The deterioration of an asset does not automatically mean that the crime of destruction has been committed. The classification depends on the affected asset, the specific action, the form of guilt, and the circumstances. Articles 253–255 of the Criminal Code. Some actions are followed by a preliminary complaint, and others have different rules; therefore, it is important to consider the exact form in question.
What does the basic form provide?
Article 253, paragraph (1) punishes the destruction, degradation or making unfit for use of an item belonging to another person. The text also includes preventing measures to preserve or save the item, as well as removing the measures taken. The punishment is imprisonment from 3 months to 2 years or a fine. The law does not require the damage to exceed a certain value; the concrete elements of the crime must be proven, including the guilt required by law.
What special forms are provided for?
- The destruction of a document signed by a private person that belongs, in whole or in part, to another person proves patrimonial right and caused damage: imprisonment from 6 months to 3 years or a fine.
- The destruction of an electronic surveillance device used for monitoring in criminal judicial or enforcement proceedings: imprisonment from 6 months to 3 years or a fine.
- If the basic offense concerns a cultural heritage asset: imprisonment from 1 to 5 years.
- If the destruction, degradation or bringing into an unusable state is committed through arson, explosion or a similar means and creates danger to persons or property: imprisonment from 2 to 7 years.
For the last two forms, the law provides for application when the good belongs to the perpetrator; attempted theft is punishable. These conditions must not be extended automatically to the other variants of the crime. For the acts under Art. 253, paragraphs (1) and (2), criminal prosecution is initiated upon the prior complaint of the injured person. Check the deadline and procedural rules applicable to the specific situation.
Blatantly destructive destruction and qualified destruction
Article 255 separately regulates the destruction by negligence through arson, explosion or a similar means, if the act can endanger other persons or property; the text can also apply to the perpetrator’s property. Article 254 concerns the situation in which the acts set forth in Article 253 have resulted in a disaster, for which the law establishes separate conditions and limits of punishment. The mere damage to an object does not in itself meet these forms.
What evidence can count?
Depending on the charge, photographs and recordings kept in their original form, the record of the finding, the documents regarding the property, the testimonies of the witnesses, the documents regarding the preservation measures, and a technical assessment of the condition or value of the property may be relevant. The evidence must clarify what happened, who acted, what property was affected, and whether the requirements of the alternative invoked are met. Intention, fault, and circumstances are analyzed in context; an isolated statement that it was an accident or that the damage is minor does not establish the classification.
What do you do if you are involved in a case?
Keep the documents and evidence without modifying them and record the chronology of the events. If you are being investigated, check the description of the crime, the legal classification and the evidence administered. If you are the injured person, document the condition of the property and the damage and promptly check whether a preliminary complaint is necessary.
Consult the official form of the Criminal Code, articles 253–255. The information is general and does not replace the analysis of the documents and evidence in an individual case.
If you are being investigated or represent the person who was harmed, you can consult the page legal assistance in criminal matters.
