Malicious Destruction of Property Charge in Milford? 

Don’t Let a Bad Situation Get Worse.

If you’ve been charged with malicious destruction of property in Milford or elsewhere in Worcester County, it may feel like a small dispute has suddenly turned into a criminal case. Whether the incident involved a neighbor, ex-partner, co-worker, or someone else, you’re now at risk of jail time, steep fines, and a criminal record that could follow you for years.

At DeGiacomo & Mikhlin, P.C., we defend clients in Milford District Court who are accused of intentionally damaging another person’s property. From heated arguments to traffic-related disputes or landlord-tenant issues, we know how these charges arise—and how to fight them.

Understanding Malicious Destruction of Property Charges in Massachusetts

Massachusetts law (M.G.L. c. 266 § 127) defines malicious destruction of property as:

• Willfully and maliciously
• Destroying, damaging, or defacing
• Someone else’s real or personal property

In Milford, these charges often follow:

• Breakups or domestic arguments where something is broken
• Disputes with landlords or property managers
• Damage to vehicles during an altercation
• Throwing or hitting something in frustration
• Accusations made after a job site disagreement or neighbor conflict

You don’t need to steal anything or hurt anyone. Just intentionally damaging property is enough to be charged—and potentially convicted.

Felony vs. Misdemeanor – It Depends on the Damage

Property damage of $1,200 or more:

• Felony charge
• Up to 2.5 years in jail
• Fines up to $3,000 or triple the amount of damage
• Restitution to the property owner

Damage under $1,200:

• Misdemeanor charge
• Still up to 2.5 years in jail
• Fines up to $1,500 or triple the amount of the damage
• Possible probation or community service

Even if no jail time is imposed, a criminal conviction can create serious issues with employment, housing, and immigration status.

How These Cases Are Handled in Milford District Court

The Milford court system sees a wide range of property crimes—from first-time offenses to repeat charges involving domestic or substance abuse-related cases. Prosecutors may be open to resolution, but only if the case is presented the right way.

We’ll work to:

• Challenge the accusation if the damage wasn’t malicious
• Dispute the alleged value of the damage to reduce the charge
• Show shared ownership or lack of intent
• Arrange a restitution-based resolution that avoids a conviction
• Fight for dismissal, diversion, or CWOF whenever possible

FAQs – Milford Malicious Destruction Cases

What if the property was shared?
That’s a key defense. You generally can’t be convicted of destroying something you own or co-own. We’ll work to prove that relationship and context.

Can I just pay for the damage and be done with it?
In many cases, yes—if restitution is negotiated properly. But you’ll need an attorney to ensure the court agrees to drop or defer the charge in exchange.

Will I have a criminal record if I’m convicted?
Yes. Both misdemeanors and felonies appear on your CORI (criminal record). Our goal is to resolve the case in a way that avoids a conviction entirely.

Let’s Work Toward Dismissal and a Clean Record

Malicious destruction of property is a charge that often comes from emotion, conflict, or misunderstanding. But that doesn’t mean you have to live with it forever. We’ll help you fight it—and move on.

Call DeGiacomo & Mikhlin, P.C. today for a free consultation Or fill out our contact form and we’ll respond quickly

We defend clients in Milford and throughout Worcester and Norfolk Counties.

Also serving Bellingham, Mendon, Upton, Hopedale, and communities across Worcester County.