CONTACT US TODAY
Please fill out the form and we will get back to you shortly.
what is destruction of property in DC
What is Destruction of Property? Destruction of Property in the District of Columbia is defined as the malicious breaking or attempting to injure by fire or otherwise, any public or private property, whether real or personal, not his or her own, of value. If the value of the destroyed property is $1000.00 or more it is felony. If the value of the destroyed property is under $1000.00 See D.C. Criminal Code § 22-303
What are the elements of Destruction of Property?
(1) maliciously destroyed property (“substantial risk of harm to that property, but engaged in that conduct, nonetheless”)
(2)The property did not belong to you.
(3) Property has value
Whats the Maximum Penalty for Destruction of Property
- The penalty for Felony Destruction of Property in the District of Columbia is ten years and/or $25,000.00 fine
- The penalty for Misdemeanor Destruction of Property in the District of Columbia is 180 days and/or $1000.00 fine
Is Spray Painting Private or Public Buildings Considered Destruction of Property
Yes defacing someone property whether public or private is considered destruction of property in the District of Columbia. Essentially if destroy property and you destroyed the property aware that your conduct created a “substantial risk of harm to that property, but engaged in that conduct, nonetheless.”
If you Have Been Charged?
So if you are arrested and charged with destruction of property you may be eligible for diversion. Usually, the goal of the prosecutor is to make the person whose property you may have destroyed whole again. Obviously, there is a multitude of defenses available to this crime. Need more information give us a call.
Rollins and Chan Law Firm
419 7th Street, NW Suite 405
Washington DC, District of Columbia 20004United States (US)