Juvenile Criminal Mischief

Juvenile Lawyer in Burlington County NJ

My mother used to tell me that “idle hands are the devil’s playground.” For minors and juveniles, this is particularly concerning because outside of school, they have ample free time with limited supervision. If your child was involved in the destruction of another person’s property, whether as a joke or with malicious intent, they may be charged with criminal mischief. Typically, Criminal Mischief charges will be prosecuted based on the value of the goods or property involved. In certain cases, a juvenile could be facing a third degree felony offense and up to two (2) years in the Burlington County Juvenile Detention Center for criminal mischief. Whether you are acting on behalf of yourself or your child, it is imperative that you consult with a Burlington County Juvenile Attorney today about your case.

Proetta, Oliver & Fay is a criminal defense law firm that specializes in juvenile matters. If your child was arrested in a Burlington County town like Evesham, Mount Holly, Moorestown, Bordentown, Burlington Township, Pemberton, Maple Shade, Cinnaminson, Florence, Medford, Palmyra or Riverside, call (609) 850-8284 today. With countless experience handling juvenile cases throughout the State, our firm is well-equipped to step-in on your son or daughter’s behalf. We have represented juveniles charged with criminal mischief, terroristic threats, possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose, shoplifting, simple assault, aggravated assault and arson, just to name a few. If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to reach out to our Burlington County office.

Criminal Mischief Attorney Bordentown NJ

N.J.S.A. 2C:17-3 lays out the law for criminal mischief in New Jersey. Specifically, this law states that the it is illegal to either:

1.    Purposely or knowingly damage tangible property of another
2.    Damage tangible property of another recklessly or negligently in the employment of fire, explosives or other dangerous         means
3.    Purposely, knowingly or recklessly tamper with tangible property of another so as to endanger person or property.

Burlington Township Criminal Mischief Charges

Third Degree Criminal Mischief

♦     Here, the value of the items involved must either be valued in excess of $2,000 or involve a research facility, gravestone           or public transportation
♦     If adjudicated delinquent, your child faces up to two (2) years in the Burlington County Detention Center

Fourth Degree Criminal Mischief

♦     Here, the value of the items involved must be valued in excess of $500 but less than $2,00
♦     If adjudicated delinquent, your child faces up to one (1) year in the Burlington County Detention Center

Disorderly Persons Offense Criminal Mischief

♦     Here, the value of the items involved must anything valued up to $500
♦     If adjudicated delinquent, your child faces up to six (6) months in the Burlington County Detention Center

Can My Child Avoid a Juvenile Record?

Similar to adult crimes, juveniles may be afforded diversionary programs under certain situations. Depending on your child’s juvenile history, the facts surrounding his case and the prosecutor’s position, we may be able to obtain a deferred disposition for your child. If so, this will allow the court to dismiss the juvenile’s charges after completion of a successful period of probation. For more information on the availability of a deferred disposition in your child’s case, please call (609) 850-8284.

Criminal Mischief Attorney Burlington County, NJ

It doesn’t take an attorney with a law degree to realize that a juvenile charge for Criminal Mischief should be taken seriously. Children need to be protected so that a silly mistake does not haunt them for the rest of their lives. If you would like to consult with a Burlington County Juvenile Attorney today, please contact our office directly at (609) 850-8284. We can be reached 24/7 for your convenience and we will gladly discuss the process and what your options are in your child’s case.