Criminal Mischief in New Jersey is the destruction or tampering with property belonging to another, and is generally charged on a scale to reflect the value of the property in question.
Behaviors that fall under the law include things like breaking windows or tagging a structure, but there are other circumstances where the seriousness of the charge is considered higher.
For instance, getting into a fight with a spouse and smashing their cell phone can constitute Criminal Mischief, and it would fall under the umbrella of New Jersey’s domestic violence statute.
Depending on the value of the phone, the charge might be a disorderly persons offense or a crime in the fourth degree (or even third degree), but conviction on a domestic violence can carry much more significant penalties than jail time alone.
Restraining orders can make it difficult to see your children, and you may even be ordered out of your home.
Once domestic violence is in play as a factor in your case, your life will get much, much harder.
Protect your rights and freedoms when facing a criminal mischief charge. Call attorney Matthew Reisig today at 732-625-9661 for a free consultation.