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Criminal Damage Solicitors

Being convicted of causing criminal damage could lead to a wide range of punishments, including lengthy prison sentences in the most serious cases. If you are being accused of committing criminal damage, it is essential that you contact and instruct specialist legal representation immediately.

 

At JD Spicer Zeb, our expert criminal defence solicitors have over 45 years of experience in supporting individuals accused of a wide range of offences, including criminal damage and vandalism. This puts us in the position to offer the highest standard of legal advice, which we can use to ensure that you have the strongest possible defence if you are charged with criminal damage.

Our focus is to help you avoid conviction for criminal damage. However, in cases where a conviction is unavoidable, we will make sure that any punishments are appropriately mitigated. In some cases, we can try to get you a police caution or community resolution order.  

Our highly experienced criminal damage solicitors provide:

  • 24/7 legal support in person and over the phone, 365 days a year
  • Representation anywhere in England and Wales
  • Accredited Police Station Representatives to support you during a police interview
  • Clear, effective legal advice in any language (see our languages spoken)

Speak to our criminal damage solicitors today

For a free initial consultation on your legal position, and the available options when defending a criminal damage charge, contact our local offices in London, Birmingham or Manchester.

For urgent advice at any time of day or night regarding criminal damage, please call our Emergency Number 07836 577 556.

Why choose our criminal damage and vandalism solicitors?

For over 45 years, our criminal defence solicitors have been delivering specialist legal advice on a plethora of offences, including those involving criminal damage.

We know exactly how these types of cases are handled, what evidence the prosecution will look to use to build their case and, importantly, what needs to be done to build the most effective defence.

Criminal damage accusations can lead to substantial consequences. Prison sentences can be handed out in the most serious cases, so it is vital that you receive legal advice that is tailored to you, and the circumstances surrounding your case.

Our team includes several police station representatives who will be on hand to provide 24/7 support if you are arrested for suspected criminal damage.

We know exactly how to handle the types of evidence, so we understand where flaws can be spotted, and what needs to be done to establish the strongest possible defence.

Over the years, we have been able to develop strong relationships with many of the country’s leading criminal defence barristers. If your case goes to trial, you can be confident that you will receive the highest standard of legal advice and representation.

We are recognised for our ability to handle criminal law matters successfully through our Law Society accreditation for Criminal Litigation. We also hold the Lexcel accreditation for our consistently high standards of legal practice.

Our expertise with criminal damage

Representation at Police Stations

Anything you say or choose not to say during questioning at a police station can significantly impact your case and influence its outcome.

If you are detained on suspicion of committing a criminal damage offence, it is important to seek legal advice and representation from an experienced criminal defence lawyer at the earliest opportunity.

Our team of expert police station solicitors and representatives are highly experienced in handling a variety of police station cases and can provide prompt legal support and representation, regardless of the offence.

Pre-charge bail and released under investigation

If you have been released on pre-charge bail or are under investigation following an arrest, it is important to consult an experienced criminal defence solicitor promptly. Although you have been released from police custody, this does not mean your case has concluded.

You should also be aware that, while on pre-charge bail, several bail conditions will usually be implemented. Common conditions include restrictions on your movement or being required to visit a particular police station at designated times.

Our criminal damage lawyers can evaluate your circumstances and the potential charges you may be facing. We will offer tailored advice on pre-charge bail and released under investigation procedures, whilst we can also recommend the best course of action to protect your interests.

To find out more in relation to pre-charge bail and released under investigation, please use the links provided below:

Having charges dropped

If you are facing penalties for a criminal damage offence, we will discuss the case with you and identify the various strengths and weaknesses of the prosecution. Our first steps will often be to establish whether it will be possible to have the charges against you dropped before the case goes to court.

We provide a sensitive and practical service and will be on hand to discuss any questions you have throughout the process. We have a strong track record of having cases dropped early where a case is weak or should not be prosecuted.

Legal representation and defence

If you are facing a trial, our team of criminal damage lawyers will prepare your case to ensure you have the strongest possible defence in court. We will guide you through every stage of the process, advising you on your rights and available options.

Whether you are facing serious charges in a Magistrates’ Court or the Crown Court, our team will work tirelessly to ensure that you receive the best possible representation at every stage of the proceedings.

We will thoroughly prepare your case, collate evidence, and obtain reports from experts where necessary to build the strongest case. Our expert defence team will work hard to ensure you receive quality representation with the best chances of a successful outcome.

We have developed strong relationships with many of the country’s leading criminal defence barristers, which means, if your case goes to trial, you can be confident that you will receive the highest standard of legal advice and representation in every scenario.

Equally, we will be upfront with you about where you can benefit from a good result with an early guilty plea, such as a discount on your sentence.

Fees and funding

When dealing with fees and funding, our criminal damage lawyers will always be clear and upfront about your options.

Legal Aid may be available in some cases, but this depends on the seriousness of the case and whether it will justify the grant of public funding.

