Collin County Criminal Mischief Attorney

Are You Looking for the Best Collin County Criminal Mischief Attorney?

If you’re looking for the best Collin County Criminal Mischief attorney, then Paul Saputo and Nick Toufexis want to represent you. Award-winning attorneys Paul Saputo and Nick Toufexis expertly bring the firm’s full resources to bear in Collin County Criminal Mischief cases.

The Saputo Toufexis | Criminal Defense team seeks to represent discerning clients who value our commitment to achieving outstanding results. Our attorneys have dedicated their careers to criminal defense and maintain an unwavering dedication to delivering expert representation.

We’re not just Collin County Criminal Mischief lawyers. We are warriors fighting unjust and corrupt government prosecutions with a history of success and a reputation for tenacity, courage and legal ingenuity.

In addition to our notable high-profile victories, our history of success also includes inconspicuous representation of numerous high-profile clients. Indeed, many of our biggest wins involved disposing of these cases quietly and out of the sight of the public. Winning you case requires more than just advocating for you in the McKinney courtrooms. As your Collin County Criminal Mischief attorney, we advise you on the range of issues you will undoubtedly face throughout the criminal prosecution.

Our experienced team works tirelessly to build a strong defense and protect our clients’ rights. We can provide you with an effective defense strategy for your Collin County Reckless Damage or Destruction case. Call us or book an appointment online today.

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Contact a Collin County
Criminal Mischief Lawyer

When you are ready to fight your case with us, schedule online or call us at 888-239-9305 to book a free, confidential consultation.

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Choosing The Right Collin County Criminal Mischief Lawyer Can Make A Huge Difference In Your Case Result

Why would you hire a former prosecutor? Surprisingly, some people believe that former prosecutors provide some special advantage. However, many of these attorneys seem to quickly push clients to a plea deal. If you really want someone who will fight for you or your loved one, get an attorney who has dedicated their life to protecting the accused.

At Saputo Toufexis | Criminal Defense, we are defense lawyers, first and foremost. We stake our reputation on bringing the fight to the state. We have never worked for the government and never will. Learn more about our team, awards, and some of our victories.

How do I get a Criminal Mischief charge dropped in Collin County, Texas?

In order to get a Criminal Mischief charge dropped in Collin County, you must convince the state that they cannot prove at least one of the elements of the offense as it is defined in Penal Code §28.03.^[1] Our lawyers are experts in the Texas law regarding Criminal Mischief, and we leverage our legal knowledge to mount successful defenses to government prosecutions.

Thoroughly understanding both the Criminal Mischief statute and related case law contributes to effectively defending you in court. As part of our practice, we publish and regularly update a statutory resource guide covering all Texas Penal Code crimes. We analyze the Criminal Mischief statute in detail on the Criminal Mischief offense page. We also maintain our expertise by keeping up with the latest case law affecting Criminal Mischief cases in Collin County.

One such case is Tackett v. State.

Tackett v. State

In Tackett v. State, decided on May 1, 2003, by the Court of Appeals of Texas Fifth District Dallas, Lanita Jean Tackett appealed her conviction for Criminal Mischief in Collin County, where she was sentenced to seven days in jail, suspended for one year, and fined $750. The case arose after Tackett, separated from her husband Greg Tackett, used her keys to severely scratch the paint of his Ford F-350 pickup truck, causing significant damage. Tackett’s defense argued that she could not be convicted of criminal mischief because the vehicle, purchased during their marriage, was community property, and therefore she also had ownership rights.

The appellate court affirmed the trial court’s judgment, concluding that a rational trier of fact could find Tackett intentionally or knowingly damaged the vehicle without her husband’s consent. The court dismissed Tackett’s claim of ownership over the vehicle as a defense, citing Texas Penal Code Ann. § 28.05, which states it’s no defense in a criminal mischief prosecution that the actor has an interest in the property damaged if another person also has an interest that the actor is not entitled to infringe. The court held that Greg Tackett’s ownership interest in the vehicle and his lack of consent to the damage were sufficient for Tackett’s conviction.

This case highlights the legal interpretation of ownership and consent within the context of criminal mischief, especially involving community property in marital relationships. The appellate court’s ruling emphasizes the importance of consent over property rights in criminal proceedings, affirming that damaging property without effective consent of the co-owner constitutes criminal mischief, regardless of any shared ownership claims.

