A person can be charged with criminal damage to property when they intentionally damage the property of another person. “Damage” can be something as simple as a slight decrease in the property’s value, or as aggressive as total destruction of the property.
If the value of the damaged property is less than $2,500, this will be charged as a misdemeanor offense, carrying a maximum penalty of nine months in jail and/or a $10,000 fine. If the value of the damaged property exceeds $2,500, this can be charged as a felony offense.
It is important to note that criminal damage to property can occur within a domestic context. If you are married, and damage marital property, you can still be charged with committing a criminal damage to property offense, even if the property belongs to you and your spouse jointly.
