What to do if I was charged with 2nd Degree Criminal Damage to Property which from my understanding is a felony because the estimated damage was $500 or more?
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What to do if I was charged with 2nd Degree Criminal Damage to Property which from my understanding is a felony because the estimated damage was $500 or more?
The additional charge was simple battery which I understand is a misdemeanor. My question is if I were to pay for the damage prior to my court date, will this be grounds to dismiss the charge or if I was able to prove with repair cost estimates on my court date that the damage was less than $500 will the charge be dropped to a misdemeanor? I am trying to avoid being charged with a felony and having to hire a lawyer $3500 to take care of this. I have never been charged with a felony in the past and the last time I was arrested was 8 years ago for misdemeanor DUI.
Asked on November 8, 2012 under Criminal Law, Georgia
Answers:
FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 11 years ago | Contributor
The mere payment of the damages that you have been charged with concerning the crime does nothing with respect to assisting in dismissing the charge against you. I suggest that you consult with a criminal defense attorney to assist in trying to get the matter against you resolved.
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