A Client-Centered Approach to Legal Challenges
When faced with legal difficulties, it’s easy to feel lost and overwhelmed. That’s why our firm, under the guidance of attorney Jonathan Paul, is committed to approaching your case with empathy, understanding, and experience. We view you not as a "criminal," but as someone who's caught in a difficult situation and in need of direction. This post focuses on Malicious Destruction of Property (MDOP) charges in Michigan, specifically as they are processed in the 45th District Court, serving Oak Park, Pleasant Ridge, and Huntington Woods in Oakland County.
What You Need to Know About MDOP Charges in Michigan
Being convicted of MDOP in Michigan requires the prosecution to establish the following:
Types of Offenses and Potential Consequences
The prosecution has the option to aggregate incidents involving the same parties within a 12-month period. The determination of the property’s value is based on its “fair market value.”
The Significance of Intent
MDOP is considered a specific intent crime. In cases where the defendant did not intentionally damage the property, the charges may not hold, possibly resulting in a not-guilty verdict.
Options for Mitigating MDOP Charges
In Michigan, MDOP charges can often be negotiated down if the defendant is willing to make full restitution to the victim. This can result in a felony charge being reduced to a misdemeanor.
Your Decision, Your Future
When charged with MDOP, the stakes are high and the situation can be frightening. Yet, it's crucial to remember that you have the power to influence the outcome. Utilizing the right approach can make all the difference, especially when you are represented by an experienced Michigan criminal defense attorney who understands the intricacies of the 45th District Court.
When faced with legal difficulties, it’s easy to feel lost and overwhelmed. That’s why our firm, under the guidance of attorney Jonathan Paul, is committed to approaching your case with empathy, understanding, and experience. We view you not as a "criminal," but as someone who's caught in a difficult situation and in need of direction. This post focuses on Malicious Destruction of Property (MDOP) charges in Michigan, specifically as they are processed in the 45th District Court, serving Oak Park, Pleasant Ridge, and Huntington Woods in Oakland County.
What You Need to Know About MDOP Charges in Michigan
Being convicted of MDOP in Michigan requires the prosecution to establish the following:
- The property damaged belonged to someone else.
- The defendant intentionally caused the damage.
- The defendant acted knowing it was wrong, and without just cause or excuse.
- The value of the damage must be quantified to ascertain the level of the charge.
Types of Offenses and Potential Consequences
- Damage valued under $200 is classified as a 93-day misdemeanor.
- Damage between $200 and $1,000 results in a one-year misdemeanor.
- Damage exceeding $1,000 but below $20,000 is a felony.
- Damage beyond $20,000 incurs a more severe felony charge with a longer jail term.
The prosecution has the option to aggregate incidents involving the same parties within a 12-month period. The determination of the property’s value is based on its “fair market value.”
The Significance of Intent
MDOP is considered a specific intent crime. In cases where the defendant did not intentionally damage the property, the charges may not hold, possibly resulting in a not-guilty verdict.
Options for Mitigating MDOP Charges
In Michigan, MDOP charges can often be negotiated down if the defendant is willing to make full restitution to the victim. This can result in a felony charge being reduced to a misdemeanor.
Your Decision, Your Future
When charged with MDOP, the stakes are high and the situation can be frightening. Yet, it's crucial to remember that you have the power to influence the outcome. Utilizing the right approach can make all the difference, especially when you are represented by an experienced Michigan criminal defense attorney who understands the intricacies of the 45th District Court.