However, the section of Colorado law dealing with criminal mischief shows this is not the case. In a domestic violence case, the accused may be inclined to think that they have a right to damage property that they own with their spouse or partner.

However, if you intentionally spray paint your neighbor’s fence without their permission, you can be charged with criminal mischief. For example, if you’re spray painting furniture and accidentally get paint on your neighbor’s fence, you can’t be charged with criminal mischief. Under Colorado law, criminal mischief occurs when someone “knowingly damages the real or personal property of one or more other persons.” This crime does not include stealing, but rather anything that damages, breaks, or defaces another person’s property.īecause the definition in Colorado law requires the crime to be committed “knowingly,” it is impossible to accidentally commit criminal mischief. If you were charged with criminal mischief in Colorado, the Denver defense attorneys at Wolf Law LLC are here to help you understand your options and achieve a fair resolution.

The definition of criminal mischief varies slightly by state and may also be known by other names, such as malicious mischief, vandalism, damage to property, or criminal damage.Ĭriminal mischief penalties can be severe and may include prison time. Criminal mischief occurs any time a person damages another’s property without the owner’s permission, no matter how minor or severe the harm.

Malicious mischief penalty