Vandalizing another party’s property or interfering with the use of another party’s premises can get you into serious legal trouble in Illinois. You could even be charged with a felony for criminal damage to property if you cause more than $500 worth of damage. Illinois’s criminal damage to property statute covers acts of vandalism, like smashing a window or destroying the victim’s outdoor decorations. However, it also covers actions designed to interfere with the owner’s use of his property, such as throwing a stink bomb into someone’s home or place of business. While a lot of people see causing damage to property as a relatively harmless youthful misbehavior, a criminal damage to property charge can come with serious repercussions. You need an experienced Joliet, IL property crimes lawyer to help you fight back if you are facing criminal damage charges. Even if you are only facing misdemeanor charges, this type of conviction can have a lasting impact.
