If you’ve been charged with a property crime in Hamilton County or elsewhere in Southern Ohio, you need a skilled Cincinnati criminal defense attorney by your side. Attorney Brad Groene will make sure your rights are respected at every step of the criminal justice process. Call us today at (513) 338-1890.
Types of Property Damage and Arson Crimes in Ohio
- Arson — This crime relates to deliberately damaging or destroying property by fire or explosives. It’s treated as a serious offense because of the severe risk it poses to human life as well as the property affected. The penalties include lengthy jail time and considerable fines, in addition to the consequences that usually accompany a mark on your criminal record.
- Aggravated Arson — An aggravated arson charge is different from arson in that the property that was set on fire was occupied by people or the fire caused or created a substantial risk of harm to another person other than the initial offender. It is important to be aware that an aggravated arson conviction will result in severe penalties and will permanently remain on your criminal background for the rest of your life.
- Vandalism — Vandalism is a serious criminal offense in the state of Ohio. What may initially begin as a harmless prank or impulsive dare can actually result in being charged with a felony, which can entail extensive prison time in addition to fees. Vandalism is defined as knowingly engaging in a number of particular behaviors. If convicted, you will face incarceration and expensive fines and fees.
- Criminal Damaging or Endangering — Criminal damaging or endangering in Ohio is a serious criminal charge encompassing a wide range of offenses. Criminal damaging or endangering is defined according (ORC 2909.06) as any individual who created a substantial risk of physical harm to another person’s property without their consent if a number of circumstances are applicable.
- Criminal Mischief — Criminal mischief in Ohio is a broad offense that covers a wide range of situations involving property damage. Criminal mischief is characterized by intentionally causing damage or destruction without permission of the property owner. Regardless of whether you may have been angry, were seeking revenge, or just wanted to pull what you thought was a harmless prank – damaging another person’s property is a serious criminal act that is not treated lightly in court. Penalties for a criminal mischief conviction entail jail time and expensive fines and fees.
Penalties & Jail Time for Arson and Property Property Crimes in Ohio
Ohio has a zero tolerance policy for aggravated arson, vandalism, criminal damaging and criminal mischief. The penalties and consequences following a property crime charge are serious.
- Incarceration
- Probation
- Large fines
- Restitution to the property owner
- Permanent criminal record
- Difficulty obtaining a job or affordable housing
- Additional punishments at school
- Negative reputation
If you are facing an aggravated arson, vandalism, criminal damaging, or criminal mischief charge in Ohio, it is critical that you consult with an attorney as soon as possible. Regardless of what happened in your case, it is understandable that you are probably scared and overwhelmed. You do not have go through this experience alone. Ohio property damage lawyer Brad Groene is here to provide his knowledge, understanding, and legal counsel to help you deal with charges that you are currently facing. The sooner you consult with the right Cincinnati property damage attorney, the better, as they will work diligently to achieve the most favorable outcome for your case. This could mean the difference between serving less jail time to a complete dismissal of charges altogether.
The penalties and consequences following an aggravated arson, vandalism, criminal damaging or criminal mischief charge are serious. What may have seemed like a silly prank could result in serious consequences. Call Ohio property damage lawyer Brad Groene today if you are facing charges for arson in Ohio or other related property damage charges. He will walk you through your legal options and begin building a defense to reduce the penalties you face. Get the justice you deserve. Don’t hesitate to contact us today at (513) 338-1890 or email us at advice@cincinnaticriminalattorney.com. We are available 24/7.