Malicious Mischief

Malicious Mischief Explained by Federal Defense Attorneys

Certain types of mischief and misconduct can actually result in federal charges when a defendant behaves maliciously. Federal criminal charges could mean you are sentenced to federal prison, sometimes for a lengthy period of time. You’ll also have a criminal record that could derail opportunities for you going forward.

It is important you are represented by a federal criminal defense lawyer who can provide the representation you need to help you fight against being convicted.

Not all attorneys know how federal cases are prosecuted or can stand up against federal authorities who have the tools available to conduct vigorous investigations into your conduct. That’s why finding the right lawyer is so important to protect your future.

LV Criminal Defense can help. Our experienced legal team has represented clients facing federal charges in Arizona, California, Utah, Nevada, Oregon, and surrounding states.

We understand how prosecutors take action in malicious mischief cases and we have the knowledge necessary to fight against serious accusations to get the best possible outcome when you’ve been charged with wrongdoing. Give us a call today to find out more about the ways in which we can help you to respond to charges of malicious mischief.

Federal Laws On Malicious Mischief

Because there are many different kinds of malicious mischief that could result in a defendant facing federal charges, it is important for those who are accused of wrongdoing to understand which statute they have been charged under and to learn the definition of the crime they’ve been accused of committing.

Federal laws related to malicious mischief are found in 18 U.S. Code Chapter 65. There are nine different statutes within this Chapter, including the following:

• 18 U.S. Code section 1361: Government property or contracts: This statute imposes a penalty for willfully injuring or committing depredation against property of the United States or U.S. agencies. If damage exceeds $1,000, a defendant convicted under this statute could face a fine and a maximum of 10 years imprisonment. If the damage is below $1,000, the maximum penalty is a year imprisonment.
• 18 U.S. Code section 1362: Communication lines, stations or systems: Willfully damaging communication lines, stations, or systems could result in imprisonment for up to 10 years under this statute.
• 18 U.S. Code section 1363: Buildings or property within special maritime and territorial jurisdiction: Willfully and maliciously destroying structures, conveyances, or property that is within the special maritime or territorial jurisdiction of the United States could result in imprisonment under this statute. If the structure was a dwelling or if anyone’s life was placed in jeopardy, the maximum penalty could include up to 20 years of imprisonment.
• 18 U.S. Code section 1364: Interference with foreign commerce by violence: This statute makes it a crime to injure or destroy by fire or explosives any articles or the places they are in foreign commerce with the intent to prevent, interfere with, or obstruct products from being exported to foreign countries. The maximum penalty is 20 years imprisonment.
• 18 U.S. Code section 1365: Tampering with consumer products: Under this statute, tampering with consumer products that affect interstate or foreign commerce, or tampering with product labels, could result in conviction if the defendant acted with reckless disregard for the risk of injury to others. The maximum penalty for attempted tampering is 10 years, and this same maximum penalty applies for successful tampering if no injury or death occurred. If death results, the maximum penalty is life imprisonment. If serious bodily injury results, the maximum penalty is 20 years incarceration. Tainting consumer products under this statute could also result in a maximum of three years imprisonment, while knowingly communicating false information about a consumer product being tainted could lead to five years of imprisonment if convicted.
• 18 U.S. Code section 1366: Destruction of an energy facility: Up to 20 years imprisonment could be imposed for willfully damaging or attempting to damage energy facilities in a way that would cause more than $100,000 in damage.
• 18 U.S. Code section 1367: Interference with the operation of a satellite: Interfering with operation of a satellite could result in up to 10 years imprisonment under this statute.
• 18 U.S. Code section 1368: Harming animals used in law enforcement: Willfully and maliciously causing harm to police animals, or attempting to cause harm, could result in a fine and imprisonment for a maximum of a year. If the animal is permanently disfigured, is disabled, experiences serious bodily harm, or is killed, the maximum period of imprisonment is 10 years.
• 18 U.S. Code section 1369: Destruction of veterans’ memorials: Willfully injuring or attempting to injure veterans’ memorials could result in 10 years imprisonment.

A federal criminal defense lawyer can provide insight into specific things a prosecutor would need to prove for you to be convicted of each offense in 18 U.S. Code Chapter 65, and can help you to establish a plan for responding to charges to introduce reasonable doubt to avoid a guilty verdict.

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