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Buffalo, NY Vandalism Charges: Protecting Your Future
|Last Updated on: 28th October 2023, 11:26 pm
Buffalo, NY Vandalism Charges: Protecting Your Future
Getting charged with vandalism can be scary. It feels like your future is on the line. What will happen? Will you go to jail? Get kicked out of school? Lose your job? Not be able to find a new job? What about your record? Your reputation?
It’s normal to feel anxious and overwhelmed. But don’t panic. There are things you can do to protect yourself. The first step is getting a good lawyer. Someone who knows the system and can advise you on the best defense strategy.
Understanding the Charges
Vandalism charges in Buffalo can include:
- Criminal mischief – intentionally or recklessly damaging property of another person
- Reckless endangerment – creating substantial risk of serious injury or death to another person
- Trespassing – entering or remaining unlawfully on property
The charges and penalties depend on things like:
- Extent of damage/risk caused
- Value of property damaged
- Criminal history
- Age of defendant
For example, criminal mischief can range from a violation to a felony, depending on the damage amount. And penalties can include fines, probation, restitution, community service, or jail time.
It’s critical to understand exactly what you’re charged with. Your lawyer will explain the specific charges, associated penalties, and defense options.
Hiring an Attorney
Don’t go it alone. A good lawyer makes all the difference. Look for someone experienced with vandalism cases. Ask about their track record with similar charges. Do they have relationships with prosecutors and judges? Have they taken cases like yours to trial before?
A local attorney has in-depth knowledge of the courts and law enforcement in your area. They can navigate the system and develop an effective defense strategy. This Buffalo criminal defense lawyer has 40+ years experience defending vandalism charges.
Make sure you feel comfortable with your attorney. You’ll be working closely together. Be open about your concerns and goals. Ask lots of questions. A good lawyer will listen and clearly explain your options.
Possible Defenses
Your attorney may defend against the charges using strategies like:
- Mistake/lack of intent – you didn’t intentionally damage anything
- Intoxication – you were under the influence and not fully in control
- Mental illness – a condition impaired your judgment
- Self-defense – your actions protected yourself or others
- Misidentification – you were wrongly accused/identified
They’ll gather evidence and interview witnesses to build the strongest case. If needed, they can negotiate with the prosecutor or take it to trial.
Protecting Your Future
Getting charged with vandalism doesn’t have to ruin your life. But you need to take action to protect yourself. Here are some tips:
- Get a lawyer right away – don’t wait
- Be honest with your lawyer about what happened
- Follow your lawyer’s advice closely
- Avoid talking about your case on social media
- Stay out of further trouble
- Ask about diversion programs if available
- Consider counseling if relevant
Diversion programs, like this Buffalo community crime prevention program, allow first-time offenders to avoid conviction through rehabilitation and community service.
Your lawyer may also negotiate with the prosecutor to reduce the charges, agree to probation instead of jail time, or even get the charges dismissed. But you have to put in the work too. Following all conditions of your release, probation, diversion program, etc. is critical.
The bottom line is – don’t wait to get help. Connect with an experienced attorney right away. With the right legal strategy and your cooperation, there are good options to protect your future.