $1,500
• Class C felony punishable by up to five years in prison and fines up to $10,000

Third degree

• Property damage totaling $50 to $250
• Gross misdemeanor punishable by up to a year in jail and fines up to $5,000

The best opportunity you have for avoiding the most serious consequences for a malicious mischief charge is to contact an experienced misdemeanors attorney in Seattle without delay. The Law Offices of James Newton, PLLC is ready to help.

Strong defense against public safety mischief charges

Although causing damage to personal property is the most common form of malicious mischief, you may also face a first or second degree mischief charge if you are suspected of:

• Causing an interruption or impairment of public service by damaging or tampering with an emergency vehicle, a public utility, public transportation, power or communication, or any other property of the state
• Causing an impairment of safety, efficiency or operation of an aircraft by damaging or tampering with the equipment, fuel, lubricant or parts

If accused of malicious mischief, you need an experienced Seattle criminal defense attorney on your side. Our firm focuses on criminal defense and we work quickly to gather evidence, represent you in negotiations with the prosecutor and appear on your behalf in court.

Contact a skilled malicious mischief attorney in Seattle for a free consultation today

If you or a family member is facing malicious mischief charges, we can help. Call us at 206.389.1855 or contact the Law Offices of James Newton, PLLC online. With offices conveniently located throughout the state, we serve clients everywhere in Washington, including Tacoma, Kent and surrounding areas in King County. We take calls 24 hours a day.