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At Tyler Hoffman, our team of specialist criminal damage defence solicitors provides expert legal representation to people accused of these offences. We understand the complexities involved with this kind of case, and the huge impact the accusations can have on your life.
Whether the incident was an accident, a misunderstanding or the result of a moment of frustration, we will work meticulously to examine the evidence, challenge allegations and build a strong defence aimed at mitigating your actions.
If you have been accused of criminal damage, arson, vandalism, forced entry or property destruction, seeking legal advice at the earliest opportunity is essential. Contact Tyler Hoffman Solicitors today for expert guidance and dedicated representation throughout the legal process.
Call us on 03300 536786
When facing accusations of criminal damage, having the right legal representation can make all the difference to your case. At Tyler Hoffman, our criminal damage defence solicitors will offer you:
From your first police interview to any court proceedings, we can be by your side. Get in touch as soon as possible so we can make a difference to your outcome.
At Tyler Hoffman, our specialist solicitors provide comprehensive legal support for those accused of criminal damage. Here’s how our process works:
Our solicitors have extensive experience defending against a wide range of criminal damage charges, including:
Whatever your case, we will scrutinise the evidence for weaknesses and procedural errors, so we can create a robust defence.
Criminal damage is defined under the Criminal Damage Act 1971 as the intentional or reckless destruction of property belonging to someone else. This can include acts such as vandalism, graffiti, arson, and damaging vehicles or buildings. The offence applies whether the damage is permanent or temporary - meaning that even if the harm can be easily repaired, it may still be considered a criminal act.
For an offence to be proven, the prosecution must demonstrate that the damage was caused deliberately or recklessly. Intentional damage occurs when someone knowingly destroys or defaces property, while reckless damage happens when someone disregards the risk that their actions could cause harm.
The penalties for criminal damage vary depending on the severity of the offence, the intent behind the act and whether there were aggravating factors such as violence, threats or endangerment to life. Minor offences, such as low-value vandalism or accidental damage, may result in fines, community service or a conditional discharge. More serious cases, particularly those involving significant financial loss, repeat offending, or damage to public or commercial property, can lead to harsher penalties, including custodial sentences.
Arson, which involves intentional or reckless fire damage, carries the most severe punishment, with a maximum sentence of life imprisonment. Cases where criminal damage is linked to violence or intimidation - such as threats to destroy property as a means of coercion - can also attract significant custodial sentences. Courts take into account factors such as premeditation, the impact on victims, and any risk posed to public safety when determining the appropriate sentence.
Accidental damage is not a criminal offence unless the prosecution can prove that you acted recklessly or with intent. Recklessness means that you were aware of a risk that damage could occur but proceeded with your actions regardless.
If you are facing charges for damage you did not intend to cause, we can strengthen your defence by gathering evidence, challenging the prosecution’s arguments and demonstrating that the incident was purely accidental.
Under the Criminal Damage Act 1971, a lawful excuse can be used as a defence in cases where damage was caused to protect property from immediate harm or if the accused had a right or interest in the property. For example, breaking a window to enter a burning building and rescue someone could be considered a lawful excuse. Similarly, if you believed you had permission or a legal right to alter or repair property, this might be a defence. We can examine whether a lawful excuse applies to your case and use it to challenge the charges against you.
A conviction for criminal damage can appear on a Disclosure and Barring Service (commonly known as a DBS) check, which could affect employment, travel and future opportunities. The length of time it stays on your record depends on the sentence. In some cases we may be able to negotiate a lesser charge, argue for an alternative penalty such as a conditional discharge, or seek to have the case dismissed altogether, to limit the long-term impact on your record.
If you’ve been accused of criminal damage, don’t wait to get legal advice. Call 03300 536786 now, or fill out our online enquiry form and we'll get in touch at a time that suits you.
Tyler Hoffman provides skilled defence for individuals accused of arson, addressing both the intentional setting of fires and the resulting damage or harm. We focus on challenging the evidence of intent and examining the circumstances that led to the fire, aiming to reduce or dismiss charges based on factual and technical analyses.
