{"id":96566,"date":"2025-12-10T16:00:00","date_gmt":"2025-12-10T15:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/harlander-partner.eu\/?page_id=96566"},"modified":"2025-12-10T16:01:03","modified_gmt":"2025-12-10T15:01:03","slug":"unauthorized-medical-treatment-2","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/harlander-partner.eu\/en\/criminal-law\/unauthorized-medical-treatment-2\/","title":{"rendered":"Property damage"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<div class=\"wp-block-yoast-seo-table-of-contents yoast-table-of-contents\"><h2>Property damage<\/h2><ul><li><a href=\"#h-sachbeschadigung\" data-level=\"2\">Property damage<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-objektiver-tatbestand\" data-level=\"2\">objective elements of the offence<\/a><ul><li><a href=\"#h-prufungsschritte\" data-level=\"3\">Steps of legal assessment<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-abgrenzung-zu-anderen-delikten\" data-level=\"2\">Distinction from other offences<\/a><ul><li><a href=\"#h-konkurrenzen\" data-level=\"3\">Concurrences:<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-beweislast-amp-beweiswurdigung\" data-level=\"2\">Burden of proof and evaluation of evidence<\/a><ul><li><a href=\"#h-staatsanwaltschaft\" data-level=\"3\">Public prosecutor&#8217;s office:<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-gericht\" data-level=\"3\">Court:<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-beschuldigte-person\" data-level=\"3\">Accused person:<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-praxisbeispiele\" data-level=\"2\">Practical example<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-subjektiver-tatbestand\" data-level=\"2\">subjective elements of the offence<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-schuld-amp-irrtumer\" data-level=\"2\">Culpability and mistakes<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-strafaufhebung-amp-diversion\" data-level=\"2\">Extinction of punishment and diversion<\/a><ul><li><a href=\"#h-diversion\" data-level=\"3\">Diversion:<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-ausschluss-der-diversion\" data-level=\"3\">Exclusion of Diversion:<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-strafzumessung-amp-folgen\" data-level=\"2\">Sentencing and consequences<\/a><ul><li><a href=\"#h-erschwerungsgrunde-bestehen-insbesondere-wenn\" data-level=\"3\">Aggravating Factors Exist in Particular If<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-milderungsgrunde-sind-etwa\" data-level=\"3\">Mitigating Factors Include<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-strafrahmen\" data-level=\"2\">Penalty Range<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-geldstrafe-tagessatzsystem\" data-level=\"2\">Monetary Penalty \u2013 Day-fine System<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-freiheitsstrafe-amp-teil-bedingte-nachsicht\" data-level=\"2\">Imprisonment and (partially) suspended sentence<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-zustandigkeit-der-gerichte\" data-level=\"2\">Jurisdiction of the courts<\/a><ul><li><a href=\"#h-sachliche-zustandigkeit\" data-level=\"3\">Subject-matter Jurisdiction<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-ortliche-zustandigkeit\" data-level=\"3\">Local Jurisdiction<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-instanzenzug\" data-level=\"3\">Hierarchy of Courts<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-zivilanspruche-im-strafverfahren\" data-level=\"2\">Civil claims in criminal proceedings<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-strafverfahren-im-uberblick\" data-level=\"2\">Overview of criminal proceedings<\/a><ul><li><a href=\"#h-ermittlungsbeginn\" data-level=\"3\">Commencement of Investigation<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-polizei-und-staatsanwaltschaft\" data-level=\"3\">Police and Public Prosecutor&#8217;s Office<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-beschuldigtenvernehmung\" data-level=\"3\">Interrogation of the Accused<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-akteneinsicht\" data-level=\"3\">Access to files<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-hauptverhandlung\" data-level=\"3\">Main Hearing<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-beschuldigtenrechte\" data-level=\"2\">Rights of the accused<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-praxis-amp-verhaltenstipps\" data-level=\"2\">Practical guidance and behavioural advice<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-ihre-vorteile-mit-anwaltlicher-unterstutzung\" data-level=\"2\">Your Benefits with Legal Assistance<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-faq-haufig-gestellte-fragen\" data-level=\"2\">FAQ &#8211; Frequently Asked Questions<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/div>\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-sachbeschadigung\">Property damage<\/h2>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Property damage according to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ris.bka.gv.at\/NormDokument.wxe?Abfrage=Bundesnormen&amp;Gesetzesnummer=10002296&amp;Artikel=&amp;Paragraf=125&amp;Anlage=&amp;Uebergangsrecht=\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">\u00a7 125 of the Criminal Code<\/a> exists if someone intentionally impairs someone else&#8217;s property in its substance or function.<\/strong> This includes any form of <strong>destruction<\/strong>, <strong>damage<\/strong>, <strong>defacement<\/strong> or <strong>rendering unusable<\/strong>. The decisive factor is that the item <strong>objectively suffers a disadvantage<\/strong>, be it through breakage, scratches, soiling, malfunctions or other interventions that reduce its condition or usability. This protects the <strong>value<\/strong> and <strong>integrity<\/strong> of someone else&#8217;s property, as well as the owner&#8217;s legitimate interest in its proper condition.  <\/p>\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-uagb-container uagb-block-f014c6a5 alignfull uagb-is-root-container\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-uagb-container uagb-block-60e61cc5\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Property damage exists if someone intentionally makes someone else&#8217;s property worse or unusable.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-uagb-container uagb-block-613eb3e6\"><picture>\n\t\t<source srcset=\"https:\/\/harlander-partner.eu\/wp-content\/uploads\/\u00a7125-Sachbeschaedigung-352x198.webp\" >\n\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" class=\"mr-picture-small\" src=\"https:\/\/harlander-partner.eu\/wp-content\/uploads\/\u00a7125-Sachbeschaedigung.webp\" alt=\"Property damage in Austria explained simply. What constitutes criminal damage to someone else's property and what are the potential consequences?\" >\n\t<\/picture>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n    <div class=\"mr-quote mrbg clearfix\">\n        <a class=\"mr-quote-person\" href=\"\/en\/about-us\/sebastian-riedlmair\/\" title=\"Attorney Sebastian Riedlmair\">\n            <img decoding=\"async\" class=\"mr-quote-person-img\" src=\"https:\/\/harlander-partner.eu\/wp-content\/themes\/harlander\/design\/sr100.webp\" width=\"100\"\n                 height=\"100\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Attorney Sebastian Riedlmair\">\n            <span class=\"mr-quote-person-text\">\n            Sebastian Riedlmair<br>\n            <span class=\"mr-quote-person-function\">Harlander &amp; Partner Attorneys<\/span>\n        <\/span>\n        <\/a>\n        <span class=\"mr-quote-content\">\u201eProperty damage is legally assessed based on whether someone else&#8217;s property has been noticeably impaired in its condition or usability and whether this intervention can be attributed to the accused.\u201c<\/span>\n    <\/div>\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-objektiver-tatbestand\">objective elements of the offence<\/h2>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The objective element of <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ris.bka.gv.at\/NormDokument.wxe?Abfrage=Bundesnormen&amp;Gesetzesnummer=10002296&amp;Artikel=&amp;Paragraf=125&amp;Anlage=&amp;Uebergangsrecht=\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">\u00a7 125 of the Criminal Code<\/a> covers <strong>any intentional impairment of someone else&#8217;s property<\/strong> that adversely alters its condition or usability. The decisive factor is the <strong>actual intervention in the substance or function<\/strong> of the item, regardless of whether the change is slight, temporary or quickly repairable. The offense protects the <strong>right of ownership and the integrity of someone else&#8217;s property<\/strong>, i.e. the right of the entitled party to determine the condition and use of their property themselves. An action is objectively an offense as soon as it <strong>destroys, damages, defaces or renders the item unusable<\/strong>, without any justification. A merely minor or optical impairment is sufficient, provided that it has objectively detrimental effects on the condition of the item.    <\/p>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-prufungsschritte\">Steps of legal assessment<\/h3>\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-tatsubjekt\">Perpetrator:<\/h4>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Any <strong>person who is criminally responsible<\/strong> and impairs someone else&#8217;s property can be held liable for property damage. It does not matter whether it is the owner of another item, a passer-by, a customer, a neighbor or any other party involved. The only decisive factor is that the <strong>damaging act originates from this person<\/strong>.  <\/p>\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-tatobjekt\">Object of the Offense:<\/h4>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The object of the offense is <strong>any tangible, physical object belonging to another person<\/strong>, regardless of its value, size, nature or form of ownership. The <strong>interest of the owner or other entitled party<\/strong> is protected, ensuring that their property is neither damaged nor functionally impaired. The item is always considered someone else&#8217;s if it is <strong>not at least co-owned<\/strong> by the perpetrator.  <\/p>\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-tathandlung\">Act: <\/h4>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The act is <strong>any behavior that worsens the condition of someone else&#8217;s property<\/strong>. These include, in particular:<\/p>\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><em>Destroying<\/em> (complete elimination of existence or functionality),<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><em>Damaging<\/em> (noticeable impairment of substance or function),<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><em>Defacing<\/em> (optical impairment against the will of the entitled party),<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><em>Rendering unusable<\/em> (temporary or permanent elimination of practical usability).