Malicious Destruction of Property

For Defense Against Your Charges, Call My Baltimore Defense Firm: (410) 630-4274.

While it’s not a crime to devalue or destroy someone else’s property, it becomes an issue if the destruction was done willfully and with intent to harm the other person. An act of vandalism can also be considered property destruction if it was committed with reckless intent. If you have been accused of malicious destruction, Scheuerman Law, LLC can help.

Give us a call today at (410) 630-4274.

Malicious destruction of property is considered a misdemeanor in Baltimore, punishable by up to 3 years in prison and/or a fine of $2,500. A good criminal defense attorney can help you prove that the destruction of property was accidental and involved no intent to harm. When this can be proven, the defendant will not be held in prison and/or fined for any amount.

What Is Considered to Be a Malicious Destruction of Property?

For an action to be considered malicious destruction of property, a person must intentionally destroy, deface, or injure the personal or real property of another.

Personal or real property includes:

• Vehicles
• Homes
• Electronic devices
• Clothing
• Items of sentimental value
• Furniture
• Pets

Vandalism can also be considered property destruction, i.e. slashing someone’s tires, breaking windows, smashing a phone, graffitiing, or anything else done with the intention of reckless destruction. If you are charged with or face the charge of vandalism, the punishment can be less severe.