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CALL US 24 HOURS A DAY, 7 DAYS A WEEK
03300 536 786

15 Cheapside, Wakefield, WF1 2SD
03300 536 786

192 King Cross Road, Halifax, HX1 3JP
03300 536 786

11 King Street, Oldham, OL8 1DW
03300 536 786

201 Cross Flatts Grove, Leeds, LS11 7BR
03300 536 786

 

info@tylerhoffman.co.uk

CALL US 24 HOURS A DAY, 7 DAYS A WEEK 03300 536 786

Being accused of criminal damage can leave you worried about the serious legal consequences, which could include fines, a criminal record and even a prison sentence of up to ten years.

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.

Available 24/7 to Provide the Support You Require

Call us on 03300 536786

Why choose us?

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:

  • 24/7 availability: if you’ve been arrested or charged, we will provide immediate legal support, day or night.
  • Specialist expertise: our solicitors have extensive experience defending cases involving arson, vandalism, forced entry, and other criminal damage offences.
  • Strategic defence: we analyse the details of your case, challenge the prosecution’s evidence and develop a strategy aimed at achieving the best possible outcome.
  • A professional and supportive approach: we don't make moral judgments about what happened. Instead, we focus on doing everything possible to protect your future.
  • Confidential representation: we prioritise your privacy and work meticulously to protect your rights throughout the legal process.

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.

Contact us now

We will aim to get back to you within 2 hours of enquiring.

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How our criminal damage defence solicitors can help you

At Tyler Hoffman, our specialist solicitors provide comprehensive legal support for those accused of criminal damage. Here’s how our process works:

  • Initial consultation: we offer a confidential consultation to assess your case and provide clear, practical legal advice based on your circumstances.
  • Examining the evidence: was the property concerned damaged intentionally? Is there proof you were responsible? We scrutinise the Crown Prosecution Service's case for weaknesses.
  • Police interviews: what you say in an interview can make or break your case. We make sure your rights are protected from the start.
  • Court representation: our skilled advocates will represent you in court, challenge the prosecution’s case and present a robust defence on your behalf.
  • Appeals and post-conviction advice: if necessary, we can advise on potential grounds for appeal and explore legal options available to you.

What Types of Criminal Damage Cases Do We Handle?

Our solicitors have extensive experience defending against a wide range of criminal damage charges, including:

  • Arson: allegations of reckless or intentional fire damage, which can carry a maximum penalty of life imprisonment.
  • Vandalism: charges involving graffiti, property damage or destruction of physical property.
  • Domestic disputes: accusations of property damage arising from conflicts within families or relationships.
  • Accidental damage: cases where property was damaged unintentionally, with no deliberate intent.
  • Commercial property damage: allegations involving damage to businesses, construction sites or rental properties.
  • Public property offences: damage to vehicles, buildings or public spaces.

Whatever your case, we will scrutinise the evidence for weaknesses and procedural errors, so we can create a robust defence.

FAQs About Criminal Damage Defence

What is criminal damage?

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.

What are the penalties for criminal damage?

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.

Can I be charged if the damage was accidental?

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.

What does a lawful excuse mean?

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.

Will a criminal damage conviction stay on my record?

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.

Contact us today

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.

Services in this section

Arson

Assault

Benefit Fraud

Blackmail & Extortion

Criminal Damage Defence Solicitor

Child Neglect Solicitors

Conspiracy Solicitors

Cyber Crime

Dangerous Dogs

Drug Offences

Environmental Health Offences

Fraud

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Harassment

Human Trafficking

Kidnap & False Imprisonment

Money Laundering

Murder & Manslaughter

Perverting The Course Of Justice & Perjury

Proceeds of Crime Act (POCA)

Robbery / Armed Robbery

Theft