Aggravated criminal damage is a severe criminal offense under Arizona law. According to ARS 13-1604, aggravated criminal damage can occur when a person intentionally or recklessly performs one or more of the following acts without first receiving permission from the owner:
- Defaces, damages or changes the appearance of any building, structure, personal property or place used for worship or any other form of religious activity,
- Defaces or damages a building, structure or place used by a school or as a facility for educational purposes,
- Defaces, damages or tampers with any cemetery, mortuary or personal property of a cemetery or mortuary, or causes any type of damage to a facility used for burials or as memorials to the deceased, or
- Defaces, damages or tampers with any utility or agricultural infrastructure of property, construction site or existing structure for the purpose of obtaining nonferrous metals as defined in ARS 44-1641.
The consequences if convicted of aggravated criminal damage in Arizona can include a permanent criminal record, jail and/or prison time, restitution or other hefty fines. Offenders may also be required to perform community service or be placed on probation. Furthermore, a conviction for aggravated criminal damage can also cause problems for an offender in the future when they try to apply for jobs or higher education. To protect your future from the harsh consequences associated with aggravated criminal damage, turn to the criminal defense attorneys at JacksonWhite. Our experienced team can assess your case during a free and confidential consultation, and provide you with answers to your questions and concerns. For more information, call 480-818-9943 immediately!