Our criminal defence solicitors defend clients facing charges ranging from common assault to aggravated bodily harm. We examine the context of the alleged incident, exploring defences such as self-defence, defence of another, or mistaken identity, ensuring that your side of the story is robustly represented.
Our criminal defence lawyers have experience in defending clients accused of benefit fraud, which involves allegations of deceitfully claiming government benefits. We focus on demonstrating the legitimacy of claims or misunderstanding of eligibility requirements, aiming for reduced penalties or case dismissal.
We provide defence for clients involved in allegations of obtaining money, property, or favourable actions through threats. Our approach includes scrutinising the evidence, protecting client privacy, and negotiating to mitigate the impact of such charges.
Our solicitors defend against charges of property damage, focusing on intent and the actual circumstances leading to the damage. We contest the valuation of damage and aim to demonstrate lack of malicious intent, which can be pivotal in the outcome of the case.
Handling sensitive cases of child neglect, Tyler Hoffman solicitors work to understand and convey the complexities of clients' family dynamics. We emphasise factors such as socioeconomic challenges, aiming to achieve resolutions that favour family preservation.
For conspiracy charges, where individuals are accused of agreeing to commit a crime, our focus is on disproving the existence of an agreement or criminal intent. We meticulously review communications and interactions to challenge prosecutorial interpretations.
Tyler Hoffman is adept at handling cybercrime cases, from unauthorised access to data breaches. We utilise specialists to challenge digital evidence and address the technicalities of internet law, ensuring a defence that is informed by cutting-edge technological insights.
For owners charged with having a dangerous dog, our defence strategy involves proving responsible pet ownership and challenging any misconceptions about the animal's behaviour. We also focus on the circumstances of the alleged incident to mitigate legal consequences.
Our firm defends clients against all types of drug offences, including possession, trafficking, and production. We challenge the legality of searches and seizures, the accuracy of substance identification, and intent, which are crucial for a robust defence.
Tyler Hoffman represents businesses and individuals accused of violating environmental laws. Our strategy involves demonstrating compliance with regulations, or negotiating penalties focusing on remedial actions taken by the accused.
In fraud cases, we focus on the intent to deceive and the actual loss or gain. Our solicitors trace financial transactions to provide a clear picture of the client’s actions, challenging allegations of deceitful intent. We have a team dedicated to handling criminal investigations involving fraud accusations.
Handling firearms offences, we address issues around possession, licensing and intent. We defend clients by challenging the prosecution’s evidence regarding the legality of the firearm possession and the circumstances under which it was found.
We defend against harassment charges by examining the nature and context of the behaviour in question. Our focus is on disproving any intent to cause distress or fear, aiming for acquittal or reduced charges.
Tyler Hoffman offers defence for serious charges like human trafficking, focusing on the intricacies of international law and the specific actions of the accused. We challenge the prosecution’s narrative by presenting alternative explanations for the accused's conduct.
Our solicitors defend against kidnap and false imprisonment allegations by challenging evidence around consent and the circumstances of the detainment, aiming to highlight inconsistencies in the prosecution's case.
We defend clients accused of laundering money by demonstrating lawful sources of income and challenging the alleged connections to criminal activities. Our detailed financial analyses are crucial to undermining the prosecution’s claims.
Tyler Hoffman handles the most serious of allegations with a focus on meticulous evidence review, motive analysis, and challenging prosecutorial evidence. We explore all possible defences, from self-defence to diminished responsibility.
Defending against these serious allegations involves challenging the intent and circumstances under which the alleged acts occurred. We focus on discrepancies and motivations to provide a strong defence.
Our solicitors handle POCA proceedings by protecting assets and demonstrating lawful ownership or origins of property, crucial for mitigating the impact of confiscation orders.
We defend against robbery charges by challenging identifications, the presence of a weapon, and the circumstances of the alleged offence, focusing on inconsistencies in witness testimonies and procedural issues.
Our firm defends against all forms of theft by focusing on intent and ownership disputes. We challenge the value of stolen items and circumstances surrounding the alleged theft to reduce or dismiss charges.