According to ARS 13-1602, a person commits criminal damage if they recklessly:
- Deface or damage property belonging to another person;
- Tamper with another person’s property in a way that substantially impairs that property’s function/value;
- Tamper or damage the property of a utility; or
- Draw or inscribe any type of message, slogan, sign or symbol on any public or private building, structure or surface, except the ground, without first obtaining permission from the owner.
The severity of the charges brought against a person suspected of criminal damage depends on the amount of damage incurred to the victim. Under Arizona law, criminal damage can be punished according to the following categories:
- Class 4 felony – If the property damage equates to an amount of $10,000 or more
- Class 4 felony – If the defendant recklessly damages the property of a utility in an amount of $5,000 or more; or if the defendant recklessly causes impairment of a utility’s function
- Class 5 felony – If the amount of property damage is more than $2,000 but less than $10,000
- Class 6 felony – If the amount of property damage is more than $1,000 but less than $2,000
If a defendant is accused of causing reckless damage to another person’s property in an amount of $250 to $999, the defendant can be charged with a class 1 misdemeanor for criminal damage. Arizona defendants can face potentially severe consequences if convicted of a reckless crime such as criminal damage. As a result, it is important that you consult with a criminal damage attorney immediately if you have been accused of property damage in Arizona. Call 480-818-9943 anytime, 7 days a week.