Columbus and Delaware, Ohio Criminal Defense Attorney
If you have been charged with criminal damaging in Columbus or Delaware, Ohio, contact Johnson Legal, LLC and speak with an experienced Columbus and Delaware, Ohio criminal defense attorney. Attorney David Johnson of Johnson Legal, LLC will discuss your case and assist you in fighting the charges. Call (614) 987-0192 or send an email to schedule a consultation regarding your criminal damaging case.
What is Criminal Damaging or Endangering in Ohio?
Criminal damaging or endangering covers a broad range of actions. Pursuant to ORC 2909.06, no person shall cause or create a substantial risk of physical harm to any property of another without the other person’s consent:
- Knowingly, by any means;
- Recklessly, by means of fire, explosion, flood, poison, or other inherently dangerous substance.
A conviction can result in up to 18 months in jail and a $5000 fine.
Penalties for Criminal Damaging or Endangering in Ohio
The penalties for criminal damaging depend on the type of action committed by the defendant, with the charge ranging from a 2nd degree misdemeanor to a 4th degree felony.
2nd Degree Misdemeanor
This charge will be applied if the conduct that caused damage did not create a risk of harm to anyone. If convicted, the defendant faces a maximum 90 days in jail and a $750 fine.
1st Degree Misdemeanor
If a violation occurred and it created a risk of physical harm to any person, the charge will be a 1st degree misdemeanor. If convicted, the defendant faces a maximum 6 months in jail and a $1000 fine.
5th Degree Felony
This charge applies if the property involved in the violation was an aircraft, aircraft engine, propeller, appliance, spare part, or any other equipment used in the operation of an aircraft. In addition, there must have been a risk of physical harm to another person. If convicted, the defendant faces a maximum 1 year in jail and a $2500 fine.
4th Degree Felony
This charge will be applied if the property involved in the violation was an aircraft, aircraft engine, propeller, appliance, spare part, or any other equipment used in the operation of an aircraft and the violation created a substantial risk of physical harm to another. This charge can also apply if the property involved was an occupied aircraft. If convicted, the defendant faces a maximum 18 months in jail and a $5000 fine.
Secondary Consequences for an Ohio Criminal Damaging or Endangering Conviction
A conviction for criminal damaging or endangering will result in a permanent criminal record. However, there are secondary consequences that can result from this conviction. For instance, it can negatively impact your ability to gain employment, apply for student loans, obtain housing and acquire or maintain professional licenses.
Criminal Defense Attorney – Columbus and Delaware, Ohio
If you have been charged with criminal damaging or endangering, you should hire an attorney immediately. Contact Attorney David Johnson of Johnson Legal, LLC and speak with an experienced Columbus and Delaware, Ohio criminal defense attorney. Attorney Johnson will examine your case and assist you in putting forth the strongest defense possible. Call Johnson Legal, LLC at (614) 578-4369 or send an email to discuss your criminal damaging or endangering case.