<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Property damage exists if:<\/p>\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>the perpetrator <strong>performs an action on the item<\/strong>,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>the item is thereby <strong>impaired in its condition or function<\/strong>,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>and the item is <strong>someone else&#8217;s<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It is irrelevant whether the damage is minor or repairable without great effort. Even a <strong>not just completely insignificant impairment<\/strong> is sufficient. <\/p>\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-taterfolg\">Result of the Offense:<\/h4>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The success of the act consists in the fact that the item <strong>objectively suffers a disadvantage<\/strong>. Economic damage does not have to occur. Even a scratch, a malfunction or an optical impairment fulfills the elements of the offense.  <\/p>\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-kausalitat\">Causality:<\/h4>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The impairment must have been <strong>caused by the perpetrator&#8217;s behavior<\/strong>. This means: Without his action, the condition of the item would not have been changed. Preparatory actions are also included if they enable the damage in the first place.  <\/p>\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-objektive-zurechnung\">Objective Attribution: <\/h4>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The success of the act is objectively attributable if <strong>exactly the risk is realized<\/strong> that the legislator wants to prevent, namely the <strong>illegal impairment of someone else&#8217;s property<\/strong>. A success that is based on completely independent causes that have nothing to do with the perpetrator&#8217;s action would not be attributable. <\/p>\n    <div class=\"mr-quote mrbg clearfix\">\n        <a class=\"mr-quote-person\" href=\"\/ueber-uns\/rechtsanwalt-peter-harlander\/\" title=\"Rechtsanwalt Peter Harlander\">\n            <img decoding=\"async\" class=\"mr-quote-person-img\" src=\"https:\/\/harlander-partner.eu\/wp-content\/themes\/harlander\/design\/ph100.webp\" width=\"100\"\n                 height=\"100\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Rechtsanwalt Peter Harlander\">\n            <span class=\"mr-quote-person-text\">\n            Peter Harlander<br>\n            <span class=\"mr-quote-person-function\">Harlander &amp; Partner Rechtsanw\u00e4lte<\/span>\n        <\/span>\n        <\/a>\n        <span class=\"mr-quote-content\">\u201eFor the legal assessment, the subjective assessment of the person involved is not decisive, but rather how a reasonable average person would assess the change to the item with regard to value and function.\u201c<\/span>\n    <\/div>\n<a class=\"mr-cta-link mr-cta-button-cal\" href=\"#h2-booking\" title=\"Free initial consultation\"><span class=\"mr-cta-link-normal\">Select your preferred appointment now:<\/span><span class=\"mr-cta-link-bold\">Free initial consultation<\/span><\/a>\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-abgrenzung-zu-anderen-delikten\">Distinction from other offences<\/h2>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The offense of property damage according to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ris.bka.gv.at\/NormDokument.wxe?Abfrage=Bundesnormen&amp;Gesetzesnummer=10002296&amp;Artikel=&amp;Paragraf=125&amp;Anlage=&amp;Uebergangsrecht=\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">\u00a7 125 of the Criminal Code<\/a> covers cases in which <strong>someone else&#8217;s property is intentionally destroyed, damaged, defaced or rendered unusable<\/strong>. The focus is on the <strong>impairment of the condition or function<\/strong> of an item. The injustice does not arise from the action as such, but from the <strong>encroachment on the property rights of others<\/strong>, which violates the integrity of the item. The decisive factor is therefore the <strong>deterioration of the condition of the item<\/strong>, even if the damage appears minor or can be rectified quickly.   <\/p>\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>\u00a7 129 of the Criminal Code \u2013 Theft by burglary or with weapons:<\/strong> Theft by burglary or with weapons protects <strong>someone else&#8217;s property<\/strong> from the removal of an item. While <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ris.bka.gv.at\/NormDokument.wxe?Abfrage=Bundesnormen&amp;Gesetzesnummer=10002296&amp;Artikel=&amp;Paragraf=125&amp;Anlage=&amp;Uebergangsrecht=\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">\u00a7 125 of the Criminal Code<\/a> aims at <strong>destruction or damage<\/strong>, \u00a7 129 of the Criminal Code concerns the <strong>removal<\/strong> of an item, i.e. the deprivation of possession. The distinction is made according to the object of attack:<br \/>In the case of property damage, the value or condition of the item is impaired, but the owner generally remains the owner. In the case of theft, the entitled party loses the item itself. If damage and removal coincide, the offenses exist <strong>side by side<\/strong>, for example if a perpetrator breaks in, destroys the furnishings and then steals items.    <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>\u00a7 132 of the Criminal Code \u2013 Extraction of energy<\/strong>: The extraction of energy covers cases in which someone obtains electricity, gas or heat without authorization. What is protected is not an item, but the <strong>use of an energy source<\/strong>. In contrast to property damage, this <strong>does not depend on a violation of substance<\/strong>. It is sufficient that energy is taken without authorization. Property damage, on the other hand, only exists if a <strong>tangible item is damaged, destroyed or rendered unusable<\/strong>. Both offenses can coincide, for example if someone manipulates a line, thereby damaging a system and simultaneously diverting energy. In such situations, the offenses exist side by side because they protect <strong>different legal interests<\/strong>.      <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-konkurrenzen\">Concurrences:<\/h3>\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-echte-konkurrenz\">Genuine Concurrence: <\/h4>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Genuine concurrence exists if <strong>further independent property or ownership offenses<\/strong> are added to the property damage, such as <strong>theft<\/strong>, <strong>trespassing<\/strong>, <strong>threatening behavior<\/strong> or <strong>burglary<\/strong>. The damage to an item remains an <strong>independent element of injustice<\/strong> and is not suppressed. If the perpetrator causes several violations of legal interests, these offenses regularly exist <strong>side by side<\/strong>.  <\/p>\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-unechte-konkurrenz\">Spurious Concurrence:<\/h4>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Suppression due to specificity only comes into consideration if another offense completely covers the <strong>entire element of injustice<\/strong> of the property damage. This is rarely the case, but can become relevant in the case of <strong>qualified property offenses<\/strong>, the focus of which is expressly on <strong>destruction or rendering unusable<\/strong>. Conversely, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ris.bka.gv.at\/NormDokument.wxe?Abfrage=Bundesnormen&amp;Gesetzesnummer=10002296&amp;Artikel=&amp;Paragraf=125&amp;Anlage=&amp;Uebergangsrecht=\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">\u00a7 125 of the Criminal Code<\/a> itself unfolds specificity if <strong>only the deterioration of the condition of the item<\/strong> is in the foreground.  <\/p>\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-tatmehrheit\">Multiple Offenses: <\/h4>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Multiple offenses exist if <strong>several property damages<\/strong> are committed independently, for example if different items are damaged or <strong>temporally separate interventions<\/strong> are carried out. Each intentional damage constitutes a <strong>separate act<\/strong>, provided that there is no natural unity of action. <br \/><\/p>\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-fortgesetzte-handlung\">Continued Action: <\/h4>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A single act can be assumed if <strong>repeated damage<\/strong> is directly related and follows a <strong>uniform intent<\/strong>, such as the continuous destruction of individual parts of the same item within a uniform sequence of events. The act ends as soon as no further interventions occur or the perpetrator abandons his intent. <\/p>\n    <div class=\"mr-quote mrbg clearfix\">\n        <a class=\"mr-quote-person\" href=\"\/en\/about-us\/sebastian-riedlmair\/\" title=\"Attorney Sebastian Riedlmair\">\n            <img decoding=\"async\" class=\"mr-quote-person-img\" src=\"https:\/\/harlander-partner.eu\/wp-content\/themes\/harlander\/design\/sr100.webp\" width=\"100\"\n                 height=\"100\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Attorney Sebastian Riedlmair\">\n            <span class=\"mr-quote-person-text\">\n            Sebastian Riedlmair<br>\n            <span class=\"mr-quote-person-function\">Harlander &amp; Partner Attorneys<\/span>\n        <\/span>\n        <\/a>\n        <span class=\"mr-quote-content\">\u201eProperty damage and property offenses often intertwine; the decisive factor is which legal interest is affected and whether the focus is on the impairment of the item or the property damage.\u201c<\/span>\n    <\/div>\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-beweislast-amp-beweiswurdigung\">Burden of proof and evaluation of evidence<\/h2>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-staatsanwaltschaft\">Public Prosecutor&#8217;s Office: <\/h3>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The public prosecutor&#8217;s office must prove that the accused <strong>destroyed, damaged, defaced or rendered unusable someone else&#8217;s property<\/strong>. The decisive factor is the proof of an <strong>actual intervention in the physical substance or functionality<\/strong> of the item. It is not about evaluations of the severity of the damage, but about the <strong>objective circumstance<\/strong> that the item has been impaired in its condition or usability.  <\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It must be proven, in particular, that<\/p>\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>a property damage act was actually committed<\/strong>,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>the item was someone else&#8217;s<\/strong>, i.e. not exclusively owned by the accused,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>an objective impairment<\/strong> of the substance, functionality or external appearance exists,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>the damage or rendering unusable<\/strong> is causally related to the behavior of the accused.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The public prosecutor&#8217;s office must also present whether the alleged damage is <strong>objectively ascertainable<\/strong>, for example through traces, witnesses or technical reports.