Accused of Keying a Car in Fort Myers?
Keying a car may seem like a minor offense, but it is actually a form of vandalism in Fort Myers. If someone has accused you of keying your car, you could face very real criminal penalties. Whether this was just an accident or a simple misunderstanding, you should approach your criminal defense in an efficient, organized manner. This goal may be easier with help from an experienced Fort Myers vandalism defense attorney.
What Charges Will I Get for Keying a Car in Florida?
Keying a car is almost certainly a form of vandalism in Florida. In Florida, vandalism is willful and malicious damage to personal property. Your penalties depend on the cost of repairs. If the damage you caused costs less than $200 to repair, you’ll face a second-degree misdemeanor. If you cause more than $200 worth of damage, you’ll face a misdemeanor of the first degree. If you key a car and it costs more than $1,000 to repair, you’ll face a third-degree felony.
In other words, the penalties for keying a car might range from a few days in jail to years in prison. It all depends on how much damage you cause and the cost of repairs. The problem is that repairing this type of damage to a vehicle can cost over $1,000. Although it might be possible to repair light scratches for a few hundred dollars, deeper scratches that go through the paint layer and penetrate the metal could cost much more. This means that it is altogether possible to face years in prison for keying a car in Florida.
This might seem altogether unreasonable, especially when you consider the fact that the cost of auto repairs is constantly rising due to inflation. You might also feel a sense of injustice because car insurance covers vandalism. This means the “victim” will likely only need to pay a deductible and not the full repair amount.
Defenses to Car Vandalism in Florida
Based on the potential consequences, it is imperative that you approach your defense in an effective manner. The first step is to understand what you’re up against. Many modern vehicles have cameras that can capture potential vandals in the act. Vehicle owners may also install these cameras with aftermarket parts. If you face this type of video evidence, you may need to consider a plea deal. Alternatively, you could argue that the footage depicts a different person, and it’s all a case of mistaken identity.
If the victim did not capture your alleged crime on camera, they may lack the evidence to establish your guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. Your defense may therefore focus on casting doubt on the reliability of eyewitnesses and other evidence.
Can a Vandalism Defense Attorney in Fort Myers Help Me?
Depending on the value of the vehicle and the cost of the repairs, keying a car can lead to surprisingly serious penalties. If you face these allegations, consider contacting an experienced criminal defense attorney in Fort Myers. With guidance from The Foley & Wilson Law Firm, it may be possible to mitigate or even eliminate consequences.
Source:
leg.state.fl.us/statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=0800-0899/0806/Sections/0806.13.html