- Fax: 720-918-2906
- 11990 Grant Street, Suite 550, Northglenn, CO 80233
Former Prosecutor Knows How to Beat Property Destruction Charges
We Defend Against Criminal Mischief, Arson, Vandalism, and Trespassing
Free Consultation Call 24/7
720-209-1469
Protecting Your Future When Property Crime Allegations Put Everything at Risk
The reality: Property crime convictions often result in substantial restitution orders that can total thousands of dollars, creating financial burdens that follow you for years. Don't let a momentary mistake ruin your future.
Property destruction charges in Colorado carry devastating consequences that extend far beyond fines and jail time. Whether you’re facing criminal mischief, vandalism, arson, or trespassing charges, a conviction creates a permanent criminal record that can destroy employment opportunities, housing prospects, and your reputation for decades.
As a former Deputy District Attorney who prosecuted property crimes throughout Colorado, Attorney Lori Beck understands exactly how prosecutors build these cases—and more importantly, how to tear them apart. Her insider knowledge of prosecution strategies gives you a critical advantage in protecting your future.
Understanding Property Destruction Crimes in Colorado
Property crimes focus on objects, buildings, or belongings rather than direct harm to people. However, many property destruction crimes—like arson and criminal tampering—can endanger lives, and Colorado law imposes serious penalties accordingly.
Stolen Property Crimes
- Theft
- Burglary
- Fraud
- Identity
Destroyed Property Crimes
- Criminal Mischief
- Arson
- Vandalism
- Trespassing
Common Property Destruction Charges We Defend
| Charge | Definition | Examples / Key Points | Penalties / Defense |
|---|---|---|---|
| Criminal Mischief / Vandalism | Deliberately destroying or defacing another’s property (or jointly owned property). |
|
Penalties: Misdemeanor or felony depending on value. Defense: Challenge witness credibility & security footage. |
| Trespassing | Illegally entering or remaining on another’s property without permission. |
|
Penalties: Severity depends on land type, time, and circumstances. |
| Defacing Property | Damaging or altering monuments, signage, or buildings without permission. |
|
Defense: Attack chain of custody, intent assumptions. |
| Criminal Tampering | Interfering with utility or institutional property with intent to impair service. |
|
Defense: Prosecution must prove intent to disrupt service. |
| Arson | Intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly using fire/explosives to damage property. |
|
Penalties: Severe felony penalties. Defense: Challenge forensic fire investigations and expert testimony. |
Factors That Increase Property Destruction Penalties
Understanding why truck accidents happen helps us build stronger cases and hold the right parties accountable:
Intentional Damage
Enhanced Penalties: Charges are more severe when destruction is deemed intentional rather than negligent or accidental.
Value Assessment
Financial Impact: The monetary value of damaged property significantly influences charge severity. High-value losses can escalate misdemeanors to felonies.
Location Impact
Protected Places: Certain locations invoke stricter penalties:
- Schools and educational institutions
- Places of worship (churches, synagogues, mosques)
- Government buildings
- Historical monuments or landmarks
Repeat Offenses
Pattern Recognition: Individuals with prior destruction-related charges face harsher consequences as courts seek to deter continued behavior.
Devastating Consequences of Property Crime Convictions
Financial Consequences
- Substantial restitution orders often exceeding the original damage value
- Heavy fines and court costs that compound financial burden
- Loss of financial aid eligibility for education
- Increased insurance premiums for years
Criminal Record Impact
- Permanent criminal record visible on background checks
- Employment barriers in many industries and professions
- Housing difficulties due to landlord screening policies
Professional license restrictions or complete revocations
Restitution Reality
Exorbitant Costs: Victims can seek reimbursement for repair costs, lost property value, replacement costs, and related expenses. These amounts can be financially devastating and affect your future for decades.
