Darien Criminal Mischief Arrests

In Connecticut, the crime of damaging property is known as criminal mischief. If you were arrested for criminal mischief in Darien, you should reach out to a top defense attorney for assistance.

What Situations May Lead to a Criminal Mischief Arrest?

Nearly any situation in which someone damages another person’s property can lead to a criminal mischief arrest. Many of these situations are fueled by alcohol. Someone who has been drinking may damage or tamper with public property, leading to an arrest. Other common examples include fights that lead to damaged items, or damaging a building in the process of breaking and entering. The most common charges accompanying criminal mischief are breach of peace, domestic violence, and burglary.

Notably, even accidentally damaging certain types of property can lead to criminal mischief charges. If someone causes damage and fails to report it, they could be arrested for criminal mischief.

How Do Darien Authorities Treat Criminal Mischief?

Criminal mischief laws are heavily enforced, especially by the Darien Police Department. They take any act of property damage very seriously and will aggressively prosecute the accused.

After receiving a report of vandalism, a criminal mischief case will generally be assigned to an officer in the property crimes unit of the Darien police department. This officer handles the entire investigation, applies for a warrant with the Stamford prosecutor, and arrests the defendant.

Is Criminal Mischief a Felony in Darien?

Criminal mischief can be a felony, depending on the value of the property. First-degree criminal mischief is a Class D felony punishable by jail time, hefty fines, and probation. In addition, the prosecutor nearly always seeks full restitution to the alleged victim. If someone damages property valued at $1,500 or more, the charge is criminal mischief in the first degree.

In addition to the highest degree of Class D felony, the Connecticut General Statutes establish three degrees of misdemeanor criminal mischief. Criminal mischief in the second degree is a Class A misdemeanor, third-degree is a Class B misdemeanor, and fourth-degree is a Class C misdemeanor.

Can an Attorney Help if I am Under Investigation?

Yes. You should consider hiring an attorney as soon as you learn you are being investigated for criminal mischief, even if you have not been arrested. In the right circumstances, a lawyer can work with the Darien Police Department and aid them in their investigation to prevent you from ever being charged with a crime. If there was damage done to property, the attorney can work with the owner and the police in an attempt to avoid any criminal charges.

What Should I Do After Being Arrested for Criminal Mischief?

If you were arrested for criminal mischief in Darien, you should contact an attorney immediately, ideally before going to arraignment. This process can be very confusing, and there are a lot of moving parts. Additionally, you should avoid giving statements to police or speaking to anyone about the case. Without an attorney present, it is easy to accidentally give incriminating statements and end up with a permanent criminal record.

Contact an experienced Darien defense lawyer as soon as possible to discuss your case. The attorneys at Mark Sherman Law have extensive experience in the Stamford courts and can negotiate the best possible disposition on your behalf. Call today to schedule a consultation.