What does a Criminal Mischief charge really mean?

The general definition of the Texas charge of Criminal Mischief, according to the Texas Penal Code, is as follows:

(a) A person commits an offense if, without the effective consent of the owner:

(1) he intentionally or knowingly damages or destroys the tangible property of the owner;

(2) he intentionally or knowingly tampers with the tangible property of the owner and causes pecuniary loss or substantial inconvenience to the owner or a third person; or

(3) he intentionally or knowingly makes markings, including inscriptions, slogans, drawings, or paintings, on the tangible property of the owner.

Law Enforcement Agencies in Collin County that Make Criminal Mischief Arrests

Peace officers with the Texas Department of Public Safety, constable offices, and municipal police departments can make arrests for violations of Criminal Mischief in Collin County. Law enforcement agencies in Collin County that most typically make Criminal Mischief arrests include:

• The Collin County Sheriff’s Office handles Criminal Mischief enforcement throughout Dallas County.
• McKinney Police Department – Serving the city of McKinney, the police department provides Criminal Mischief enforcement within the city limits.
• Plano Police Department – This municipal police department serves the city of Plano by investigating Criminal Mischief cases within the city’s limits.
• Frisco Police Department
• Allen Police Department
• Murphy Police Department
• Wylie Police Department
• Anna Police Department
• Princeton Police Department
• Farmersville Police Department
• Melissa Police Department

How do Collin County Criminal Mischief defense lawyers beat a Criminal Mischief case?

To beat a Criminal Mischief charge in Collin County, Texas, you must use due process to confront all witnesses and challenge all evidence, which includes disputing reasonable suspicion, probable cause, and all forensic evidence. Winning requires a fight.

Even if you believe you cannot beat the case, as your Collin County Criminal Mischief attorney, we will look for every avenue to help you. If you want to plead guilty, we must still fight to protect your rights. We want to ensure that the case does not ruin your life. Sometimes the defense strategy requires us to get the best possible result short of a not guilty verdict.

Collin County Criminal Mischief Attorney Case Defense Strategy

Getting the best result in a Collin County Criminal Mischief case requires being fully prepared for all hearings and court settings – not just trials. Accordingly, when you hire us as your Collin County Criminal Mischief attorney, we prepare early and thoroughly. As soon as we get on a case, the Collin County District Attorney’s Office knows that we are getting ready for trial. They know that we are going for an outright acquittal.

But the preparation often starts even before the case begins. From the moment that the police initiate an investigation or make an arrest, we have work to do. If you want to win your case, then we must do our own investigation. The state has police and investigators of their own working for them to gather evidence to support their case. We can’t afford to let their evidence stand uncontroverted.

As a client, you will benefit from the investigative resources of the entire law firm. We have a team of dedicated professionals, including paralegals, investigators, and forensic experts. Our attorneys utilize our team’s extensive investigative experience to perform the ground work that makes our cases strong.

How much does it cost to fight a Collin County, Texas, Criminal Mischief case?

Attorney’s fees will vary. However, you can expect to pay from $2,500 to $15,000 on average for Criminal Mischief cases in Collin County. Some Collin County Criminal Mischief lawyers may charge much more depending on the complexity of the Collin County case. But be wary of lawyers who charge surprisingly low fees.

When consulting with a lawyer, remember to ask whether any any hourly fees apply. Additionally, most lawyers charge extra fees for trial, travel and expenses.

What You Should Do if You Are Falsely Accused of Criminal Mischief in Collin County

Even when falsely accused of Criminal Mischief, it’s crucial to treat the charge with the utmost seriousness. You might hope the state would dismiss the charges due to your innocence. But without skilled legal representation, the case may proceed to trial, where a jury will ultimately make the decision.

If the Collin County District Attorney has charged you with Criminal Mischief, or if you are under investigation for the offense by the police, then you should book an appointment or call us as soon as possible to speak with one of our Collin County Criminal Mischief attorneys.

How can you modify your Collin County bond conditions after a Criminal Mischief arrest?

Often times, judges will set your initial bond conditions using standard forms that do not take into account your particular situation. If you need to change your bond conditions, you will need to do so through petitioning the court.

If your case has already been filed, you have to file a motion to modify your bond conditions. If your case has not been filed, you will need to file a writ of habeas corpus. Usually, judges will set a hearing to consider these pleadings. At the hearing, you will need to present evidence and argue why your bond conditions should be modified.

