Vandalism, Arson, Criminal Damaging And Criminal Mischief

If you need help fighting a charge of Arson, Vandalism, Criminal Damaging, or other allegations of damaging property, call a criminal lawyer in Columbus for a free initial consultation. Over the years, we’ve successfully helped residents in the area after an arrest. See more details on criminal charges below.

Crimes Against Property

Ohio Revised Code, Title 29, Chapter 2907 governs Ohio crimes that involve harm to property. These crimes include: Arson; Aggravated Arson; Vandalism; Criminal Damaging; and a variety of other Ohio offenses that relate to damage to property.

Arson

Section 2909.03, “Arson,” makes it a crime to harm or create a risk to another’s property by fire or explosion. It also makes it a crime to harm your own property if it is done with the purpose to defraud, including, for example, defrauding an insurance company. Depending on the circumstances, in Ohio the crime of arson can be categorized anywhere between a first degree misdemeanor and a third degree felony.

Aggravated Arson

Section 2909.02, “Aggravated Arson,” is a more serious offense because it involves a risk of harm to persons, such as setting fire to an occupied structure. The Ohio crime of Aggravated Arson can be classified as either a first or second-degree felony.

Vandalism

Section 2909.05, “Vandalism,” makes it a crime in Ohio to cause physical harm to property. For example, it is a crime under this statute to cause serious physical harm to an occupied structure or any of its contents. Under some circumstances, it also makes it a crime to cause physical harm to the property that is used in connection with another person’s business or occupation.

Finally, under this statute, it is a crime to damage government, school, or cemetery property. Depending on the value of the property damaged, the Ohio crime of “Vandalism” can be classified as a fifth, fourth, or third-degree felony.

Criminal Damaging or Endangering

Section 2909.06, “Criminal Damaging or Endangering,” makes it a crime in Ohio to knowingly, and in some cases recklessly, cause or create a substantial risk of harm to another’s property. Depending on the type of property involved, the Ohio crime of “Criminal Damaging” can range from a second-degree misdemeanor to a felony of the fourth degree.

Criminal Mischief

Chapter 2909 also governs the crimes of Criminal Mischief, Disrupting Public Services, and a variety of other offenses involving aircraft and railroads.

For a detailed description of the laws and penalties for Arson, Aggravated Arson, Vandalism, Criminal Damaging, or Criminal Mischief, please view the Ohio Revised Code, Title 29, Chapter 2909, or call one of our criminal defense lawyers in Columbus for a free initial consultation.