What Happens If You Damage Someone’s Property in Massachusetts?

In Massachusetts, damaging someone else’s property can lead to charges under the Malicious Destruction of Property (MDP) statute. Whether the case is treated as a misdemeanor or a felony depends on two main factors: the value of the damage and your criminal history.

Misdemeanor vs. Felony Property Damage

If the damage is valued at less than $1,200 and this is your first offense, the case is usually treated as a misdemeanor. However, if the damage exceeds $1,200, or if you already have a conviction for malicious destruction, the charge can be escalated to a felony.

For a detailed breakdown, see » Felony vs. Misdemeanor Property Damage in Massachusetts Explained.

Penalties for Property Damage

The consequences are more serious than many people expect:

• Misdemeanor: Up to 2½ years in a House of Correction, fines up to $1,500, and restitution to cover repairs.
• Felony: Up to 10 years in state prison, higher fines (up to three times the value of the damage), and a permanent felony record.

If you’re unsure how Massachusetts classifies these cases, we cover more in Is Property Damage a Felony in Massachusetts?.

Defending Against the Charges

Not every allegation of property damage leads to a conviction. A defense lawyer may argue that the act was accidental, that the damage valuation was inflated to make the case seem worse, or that the defendant was misidentified.

For broader defense strategies, see How to Beat a Criminal Charge in Massachusetts.

Why Legal Help Matters

Even a misdemeanor conviction can leave you with a criminal record that follows you for years. A felony conviction can have life-changing consequences, from losing job opportunities to facing housing restrictions.

If you’re facing property damage charges, don’t go it alone. Contact The Law Offices of Elliot Savitz & Scott Bradley for a confidential consultation today.