Your Collin County Criminal Mischief attorney will handle this process.

We often receive requests to modify ond conditions related to travel. In many cases, courts will restrict your travel, but you may need to travel for work or important family members. If you have a good reason to travel, courts will usually allow you to do so.

What happens at a Collin County arraignment?

At your arraignment, a Collin County judge will hear your plea of not guilty. In Collin County, you may not have an attorney at your initial arraignment. However, the court will not hear a guilty plea prior to your being represented by counsel. In addition, the court may also set bail and bond conditions if you have not already received them.

If the police have arrested you for Criminal Mischief, then Texas Code of Criminal Procedure §17.40 requires Collin County judges to “impose any reasonable condition of bond related to the safety of a victim of the alleged offense or to the safety of the community” to secure your attendance at trial. If the state alleges that you violated those bond conditions, then the Collin County Sheriff’s Office can immediately return you to custody. Accordingly, judges have very broad power in determining bail conditions and bond amounts.

What is the most common sentence for Collin County Criminal Mischief charge in Collin County?

The Texas Penal code outlines the range of punishment for all Criminal Mischief convictions across the state. The punishment for Criminal Mischief ranges from a Class C misdemeanor to a first degree felony, depending on the value of the property damaged.

However, the actual punishment you receive will vary significantly based on a number of circumstances, including your prior criminal history and the circumstances of the offense. With this in mind, you can learn about the penalties that apply to all Texas convictions for Criminal Mischief here. Otherwise, to learn more about what kind of punishment is typical in Collin County Criminal Mischief cases, call us to schedule a consultation or book online.

Furthermore, all good Collin County Criminal Mischief attorneys will also advise you on the collateral consequences of a Criminal Mischief conviction. Collateral consequences are penalties derived from convictions that are not necessarily part of the penal code punishment.

About Saputo Toufexis | Criminal Defense

If you want to hire us as your Collin County Criminal Mischief lawyers, then you should probably get to know us!

The Saputo Toufexis | Criminal Defense Lawyers

Paul Saputo and Nicholas Toufexis are partners at Saputo Toufexis | Criminal Defense PLLC and lead the entire trial team at the firm.

Mr. Saputo has practiced throughout Texas in more than fifty Texas state and federal courts and developed groundbreaking innovations in defense strategies and tactics. After graduating from the elite Duke University School of Law, a nationally recognized top-ten law school, Mr. Saputo started his career at Vinson & Elkins. More about Paul Saputo…

Mr. Toufexis is a veteran of the United States Navy and a graduate of SMU Dedman School of Law. He has dedicated his entire legal career to criminal defense, and has been with the firm since law school. Recently named a partner, Nick has achieved exceptional results in and out of court for years. More about Nick…

Awards

Numerous organizations have awarded Mr. Saputo recognition for his outstanding criminal defense work, for example:

• Martindale-Hubbell® AV Preeminent™ Rating
• Recognized by Super Lawyers®
• Consistently recognized by D Magazine in “Best Lawyers” for Criminal Defense
• Recognized by Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch® in America for 2024 under the Criminal Defense: White Collar practice area.

Paul Saputo was voted one of the Three Best Rated Criminal Defense Lawyers in Dallas

More Awards & Recognition…

Nicholas Toufexis has likewise received many distinctions as well.

• Recognized by Super Lawyers®
• Recognized by Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch® in America for 2024 under the Criminal Defense: DWI/DUI practice area.

Victories

The Collin County Criminal Mischief attorneys at Saputo Toufexis | Criminal Defense PLLC have obtained hundreds of victories in complex criminal litigation across Texas. Our victories include Not Guilty verdicts by jury acquittals, directed verdicts of Not Guilty, as well as both conditional and unconditional dismissals.

For descriptions and some details about example victories, visit our page on Notable Victories.

Reviews

One example review from a real client:

Nick Troufexis was super. He helped a family member out and was great from beginning to the end. Looking for a dependable, honest straight forward law firm. This is your firm and Nick is the guy. Talking about results, oh he delivered on every spectrum. So if your on the phone with another law firm, hang up and call Saputo Defense NOW!!!

– Real client review posted on the Saputo Toufexis | Criminal Defense PLLC Google Profile.

See more client reviews and testimonials here.

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Legal References:

^1. Texas Penal Code §28.03.