When facing a criminal damage charge, it’s always best to ensure you understand your legal position.
Criminal damage offences are among the most common types of criminal acts, but many people don’t understand classifications or the punishments. Which is why working with a criminal defence solicitor is crucial to minimising your sentence.
FAQs
Put simply, criminal damage is intentional to someone’s property without consent or lawful excuse. The offence also encompasses the crime of Arson, which is criminal damage using fire to cause the damage.
In criminal damage offences, the term “damage” is used very loosely by the courts and can be interpreted in a number of different ways. Therefore, we always advise individuals to seek legal assistance to understand where they stand in the eyes of the law.
The most common types of criminal damage include:
Whether you’ve been invited for a police interview or have already received a court summons document, we can help. Give us a call on 0203 007 5500.
The penalties for criminal damage are determined by the type of damage the individual has caused. Typically, punishments include:
| Nature of activity | Sentence |
|---|---|
| Minor damage (breaking small window) | A fine up to £5,000 |
| Moderate damage (breaking large plate-glass or a shop window) | Low level community order |
| Significant damage up to £5,000 (damage caused as part of a spree) | High level community order |
| Damage between £5,000 and £10,000 | 6 to 26 weeks custody |
| Damage over £10,000 | 6 weeks – 10 years custody |
If you get a court summons or are asked to attend a voluntary police interview for a criminal damage offence, you need to seek the advice of a criminal damage solicitor.
Instructing a solicitor will ensure:
We are currently unable to offer legal aid in any capacity as we lack the necessary legal aid certificate. We also don’t provide pro bono work at present.
Call, email or provide us with a few details of your matter, and we’ll help you arrange a free, no obligation initial consultation so you can:
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