Criminal damage to a vehicle happens when people knowingly destroy any vehicle belonging to another person, including cutting, injuring, damaging, defacing, destroying, or tampering with the vehicle. Typically, the charge involves intent, or knowingly causing the destruction to the car or truck.
If you've been charged with intentional damage to a vehicle, you need an excellent criminal defense attorney from the surrounding Chicago cities on your side. A conviction could result in a felony, which could mean time in jail and a significant legal fine.
Tell us about your case today. Contact us at (847) 893-9912.
Penalties
The level of damage will determine the degree of punishment. For example, if the damage is valued at less than $300, you will be charged with a Class A misdemeanor. This charge could result in up to 1 year in jail and a fine of up to $2,500. The punishments go up from there.
- Class 4 felony: damage from $300 to $10,000 (or damage less than $300 if it was farm equipment), resulting in 1 to 3 years in prison and up to $25,000 in fines
- Class 3 felony: damage from $10,000 to $100,000 (or damage from $300 to $10,000 if it was farm equipment), resulting in 2 to 5 years in prison and fines up to $25,000
- Class 2 felony: damage from $100,000 or more (or damage from $10,000 to $100,000 if it was farm equipment), resulting in 3 to 7 years in prison and fines up to $25,000
- Class 1 felony: damage to farm equipment valued at more than $100,000, resulting in 4 to 15 years in prison and fines up to $25,000
Call Our Experienced Advocates Today
Illinois penalizes destruction of property harshly. If you've been accused of damaging a vehicle, make sure you have a skilled Arlington Heights traffic offense lawyer to fight for you. Chiapelli Law Offices is a highly rated firm whose attorneys pride themselves on their outstanding commitment to clients. WE can help you work toward a favorable resolution promptly.