<\/p>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-gericht\">Court: <\/h3>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The court examines all evidence in the overall context and assesses whether, according to objective standards, <strong>an impairment of the item<\/strong> has occurred. The focus is on the question of <strong>whether the item was actually damaged or rendered unusable<\/strong> and whether the intervention can be attributed to the accused. <\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In doing so, the court particularly considers:<\/p>\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Type and extent<\/strong> of the damage,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Condition of the item before and after the intervention<\/strong>,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>comprehensible technical or optical changes<\/strong>,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Witness statements<\/strong> on the course of events and the involvement of the accused,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Expert opinions or documentations<\/strong> that objectively prove the damage,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>whether a <strong>reasonable average person<\/strong> would regard the change as an impairment of the value or function of the item.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The court clearly distinguishes between <strong>mere trivialities<\/strong>, usual signs of wear and tear or changes without intervention character, which do not constitute a property damage within the meaning of the offense.<\/p>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-beschuldigte-person\">Accused Person: <\/h3>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The accused person bears no burden of proof. However, they can raise justified doubts, particularly regarding <\/p>\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>whether <strong>damage actually occurred<\/strong>,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>whether the item was already <strong>pre-existing or pre-damaged<\/strong>,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>whether the behavior has caused <strong>no impairment of substance or function<\/strong>,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Contradictions or missing evidence in the presentation of the damage,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>alternative causes that could also plausibly explain the damage.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">They can also demonstrate that certain measures were <strong>mere preparatory actions<\/strong>, <strong>nursing assistance without the character of an intervention<\/strong>, or occurred <strong>with the consent of the affected person<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-typische-bewertung\">Typical Assessment<\/h4>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In practice, the following evidence is particularly important in the case of <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ris.bka.gv.at\/NormDokument.wxe?Abfrage=Bundesnormen&amp;Gesetzesnummer=10002296&amp;Artikel=&amp;Paragraf=125&amp;Anlage=&amp;Uebergangsrecht=\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">\u00a7 125 of the Criminal Code<\/a>:<\/p>\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Photos or videos<\/strong> of the damage, preferably before-after comparison,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Expert opinions<\/strong> on cause, damage and repair costs,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Witness statements<\/strong> on the course of the crime and the condition of the item,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Repair invoices<\/strong>, cost estimates or technical documentations,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Communication records<\/strong> from which motive, conflicts or processes can be seen,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Chronologies<\/strong> that show when the damage occurred and who had access to the item.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n    <div class=\"mr-quote mrbg clearfix\">\n        <a class=\"mr-quote-person\" href=\"\/ueber-uns\/rechtsanwalt-peter-harlander\/\" title=\"Rechtsanwalt Peter Harlander\">\n            <img decoding=\"async\" class=\"mr-quote-person-img\" src=\"https:\/\/harlander-partner.eu\/wp-content\/themes\/harlander\/design\/ph100.webp\" width=\"100\"\n                 height=\"100\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Rechtsanwalt Peter Harlander\">\n            <span class=\"mr-quote-person-text\">\n            Peter Harlander<br>\n            <span class=\"mr-quote-person-function\">Harlander &amp; Partner Rechtsanw\u00e4lte<\/span>\n        <\/span>\n        <\/a>\n        <span class=\"mr-quote-content\">\u201ePhoto documentation, technical reports and comprehensible chronologies are regularly decisive in property damage proceedings in order to clarify the cause, extent and attributability of an alleged damage.\u201c<\/span>\n    <\/div>\n<a class=\"mr-cta-link mr-cta-button-cal\" href=\"#h2-booking\" title=\"Free initial consultation\"><span class=\"mr-cta-link-normal\">Select your preferred appointment now:<\/span><span class=\"mr-cta-link-bold\">Free initial consultation<\/span><\/a>\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-praxisbeispiele\">Practical example<\/h2>\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Damage with presumed consent:<\/strong> The perpetrator changes or damages someone else&#8217;s property, although there is no clear consent from the entitled party. He mistakenly assumes that he is allowed to change or &#8220;improve&#8221; the item, although the owner was neither asked nor has previously given express permission. The entitled party initially tolerates the action because he assumes that the perpetrator is only checking the item or carrying out a harmless preparatory action. In fact, however, the perpetrator is already making an impairment of substance or function. The lack of consent leads to a clear violation of the property rights of others.    <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Damage due to a falsely assumed dangerous situation:<\/strong> Over a certain period of time, the perpetrator repeatedly assumes that the immediate manipulation or alteration of someone else&#8217;s property is absolutely necessary in order to avert an alleged danger. He repeatedly intervenes in the object, although objectively there is no emergency and the situation would have allowed a consultation with the owner. The entitled party cannot make an independent decision about his property because the interventions have already taken place. Despite existing indications that there is no immediate danger and no interventions are necessary, the perpetrator adheres to this assumption and makes further changes or damage without permission.   <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>These examples show<\/strong> that property damage pursuant to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ris.bka.gv.at\/NormDokument.wxe?Abfrage=Bundesnormen&amp;Gesetzesnummer=10002296&amp;Artikel=&amp;Paragraf=125&amp;Anlage=&amp;Uebergangsrecht=\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">\u00a7 125 of the Criminal Code<\/a> exists if someone <strong>intervenes in the substance, functionality or external appearance of someone else&#8217;s property without the consent of the entitled party<\/strong> and thereby impairs its condition or usability.<\/p>\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-subjektiver-tatbestand\">subjective elements of the offence<\/h2>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The subjective element of property damage according to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ris.bka.gv.at\/NormDokument.wxe?Abfrage=Bundesnormen&amp;Gesetzesnummer=10002296&amp;Artikel=&amp;Paragraf=125&amp;Anlage=&amp;Uebergangsrecht=\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">\u00a7 125 of the Criminal Code<\/a> requires intent. The perpetrator must know that he is <strong>damaging, destroying, defacing or rendering unusable someone else&#8217;s property<\/strong> and that this intervention is objectively suitable to impair the <strong>value or usability<\/strong>. At the same time, he must at least tacitly accept that the entitled party <strong>does not consent<\/strong> and the action interferes with his property rights.  <\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The perpetrator must therefore understand that his behavior in the overall picture constitutes a <strong>targeted intervention in someone else&#8217;s property<\/strong> and is typically suitable to impair its condition or function. The decisive factor is that the damage is caused <strong>consciously and intentionally<\/strong>; mere negligence is not sufficient. <\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">There is no subjective element if the perpetrator seriously believes that he is entitled to change or treat the item, that the intervention is desired by the entitled party or that the action is objectively necessary to avert danger. Anyone who assumes that they are acting lawfully or mistakenly assumes consent does not meet the requirements of <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ris.bka.gv.at\/NormDokument.wxe?Abfrage=Bundesnormen&amp;Gesetzesnummer=10002296&amp;Artikel=&amp;Paragraf=125&amp;Anlage=&amp;Uebergangsrecht=\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">\u00a7 125 of the Criminal Code<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Ultimately, anyone who knows and consciously aims to <strong>worsen the condition of someone else&#8217;s property or impair its usability<\/strong> and thereby interferes with the property rights of the entitled party acts intentionally.<\/p>\n<a class=\"mr-cta-link mr-cta-button-cal\" href=\"#h2-booking\" title=\"Free initial consultation\"><span class=\"mr-cta-link-normal\">Select your preferred appointment now:<\/span><span class=\"mr-cta-link-bold\">Free initial consultation<\/span><\/a>\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-schuld-amp-irrtumer\">Culpability and mistakes<\/h2>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/harlander-partner.eu\/en\/criminal-law\/legal-error\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Mistake of prohibition<\/a>:<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A mistake of prohibition only excuses if it was <strong>unavoidable<\/strong>. Anyone who engages in conduct that <strong>recognizably interferes with the rights of others<\/strong> cannot claim that they did not recognize the illegality. Everyone is obliged to inform themselves about the <strong>legal limits<\/strong> of their actions. Mere ignorance or a reckless error does not absolve one of responsibility.   <\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Principle of culpability:<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Only those who act <strong>culpably<\/strong> are punishable. Intentional offenses require that the perpetrator recognizes the essential events and at least <strong>accepts them as a possibility<\/strong>. If this intent is lacking, for example, because the perpetrator mistakenly assumes that their behavior is permitted or is <strong>voluntarily supported<\/strong>, at most negligence exists. This is not sufficient for intentional offenses.   <\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Incapacity to be held accountable:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">No guilt is attributed to someone who, at the time of the offense, was unable to recognize the injustice of their actions or to act in accordance with this insight due to a <strong>severe mental disorder<\/strong>, a <strong>pathological mental impairment<\/strong>, or a <strong>significant inability to control their actions<\/strong>. In case of corresponding doubts, a <strong>psychiatric assessment<\/strong> will be obtained. <\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/harlander-partner.eu\/en\/criminal-law\/exculpatory-necessity\/\">Excusable state of necessity<\/a>:<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">An excusable state of necessity may exist if the perpetrator acts in an <strong>extreme situation of duress<\/strong> in order to avert an <strong>acute danger<\/strong> to their own life or the lives of others. The behavior remains unlawful but can have a <strong>mitigating<\/strong> or excusing effect if there was no other way out. <\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/harlander-partner.eu\/en\/criminal-law\/erroneous-assumption-of-justifying-circumstances\/\">Putative self-defense<\/a>:<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Anyone who mistakenly believes that they are entitled to an act of defense acts without intent if the error was <strong>serious and comprehensible<\/strong>. Such an error can <strong>reduce or exclude guilt<\/strong>. However, if a breach of duty of care remains, a negligent or mitigating assessment comes into consideration, but not a justification.  <\/p>\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-strafaufhebung-amp-diversion\">Extinction of punishment and diversion<\/h2>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-diversion\">Diversion:<\/h3>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"> A diversion is <strong>generally possible<\/strong> in the case of property damage. The offense protects the property and the undamaged condition of someone else&#8217;s property, and the weight of the guilt depends above all on the <strong>nature and extent of the damage<\/strong>, the circumstances of the act and the personal responsibility of the perpetrator. In cases of <strong>minor damage<\/strong>, clear insight and lack of prior convictions, a diversionary settlement is regularly examined in practice.  <\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">However, the clearer a <strong>planned, conscious or repeated damaging<\/strong> of someone else&#8217;s property is recognizable or the more serious the damage that has occurred, the more <strong>unlikely<\/strong> a diversion becomes.<\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Diversion may be considered if<\/p>\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>the guilt is low<\/strong>,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>the property damage is only <strong>slight or minor<\/strong>,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>no or only insignificant consequential effects have occurred,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>there is no systematic or continued behavior,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>the facts of the case are clear and manageable,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>and the perpetrator is <strong>insightful, cooperative, and willing to make amends<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If a diversion comes into consideration, the court can order monetary payments, community service, supervision instructions or a settlement. A diversion leads <strong>to no conviction and no criminal record entry<\/strong>. <\/p>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-ausschluss-der-diversion\">Exclusion of Diversion:<\/h3>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Diversion is excluded if<\/p>\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>a <strong>significant or sustained impairment<\/strong> of the property has occurred,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>the damage was inflicted <strong>deliberately, purposefully, or systematically<\/strong>,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>multiple objects were affected or repeated damage occurred,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>there is <strong>systematic or prolonged<\/strong> conduct,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>particularly vulnerable items or facilities were affected,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>the damage had <strong>significant consequences<\/strong>, such as high repair costs or considerable economic disadvantages,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>or the overall conduct constitutes a <strong>serious violation of property rights<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Only with clearly minimal culpability and immediate insight can it be examined whether an exceptional diversionary procedure is permissible. In practice, diversion remains possible for property damage, but it is rare in systematic or serious cases. <\/p>\n    <div class=\"mr-quote mrbg clearfix\">\n        <a class=\"mr-quote-person\" href=\"\/en\/about-us\/sebastian-riedlmair\/\" title=\"Attorney Sebastian Riedlmair\">\n            <img decoding=\"async\" class=\"mr-quote-person-img\" src=\"https:\/\/harlander-partner.eu\/wp-content\/themes\/harlander\/design\/sr100.webp\" width=\"100\"\n                 height=\"100\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Attorney Sebastian Riedlmair\">\n            <span class=\"mr-quote-person-text\">\n            Sebastian Riedlmair<br>\n            <span class=\"mr-quote-person-function\">Harlander &amp; Partner Attorneys<\/span>\n        <\/span>\n        <\/a>\n        <span class=\"mr-quote-content\">\u201eDiversion in cases of property damage requires a comprehensible assumption of responsibility and orderly compensation for damages; it serves an objective resolution without a formal conviction.\u201c<\/span>\n    <\/div>\n<a class=\"mr-cta-link mr-cta-button-cal\" href=\"#h2-booking\" title=\"Free initial consultation\"><span class=\"mr-cta-link-normal\">Select your preferred appointment now:<\/span><span class=\"mr-cta-link-bold\">Free initial consultation<\/span><\/a>\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-strafzumessung-amp-folgen\">Sentencing and consequences<\/h2>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The court determines the penalty based on the <strong>extent of the damage<\/strong>, the <strong>nature, duration, and intensity of the interference with the property<\/strong>, as well as how severely the <strong>destruction, damage, disfigurement, or rendering unusable<\/strong> has impaired the value or functionality of the affected property. Decisive factors are whether the perpetrator acted repeatedly, purposefully, or systematically over a longer period and whether the conduct caused a <strong>noticeable impairment of property<\/strong>. <\/p>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-erschwerungsgrunde-bestehen-insbesondere-wenn\">Aggravating Factors Exist in Particular If<\/h3>\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>the damage was continued over a longer period,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>there was systematic or particularly persistent conduct,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>significant <strong>property damage<\/strong> occurred,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>particularly vulnerable or valuable items were affected,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>damage continued despite clear warnings or requests to cease,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>a special breach of trust occurred, for example, in cases of damage within a close or dependent relationship,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>or relevant prior convictions exist.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-milderungsgrunde-sind-etwa\">Mitigating Factors Include<\/h3>\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Impeccability,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>a full confession and recognizable insight,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>an immediate cessation of the damaging conduct,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>active <strong>reparative efforts<\/strong> or damage settlement,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>special stress or overwhelming situations for the perpetrator,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>or an excessively long duration of proceedings.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The court may <strong>conditionally suspend<\/strong> a prison sentence if it does not exceed two years and the perpetrator has a <strong>positive social prognosis<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-strafrahmen\">Penalty Range<\/h2>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Property damage is punishable by <strong>imprisonment for up to six months or a fine of up to 360 daily rates<\/strong>. This penalty framework constitutes the legal upper limit and applies to every case in which another person&#8217;s property is <strong>destroyed, damaged, disfigured, or rendered unusable<\/strong>. The law does not provide for a higher penalty.  <\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A later apology, cessation of damage, or efforts at compensation do <strong>not alter the legal penalty framework<\/strong>; such circumstances exclusively affect the sentencing.<\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Criminal liability is precluded if a <strong>ground for justification<\/strong> applies, such as self-defense or the lawful exercise of a right of possession. If such a ground for exclusion exists, it does not abolish the penalty framework but prevents the offense from being constituted. <\/p>\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-geldstrafe-tagessatzsystem\">Monetary Penalty \u2013 Day-fine System<\/h2>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Austrian criminal law calculates monetary penalties according to the <strong>day-fine system<\/strong>. The <strong>number of day-fines<\/strong> depends on the <strong>guilt<\/strong>, the <strong>amount per day<\/strong> depends on the <strong>financial capacity<\/strong>. In this way, the penalty is adapted to the personal circumstances and yet remains noticeable.  <\/p>\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Range:<\/strong> up to <strong>720 day-fines<\/strong> \u2013 at least <strong>4 euros<\/strong>, at most <strong>5,000 euros<\/strong> per day.