What is Malicious Destruction Property?
Malicious Destruction Property (MDOP) refers to any person who willfully and knowingly maliciously destroys or injures the personal property of another person. It is sometimes referred to as vandalism, although this crime is far more serious than mailboxes and graffiti. If found guilty of malicious destruction of property, criminals are subject to the following penalties:
- 4th Degree (Misdemeanor): Refers to a criminal that has no prior offenses, and has destructed under $200 in damages. These criminals are subject to a penalty of up to 93 days in prison, and/or fines of up to $500 (or 3 times the property damage).
- 3rd Degree (Misdemeanor): Refers to a criminal that has any prior offenses, and has destructed between $200-$1,000 in damages. These criminals are subject to a penalty of up to 1 year in prison, and/or fines of up to $2,000 (or 3 times the property damage).
- 2nd Degree (Felony): Refers to a criminal that has one or more prior offenses, and has destructed between $1,000-$20,000 in damages. These criminals are subject to a penalty of up to 5 years in prison, and/or fines of up to $10,000 (or 3 times the property damage).
- 1st Degree (Felony): Refers to a criminal that has 2 or more prior offenses, and has destructed more than $20,000 in damages. These criminals are subject to a penalty of up to 10 years in prison, and/or fines of up to $15,000 (of 3 times the property damage).
There are also specific circumstances where any amount of damage results in a felony charge, for example: damage to personal property of fire departments or police officers; school buses; dams; canals; bridges; utility lines or telephone poles. The criminal charge can also take into account the aggregate damage over time. For example: if a woman keys her boyfriend’s car one day and breaks the windows the next, the total of the damage to the car would be used to determine which degree she would be charged with. Since there are so many details and determining factors, it’s important to have a knowledgeable attorney to help you with your Malicious Destruction Property defense.
Malicious Destruction Property defense
Malicious Destruction Property in Michigan is a very descriptive crime, which makes it a very complicated law. It is also why it is important to contact experienced lawyers like Kathryn Wayne-Spindler & Associates at 248-676-1000 to assist with your Malicious Destruction Property defense.
Kathryn Wayne-Spindler & Associates have many satisfied clients throughout the five counties of Southeastern Michigan – Oakland, Washtenaw, Wayne, Genesee and Livingston. The Michigan Family Law Attorneys of Kathryn Wayne-Spindler & Associates have one simple objective: to handle our clients’ legal worries so they can concentrate on life and family. Contact Kathryn Wayne-Spindler & Associates today to learn more about our experience and success at 248-676-1000. We are conveniently located in Milford, Michigan. We help clients throughout Milford; Highland; Hartland; White Lake; Commerce; Waterford; West Bloomfield; Walled Lake; South Lyon; New Hudson; Wixom; Linden; Holly; Fenton; Grand Blanc; Flint and many more local communities.
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