Charged With Destruction of Property? Our Brockton Defense Attorneys Can Help
About Malicious Destruction of Property
Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 266 section 127 makes it a crime to willfully (intentionally by design and not by accident or carelessness) and maliciously (out of revenge, hostility or cruelty) destroy the property of another. Someone can be charged with either malicious destruction of property over $1,200 or malicious destruction of property under $1,200.
In order to prove the defendant guilty of this offense the Prosecutor must prove f the following things beyond a reasonable doubt:
- The defendant damaged or destroyed the (personal property) (dwelling house) (building) of another;
- The defendant did so willfully
- That the defendant did so with malice;
- If value of property is greater than $1,200, then it must also be proven that the damage to the property exceeded $1,200.
Penalties for Willful and Malicious destruction of property:
- Imprisonment in state prison for up to 10 years; or
- Fines up to $3,000 or 3 times the value of the destroyed property; or
- Imprisonment in the house of correction for a maximum of 2 ½ years
About Wanton Destruction of Property
Wanton destruction of property is separate less severe crime charge. “Wanton” conduct is nonmalicious conduct that is more than negligence or gross negligence. The defendant acts indifferently with a reckless disregard to the rights of others and the potential consequences of his action when he or she exercises wanton conduct.
Penalties for Wanton destruction of property:
- Fines up to $1,500 or up 3 times the value of the destroyed property
- Imprisonment in the house of correction for a maximum of 2 ½ years
Greater Boston Area Property Destruction, Vandalism Defense Lawyer — Free Consultation
If you have been charged with destroying property, either intentionally, or by accident, call our law offices today to schedule your free initial consultation. Even charges involving vandalism, “tagging” or graffiti may seem like childhood pranks, but it could lead to a criminal record.
Get the help you need — email our attorneys or call (508) 588-0422 today.
Our knowledgeable and experienced Massachusetts Malicious Destruction Defense Lawyers at The Law Offices of Gerald J. Noonan are available to assist clients throughout all of Massachusetts, including but not limited to Plymouth County including Brockton, Abington, Bridgewater, Whitman, Hanson, Hingham, Wareham, Halifax, Middleborough, Rockland, Lakeville, Holbrook, Avon, Kingston, Pembroke, Plympton, Pembroke, Hanover, Carver, Duxbury, Marshfield, Norwell, Hanover, Scituate, East/West Bridgewater, Rochester, Marion, Mattapoisett; Norfolk County including Quincy, Stoughton, Dedham, Weymouth, Braintree, Randolph, Canton, Sharon, Brookline, Franklin; Bristol County including New Bedford, Fall River, Taunton, Wrentham, Attleboro, Mansfield, Easton, Raynham; and Middlesex County including Cambridge, Lowell, Somerville, Newton, Woburn, Framingham, Malden, Chelsea, Everett, Arlington, Medford and Waltham; Cape Cod, Barnstable, Falmouth and Worcester; Essex County including Lynn, Lawrence and Salem; and the Greater Boston area including South Boston, Revere, Dorchester and Roxbury.
