Criminal damage is a property offense in Arizona and ranges from a Class 2 Misdemeanor to Class 4 Felony. The designation depends on the dollar loss. 

Also, Criminal Damage is a Domestic Violence eligible offense. This designation increases possible consequences such as a required minimum 26 domestic violence classes. A conviction in Arizona may result in jail or prison time. 

Criminal Damage Defined

A.R.S. §13-1602 defines this offense in Arizona. Indeed, a person commits Criminal Damage by “Recklessly”:

  1. Defacing or damaging property of another person.
  2. Tampering with property of another person so as substantially to impair its function or value.
  3. Damaging property of a utility.
  4. Parking any vehicle in such a manner as to deprive livestock of access to the only reasonably available water.
  5. Drawing or inscribing a message, slogan, sign or symbol that is made to any public or private building, structure or surface, except the ground, and that is made without permission of the owner.
  6. Intentionally tampering with utility property.

Consequences of a Conviction

It is important to note, this crime ranges from a Class 2 Misdemeanor to a Class 4 Felony. The offense class depends on the dollar amount of the damage. However, utility property damage above $5000 is a Class 4 Felony. The class of crime and dollar amounts are the following: Class 2 Misdemeanor for damage less than $250; It is a Class 1 Misdemeanor for damage more than $250, but less than $1000; Class 6 Felony for damage more than $1000, but less than $2000; A Class 5 Felony for damage more than. $2000, but less than $10,000; Class 4 Felony for damage over $10,000.

Hire Huss Law as your Criminal Damage Attorney

Jeremy L. Huss has been handling criminal damage cases in Arizona for 20 years.  Mr. Huss spent nearly 13 years handling major felonies as an Arizona prosecutor and has been lead counsel in countless criminal trials.  He is a knowledgeable Arizona attorney that will guide anyone through the criminal justice system.