At Ghanouni Teen & Young Adult Defense Firm, we focus on helping young people protect their future when facing criminal charges in Georgia.
If you’ve been cited or charged with criminal damage to property in Cherokee County, our legal team is here to guide you through the process and fight for the best possible outcome.
Criminal Damage to Property in Georgia
Georgia law separates criminal damage to property into two degrees:
Criminal Damage to Property in the Second Degree – O.C.G.A. § 16-7-23
This charge applies when someone:
- Intentionally damages another person’s property and the damage is valued at more than $500
- Recklessly or intentionally causes property damage using fire, explosives, or fireworks
Penalties: Second-degree criminal damage is a felony and carries 1 to 5 years in prison if convicted.
Criminal Damage to Property in the First Degree – O.C.G.A. § 16-7-22
A more serious charge, first-degree criminal damage to property involves:
- Damaging property in a way that endangers human life
- Interfering with critical infrastructure or public services
- Firing a gun at a building from inside or outside a vehicle
Penalties: First-degree criminal damage is a felony with a sentence of 1 to 10 years in prison (or up to 20 years for certain offenses).
The Real Impact of a Criminal Damage Charge
A criminal damage to property charge is not just about fines or jail time. The real concern for many of our clients is the impact on their future:
- Permanent Criminal Record – A felony conviction can follow you for life.
- Educational & Career Consequences – Colleges, employers, and licensing boards review criminal records.
- Loss of Housing Opportunities – Many landlords deny applicants with a felony record.
- Probation & Community Service – Some sentences include lengthy supervision and required service hours.
For young people, a criminal charge can affect college admissions, scholarships, internships, and career paths. Our goal is to help protect your record and future opportunities.
Common Defenses to Criminal Damage to Property Charges
Each case is unique, and our legal team evaluates all possible defenses, such as:
1. Lack of Intent
Georgia law requires intent for a conviction. If the damage was accidental, this could be a strong defense.
2. False Accusations or Mistaken Identity
- Were you wrongly blamed for the damage?
- Did someone assume you were responsible based on little evidence?
We investigate witness statements, video footage, and police reports to challenge wrongful accusations.
3. Insufficient Evidence
- Is the prosecution relying on assumptions rather than proof?
- Are there witness inconsistencies or gaps in the evidence?
The burden of proof is on the prosecution, and we challenge weak or circumstantial cases.
4. Property Ownership or Permission
- Did you have permission to be there?
- Were you acting under instructions from someone else?
If you had reasonable belief that you were allowed to use or alter the property, this could support your defense.
5. No Damage Exceeding $500 (for Second-Degree Charges)
For second-degree criminal damage, the property must be valued at over $500. If the amount is disputed or unclear, we may challenge the charges.
What Happens After You’ve Been Charged?
If you’re facing a criminal damage to property charge in Cherokee County, the criminal process generally follows these steps:
- Citation or Arrest – You may receive a citation or be arrested and booked.
- Arraignment – Your first court appearance where you enter a plea.
- Pre-Trial Phase – Evidence is gathered, and negotiations may take place.
- Possible Case Resolution – Charges may be dismissed, reduced, or go to trial.
- Trial (If Necessary) – If a resolution isn’t reached, the case moves to trial.
Many cases can be resolved without a felony conviction—but the sooner you act, the better your options.
How Ghanouni Teen & Young Adult Defense Firm Helps
We focus exclusively on helping people in their teens and twenties. From the moment you contact us, we take a goal-oriented approach to protect your record and future.
1. Immediate Case Review & Strategy Development
We take the time to understand:
- What happened and what evidence exists
- What outcome matters most to you
- What legal options are available
2. Negotiating for the Best Outcome
For many first-time offenders, we explore alternatives to avoid a conviction, such as:
- Dismissal of charges if evidence is weak
- Reduction to a lesser offense (such as criminal trespass)
- Pre-trial diversion programs (if available)
3. Trial Defense If Necessary
If the case proceeds to trial, we are prepared to fight aggressively. Our team examines:
- Witness testimony for inconsistencies
- Procedural errors or constitutional violations
- Whether the prosecution can prove its case beyond a reasonable doubt
Can a Criminal Damage to Property Charge Be Expunged in Georgia?
Record Restriction (Expungement) Rules
- Dismissed Cases – Eligible for record restriction (expungement).
- Convictions – Felonies cannot be expunged in Georgia, making it critical to fight the charge before conviction.
Why Choose Ghanouni Teen & Young Adult Defense Firm?
At Ghanouni Teen & Young Adult Defense Firm, we understand that young people make mistakes, and not every situation should define their future.
- We focus on people in their teens and twenties – This isn’t just another criminal case—it’s about your future.
- We prioritize record protection – Our goal is to prevent a felony conviction whenever possible.
- We take a selective approach – We don’t take every case. Our consultation process ensures we’re the right fit for your situation.
- We act fast – The sooner we get involved, the more options you have.
Contact Our Criminal Damage to Property Lawyers
A criminal damage to property charge in Cherokee County does not have to define your future. The best way to protect yourself is to act now.
We’ll review your case, explain your options, and help you move forward with the best possible outcome. If you or someone you know is facing criminal damage to property charges, don’t wait. The sooner you act, the more we can do to help.
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