Apparently, people running after others and scaring them with chainsaws doesn't just happen at corn mazes around the fall. Recently, I read an article about a man in Colorado Springs who broke into a variety of homes covered in mud. But it didn't just stop there. The man's appearance was accompanied by yelling at children, turning over couches, and changing into a victim's yoga pants. In addition to these actions, he took a weed whacker and his chainsaw into other homes after stealing them. Since this incident occurred in Colorado, the man faces charges of Theft, Criminal Mischief, Menacing, Second Degree Burglary and Criminal Trespass. For the purposes of this blog, we'll focus on the charges of Criminal Mischief and Second Degree Burglary.

Criminal Mischief and Second Degree Burglary in El Paso County

Criminal Mischief, C.R.S. 18-4-501 is defined as:

 “Someone knowingly damaging the real or personal property of another person, or persons, including jointly owned property.”

Sometimes, there are predictable circumstances that lead people to damage the property of another, like revenge, anger or domestic violence. In the case of this man, the circumstances were unpredictable–he claimed to have been using methamphetamine. Everyone knows our thought processes can become a bit altered when using drugs. Yet, because the man damaged parts of the homes that he had broken into, including a closet shelf in a master bedroom, he would likely face charges of Criminal Mischief. Here is the breakdown of charges based on cost of damage:

Class 4 Felony

If any damage inside of the homes cost one thousand dollars or more, but less than twenty thousand dollars to fix

Class 3 Felony

If the damage was twenty thousand dollars or more

Class 1 misdemeanor

If the damage was five hundred dollars or more, but less than one thousand dollars

Class 2 misdemeanor

If the damage was less than five hundred dollars

Criminal Mischief charges are serious– working with an experienced defense attorney is crucial for your freedom.

As stated in the article, the man is facing charges of Second Degree Burglary, C.R.S. 18-4-203, which occurs when:

“a person knowingly breaks an entrance into, enters unlawfully in, or remains unlawfully in a building with an intent to commit a crime.”

The man broke into a number of homes without permission and stayed in them unlawfully. This is why he would likely face charges of 2nd Degree Burglary. To be charged with first degree burglary, (C.R.S. 18-4-202), the man would have had to harm the residents of the homes he broke into. Many times, a burglary conviction can lead to many years in prison. Our criminal defense attorneys know the criminal justice system well and will ensure that you are not charged more than the evidence justifies.

Why You Need the Best Denver Burglary Attorneys

Frequently, evidence in a burglary case can be lost, which is why it's important to act quickly. On the other hand, with Criminal Mischief cases, men and women are frequently overcharged by the government. It is crucial for you and your future to contact one of our experienced defense lawyers early in your case if facing charges of Burglary or Criminal Mischief. We fight for fair charges and restitution, and many times get a case dismissed.

Get Help Now

If you or a loved one is facing burglary or criminal mischief charges, be smart, exercise your right to remain silent, and contact an experienced criminal defense attorney at the O'Malley Law Office at 303-830-0880 for a free consultation. Together, we can protect your future.Request a Free Consultation

 Image Credit: Pixabay – ClkerFreeVectorImages