I'm 18 and I live in Massachusetts, I recently committed a Vandalism crime that included my smashing a few windows on an abandoned (seemingly abandoned) excavator with a couple of friends. The damage came to (based on the police officers quick estimate) upwards of $250. I don't know why I or any of us did it but we feel horrible. The police came a few days ago at the scene of the crime and took our information. They also told us we would receive a summons to court in about 6 weeks. I and all of my friends are 18 and we all have perfectly clean records prior to this. We did a stupid thing and want to do anything and everything we can to rectify what we did. With a clean record and the cost of the damage done in mind...what's the worst that could happen to us? And is there any chance that this won't be put on our records if we take the proper steps...?
Since all of you are 18 this will go on your record. For sure restitution $250.00 Court fees, not sure what a Judge will give you. Could be Community hours. probation.
If you are serious, then talk to your lawyer (you will need one) and ask him to set up restitution in lieu of dropping the charges. If the damage isn't too extensive, they may be willing to accept that offer. Glass on an excavator is going to cost more than 250 bucks. The cops estimate wasn't really an estimate, Its what you will be charged with. Vandalism 250 dollars or more. the punishments are different for each stage. Under 250 will be different than over 250. Next time THINK before you act!
Vandalism, or destruction of proper over $250 is a FELONY in Massachusetts. $250 is the felony limit for any crime in Massachusetts, unfortunately, we#x27;re on the lower end of felony limits. Pennsylvania is one of the highest around $2000 or $2500 if I remember correctly. Considering your age AND your clean record, you#x27;ll most likely be offered a CWOF (continued without a finding) where you admit to the facts, agree there would be enough evidence to convict you, but you#x27;re not pleading or being convicted. It is filed away and dismissed. You#x27;re still responsible for the court costs and don#x27;t get in trouble again. They won#x27;t keep handing out CWOFs to repeat offenders. Otherwise, it#x27;ll be dropped to a misdemeanor, but again, court costs will still be required. $150 or 15 hrs community service for court appointed attorney if you qualified for one. I#x27;d be willing to bet you#x27;ll get the CWOF. Massachusetts is lenient like that you#x27;re first time. Even on certain felonies. Good luck!
