Destruction of property

Legal defence in criminal damage cases

The offence of criminal damage (Article 253 of the Criminal Code) consists of destroying, damaging or rendering unusable property belonging to another, preventing measures to preserve or save it, or removing measures already taken. The basic form carries 3 months to 2 years’ imprisonment or a fine. If the act concerns cultural heritage property or involves arson, explosion or similar means capable of endangering other people or property, the aggravated penalties increase considerably, reaching up to 7 years’ imprisonment. The involvement of a criminal defence lawyer is essential to correctly identify the type of legal liability.

Classification of the act and defence strategies

The defence checks intent, the means used and the property’s legal status. Negligent damage can be criminal even without a disasterunder Article 255(1): arson, explosion or similar means capable of endangering other persons or property. For the forms under Article 253(3)/(4), the perpetrator’s ownership does not exclude application of the article. We analyse expert reports, images and the initial situation to establish the perpetrator, causation and possible justifications, whose conditions must be proved. Article 253(1)/(2) requires a prior complaint; withdrawal, endorsed by the prosecutor under Article 158, must not be confused with reconciliation. Paying compensation does not by itself close the case but may help within a tailored legal strategy.

Urgent legal assistance in Focșani and Vrancea county

Neighbour disputes, road incidents or commercial disagreements can quickly develop into accusations of damage to fences, cars or movable property, exposing you to criminal proceedings and police interviews. The Law Office of Lawyer Basuc Cosmin in Focșani provides comprehensive legal assistance with criminal damage accusations throughout Vrancea County. We professionally assist at interviews before criminal investigation bodies and prosecutorial enquiries, represent you in negotiations with the injured party to resolve the dispute and provide an active trial defence before Focșani District Court or prosecutors’ offices attached to Vrancea courts, seeking to protect your procedural rights.