A person who willfully and maliciously destroys or injures the property of another can be charged with a crime know as malicious destruction of property, commonly known as MDOP. The penalties in Michigan can vary depending upon the extent of property damage and may be charged as a misdemeanor or felony. The amounts of destruction conducted over a 12 month period may be aggregated to determine the appropriate charge. Any MDOP of police or fire department property, school buses, bridges or water structures (such as a dam or reservoir) is a felony.

Thousands of dollars in damage can result in felony charges and restitution when a car gets keyed or a construction site is trashed. Lawn jobs which damage landscaping are also a form of MDOP. The vast majority of MDOP cases involve teens or youthful offenders engaged in breaking windows, damaging motor vehicles or tagging (spray painting/graffiti). The offense of domestic violence may be coupled with a charge of MDOP when anger and tempers flare leading to property damage.

Offenders need to be presented properly in the court system. We have represented clients in situations involving malicious destruction of property (MDOP) in Macomb County where the offender has psychological problems or acted irrationally after taking prescribed medications. Our firm may encourage psychological counseling, anger management or medical attention during the court process. The offender’s prior criminal history is also relevant.

If you are accused of malicious destruction of property (MDOP) or any other crime in Macomb, Oakland or Wayne County, contact the ABDO LAW FIRM for complete criminal defense representation. Our criminal defense attorneys have experience handling all felony and misdemeanor offenses. We will prepare a case strategy which may include the opportunity to have the offense dismissed pursuant to special provisions of Michigan law such as HYTA or MCL 771.1. Phone: 586-412-5555