To find out more about the way we handle fees (both Legal Aid and private fees), please use the links provided below:

Related offences

We also provide support and guidance on various other matters that are related to causing criminal damage, including:

Get in touch

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Why choose JD Spicer Zeb?

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Recent Cases

There is limited recourse for you if you are falsely accused. Click a selection of the cases we have covered. The best thing you can do is to instruct an excellent solicitor from the outset.

Read more cases

Common questions about criminal damage

What is criminal damage?

The Criminal Damage Act 1971 (CDA 1971) is the primary source of offences involving damage to property.

Under the Criminal Damage Act, criminal damage is defined as: “A person who without lawful excuse destroys or damages any property belonging to another, intending to destroy or damage any such property, or being reckless as to whether any such property would be destroyed or damaged.”

Criminal damage involving fire is treated as the separate offence of arson.

What is the maximum sentence for criminal damage?

As per the Sentencing Council, the maximum criminal damage sentence is 10 years’ custody. This applies to acts of criminal damage with a value exceeding £5,000 and/or that are racially or religiously motivated.

Is vandalism a crime in the UK?

Yes, vandalism is a crime in the UK under the Criminal Damage Act 1861. If you are charged with this offence, you will likely need to cover the cost of the damage caused, and any required repairs. You may also face a fine, or a sentence of three months’ imprisonment.

In order for someone to receive vandalism charges, the following factors must be present:

  • The property, structure, or contents must be owned by another person.
  • There was a deliberate intention or reckless action that caused the defacing or damage to the property, structure, or contents.
  • Any damage caused was done without the owner's permission.

Is graffiti classed as criminal damage?

Yes, graffiti, as with other forms of vandalism, could be classed as an act of criminal damage.

Other vandalism charges include:

  • Graffiti
  • Dumping rubbish
  • Smashing windows/fencing
  • Starting small fires
  • Damaging buildings or other structures
  • Altering or destroying street signs
  • Damaging cars and other vehicle

Who pays for criminal damage?

In the vast majority of cases, the person deemed to be responsible for the criminal damage will be liable to pay for any repairs or losses incurred.

What are the defences for criminal damage?

The defences available for allegations of criminal damage will depend on the circumstances of the case and the evidence presented by the prosecution.

For example, criminal charge defences for this offence could include:

  • Mistaken identity.
  • Proving the damage was caused in an act of self-defence, to prevent a crime or to defend property.
  • The actions that caused the damage were not reckless, or the damage was not intentional.
  • There was a genuine belief that the owner of the property had consented to the damage.

Contact our criminal damage solicitors now

If you are due to attend the police station for interview, have been accused of criminal damage, or require any urgent specialist advice or immediate representation, please do not hesitate to get in touch.

You can contact a member of our dedicated team of criminal damage and vandalism solicitors in London, Birmingham, and Manchester by telephone on:

Or email: solicitors@jdspicer.co.uk

Alternatively, you can fill out our quick online enquiry form, and we will get back to you as soon as possible.

24/7 legal representation for criminal damage

Please contact us for a free initial consultation with one of our criminal damage lawyers for immediate advice and representation.

For urgent representation and advice, you can contact our Emergency Number: 07836 577 556, and we will provide you with the assistance you need.

How can we help?

Common questions

We always work with the most experienced and best leading UK barristers, KCs (Kings Counsel). We cover all criminal cases 24/7 at the police station and court. Offices in London, Birmingham, and Manchester cover cases across England and Wales. We can offer Legal Aid and affordable Private fee agreements. We can see you the same day, including virtually. Our Senior Partners supervise all of our cases.

How quickly do you respond?

We respond quickly even during out of hours. We do not get our work by paying for online adverts but based on the fact that few criminal law firms can match our 45 years of experience. Most of our cases are still from word-of-mouth recommendations from satisfied clients. We are called daily by dissatisfied clients from firms with less experience than us. We respond very quickly to new enquiries. We know what clients seek and so we update clients rapidly.

Can you get cases dropped?

Yes, read about the recent cases we've helped our clients with here.

We always keep you updated and give straightforward advice. We will get cases dropped early where the case is weak or should not be prosecuted. We will be upfront with you about where you can benefit from a good result with an early guilty plea, such as a discount on your sentence. As we work on cases across all levels with clients from all walks of life, we are excellent at giving clear, spot-on advice. As an established firm, we can allocate a whole team to your case often at short notice to secure evidence to minimise the damage to you. 

Have you won any awards?

OUR PROFESSIONAL BODY THE LAW SOCIETY AWARDED US IN OCTOBER 2020 WITH THE EXCELLENCE IN CLIENT SERVICE AWARD AND STATED - 

"JD Spicer Zeb demonstrated a clear commitment to client service through their work with vulnerable and diverse individuals in what can be severely traumatic circumstances".

Do you offer free consultations?