Social and Professional Stigma
- Reputation damage in your community
- Relationship strain with family and friends
- Professional consequences affecting career advancement
Social isolation and long-term trust issues
Former Prosecutor Experience
You Need an Experienced Property Crime Defense Attorney
Proven Track Record: As a former prosecutor, Attorney Lori Beck brings invaluable insight into how property crime cases are built—and how to dismantle them effectively. With 24+ years of experience across municipal, county, and district courts in Colorado, she has defended clients facing everything from vandalism charges to felony arson cases.
How Beck Law Defenses Work
Former Prosecutor Advantage: Lori’s deep understanding of prosecutorial strategy allows us to anticipate arguments, identify weaknesses, and press for dismissals before trial. She has the courtroom experience and relationships with judges and prosecutors that give our clients a strategic edge.
Common Defense Strategies
- Challenge Intent: Many property crimes require proving intent—we show when damage was accidental or lacked criminal purpose.
- Mistaken Identity: Property crimes often happen without direct witnesses; we challenge questionable identification evidence.
- Lack of Evidence: We highlight gaps in the prosecution’s case and emphasize reasonable alternative explanations.
- Constitutional Violations: If your rights were violated, we fight to suppress unlawfully obtained evidence.
- Accident or Emergency: Damage during emergencies or accidents should not be treated as criminal—our defense makes that clear.
At Beck Law Office, Lori Beck’s unique combination of prosecutorial insight and defense advocacy ensures every client receives a powerful, strategic defense tailored to their case.
What Sets Our Defense Apart
- Immediate Response: Available 24/7 for urgent property crime arrests and emergencies
- Thorough Investigation: We review all evidence, interview witnesses, and work with experts to build the strongest defense
- Negotiation Excellence: Skilled in achieving reduced charges, dismissals, or alternative sentencing
- Trial Experience: Lori is a seasoned trial lawyer who will fight aggressively in court when needed
Frequently Asked Questions About Property Destruction Defense
How long do I have to file a truck accident lawsuit in Colorado?
Colorado’s statute of limitations gives you 3 years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit. However, you should contact an attorney immediately because evidence disappears quickly and insurance claims have much shorter deadlines.
What makes truck accidents different from car accidents?
Truck accidents involve federal regulations, multiple liable parties, and typically more severe injuries. They require specialized investigation techniques and knowledge of commercial trucking industry standards.
How much is my truck accident case worth?
The value depends on factors like injury severity, medical expenses, lost wages, and degree of negligence. Truck accident settlements are often higher than car accidents because of the catastrophic nature of injuries and higher insurance coverage limits.
Do I need a lawyer for a truck accident?
Yes. Trucking companies have teams of lawyers and investigators working immediately after accidents. Without experienced legal representation, you’re at a significant disadvantage in negotiations and litigation.
What if the truck driver wasn't at fault?
Even if the driver followed all rules, other parties may still be liable. We investigate the trucking company, maintenance providers, cargo loaders, and manufacturers to identify all responsible parties.
Don't Let Property Charges Destroy Your Future
Property destruction charges may seem minor compared to violent crimes, but the consequences can be just as devastating. A conviction creates a permanent criminal record that affects employment, housing, education, and relationships for years to come.
The good news? Property destruction cases often rely on circumstantial evidence, witness identification, and assumptions about intent. With aggressive legal representation, many charges can be reduced, dismissed, or resolved through alternative sentencing that protects your future.
Time is critical. Evidence disappears, witnesses forget details, and constitutional violations become harder to prove as time passes. Don’t let the prosecution build their case while you wait.
Get Your First Consultation FREE!
We Look At The Law Differently
What Our Clients Say
Serving Colorado's Front Range
Beck Law Office defends property destruction charges throughout Colorado:
Counties Served: Adams, Arapahoe, Boulder, Broomfield, Denver, Douglas, El Paso, Gilpin, Jefferson, Larimer, Weld
Major Cities: Northglenn, Thornton, Denver, Aurora, Boulder, Colorado Springs, Fort Collins, Greeley, Lakewood, Littleton, Westminster, Arvada
Court Experience: Detailed knowledge of local courts, prosecutors, and judicial preferences throughout Colorado’s Front Range.