The Dorsk Law Office represents clients facing Virginia Destruction of property charges that criminalize damaging private and public property. Virginia has many statutes, which criminalize destruction of property, and you need a strong attorney to combat the Commonwealth’s case.

Virginia Destruction of Property Charges

Destruction of Property: Va. Code §18.2-137 is the most common destruction of property charge.  It criminalizes the unlawful destruction or defacement of property without intent to steal.  The property can be real or personal property.  The statute also specifically criminalizes the destruction or removal of certain war monuments and memorials.

Va. Code §18.2-137(B) states that if the value of the damage is less than $1000, it is charged as a misdemeanor.  If the value of the damage is more than $1000, it is a Class 6 felony.

Intentionally Damaging Property (Less than $1000): If the offender “intentionally” damaged the property but the damage was less than $1000, the charge is a Class 1 misdemeanor under Va. Code §18.2-137(B).

Intentionally Damaging Property (More than $1000): If the offender “intentionally” damaged the property but the damage was more than $1000, the charge is a Class 6 felony under Va. Code §18.2-137(B).

 

As you can see, destruction of property in Virginia is a very serious charge. However, there are numerous defenses that may apply as follows:

1) To establish the felony, the Commonwealth must provide direct evidence as to the value of the property destroyed.

2) In addition, the Commonwealth must prove that the destruction was willful, or the offense is reduced to a Class 3 Misdemeanor. This can be a challenging proposition, especially in cases where the defendant has not made any statements of guilt regarding this issue.

 

Trust the Dorsk Law Office to handle your Destruction of Property case today! With a Winning Track Record you can be assured that experience will be on your side.