Q: What’s the penalty for first time criminal mischief?
My son was charged with criminal mischief for kick police door during in altercation
A:
The penalty for first-time criminal mischief in Arkansas will depend on the degree of the offense, which is typically determined by the amount of damage caused. If the damage is less than $1,000, it is considered a Class A misdemeanor, which could result in up to one year in jail and a fine of up to $2,500. However, if the damage is to government property, like a police car, the offense could be treated more severely. Legal consequences can also include restitution, which is paying for the damages caused.
Given the involvement of law enforcement property, your son should seek legal counsel to address the charges adequately. An attorney can provide guidance on potential defenses and mitigating factors that might reduce the severity of the penalties. It's also advisable to act quickly, as legal proceedings can move forward swiftly.
Justia Ask a Lawyer is a forum for consumers to get answers to basic legal questions. Any information sent through Justia Ask a Lawyer is not secure and is done so on a non-confidential basis only.
The use of this website to ask questions or receive answers does not create an attorney–client relationship between you and Justia, or between you and any attorney who receives your information or responds to your questions, nor is it intended to create such a relationship. Additionally, no responses on this forum constitute legal advice, which must be tailored to the specific circumstances of each case. You should not act upon information provided in Justia Ask a Lawyer without seeking professional counsel from an attorney admitted or authorized to practice in your jurisdiction. Justia assumes no responsibility to any person who relies on information contained on or received through this site and disclaims all liability in respect to such information.
Justia cannot guarantee that the information on this website (including any legal information provided by an attorney through this service) is accurate, complete, or up-to-date. While we intend to make every attempt to keep the information on this site current, the owners of and contributors to this site make no claims, promises or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness or adequacy of the information contained in or linked to from this site.
