Johnson County Criminal Mischief Attorney

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

If you’re looking for the best Johnson County Criminal Mischief attorney, then Paul Saputo and Nick Toufexis want to represent you. The Saputo Toufexis partnership brings the significant experience of our award-winning attorneys, and we strive to maintain our history of success for our Grayson County Criminal Mischief defense clients.

The Saputo Toufexis | Criminal Defense team represents clients who are seeking the top attorneys in the field. Accordingly, our attorneys have made consistently outstanding legal representation the hallmark of our boutique criminal defense practice.

We’re not just Johnson 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. When you are facing a criminal prosecution, you have a lot to worry about. Accordingly, our Johnson County Criminal Mischief attorney representation does not stop at the Cleburne courthouse door.

Our team of seasoned professionals has dedicated their careers to safeguarding the rights of our clients. Contact us now to start preparing your defense against Criminal Mischief charges in Johnson County.

---

Contact a Johnson 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.

---

Choosing The Right Johnson 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 Johnson County, Texas?

In order to get a Criminal Mischief charge dropped in Johnson 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 Johnson County.

One such case is Ex Parte Russell.

Ex Parte Russell

In Ex Parte Russell, delivered on October 3, 2007, by the Court of Criminal Appeals of Texas, Jacob Wayne Russell successfully challenged his six-year imprisonment sentence following the revocation of community supervision for a criminal mischief conviction in Johnson County. Russell’s habeas corpus application contended that his sentence was illegal due to the enhancement with a prior felony offense that was not available for enhancement at the time of his conviction. The State concurred with Russell’s contention, leading to the agreement that the enhancement was improperly applied.

The trial court, agreeing with the applicant and the State, found no controverted, previously unresolved issues of fact material to the legality of Russell’s confinement. Upon review, the Court of Criminal Appeals independently verified the claim and concluded that Russell was entitled to relief. The court’s decision underscored the critical examination required for sentencing enhancements, particularly regarding the availability and appropriateness of prior offenses used for such purposes.

Relief was granted to Russell, with the judgment in his criminal mischief case set aside, and he was remanded to the custody of the sheriff of Johnson County to answer the original charge. This outcome highlights the judiciary’s role in correcting sentencing errors and ensuring that enhancements are applied in accordance with legal standards. Copies of the opinion were dispatched to relevant divisions of the Texas Department of Criminal Justice, marking the case’s resolution.

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 Johnson 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 Johnson County. Law enforcement agencies in Johnson County that most typically make Criminal Mischief arrests include:

• Johnson County Sheriff’s Office is one of the primary agencies responsible for Criminal Mischief cases in Johnson County, Texas.
• Burleson Police Department serves as one of the municipal police departments within Johnson County and plays a significant role in handling Criminal Mischief cases.
• Cleburne Police Department is another key agency in Johnson County responsible for law enforcement and Criminal Mischief cases within its jurisdiction.
• Joshua Police Department serves the community of Joshua within Johnson County and may handle Criminal Mischief cases within its jurisdiction.

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

To beat a Criminal Mischief charge in Johnson 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 Johnson 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.

Johnson County Criminal Mischief Attorney Case Defense Strategy

In order to form a winning Criminal Mischief case defense strategy, we must thoroughly investigate the case. This includes gathering evidence, interviewing witnesses, and examining the prosecution’s evidence for weaknesses or inconsistencies. Accordingly, the preparation often starts even before the case begins. As soon as the police initiate an investigation or make an arrest, we can start our own investigation. If you want to win your case, then you should work to obtain exculpatory evidence. The state has police and investigators of their own working for them to gather evidence to support their case. As your Johnson County Criminal Mischief attorney, we can’t afford to let their evidence stand uncontroverted.

Our clients take advantage of our law firm’s comprehensive investigative resources. Our dedicated team comprising paralegals, investigators, and forensic experts, collaborates with our attorneys to lay the groundwork that fortifies our cases with their extensive investigative expertise.

How much does a lawyer charge for a Criminal Mischief case in Johnson County, Texas?

Attorney’s fees will vary. However, you can expect to pay from $2,500 to $15,000 on average for Criminal Mischief cases in Johnson County. Some Johnson County Criminal Mischief lawyers may charge much more depending on the complexity of the Johnson 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 to Do if Falsely Accused of Criminal Mischief in Johnson County

Even if someone has falsely accused you of Criminal Mischief, you should nevertheless still always take this charge very seriously. You may think that the state may “drop charges” against you because you are innocent. But absent effective advocacy by a lawyer, the state will often take the case to trial and let the jury decide.

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

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

Start by consulting with your Johnson County Criminal Mischief attorney. Work closely with your attorney to build a compelling case for the requested modifications.

Your attorney will file either a motion or a writ of habeas corpus requesting a modification of your bond conditions. The motion or writ outlines the specific changes you are seeking and the reasons for the requested modification.

The judge will ultimately decide whether to approve the requested modifications. They will consider factors such as the nature of the charges, your criminal history, the risk to public safety, and other relevant circumstances. Keep in mind that the judge will base the decision on a careful evaluation of the facts and circumstances of your case.

What happens at a Johnson County arraignment?

At your arraignment, a Johnson County judge will hear your plea of not guilty. In Johnson 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 Johnson 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 Johnson 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 Johnson County Criminal Mischief charge in Johnson County?

The Texas Penal Code defines the penalty range for Criminal Mischief offenses across Texas. 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, it is important to consider the potential collateral consequences of a Criminal Mischief conviction. These collateral consequences are additional penalties not directly outlined in the penal code’s penalty scheme, but nonetheless accompany the conviction. Your Johnson County Criminal Mischief attorney should discuss these consequences with you before you decide how to handle your case.

The exact penalty one might face from a Criminal Mischief conviction varies greatly, influenced by factors such as you prior criminal record and the offense specifics. You can find details on the penalty range for all Criminal Mischief here. For specifics on typical penalties in Johnson County Criminal Mischief cases, call us to schedule a consultation or book a consultation online.

About Saputo Toufexis | Criminal Defense

If you want to hire us as your Johnson 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 Johnson 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 Toufexis is an AMAZING lawyer! I am so thankful for all of his help throughout this entire process. I was having a lot of problems with my situation, and he helped me navigate my case from beginning to end. His representation was exactly what I needed, and he got the job done! Nick, thank you again for all of your help. Couldn’t have done it without you!

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

See more client reviews and testimonials here.

---

Legal References:

^1. Texas Penal Code §28.03.