Criminal Tampering Lawyer in Westchester County, NY

Defense Attorneys Serving Westchester & Surrounding Counties

Tampering is the act of altering, interfering with, or otherwise damaging property to change how it operates, either to inconvenience the property owner or those who benefit from it or to benefit oneself. In New York, tampering with another person’s or entity’s property is a serious crime, and, depending on the exact situation, it can be a misdemeanor or a felony offense.

Punishments for criminal tampering can include hefty fines, probation, and jail time, with sentences ranging from 3 months to 7 years.

If you have been accused of criminal tampering in New York, you need an experienced defense lawyer. Call us at (914) 840-5104 or send us a message to schedule a free consultation.

Degrees of Criminal Tampering

There are three degrees of criminal tampering in the state of New York.

Criminal Tampering in the Third Degree (NY PEN § 145.14)

The lowest degree is third degree criminal tampering, which is a class B misdemeanor. It requires a person to have tampered with another person’s property, while having no right to do so, with the intent to inconvenience them or someone else.

Criminal Tampering in the Second Degree (NY PEN § 145.15)

Second degree criminal tampering is a class A misdemeanor. To be found guilty of this crime, it must be shown that you either tampered or made connection with the property of a gas, electric, water, sewer, communication, or other public service company, without having a right to do so.

Criminal Tampering in the First Degree (NY PEN § 145.20)

First degree criminal tampering is the highest form of criminal tampering. It is a class D felony. A person is guilty of first degree criminal tampering if they successfully tampered with a public service company’s property with the intention of impairing or disrupting the delivery of that service.

Have You Been Charged with Criminal Tampering?

To be found guilty of any form of criminal tampering, it must be proven, beyond a reasonable doubt, that you tampered or connected with the property in question and that you had no justifiable grounds for doing so.

If you are accused of criminal tampering, a skilled defense lawyer can help you tell your side of the story by identifying evidence that convincingly demonstrates that you either did not tamper with the property or did not meaningfully inconvenience the other party. Depending on the facts of your case, they may also be able to prove that you had a reasonable right to alter the property. Furthermore, by building a strong defense with the help of a lawyer, you may also be able to receive lesser charges. For example, an experienced attorney can cast doubt on your intention for disrupting a public service, which can decrease your charge from a class D felony to a class A misdemeanor.

Your Criminal Tampering Attorneys in White Plains & Peekskill

Our Westchester County criminal tampering attorneys at Proto, Sachs & Brown, LLP are former prosecutors with a reputation for providing aggressive representation. We have been practicing for over 100 years and have a strong record of defending clients against felony and misdemeanor charges in New York and Connecticut.

As soon as you call us, we will begin gathering information and evidence related to your situation. Our lawyers will personally work with you to understand the unique facts of your case, so that we can build as strong a defense as possible.

If you have been accused or arrested for criminal tampering in Westchester County, let us provide you with the aggressive representation that we are known for. Give us a call at (914) 840-5104 or send us a message today!