Clifton NJ Criminal Mischief Defense Lawyer

Criminal Mischief Defense Attorney with Offices in Little Falls, New Jersey

Criminal defense attorney Alissa D. Hascup represents clients throughout New Jersey who have been charged with offenses against property, including but not limited to criminal mischief, trespassing, and peering in Clifton, Wayne, and Totowa.

She has successfully handled thousands of cases throughout the State of New Jersey, in Superior Court (indictable/felony level offenses) and Municipal Court (disorderly persons/misdemeanor level offenses). Ms. Hascup is a former Morris County Prosecutor who handled a host of domestic violence cases, ranging from homicide (murder) to robbery, during the course of her distinguished career.

Being charged with a crime in the State of New Jersey because of a domestic violence or other related incident can have serious, lasting consequences. Having an experienced, aggressive defense lawyer who knows the law and how to navigate the justice system can mean all the difference.

Contact Alissa D. Hascup anytime at 862-257-1200 for an initial consultation, which is always provided free of charge.

Criminal Mischief in New Jersey: N.J.S.A. 2C:17-3

Criminal Mischief is codified under N.J.S.A. 2C:17-3, which provides:

a. A person is guilty of criminal mischief if he:

1. Purposely or knowingly damages tangible property or another or damages tangible property or another recklessly or negligently in the employment of fire, explosives or other dangerous means; or
2. Purposely, knowingly or recklessly tampers with tangible property of another so as to endanger person or property, including the damaging or destroying of a rental premises by a tenant in retaliation for institution of eviction proceedings.

Criminal Mischief in New Jersey: Associated Penalties

Criminal Mischief is a crime of the third degree if the actor purposely or knowingly causes pecuniary (monetary) loss of $2,000 or more. A crime of the third degree is punishable by a term of imprisonment of up to 5 years in New Jersey State Prison.
Criminal Mischief is a crime of the fourth degree if the actor purposely or knowingly causes pecuniary (monetary) loss in excess of $500 but less than $2,000. A crime of the fourth degree is punishable by a term of imprisonment of up to 18 months in New Jersey State Prison.
Criminal Mischief is a disorderly persons offense if the actor causes pecuniary (monetary) loss of $500 or less. A disorderly persons offense is punishable by a term of imprisonment of up to 6 months in county jail.

Notwithstanding the amount of the pecuniary (monetary) loss, various other circumstances may raise the degree of Criminal Mischief, such as tampering with a grave or tampering with public service both third degree.

NOTE: If there is proof of the amount of the pecuniary (monetary) loss suffered, the court may require that the victim be reimbursed. This reimbursement is commonly referred to as restitution.

ALSO NOTE: If the offense involves an act of graffiti, the court may require reimbursement ( restitution ) and a period community service. If community service is ordered, is shall be for either not less than 20 days or not less than the number of days necessary to remove the graffiti from the property.

Contact a Paterson NJ Criminal Mischief Lawyer for Help

Skilled and knowledgeable attorney Alissa D. Hascup can seek to avoid the imposition of a jail term by negotiating an alternate disposition on your behalf. For instance, if you are a first-time offender, she can attempt to negotiate your entry into a diversionary program like the Pre-Trial Intervention Program ( PTI ). Successful completion of the PTI Program would result in a dismissal of the charges against you.

Regardless of your criminal history (or lack thereof), if you find yourself in a situation where you or a loved one have been charged with criminal mischief as a result of a domestic violence or other related incident, the consequences can be serious. Alissa D. Hascup can help. Call or email her right away for a free consultation about your case.

If you are facing criminal charges in New Jersey, you want a battle-tested, aggressive criminal defense attorney on your side. Alissa D. Hascup will protect your rights and your freedom. She is highly skilled and incredibly motivated and puts clients first – always.

Please contact Ms. Hascup’s office today to request a free initial consultation about your criminal charges. She will review the facts of your case, answer your questions, and explain how she can best defend you.

Ms. Hascup can be reached 24/7. For your convenience, she offers night and weekend appointments, as well as virtual appointments.

Courts We Serve

In Passaic County, including Paterson, Clifton, Wayne, Passaic, West Milford, Hawthorne, Little Falls, Pompton Lakes, Ringwood, Woodland Park, Wanaque, Totowa, North Haledon, Haledon, Bloomingdale, and Prospect Park, in Morris County, including Morristown, Parsippany, Denville, Randolph, Rockaway, Madison, Boonton, Dover, East Hanover, Montville, Lincoln Park, Pequannock, Butler, and Riverdale, in Essex County, including Newark, East Orange, West Orange, South Orange, Irvington, Bloomfield, Montclair, Belleville, Nutley, Maplewood, Millburn, Verona, Cedar Grove, West Caldwell, Glen Ridge, Fairfield, and Roseland.

Offices

Alissa D. Hascup, Esq.