Louisiana Criminal Damage to Property

In Louisiana there are two crimes for Criminal Damage to Property are: Simple Criminal Damage to Property and Aggravated Criminal Damage to Property.

Simple Criminal Damage Louisiana

The Louisiana law for Simple Criminal Damage to Property may be found at La. R.S. 14:56 on the Louisiana State Legislature web site.  The crime is defined as the intentional damaging of any property of another by any means other than fire or explosion. This includes intentionally damaging a house, apartment, or other structure used in whole or in part as a home residence by a person who leased or rented the property.

Penalties for Simple Criminal Damage to Property

  • When the damage is less than $1,000 – Fined not more than $1,000.00 or imprisoned for not more than 6 months, or both.
  • When the damage is $1,000.00 but less than $50,000.00 – Fined not more than $1,000.00 or imprisoned for not more than 2 years, or both.
  • When the damage is $50,000.00 or more, Fined not more than $10,000 or imprisoned for not less than one nor more than 10 years, or both.

A person convicted of Simple Criminal Damage to Property in New Orleans will be ordered to make full restitution to the owner of the property.

 Aggravated Criminal Damage Louisiana

The Louisiana law for Aggravated Criminal Damage to Property may be found at La. R.S. 14:55 Louisiana State Legislature web site. The crime is defined as the intentional damaging of any structure, watercraft, or movable, when it is foreseeable that human life might be endangered, by any means other than fire or explosion.

Penalties for Aggravated Criminal Damage to Property

  • Fined not more than $10,000.00, imprisoned for not less than 1 year nor more than 15 years, or both.

A person convicted of Aggravated Criminal Damage to Property in New Orleans will be ordered to make full restitution to the owner of the property.

New Orleans Criminal Defense Attorney

Elizabeth B. Carpenter is an experienced New Orleans, Louisiana Property Crimes Defense Attorney.

What can she do for you?

  • Defend Your Rights: She can protect your rights and interests.
  • Negotiate for Reduced Charges: She can work with the DA’ office to get your charges dismissed or reduced.
  • Build a Defense Strategy: She can develop a personalized defense strategy by assessing your situation and reviewing evidence.
  • Minimize Penalties: If a plea bargain is necessary, she can negotiate for an agreement that minimizes the negative impact on your life.

As a criminal defense attorney, she has a strong track record defending property crimes in local courts. If you are facing a charge for criminal damage to property, contact our office today. 504-599-5955

Disclaimer:

Laws and policies can change at any time rendering the above information outdated or non-applicable. We strongly encourage you to look at City, Parish, and State statutes for the most recent laws and to consult a Louisiana licensed attorney.