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Practical formula:<\/strong> Approximately <strong>6 months imprisonment corresponds to around 360 day-fines<\/strong>. This conversion serves only as <strong>orientation<\/strong> and is <strong>not a rigid scheme<\/strong>. <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>In case of non-payment:<\/strong> The court can impose a <strong>substitute custodial sentence<\/strong>. As a rule, the following applies: <strong>1 day of substitute custodial sentence corresponds to 2 day-fines<\/strong>. <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-hinweis\">Note:<\/h4>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In cases of property damage, a fine is particularly considered if the damage is <strong>minor<\/strong>, <strong>easily repairable<\/strong>, or <strong>without significant economic harm<\/strong>, and the conduct is <strong>at the lower end of criminality<\/strong>. Contrite behavior, immediate compensation, or prompt damage repair can also suggest the imposition of a fine. <\/p>\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-freiheitsstrafe-amp-teil-bedingte-nachsicht\">Imprisonment and (partially) suspended sentence<\/h2>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Section 37 of the Criminal Code: If the statutory penalty extends up to five years, the court may impose a fine instead of a short prison sentence of no more than one year. This option also exists for offenses whose basic elements provide for a fine or imprisonment of up to one year.<br \/>In cases of <strong>property damage<\/strong>, Section 37 of the Criminal Code is primarily applied when the damage is <strong>minor<\/strong>, the incident is <strong>situational<\/strong>, and the conduct is <strong>not previously burdened by relevant offenses<\/strong>. The provision is applied more cautiously if the damage was <strong>deliberate<\/strong>, <strong>malicious<\/strong>, <strong>repeated<\/strong>, or associated with a <strong>significant economic disadvantage<\/strong> for the injured party.  <\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Section 43 of the Criminal Code: A prison sentence can be conditionally suspended if it does not exceed two years and the perpetrator has a positive social prognosis. This option also exists for property damage, whose penalty framework extends up to six months.<br \/>Conditional suspension is granted more cautiously if <strong>aggravating circumstances<\/strong> exist, particularly <strong>malice<\/strong>, <strong>vandalism<\/strong>, <strong>accumulation of offenses<\/strong>, or <strong>high material damage<\/strong>. It is realistic primarily when the damage is <strong>quickly remedied<\/strong>, the perpetrator is <strong>contrite<\/strong>, and the conduct is of <strong>subordinate importance<\/strong>.  <\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Section 43a of the Criminal Code: Partial conditional suspension allows a combination of an unconditional and a conditionally suspended part of the sentence. It is possible for sentences exceeding six months and up to two years.<br \/>Since the penalty framework for property damage extends only <strong>up to six months<\/strong>, partial conditional suspension is <strong>in practice only considered for additional penalties or in the context of combining multiple offenses<\/strong>. If only property damage is involved, Section 43a of the Criminal Code is regularly <strong>not<\/strong> applied.  <\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/harlander-partner.eu\/en\/criminal-law\/probation-assistance-and-instructions\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Sections 50 to 52 of the Criminal Code:<\/a> The court may additionally issue directives and order probation assistance. Considerations include <strong>compensation for damages<\/strong>, <strong>contact bans with victims<\/strong>, <strong>alcohol abstinence or behavioral training programs<\/strong>, if they contribute to conflict avoidance. The focus is on <strong>reparation of the damage<\/strong> and ensuring that the perpetrator refrains from similar actions in the future. <\/p>\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-zustandigkeit-der-gerichte\">Jurisdiction of the courts<\/h2>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-sachliche-zustandigkeit\">Subject-matter Jurisdiction<\/h3>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For <strong>property damage<\/strong>, due to the low penalty, the <strong>District Court is generally competent<\/strong>. Offenses with a possible prison sentence of up to six months or a fine of a comparable amount fall, according to legal regulations, under the first-instance jurisdiction of the District Courts. <\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Since property damage knows <strong>no severe qualifications<\/strong> and the penalty framework is not exceeded, there is <strong>no reason<\/strong> to involve the Regional Court as a single judge. A <strong>lay judge court<\/strong> is also not considered, as a significantly higher penalty would have to be provided for this. <\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A <strong>jury court<\/strong> is ruled out, as no particularly severe penalties are available in this area of offense.<\/p>\n    <div class=\"mr-quote mrbg clearfix\">\n        <a class=\"mr-quote-person\" href=\"\/ueber-uns\/rechtsanwalt-peter-harlander\/\" title=\"Rechtsanwalt Peter Harlander\">\n            <img decoding=\"async\" class=\"mr-quote-person-img\" src=\"https:\/\/harlander-partner.eu\/wp-content\/themes\/harlander\/design\/ph100.webp\" width=\"100\"\n                 height=\"100\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Rechtsanwalt Peter Harlander\">\n            <span class=\"mr-quote-person-text\">\n            Peter Harlander<br>\n            <span class=\"mr-quote-person-function\">Harlander &amp; Partner Rechtsanw\u00e4lte<\/span>\n        <\/span>\n        <\/a>\n        <span class=\"mr-quote-content\">\u201eIn cases of property damage, the court&#8217;s jurisdiction is primarily determined by the place of the offense and the statutory penalty, not by the subjective significance of the incident for those involved.\u201c<\/span>\n    <\/div>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-ortliche-zustandigkeit\">Local Jurisdiction<\/h3>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The <strong>court at the place of damage<\/strong> is competent. The decisive factor is where the property was actually destroyed, damaged, or rendered unusable. <\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If the place of the offense cannot be clearly determined, the jurisdiction is based on<\/p>\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>the <strong>residence of the accused person<\/strong>,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>the <strong>place of arrest<\/strong>,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>or the <strong>seat of the competent public prosecutor&#8217;s office<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The proceedings are conducted where a <strong>practical and orderly implementation<\/strong> is best guaranteed.<\/p>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-instanzenzug\">Hierarchy of Courts<\/h3>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">An <strong>appeal to the Regional Court<\/strong> is possible against judgments of the District Court. The Regional Court decides as an appellate court on <strong>guilt, penalty, and costs<\/strong>. <\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Decisions of the Regional Court can subsequently be challenged by <strong>appeal for nullity<\/strong> or a further <strong>appeal<\/strong> before the <strong>Supreme Court<\/strong>, provided that the legal requirements are met.<\/p>\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-zivilanspruche-im-strafverfahren\">Civil claims in criminal proceedings<\/h2>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In cases of property damage, the injured party, as a <strong>private claimant<\/strong>, can assert their <strong>civil law claims directly in criminal proceedings<\/strong>. Since the offense constitutes an <strong>interference with property<\/strong> or the <strong>usability of an item<\/strong>, the claims particularly concern <strong>repair costs<\/strong>, <strong>replacement costs<\/strong>, <strong>diminution in value<\/strong>, <strong>cleaning costs<\/strong>, <strong>loss of use<\/strong>, as well as other <strong>pecuniary damages<\/strong> caused by the damage. Depending on the case, consequential costs may also be claimed, such as for replacement procurement or additional organizational expenses.  <\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The <strong>private claimant&#8217;s joinder<\/strong> suspends the statute of limitations for all asserted claims as long as the criminal proceedings are pending. Only after a final conclusion do the limitation periods continue to run, to the extent that the damage was not fully awarded. <\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A <strong>voluntary compensation<\/strong>, such as covering repair costs, full damage settlement, or a credible effort to compensate, can have a <strong>mitigating effect on the sentence<\/strong>, provided it is <strong>timely and complete<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">However, if the perpetrator acted <strong>systematically<\/strong>, <strong>repeatedly<\/strong>, or with <strong>considerable damage<\/strong>, or if particularly aggravating circumstances exist, later compensation for damages usually loses a large part of its mitigating effect. In such constellations, subsequent compensation only partially offsets the <strong>wrongfulness of the act<\/strong>. <\/p>\n    <div class=\"mr-quote mrbg clearfix\">\n        <a class=\"mr-quote-person\" href=\"\/en\/about-us\/sebastian-riedlmair\/\" title=\"Attorney Sebastian Riedlmair\">\n            <img decoding=\"async\" class=\"mr-quote-person-img\" src=\"https:\/\/harlander-partner.eu\/wp-content\/themes\/harlander\/design\/sr100.webp\" width=\"100\"\n                 height=\"100\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Attorney Sebastian Riedlmair\">\n            <span class=\"mr-quote-person-text\">\n            Sebastian Riedlmair<br>\n            <span class=\"mr-quote-person-function\">Harlander &amp; Partner Attorneys<\/span>\n        <\/span>\n        <\/a>\n        <span class=\"mr-quote-content\">\u201eCarefully prepared evidence of repair costs, diminution in value, and loss of use is the basis for conclusively asserting civil claims for damages in criminal proceedings for property damage.\u201c<\/span>\n    <\/div>\n<a class=\"mr-cta-link mr-cta-button-cal\" href=\"#h2-booking\" title=\"Free initial consultation\"><span class=\"mr-cta-link-normal\">Select your preferred appointment now:<\/span><span class=\"mr-cta-link-bold\">Free initial consultation<\/span><\/a>\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-strafverfahren-im-uberblick\">Overview of criminal proceedings<\/h2>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-ermittlungsbeginn\">Commencement of Investigation<\/h3>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Criminal proceedings require a concrete suspicion, from which point a person is considered a suspect and can exercise all suspect rights. Since property damage is an ex officio offense, the police and public prosecutor initiate proceedings <strong>ex officio<\/strong> as soon as there is a corresponding suspicion. A special declaration from the injured party is not required for this.  <\/p>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-polizei-und-staatsanwaltschaft\">Police and Public Prosecutor&#8217;s Office<\/h3>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The public prosecutor conducts the preliminary investigation and determines the further course of action. The criminal police carry out the necessary investigations, secure evidence, take witness statements, and document the damage. Ultimately, the public prosecutor decides on <strong>discontinuation<\/strong>, <strong>diversion<\/strong>, or <strong>indictment<\/strong>, depending on the degree of culpability, the amount of damage, and the evidence.  <\/p>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-beschuldigtenvernehmung\">Interrogation of the Accused<\/h3>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Before each interrogation, the accused person receives full instruction on their rights, particularly the <strong>right to remain silent<\/strong> and the <strong>right to legal counsel<\/strong>. If the accused requests legal counsel, the interrogation must be postponed. The formal interrogation of the accused serves to confront them with the accusation and to provide an opportunity for a statement.  <\/p>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-akteneinsicht\">Access to files<\/h3>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Access to files can be obtained from the police, public prosecutor, or court. It also includes items of evidence, provided that the purpose of the investigation is not thereby jeopardized. The private claimant&#8217;s joinder is governed by the general rules of the Code of Criminal Procedure and allows the injured party to assert claims for damages directly in criminal proceedings.  <\/p>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-hauptverhandlung\">Main Hearing<\/h3>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The main hearing serves for oral evidence taking, legal assessment, and decision-making on any civil law claims. The court particularly examines the course of events, intent, amount of damage, and the credibility of statements. The proceedings conclude with a conviction, acquittal, or diversionary resolution.  <\/p>\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-beschuldigtenrechte\">Rights of the accused<\/h2>\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Information &amp; defense: <\/strong>right to notification, legal aid, free choice of defense counsel, translation assistance, and submission of evidence motions.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Silence &amp; counsel:<\/strong> right to remain silent at any time; if a defense attorney is requested, the interrogation must be postponed.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Duty to inform:<\/strong> prompt notification of suspicion and rights; exceptions only permitted to safeguard the purpose of the investigation.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Practical access to files:<\/strong> investigation and trial records; access by third parties is restricted to protect the accused.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n    <div class=\"mr-quote mrbg clearfix\">\n        <a class=\"mr-quote-person\" href=\"\/en\/about-us\/sebastian-riedlmair\/\" title=\"Attorney Sebastian Riedlmair\">\n            <img decoding=\"async\" class=\"mr-quote-person-img\" src=\"https:\/\/harlander-partner.eu\/wp-content\/themes\/harlander\/design\/sr100.webp\" width=\"100\"\n                 height=\"100\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Attorney Sebastian Riedlmair\">\n            <span class=\"mr-quote-person-text\">\n            Sebastian Riedlmair<br>\n            <span class=\"mr-quote-person-function\">Harlander &amp; Partner Attorneys<\/span>\n        <\/span>\n        <\/a>\n        <span class=\"mr-quote-content\">\u201eThe right steps in the first 48 hours often determine whether a procedure escalates or remains controllable.\u201c<\/span>\n    <\/div>\n<a class=\"mr-cta-link mr-cta-button-cal\" href=\"#h2-booking\" title=\"Free initial consultation\"><span class=\"mr-cta-link-normal\">Select your preferred appointment now:<\/span><span class=\"mr-cta-link-bold\">Free initial consultation<\/span><\/a>\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-praxis-amp-verhaltenstipps\">Practical guidance and behavioural advice<\/h2>\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Maintain silence.<\/strong><br \/>A brief statement is sufficient: \u201cI am exercising my right to remain silent and will first speak with my defense counsel.\u201d<br \/>This right applies from the very first interrogation by the police or the public prosecutor. <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Contact defense counsel immediately.<\/strong><br \/>No statement should be made without access to the investigation files. Only after reviewing the files can the defense assess which strategy and evidence preservation measures are appropriate. <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Secure evidence immediately.<\/strong><br \/>You should secure all available documents, messages, photos, videos, and other records as early as possible and keep copies. Digital data must be regularly backed up and protected from subsequent changes. Note down important individuals as potential witnesses and promptly record the sequence of events in a memorandum.  <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Do not contact the opposing party.<\/strong><br \/>Your own messages, calls, or posts may be used as evidence against you. All communication should take place exclusively through your defense counsel. <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Secure video and data recordings in time.<\/strong><br \/>Surveillance videos from public transport, venues, or property management systems are often automatically deleted after only a few days. Requests for data preservation must therefore be submitted immediately to the operators, the police, or the public prosecutor\u2019s office. <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Document searches and seizures.<br \/>In cases of house searches or seizures, you should request a copy of the warrant or record. Note the date, time, persons involved, and all items taken. <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>In case of arrest: make no statements about the matter.<\/strong><br \/>Insist on immediate notification of your defense counsel. Pre-trial detention may only be imposed if there is strong suspicion of guilt and an additional ground for detention. Less severe measures (e.g., pledge, reporting duty, contact ban) must take precedence.  <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Prepare reparation strategically.<\/strong><br \/>Payments, symbolic gestures, apologies, or other compensatory offers should be handled and documented exclusively through the defense. Structured reparation can positively influence diversion and sentencing. <\/li>\n<\/ol>\n    <div class=\"mr-quote mrbg clearfix\">\n        <a class=\"mr-quote-person\" href=\"\/ueber-uns\/rechtsanwalt-peter-harlander\/\" title=\"Rechtsanwalt Peter Harlander\">\n            <img decoding=\"async\" class=\"mr-quote-person-img\" src=\"https:\/\/harlander-partner.eu\/wp-content\/themes\/harlander\/design\/ph100.webp\" width=\"100\"\n                 height=\"100\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Rechtsanwalt Peter Harlander\">\n            <span class=\"mr-quote-person-text\">\n            Peter Harlander<br>\n            <span class=\"mr-quote-person-function\">Harlander &amp; Partner Rechtsanw\u00e4lte<\/span>\n        <\/span>\n        <\/a>\n        <span class=\"mr-quote-content\">\u201eThose who act thoughtfully, secure evidence, and seek legal assistance early retain control over the proceedings.\u201c<\/span>\n    <\/div>\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-ihre-vorteile-mit-anwaltlicher-unterstutzung\">Your Benefits with Legal Assistance<\/h2>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Property damage under <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ris.bka.gv.at\/NormDokument.wxe?Abfrage=Bundesnormen&amp;Gesetzesnummer=10002296&amp;Artikel=&amp;Paragraf=125&amp;Anlage=&amp;Uebergangsrecht=\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Section 125 of the Criminal Code<\/a> concerns interferences with another&#8217;s property, the legal assessment of which heavily depends on the specific course of events, intent, type of damage, and actual harm. Small differences in the events, in securing evidence, or in the question of whether destruction, damage, or merely temporary disfigurement is present, can decisively influence the proceedings. <\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Early legal assistance ensures that evidence is fully secured, damage assessments are correctly documented, and exculpatory circumstances are properly classified. Only a precise analysis reveals whether criminal property damage actually exists or whether there are significant doubts regarding intent, damage, or contribution to the offense. <\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Our law firm<\/strong><\/p>\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>examines<\/strong> whether a statutory damage, destruction, or rendering unusable exists and whether the alleged damage is legally relevant.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>analyzes<\/strong> whether intent is provable, whether alternative courses of events are conceivable, and whether gaps in evidence or contradictions exist.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>protects<\/strong> by ensuring that no one-sided representations are adopted and that evidence and witness statements are correctly evaluated.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>develops<\/strong> a clear defense or claim strategy that fully and legally precisely presents the actual course of events.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">As legal representation specializing in criminal law, we ensure that the accusation of property damage is thoroughly, objectively, and legally soundly examined, so that the proceedings are conducted on a reliable factual basis.<\/p>\n    <div class=\"mr-quote mrbg clearfix\">\n        <a class=\"mr-quote-person\" href=\"\/en\/about-us\/sebastian-riedlmair\/\" title=\"Attorney Sebastian Riedlmair\">\n            <img decoding=\"async\" class=\"mr-quote-person-img\" src=\"https:\/\/harlander-partner.eu\/wp-content\/themes\/harlander\/design\/sr100.webp\" width=\"100\"\n                 height=\"100\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Attorney Sebastian Riedlmair\">\n            <span class=\"mr-quote-person-text\">\n            Sebastian Riedlmair<br>\n            <span class=\"mr-quote-person-function\">Harlander &amp; Partner Attorneys<\/span>\n        <\/span>\n        <\/a>\n        <span class=\"mr-quote-content\">\u201eLegal support means clearly separating the actual events from interpretations and developing a robust defense strategy based on them.