Nashville TN Vandalism Defense Attorney

While many people think of vandalism as relatively harmless pranks, it is a serious property crime that can lead to jail time and steep fines, which is not to mention the attendant social consequences. If you’re facing a vandalism charge, it’s time to consult with an experienced Nashville criminal defense attorney.

Vandalism Defined

In Tennessee, vandalism is defined as knowingly damaging or destroying property that belongs to someone else without the owner’s effective consent. Damage in this context refers to all the following:

• Damaging or destroying the other person or entity’s real estate or personal property
• Polluting or contaminating the other person or entity’s property
• Tampering with the other person or entity’s property and, in the process, affecting property loss, a loss in the property’s value, or substantial inconvenience to the owner

The Vandalism Charge

Like other property crimes, the charge of vandalism corresponds with the extent of the damage caused and the value and type of property that’s involved. These charges begin as Class A misdemeanors but can quickly progress to the felony level. Consider all the following:

• If the destroyed or damaged property has a value of up to $500, the charge is a Class A misdemeanor, which carries up to 11 months and 29 days in jail and fines of up to $2,500.
• If the destroyed or damaged property has a value of from $500 to $1,000, the charge is a Class E felony, which carries from 1 to 6 years in prison and fines of up to $3,000.
• If the destroyed or damaged property has a value of from $1,000 to $10,000, the charge is a Class D felony, which carries from 2 to 12 years in prison and fines of up to $5,000.
• If the destroyed or damaged property has a value of from $10,000 to $60,000, the charge is a Class C felony, which carries from 3 to 15 years in prison and fines of up to $10,000.
• If the destroyed or damaged property exceeds a value of $60,000, the charge is a Class B felony, which carries from 8 to 30 years in prison and fines of up to $25,000.
• If the destroyed or damaged property exceeds a value of $250,000, the charge is a Class A felony, which carries from 15 years to life in prison and fines of up to $50,000.

In other words, a vandalism charge can derail your future, and having skilled legal counsel in your corner is always to your advantage.

Bringing Your Strongest Defense

If you’re facing a vandalism charge, bringing your strongest defense is key. This includes working closely with a practiced criminal defense attorney, but basic strategies tend to include:

• You’re innocent of the crime.
• It’s a case of mistaken identity.
• The value of the damage is less than alleged
• There is a mistake in ownership regarding the property.
• You lacked the intent necessary to commit the crime.
• The damage you caused was accidental.
• The owner gave their consent.

An Experienced Nashville Criminal Defense Attorney Is Standing By to Help

The focused Nashville criminal defense attorneys at Raybin & Weissman dedicate their impressive practice to skillfully defending the legal rights of clients like you – in fierce pursuit of favorable resolutions. To learn more, please contact us online or call 615-256-6666 today.