{"id":97172,"date":"2025-12-11T10:00:00","date_gmt":"2025-12-11T09:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/harlander-partner.eu\/criminal-law\/aggravated-criminal-damage-to-property\/"},"modified":"2025-12-11T10:15:08","modified_gmt":"2025-12-11T09:15:08","slug":"aggravated-criminal-damage-to-property","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/harlander-partner.eu\/en\/criminal-law\/aggravated-criminal-damage-to-property\/","title":{"rendered":"Aggravated criminal damage to property"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<div class=\"wp-block-yoast-seo-table-of-contents yoast-table-of-contents\"><h2>Aggravated criminal damage to property<\/h2><ul><li><a href=\"#h-schwere-sachbeschadigung\" data-level=\"2\">Aggravated criminal damage to property<\/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-schwere-sachbeschadigung\">Aggravated criminal damage to property<\/h2>\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\">Aggravated criminal damage to property exists if a <strong>deliberate impairment of someone else&#8217;s property<\/strong> also fulfills a <strong>qualification criterion<\/strong>, such as special protection of the property or a <strong>higher amount of damage<\/strong>.<\/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\/\u00a7126-Schwere-Sachbeschaedigung-352x198.webp\" >\n\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" class=\"mr-picture-small\" src=\"https:\/\/harlander-partner.eu\/wp-content\/uploads\/\u00a7126-Schwere-Sachbeschaedigung.webp\" alt=\"Aggravated criminal damage to property as per \u00a7 126 of the Criminal Code simply explained. Qualification, value limits and consequences. Get informed now.\" >\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\">\u201eAggravated criminal damage to property begins where a mere act of damage becomes an encroachment on values with particular economic or social significance.\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=126&amp;Anlage=&amp;Uebergangsrecht=\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">\u00a7 126 of the Criminal Code<\/a> initially requires criminal damage to property within the meaning of \u00a7 125 of the Criminal Code, i.e. a deliberate impairment of someone else&#8217;s property, which adversely alters its condition or fitness for use. However, aggravated criminal damage to property only exists if <strong>a legally defined qualifying circumstance<\/strong> is also realized. <\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">These qualifying circumstances include, in particular, damage to <strong>religiously dedicated objects<\/strong>, <strong>graves or memorial sites<\/strong>, <strong>public monuments or listed objects<\/strong>, as well as items of <strong>scientific, folkloric, artistic or historical value<\/strong>, provided they are located in publicly accessible places. Interventions in <strong>essential components of critical infrastructure<\/strong>, such as utilities or security-relevant systems, are also qualified. <\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Aggravated criminal damage to property also exists if the act causes <strong>damage of more than \u20ac5,000<\/strong>. In the case of particularly high damage from <strong>\u20ac300,000<\/strong>, the law speaks of an even more serious form of criminal damage to property, which triggers a correspondingly higher penalty. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ris.bka.gv.at\/NormDokument.wxe?Abfrage=Bundesnormen&amp;Gesetzesnummer=10002296&amp;Artikel=&amp;Paragraf=126&amp;Anlage=&amp;Uebergangsrecht=\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">\u00a7 126 of the Criminal Code<\/a> thus protects both the integrity of particularly important items and the considerable economic interest in their preservation.  <\/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\">The subject of the offense can be any person who is criminally responsible who impairs someone else&#8217;s property and thereby realizes one of the qualifying circumstances. The person of the perpetrator is irrelevant; what is decisive is the objective significance of the item or the amount of damage caused. <\/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 any physical item belonging to someone else that is subject to increased protection either because of its <strong>religious, cultural, historical, scientific or social significance<\/strong> or because its damage causes <strong>significant economic damage<\/strong>. This includes religiously used objects, graves, publicly accessible monuments or collectibles, listed objects, culturally or scientifically valuable objects, as well as systems or components that are essential for the <strong>critical infrastructure<\/strong>. Also included are all items whose damage causes damage of over <strong>\u20ac5,000<\/strong> or over <strong>\u20ac300,000<\/strong>.  <\/p>\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-tathandlung\">Act: <\/h4>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The act corresponds to that of \u00a7 125 of the Criminal Code and includes any behavior that worsens the condition of someone else&#8217;s property. This includes <strong>destroying<\/strong>, <strong>damaging<\/strong>, <strong>defacing<\/strong> or <strong>rendering unusable<\/strong>. For <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ris.bka.gv.at\/NormDokument.wxe?Abfrage=Bundesnormen&amp;Gesetzesnummer=10002296&amp;Artikel=&amp;Paragraf=126&amp;Anlage=&amp;Uebergangsrecht=\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">\u00a7 126 of the Criminal Code<\/a>, this act must <strong>additionally<\/strong> fulfill one of the qualifying requirements described above, i.e. either affect a particularly protected item or cause significant damage.  <\/p>\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-taterfolg\">Result of the Offense:<\/h4>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The result of the act consists on the one hand in the <strong>impairment of the item<\/strong> itself and on the other hand in the <strong>realization of the qualifying circumstance<\/strong>. This means that the item must objectively suffer a disadvantage, and this disadvantage must either affect a particularly protected item or exceed a legally defined minimum damage. In the case of damage over <strong>\u20ac5,000<\/strong>, there is aggravated criminal damage to property; in the case of damage over <strong>\u20ac300,000<\/strong>, it is the particularly serious form according to paragraph 2.  <\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Aggravated criminal damage to property pursuant to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ris.bka.gv.at\/NormDokument.wxe?Abfrage=Bundesnormen&amp;Gesetzesnummer=10002296&amp;Artikel=&amp;Paragraf=126&amp;Anlage=&amp;Uebergangsrecht=\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">\u00a7 126 of the Criminal Code<\/a> exists if criminal damage to property under \u00a7 125 of the Criminal Code is committed under circumstances that the legislator classifies as <strong>particularly significant<\/strong> or <strong>consequential<\/strong>. The offense requires that someone else&#8217;s property is <strong>intentionally impaired in its existence or function<\/strong> and at the same time a <strong>qualifying characteristic<\/strong> is fulfilled, because the affected item is assigned to a <strong>special protection area<\/strong> or the damage caused exceeds a <strong>legal value limit<\/strong>. The qualification clearly distinguishes the act from the basic offense and leads to a <strong>noticeably stricter penalty<\/strong>.  <\/p>\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-kausalitat\">Causality:<\/h4>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The result of the act must have been caused by the perpetrator&#8217;s behavior. Without the act, neither the damage nor the qualifying circumstance would have occurred. <\/p>\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-objektive-zurechnung\">Objective Attribution: <\/h4>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The result is objectively attributable if the risk that <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ris.bka.gv.at\/NormDokument.wxe?Abfrage=Bundesnormen&amp;Gesetzesnummer=10002296&amp;Artikel=&amp;Paragraf=126&amp;Anlage=&amp;Uebergangsrecht=\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">\u00a7 126 of the Criminal Code<\/a> is intended to prevent is realized: the damage to <strong>particularly protected or particularly valuable items<\/strong> or the causing of <strong>significant economic damage<\/strong>. Atypical or completely independent causes are not 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\">\u201eWhether criminal damage to property is considered serious depends on the demonstrable amount of damage and the special protection of the object, not on the spontaneous assessment of those involved.\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 aggravated criminal damage to property pursuant to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ris.bka.gv.at\/NormDokument.wxe?Abfrage=Bundesnormen&amp;Gesetzesnummer=10002296&amp;Artikel=&amp;Paragraf=126&amp;Anlage=&amp;Uebergangsrecht=\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">\u00a7 126 of the Criminal Code<\/a> covers cases in which someone else&#8217;s property is intentionally destroyed, damaged, defaced or rendered unusable and a qualifying circumstance also exists. The focus remains on the impairment of the condition or function of an item, but in an area that receives a higher criminal weight because of its special protection or significant damage consequences. The injustice thus arises both from the encroachment on someone else&#8217;s property and from the increased importance of the object concerned or the exceptional amount of damage.  <\/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 someone else&#8217;s assets 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=126&amp;Anlage=&amp;Uebergangsrecht=\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">\u00a7 126 of the Criminal Code<\/a> covers the deterioration or destruction of the item, \u00a7 129 of the Criminal Code concerns the removal, i.e. the withdrawal of possession. The distinction is made according to the object of attack: In the case of aggravated criminal damage to property, the condition or value of an item is impaired; the entitled party remains the owner in principle. In the case of theft, the entitled party loses the item itself. If damage and removal coincide, the offenses exist side by side.    <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>\u00a7 125 of the Criminal Code \u2013 Criminal damage to property<\/strong>: \u00a7 125 of the Criminal Code forms the basic offense and covers any intentional impairment of someone else&#8217;s property, regardless of value, significance or location. