If you've been charged with Malicious Destruction of Property (MDOP) in Monroe County, Michigan, it's crucial that you consult with a seasoned Michigan criminal defense attorney about your case. Being found guilty of this offense requires the prosecution to substantiate the following elements:
The property in question belonged to someone other than the defendant.
The defendant damaged or destroyed the property.
The defendant committed the act with full knowledge that it was wrong, without any justifiable reason, and with an intention to damage the property.
The extent of the damage caused, which determines the level of the offense with which you're charged.
To navigate an MDOP case in Michigan effectively, it's essential to adopt a growth mindset. Here are the various levels of MDOP offenses based on the value of the damage:
If the damage amounts to less than $200, you will face a 93-day misdemeanor charge.
If the damage falls between $200 and $1,000, you will be charged with a one-year misdemeanor.
If the damage exceeds $1,000 but is less than $20,000, you will face a felony charge.
If the damage is over $20,000, you will be charged with a more serious felony that carries longer jail time.
It's important to note that the prosecution can add together multiple incidents that involve the same parties within a 12-month period. The test for value is based on the "fair market value". This is a specific intent crime, meaning if the defendant did not deliberately destroy the property (but rather by mistake or without intent), the prosecution cannot establish the case beyond a reasonable doubt, and the defendant is entitled to a not-guilty verdict.
Typically, a Michigan MDOP charge in Monroe County 1st District Court can be negotiated down to a lesser offense if the defendant is willing to compensate the victim for the damage caused to their property. It's not unusual for a felony charge to be reduced to a misdemeanor with the assurance of full restitution to the victim. So, it is crucial to employ a comprehensive, proactive defense strategy to minimize the potential impact of MDOP charges on your life.
The property in question belonged to someone other than the defendant.
The defendant damaged or destroyed the property.
The defendant committed the act with full knowledge that it was wrong, without any justifiable reason, and with an intention to damage the property.
The extent of the damage caused, which determines the level of the offense with which you're charged.
To navigate an MDOP case in Michigan effectively, it's essential to adopt a growth mindset. Here are the various levels of MDOP offenses based on the value of the damage:
If the damage amounts to less than $200, you will face a 93-day misdemeanor charge.
If the damage falls between $200 and $1,000, you will be charged with a one-year misdemeanor.
If the damage exceeds $1,000 but is less than $20,000, you will face a felony charge.
If the damage is over $20,000, you will be charged with a more serious felony that carries longer jail time.
It's important to note that the prosecution can add together multiple incidents that involve the same parties within a 12-month period. The test for value is based on the "fair market value". This is a specific intent crime, meaning if the defendant did not deliberately destroy the property (but rather by mistake or without intent), the prosecution cannot establish the case beyond a reasonable doubt, and the defendant is entitled to a not-guilty verdict.
Typically, a Michigan MDOP charge in Monroe County 1st District Court can be negotiated down to a lesser offense if the defendant is willing to compensate the victim for the damage caused to their property. It's not unusual for a felony charge to be reduced to a misdemeanor with the assurance of full restitution to the victim. So, it is crucial to employ a comprehensive, proactive defense strategy to minimize the potential impact of MDOP charges on your life.