\u201c<\/span>\n    <\/div>\n<a class=\"mr-cta-link mr-cta-button-cal\" href=\"#h2-booking\" title=\"Free initial consultation\"><span class=\"mr-cta-link-normal\">Select your preferred appointment now:<\/span><span class=\"mr-cta-link-bold\">Free initial consultation<\/span><\/a>\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-faq-haufig-gestellte-fragen\">FAQ &#8211; Frequently Asked Questions<\/h2>\n<div class=\"wp-block-uagb-faq uagb-faq__outer-wrap uagb-block-FAQ-125 uagb-faq-icon-row uagb-faq-layout-accordion uagb-faq-expand-first-true uagb-faq-inactive-other-true uagb-faq__wrap uagb-buttons-layout-wrap uagb-faq-equal-height     \" data-faqtoggle=\"true\" role=\"tablist\"><script type=\"application\/ld+json\">{\"@context\":\"https:\\\/\\\/schema.org\",\"@type\":\"FAQPage\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/harlander-partner.eu\\\/en\\\/criminal-law\\\/unauthorized-medical-treatment-2\\\/\",\"mainEntity\":[{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"name\":\"What legally constitutes property damage under Section 125 of the Criminal Code?\",\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"Property damage occurs when someone intentionally destroys, damages, disfigures, or renders unusable another person's tangible property. Crucially, the condition or usability of the property must noticeably deteriorate due to interference with its substance, function, or external appearance. The property must be foreign, meaning it is not exclusively owned by the perpetrator. Mere displeasure with the new condition is not sufficient; an objectively detrimental change is required.   \"}},{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"name\":\"From what point is damage no longer merely a trifle, but criminal property damage?\",\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"The law does not require a specific minimum amount of damage, but rather a not entirely insignificant impairment of the property. Minor scratches or soiling can already be sufficient if they objectively reduce the value or usability and require effort to remove. Ordinary signs of wear and tear or changes that the owner usually has to accept, however, do not constitute property damage. In practice, experts and courts assess whether the interference is still to be considered a trifle or already a criminal impairment.   \"}},{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"name\":\"What is the difference between property damage and theft or vandalism?\",\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"In cases of property damage, the property generally remains with the owner, but its condition or function is impaired. In theft, the rightful owner loses possession of the property because it is taken away and removed from their assets. Vandalism is a more colloquial term for the malicious destruction or disfigurement of property; legally, this behavior usually falls under property damage. If damage and taking coincide, courts assess both offenses separately and often assume genuine concurrence.   \"}},{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"name\":\"What penalties are imposed for property damage and when is a fine considered?\",\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"Property damage is punishable by imprisonment for up to six months or a fine of up to 360 daily rates. In practice, courts often impose fines for minor, easily repairable damages and contrite behavior, as this appropriately reflects the wrongfulness of the act. The higher the damage, the more persistent the conduct, and the more frequent relevant prior convictions, the more likely a prison sentence becomes prominent. The specific amount of the penalty always depends on the circumstances of the individual case and the personal situation of the accused.   \"}},{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"name\":\"Can I get compensation for my damage in criminal proceedings for property damage?\",\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"Injured parties can join the criminal proceedings as private claimants and assert their civil law claims directly in the criminal proceedings. Typical items include repair costs, replacement costs, diminution in value, cleaning costs, and loss of use, as these are directly linked to the damage. The private claimant's joinder suspends the statute of limitations as long as the criminal proceedings are ongoing and facilitates a uniform assessment of guilt and damage. Often, orderly compensation for damages also leads to a milder criminal assessment.   \"}},{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"name\":\"When is diversion considered for property damage?\",\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"A diversionary resolution is primarily possible in cases of minor damage, clear assumption of responsibility, and no relevant prior convictions. Courts examine whether the facts are clear, whether the accused appears contrite and willing to compensate, and whether orderly compensation for damages is realistic. The higher the damage, the more systematic or repeated the damage, and the greater the economic consequences, the less diversion will be considered. Where the conditions are met, diversion can lead to a resolution without a conviction and criminal record entry.   \"}},{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"name\":\"How should I behave if I am accused of property damage?\",\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"In case of a concrete suspicion, you are considered an accused person and have the right to remain silent and to engage legal counsel. You should not make spontaneous statements, as ill-considered statements can be interpreted unfavorably in later proceedings. It is advisable to secure evidence, such as photos of the item, purchase receipts, messages, or witnesses, and to provide them to your defense in an organized manner. Legal advice helps to realistically assess the evidentiary situation, develop defense strategies, and prepare possible compensation for damages in such a way that it can be appropriately considered in criminal law.   \"}}]}<\/script><div class=\"wp-block-uagb-faq-child uagb-faq-child__outer-wrap uagb-faq-item uagb-block-125-Q1 \" role=\"tab\" tabindex=\"0\"><div class=\"uagb-faq-questions-button uagb-faq-questions\">\t\t\t<span class=\"uagb-icon uagb-faq-icon-wrap\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"https:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox= \"0 0 448 512\"><path d=\"M432 256c0 17.69-14.33 32.01-32 32.01H256v144c0 17.69-14.33 31.99-32 31.99s-32-14.3-32-31.99v-144H48c-17.67 0-32-14.32-32-32.01s14.33-31.99 32-31.99H192v-144c0-17.69 14.33-32.01 32-32.01s32 14.32 32 32.01v144h144C417.7 224 432 238.3 432 256z\"><\/path><\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"uagb-icon-active uagb-faq-icon-wrap\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"https:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox= \"0 0 448 512\"><path d=\"M400 288h-352c-17.69 0-32-14.32-32-32.01s14.31-31.99 32-31.99h352c17.69 0 32 14.3 32 31.99S417.7 288 400 288z\"><\/path><\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t<span class=\"uagb-question\">What legally constitutes property damage under Section 125 of the Criminal Code?<\/span><\/div><div class=\"uagb-faq-content\"><p>Property damage occurs when someone intentionally destroys, damages, disfigures, or renders unusable another person&#8217;s tangible property. Crucially, the condition or usability of the property must noticeably deteriorate due to interference with its substance, function, or external appearance. The property must be foreign, meaning it is not exclusively owned by the perpetrator. Mere displeasure with the new condition is not sufficient; an objectively detrimental change is required.   <\/p><\/div><\/div><div class=\"wp-block-uagb-faq-child uagb-faq-child__outer-wrap uagb-faq-item uagb-block-125-Q2 \" role=\"tab\" tabindex=\"0\"><div class=\"uagb-faq-questions-button uagb-faq-questions\">\t\t\t<span class=\"uagb-icon uagb-faq-icon-wrap\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"https:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox= \"0 0 448 512\"><path d=\"M432 256c0 17.69-14.33 32.01-32 32.01H256v144c0 17.69-14.33 31.99-32 31.99s-32-14.3-32-31.99v-144H48c-17.67 0-32-14.32-32-32.01s14.33-31.99 32-31.99H192v-144c0-17.69 14.33-32.01 32-32.01s32 14.32 32 32.01v144h144C417.7 224 432 238.3 432 256z\"><\/path><\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"uagb-icon-active uagb-faq-icon-wrap\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"https:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox= \"0 0 448 512\"><path d=\"M400 288h-352c-17.69 0-32-14.32-32-32.01s14.31-31.99 32-31.99h352c17.69 0 32 14.3 32 31.99S417.7 288 400 288z\"><\/path><\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t<span class=\"uagb-question\">From what point is damage no longer merely a trifle, but criminal property damage?<\/span><\/div><div class=\"uagb-faq-content\"><p>The law does not require a specific minimum amount of damage, but rather a not entirely insignificant impairment of the property. Minor scratches or soiling can already be sufficient if they objectively reduce the value or usability and require effort to remove. Ordinary signs of wear and tear or changes that the owner usually has to accept, however, do not constitute property damage. In practice, experts and courts assess whether the interference is still to be considered a trifle or already a criminal impairment.   <\/p><\/div><\/div><div class=\"wp-block-uagb-faq-child uagb-faq-child__outer-wrap uagb-faq-item uagb-block-125-Q3 \" role=\"tab\" tabindex=\"0\"><div class=\"uagb-faq-questions-button uagb-faq-questions\">\t\t\t<span class=\"uagb-icon uagb-faq-icon-wrap\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"https:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox= \"0 0 448 512\"><path d=\"M432 256c0 17.69-14.33 32.01-32 32.01H256v144c0 17.69-14.33 31.99-32 31.99s-32-14.3-32-31.99v-144H48c-17.67 0-32-14.32-32-32.01s14.33-31.99 32-31.99H192v-144c0-17.69 14.33-32.01 32-32.01s32 14.32 32 32.01v144h144C417.7 224 432 238.3 432 256z\"><\/path><\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"uagb-icon-active uagb-faq-icon-wrap\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"https:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox= \"0 0 448 512\"><path d=\"M400 288h-352c-17.69 0-32-14.32-32-32.01s14.31-31.99 32-31.99h352c17.69 0 32 14.3 32 31.99S417.7 288 400 288z\"><\/path><\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t<span class=\"uagb-question\">What is the difference between property damage and theft or vandalism?<\/span><\/div><div class=\"uagb-faq-content\"><p>In cases of property damage, the property generally remains with the owner, but its condition or function is impaired. In theft, the rightful owner loses possession of the property because it is taken away and removed from their assets. Vandalism is a more colloquial term for the malicious destruction or disfigurement of property; legally, this behavior usually falls under property damage. If damage and taking coincide, courts assess both offenses separately and often assume genuine concurrence.   <\/p><\/div><\/div><div class=\"wp-block-uagb-faq-child uagb-faq-child__outer-wrap uagb-faq-item uagb-block-125-Q4 \" role=\"tab\" tabindex=\"0\"><div class=\"uagb-faq-questions-button uagb-faq-questions\">\t\t\t<span class=\"uagb-icon uagb-faq-icon-wrap\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"https:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox= \"0 0 448 512\"><path d=\"M432 256c0 17.69-14.33 32.01-32 32.01H256v144c0 17.69-14.33 31.99-32 31.99s-32-14.3-32-31.99v-144H48c-17.67 0-32-14.32-32-32.01s14.33-31.99 32-31.99H192v-144c0-17.69 14.33-32.01 32-32.01s32 14.32 32 32.01v144h144C417.7 224 432 238.3 432 256z\"><\/path><\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"uagb-icon-active uagb-faq-icon-wrap\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"https:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox= \"0 0 448 512\"><path d=\"M400 288h-352c-17.69 0-32-14.32-32-32.01s14.31-31.99 32-31.99h352c17.69 0 32 14.3 32 31.99S417.7 288 400 288z\"><\/path><\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t<span class=\"uagb-question\">What penalties are imposed for property damage and when is a fine considered?<\/span><\/div><div class=\"uagb-faq-content\"><p>Property damage is punishable by imprisonment for up to six months or a fine of up to 360 daily rates. In practice, courts often impose fines for minor, easily repairable damages and contrite behavior, as this appropriately reflects the wrongfulness of the act. The higher the damage, the more persistent the conduct, and the more frequent relevant prior convictions, the more likely a prison sentence becomes prominent. The specific amount of the penalty always depends on the circumstances of the individual case and the personal situation of the accused.   <\/p><\/div><\/div><div class=\"wp-block-uagb-faq-child uagb-faq-child__outer-wrap uagb-faq-item uagb-block-125-Q5 \" role=\"tab\" tabindex=\"0\"><div class=\"uagb-faq-questions-button uagb-faq-questions\">\t\t\t<span class=\"uagb-icon uagb-faq-icon-wrap\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"https:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox= \"0 0 448 512\"><path d=\"M432 256c0 17.69-14.33 32.01-32 32.01H256v144c0 17.69-14.33 31.99-32 31.99s-32-14.3-32-31.99v-144H48c-17.67 0-32-14.32-32-32.01s14.33-31.99 32-31.99H192v-144c0-17.69 14.33-32.01 32-32.01s32 14.32 32 32.01v144h144C417.7 224 432 238.3 432 256z\"><\/path><\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"uagb-icon-active uagb-faq-icon-wrap\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"https:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox= \"0 0 448 512\"><path d=\"M400 288h-352c-17.69 0-32-14.32-32-32.01s14.31-31.99 32-31.99h352c17.69 0 32 14.3 32 31.99S417.7 288 400 288z\"><\/path><\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t<span class=\"uagb-question\">Can I get compensation for my damage in criminal proceedings for property damage?<\/span><\/div><div class=\"uagb-faq-content\"><p>Injured parties can join the criminal proceedings as private claimants and assert their civil law claims directly in the criminal proceedings. Typical items include repair costs, replacement costs, diminution in value, cleaning costs, and loss of use, as these are directly linked to the damage. The private claimant&#8217;s joinder suspends the statute of limitations as long as the criminal proceedings are ongoing and facilitates a uniform assessment of guilt and damage. Often, orderly compensation for damages also leads to a milder criminal assessment.   <\/p><\/div><\/div><div class=\"wp-block-uagb-faq-child uagb-faq-child__outer-wrap uagb-faq-item uagb-block-125-Q6 \" role=\"tab\" tabindex=\"0\"><div class=\"uagb-faq-questions-button uagb-faq-questions\">\t\t\t<span class=\"uagb-icon uagb-faq-icon-wrap\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"https:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox= \"0 0 448 512\"><path d=\"M432 256c0 17.69-14.33 32.01-32 32.01H256v144c0 17.69-14.33 31.99-32 31.99s-32-14.3-32-31.99v-144H48c-17.67 0-32-14.32-32-32.01s14.33-31.99 32-31.99H192v-144c0-17.69 14.33-32.01 32-32.01s32 14.32 32 32.01v144h144C417.7 224 432 238.3 432 256z\"><\/path><\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"uagb-icon-active uagb-faq-icon-wrap\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"https:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox= \"0 0 448 512\"><path d=\"M400 288h-352c-17.69 0-32-14.32-32-32.01s14.31-31.99 32-31.99h352c17.69 0 32 14.3 32 31.99S417.7 288 400 288z\"><\/path><\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t<span class=\"uagb-question\">When is diversion considered for property damage?<\/span><\/div><div class=\"uagb-faq-content\"><p>A diversionary resolution is primarily possible in cases of minor damage, clear assumption of responsibility, and no relevant prior convictions. Courts examine whether the facts are clear, whether the accused appears contrite and willing to compensate, and whether orderly compensation for damages is realistic. The higher the damage, the more systematic or repeated the damage, and the greater the economic consequences, the less diversion will be considered. Where the conditions are met, diversion can lead to a resolution without a conviction and criminal record entry.   <\/p><\/div><\/div><div class=\"wp-block-uagb-faq-child uagb-faq-child__outer-wrap uagb-faq-item uagb-block-125-Q7 \" role=\"tab\" tabindex=\"0\"><div class=\"uagb-faq-questions-button uagb-faq-questions\">\t\t\t<span class=\"uagb-icon uagb-faq-icon-wrap\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"https:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox= \"0 0 448 512\"><path d=\"M432 256c0 17.69-14.33 32.01-32 32.01H256v144c0 17.69-14.33 31.99-32 31.99s-32-14.3-32-31.99v-144H48c-17.67 0-32-14.32-32-32.01s14.33-31.99 32-31.99H192v-144c0-17.69 14.33-32.01 32-32.01s32 14.32 32 32.01v144h144C417.7 224 432 238.3 432 256z\"><\/path><\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"uagb-icon-active uagb-faq-icon-wrap\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"https:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox= \"0 0 448 512\"><path d=\"M400 288h-352c-17.69 0-32-14.32-32-32.01s14.31-31.99 32-31.99h352c17.69 0 32 14.3 32 31.99S417.7 288 400 288z\"><\/path><\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t<span class=\"uagb-question\">How should I behave if I am accused of property damage?<\/span><\/div><div class=\"uagb-faq-content\"><p>In case of a concrete suspicion, you are considered an accused person and have the right to remain silent and to engage legal counsel. You should not make spontaneous statements, as ill-considered statements can be interpreted unfavorably in later proceedings. It is advisable to secure evidence, such as photos of the item, purchase receipts, messages, or witnesses, and to provide them to your defense in an organized manner. Legal advice helps to realistically assess the evidentiary situation, develop defense strategies, and prepare possible compensation for damages in such a way that it can be appropriately considered in criminal law.   <\/p><\/div><\/div><\/div><a class=\"mr-cta-link mr-cta-button-cal\" href=\"#h2-booking\" title=\"Free initial consultation\"><span class=\"mr-cta-link-normal\">Select your preferred appointment now:<\/span><span class=\"mr-cta-link-bold\">Free initial consultation<\/span><\/a>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"Property damage Property damage according to \u00a7 125 of the Criminal Code exists if someone intentionally impairs someone else&#8217;s property in its substance or function. This includes any form of &#8230;","protected":false},"author":25,"featured_media":96855,"parent":40715,"menu_order":5,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_uag_custom_page_level_css":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[345],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-96566","page","type-page","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-criminal-law"],"acf":[],"uagb_featured_image_src":{"full":["https:\/\/harlander-partner.eu\/wp-content\/uploads\/\u00a7125-Sachbeschaedigung.webp",1920,1080,false],"thumbnail":["https:\/\/harlander-partner.eu\/wp-content\/uploads\/\u00a7125-Sachbeschaedigung-100x100.webp",100,100,true],"medium":["https:\/\/harlander-partner.eu\/wp-content\/uploads\/\u00a7125-Sachbeschaedigung-800x450.webp",800,450,true],"medium_large":["https:\/\/harlander-partner.eu\/wp-content\/uploads\/\u00a7125-Sachbeschaedigung.webp",1920,1080,false],"large":["https:\/\/harlander-partner.eu\/wp-content\/uploads\/\u00a7125-Sachbeschaedigung.webp",1920,1080,false],"1536x1536":["https:\/\/harlander-partner.eu\/wp-content\/uploads\/\u00a7125-Sachbeschaedigung.webp",1536,864,false],"2048x2048":["https:\/\/harlander-partner.eu\/wp-content\/uploads\/\u00a7125-Sachbeschaedigung.webp",1920,1080,false],"336x":["https:\/\/harlander-partner.eu\/wp-content\/uploads\/\u00a7125-Sachbeschaedigung-336x189.webp",336,189,true],"352x":["https:\/\/harlander-partner.eu\/wp-content\/uploads\/\u00a7125-Sachbeschaedigung-352x198.webp",352,198,true],"woocommerce_thumbnail":["https:\/\/harlander-partner.eu\/wp-content\/uploads\/\u00a7125-Sachbeschaedigung-300x300.webp",300,300,true],"woocommerce_single":["https:\/\/harlander-partner.eu\/wp-content\/uploads\/\u00a7125-Sachbeschaedigung-600x338.webp",600,338,true],"woocommerce_gallery_thumbnail":["https:\/\/harlander-partner.eu\/wp-content\/uploads\/\u00a7125-Sachbeschaedigung-100x100.webp",100,100,true],"yarpp-thumbnail":["https:\/\/harlander-partner.eu\/wp-content\/uploads\/\u00a7125-Sachbeschaedigung-120x120.webp",120,120,true]},"uagb_author_info":{"display_name":"Simon Prem","author_link":"https:\/\/harlander-partner.eu\/en\/author\/simon-prem\/"},"uagb_comment_info":0,"uagb_excerpt":"Property damage Property damage according to \u00a7 125 of the Criminal Code exists if someone intentionally impairs someone else&#8217;s property in its substance or function. This includes any form of ...","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/harlander-partner.eu\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/96566","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/harlander-partner.eu\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/harlander-partner.eu\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/harlander-partner.eu\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/25"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/harlander-partner.eu\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=96566"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/harlander-partner.eu\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/96566\/revisions"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/harlander-partner.eu\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/40715"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/harlander-partner.eu\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/96855"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/harlander-partner.eu\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=96566"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/harlander-partner.eu\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=96566"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/harlander-partner.eu\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=96566"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}