Where it is possible, we aim to provide an initial consultation to you. If we can speak to you, we can if required inform you about  –

  • Whether we can take the case on and our relevant experience.
  • Public and private funding benefits.
  • Assistance in applying for legal aid where we are likely to accept instructions.
  • An outline of options in police interview only. We will not advise you on which option to adopt.
  • Providing our free written guide explaining the police station process.
  • The gravity of routine and day-to-day offences you face.
  • Consequences of not attending the court or police station.
  • Consequences of interfering with any witnesses.
  • Retaining any evidence in support of your case.
  • If possible an outline of the elements of the offence that the police or CPS must prove.
  • This consultation will normally be by telephone or email and will only be for as long as we deem necessary to establish if we can act for you. If we cannot usefully give you any advice in this manner then we will not continue with the consultation. We will not discuss the case in depth for you to be able to decide on your plea or any significant aspect of the case, as this cannot be undertaken informally.
  • Referring you, if possible, to other firms for matters out of our specialism or if we cannot help.

Consultations do not apply to the following cases –

  • If we do not intend to take the case on.
  • Road Traffic cases, drink driving, drug driving, driving bans, speeding, no insurance, mobile phone use, points etc.
  • In all cases where we do not have the capacity to take your case or the availability of suitably qualified staff to provide an initial free consultation. This is applicable in all cases but especially where a more senior lawyer is required because of your personal needs or the complexity of the case.
  • Harassment/stalking/ coercive behaviour/malicious communications or road traffic cases and most sensitive cases. These cases are often too complicated to assess in short consultations.
  • The locations concerned may be too distant to represent you adequately or it may not be cost-effective for you or us.
  • The case is too complicated to assess or raises various charges or facts, complexity, or history to be considered informally or in a short consultation.
  • In most Legal aid transfers where legal aid is granted to another firm except in very grave cases, we may assess the case and merits for a transfer.
  • If your relationship has broken down with your existing solicitor or several solicitors.
  • If you have been released under investigation and have already had a police station attendance. 
  • If you hold legal aid with another firm and seek a second opinion.
  • If you are calling on behalf of the client as a friend or family member unless you have full authority and full facts.
  • To businesses.
  • Advising whether you were given good advice by your other solicitor.
  • Whether to decide to plead guilty or not guilty.
  • Whether you have an arguable defence in law or factually complicated defences.
  • Any advice you have had after your first court appearance.
  • Any advice on appeal on conviction or sentence.
  • If we feel we are unable to communicate with you.
  • If we are likely to be conflicted or breach our professional rules.

Pre-charge bail

If you are interviewed by the police for criminal damage, you may be released on pre-charge bail. This is usually just referred to as being released on bail.

When on pre-charge bail, several bail conditions will usually be implemented. Common conditions include restrictions on your movement or being required to visit the police station at designated times.

To find out more in relation to pre-charge bail, please use the links provided below:

Fees and funding

When dealing with fees and funding, we will always be clear and upfront about your options.

Legal Aid may be available in some cases, but this depends on the seriousness of the case and whether it will justify the grant of public funding.

To find out more about the way we handle fees (both Legal Aid and private fees), please use the links provided below:

Related offences

We also provide support and guidance on various other matters that are related to causing criminal damage, including:

Related cases

Common questions about criminal damage

What is criminal damage?

The Criminal Damage Act 1971 (CDA 1971) is the primary source of offences involving damage to property.

Under the Criminal Damage Act, criminal damage is defined as: “A person who without lawful excuse destroys or damages any property belonging to another, intending to destroy or damage any such property, or being reckless as to whether any such property would be destroyed or damaged.”

Criminal damage involving fire is treated as a separate offence of arson.

What is the maximum sentence for criminal damage?

As per the Sentencing Council, the maximum criminal damage sentence is 10 years’ custody. This applies to acts of criminal damage with a value exceeding £5,000 and/or that are racially or religiously motivated. This is for very serious cases.

Is graffiti classed as criminal damage?

Yes, graffiti, like other forms of vandalism, could be considered an act of criminal damage.

Who pays for criminal damage?

In the vast majority of cases, the person deemed to be responsible for the criminal damage will be liable to pay for any repairs or losses incurred.

What are the defences for criminal damage?

The defences available for allegations of criminal damage will depend on the circumstances of the case and the evidence presented by the prosecution.

For example, defences could include:

  • Mistaken identity
  • Proving the damage was caused in an act of self-defence, to prevent a crime or to defend property
  • The actions that caused the damage were not reckless or the damage was not intentional but an accident
  • There was a genuine belief that the owner of the property had consented to the damage

Contact our criminal damage solicitors now

If you are due to attend the police station for interview, have been accused of criminal damage, or require any urgent specialist advice or immediate representation, please do not hesitate to get in touch.

You can contact a member of our dedicated team of criminal damage solicitors in London, Birmingham, and Manchester by telephone on:

Or email: solicitors@jdspicer.co.uk

Alternatively, you can fill out our quick online enquiry form, and we will get back to you as soon as possible.

24/7 legal representation for criminal damage

Please contact us for a free initial consultation with one of our criminal damage lawyers for immediate advice and representation.

For urgent representation and advice, you can contact our Emergency Number: 07836 577 556 and we will provide you with the assistance you need.

How can we help?