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At Tyler Hoffman, our team of specialist criminal damage defence solicitors provides expert legal representation to people accused of these offences. We understand the complexities involved with this kind of case, and the huge impact the accusations can have on your life.
Whether the incident was an accident, a misunderstanding or the result of a moment of frustration, we will work meticulously to examine the evidence, challenge allegations and build a strong defence aimed at mitigating your actions.
If you have been accused of criminal damage, arson, vandalism, forced entry or property destruction, seeking legal advice at the earliest opportunity is essential. Contact Tyler Hoffman Solicitors today for expert guidance and dedicated representation throughout the legal process.
Call us on 03300 536786
When facing accusations of criminal damage, having the right legal representation can make all the difference to your case. At Tyler Hoffman, our criminal damage defence solicitors will offer you:
From your first police interview to any court proceedings, we can be by your side. Get in touch as soon as possible so we can make a difference to your outcome.
At Tyler Hoffman, our specialist solicitors provide comprehensive legal support for those accused of criminal damage. Here’s how our process works:
Our solicitors have extensive experience defending against a wide range of criminal damage charges, including:
Whatever your case, we will scrutinise the evidence for weaknesses and procedural errors, so we can create a robust defence.
Criminal damage is defined under the Criminal Damage Act 1971 as the intentional or reckless destruction of property belonging to someone else. This can include acts such as vandalism, graffiti, arson, and damaging vehicles or buildings. The offence applies whether the damage is permanent or temporary - meaning that even if the harm can be easily repaired, it may still be considered a criminal act.
For an offence to be proven, the prosecution must demonstrate that the damage was caused deliberately or recklessly. Intentional damage occurs when someone knowingly destroys or defaces property, while reckless damage happens when someone disregards the risk that their actions could cause harm.
The penalties for criminal damage vary depending on the severity of the offence, the intent behind the act and whether there were aggravating factors such as violence, threats or endangerment to life. Minor offences, such as low-value vandalism or accidental damage, may result in fines, community service or a conditional discharge. More serious cases, particularly those involving significant financial loss, repeat offending, or damage to public or commercial property, can lead to harsher penalties, including custodial sentences.
Arson, which involves intentional or reckless fire damage, carries the most severe punishment, with a maximum sentence of life imprisonment. Cases where criminal damage is linked to violence or intimidation - such as threats to destroy property as a means of coercion - can also attract significant custodial sentences. Courts take into account factors such as premeditation, the impact on victims, and any risk posed to public safety when determining the appropriate sentence.
Accidental damage is not a criminal offence unless the prosecution can prove that you acted recklessly or with intent. Recklessness means that you were aware of a risk that damage could occur but proceeded with your actions regardless.
If you are facing charges for damage you did not intend to cause, we can strengthen your defence by gathering evidence, challenging the prosecution’s arguments and demonstrating that the incident was purely accidental.
Under the Criminal Damage Act 1971, a lawful excuse can be used as a defence in cases where damage was caused to protect property from immediate harm or if the accused had a right or interest in the property. For example, breaking a window to enter a burning building and rescue someone could be considered a lawful excuse. Similarly, if you believed you had permission or a legal right to alter or repair property, this might be a defence. We can examine whether a lawful excuse applies to your case and use it to challenge the charges against you.
A conviction for criminal damage can appear on a Disclosure and Barring Service (commonly known as a DBS) check, which could affect employment, travel and future opportunities. The length of time it stays on your record depends on the sentence. In some cases we may be able to negotiate a lesser charge, argue for an alternative penalty such as a conditional discharge, or seek to have the case dismissed altogether, to limit the long-term impact on your record.
If you’ve been accused of criminal damage, don’t wait to get legal advice. Call 03300 536786 now, or fill out our online enquiry form and we'll get in touch at a time that suits you.