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ris.bka.gv.at\/NormDokument.wxe?Abfrage=Bundesnormen&amp;Gesetzesnummer=10002296&amp;Artikel=&amp;Paragraf=126&amp;Anlage=&amp;Uebergangsrecht=\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">\u00a7 126 of the Criminal Code<\/a> necessarily requires such criminal damage to property, but extends it to include qualifying circumstances that make the act objectively more serious, for example because the damaged item has religious, historical or cultural significance or because the damage caused exceeds a legal value limit. The distinction is therefore made exclusively via the <strong>additional objective qualification content<\/strong>. If this is not present, it remains at \u00a7 125 of the Criminal Code. However, if this is present, it is aggravated criminal damage to property pursuant to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ris.bka.gv.at\/NormDokument.wxe?Abfrage=Bundesnormen&amp;Gesetzesnummer=10002296&amp;Artikel=&amp;Paragraf=126&amp;Anlage=&amp;Uebergangsrecht=\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">\u00a7 126 of the Criminal Code<\/a>.   <\/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 aggravated criminal damage to property, such as theft, trespassing, dangerous threats or burglary. The damage to an item remains an <strong>independent content of injustice<\/strong> and is not suppressed. If several <strong>legal interests violations<\/strong> are realized, the offenses regularly <strong>exist 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 content of injustice<\/strong>. This is rarely the case, but can become relevant in the case of offenses whose focus is expressly on the <strong>destruction or rendering unusable<\/strong> of certain objects. <\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Conversely, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ris.bka.gv.at\/NormDokument.wxe?Abfrage=Bundesnormen&amp;Gesetzesnummer=10002296&amp;Artikel=&amp;Paragraf=126&amp;Anlage=&amp;Uebergangsrecht=\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">\u00a7 126 of the Criminal Code<\/a> itself unfolds <strong>specificity compared to \u00a7 125 of the Criminal Code<\/strong> if a qualifying circumstance exists and the act thereby falls into the <strong>higher protection area<\/strong>.<\/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 several aggravated criminal damage to property are committed <strong>independently<\/strong>, for example if different protected objects are damaged or interventions are made at different times. Each intentional damage forms a <strong>own act<\/strong>, provided that there is no <strong>natural unit of action<\/strong>. <\/p>\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-fortgesetzte-handlung\">Continued Action: <\/h4>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A uniform act can be assumed if repeated damage is <strong>directly related<\/strong> and follows a <strong>uniform intent<\/strong>, for example if several valuable or particularly protected objects are damaged one after the other. The act ends as soon as <strong>no further interventions<\/strong> 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\">In the case of aggravated criminal damage to property, it must also be proven that a special circumstance existed, for example that the item was something special or particularly protected or that a high amount of damage was caused.<\/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\n\n\n<li><strong>an additional special circumstance<\/strong> existed, for example a particularly protected object or damage above the legal limit of \u20ac5,000 or \u20ac300,000 (paragraph 2).<\/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=126&amp;Anlage=&amp;Uebergangsrecht=\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">\u00a7 126 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 to a high-quality object with considerable damage:<\/strong> The perpetrator causes a clear impairment of the substance and function of a top-class vehicle through scratches and dents. He assumes that it is a mere cosmetic defect and that the damage is minor. In fact, an expert opinion reveals repair costs of over \u20ac5,000. The owner had not given his consent, and the perpetrator could easily have assessed the value of the vehicle. The high amount of damage means that not only is there criminal damage to property, but the <strong>aggravated criminal damage to property pursuant to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ris.bka.gv.at\/NormDokument.wxe?Abfrage=Bundesnormen&amp;Gesetzesnummer=10002296&amp;Artikel=&amp;Paragraf=126&amp;Anlage=&amp;Uebergangsrecht=\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">\u00a7 126 of the Criminal Code<\/a><\/strong> is fulfilled due to the value qualification. The lack of consent and the considerable effort required for restoration clearly show the violation of the foreign property right.     <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Damage to a listed object despite recognizable protection:<\/strong> The perpetrator sprays paint on a publicly erected monument, although it is obvious that it is a historically significant and officially protected object. He mistakenly assumes that the paint can be easily removed or that the monument is &#8220;not important enough&#8221; to cause damage. In fact, the damage leads to a change in the surface that can only be reversed by a special conservation treatment. The entitled party cannot intervene because the damage has already occurred. The recognizable special significance of the monument leads directly to the <strong>qualification of <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ris.bka.gv.at\/NormDokument.wxe?Abfrage=Bundesnormen&amp;Gesetzesnummer=10002296&amp;Artikel=&amp;Paragraf=126&amp;Anlage=&amp;Uebergangsrecht=\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">\u00a7 126 of the Criminal Code<\/a><\/strong>, regardless of whether there is a high economic damage.    <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">These examples show that <strong>aggravated criminal damage to property pursuant to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ris.bka.gv.at\/NormDokument.wxe?Abfrage=Bundesnormen&amp;Gesetzesnummer=10002296&amp;Artikel=&amp;Paragraf=126&amp;Anlage=&amp;Uebergangsrecht=\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">\u00a7 126 of the Criminal Code<\/a><\/strong> exists if the damaged item either has <strong>high economic damage<\/strong> or is <strong>particularly protected<\/strong> and the perpetrator nevertheless intervenes without consent and causes an objective impairment.<\/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 aggravated criminal damage to property pursuant to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ris.bka.gv.at\/NormDokument.wxe?Abfrage=Bundesnormen&amp;Gesetzesnummer=10002296&amp;Artikel=&amp;Paragraf=126&amp;Anlage=&amp;Uebergangsrecht=\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">\u00a7 126 of the Criminal Code<\/a> requires intent. The perpetrator must know that he is damaging, destroying, defacing or rendering unusable someone else&#8217;s property and that this intervention is objectively suitable to impair the condition or usability of the item. <strong>In addition, he must at least understand that a special circumstance exists that makes the act aggravated criminal damage to property<\/strong>, for example that the item is particularly protected or that his behavior can cause significant damage. <\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The perpetrator must therefore understand that his behavior as a whole constitutes a targeted intervention in someone else&#8217;s property and is typically suitable to impair its condition or function. For the qualification, it is sufficient that the perpetrator seriously considers the special circumstances of the item or the possibility of high damage and accepts this consequence. A further intention is not required; <strong>conditional intent<\/strong> is 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 act 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=126&amp;Anlage=&amp;Uebergangsrecht=\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">\u00a7 126 of the Criminal Code<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Ultimately, anyone who knows and consciously aims to worsen the condition of someone else&#8217;s property or impair its usability acts intentionally, <strong>and at the same time at least tacitly accepts the special circumstances<\/strong> that qualify the act as aggravated criminal damage to property.<\/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>not excluded<\/strong> in the case of aggravated criminal damage to property pursuant to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ris.bka.gv.at\/NormDokument.wxe?Abfrage=Bundesnormen&amp;Gesetzesnummer=10002296&amp;Artikel=&amp;Paragraf=126&amp;Anlage=&amp;Uebergangsrecht=\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">\u00a7 126 of the Criminal Code<\/a>, but is <strong>significantly restricted<\/strong>. The offense concerns either <strong>particularly protected items<\/strong> or <strong>significant amounts of damage<\/strong>, which regularly indicates a higher injustice and an increased responsibility of the perpetrator. <\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In cases in which <strong>the qualifying circumstance is only just reached<\/strong>, the perpetrator is immediately insightful and the consequences can be quickly compensated, a diversion <strong>can<\/strong> still be examined. However, the stronger the <strong>special protection of the object<\/strong> or the <strong>amount of damage incurred<\/strong>, the more unlikely a diversionary approach 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><strong>the qualifying circumstance is not particularly serious<\/strong>, for example just over \u20ac5,000 damage,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>no serious consequential effects<\/strong> have occurred,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>no planned or repeated behavior<\/strong> exists,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>the facts are <strong>clear and manageable<\/strong>,<\/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 <strong>monetary payments<\/strong>, <strong>community service<\/strong>, <strong>supervision instructions<\/strong> or a <strong>victim-offender mediation<\/strong>. A diversion leads to <strong>no conviction<\/strong> and <strong>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 sustainable impairment<\/strong> of a particularly protected item has occurred,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>the damage was inflicted <strong>deliberately, purposefully, or systematically<\/strong>,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>several particularly protected objects were affected,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>repeated or systematic behavior<\/strong> exists,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>religious, cultural or listed objects<\/strong> are affected,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>the damage had <strong>qualified consequences<\/strong>, such as <strong>high repair costs<\/strong> or <strong>significant economic disadvantages<\/strong>,<\/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 in the case of <strong>clearly the slightest guilt<\/strong> and <strong>immediate insight<\/strong> can it be examined whether an exceptional diversionary approach is permissible. In practice, diversion is <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ris.bka.gv.at\/NormDokument.wxe?Abfrage=Bundesnormen&amp;Gesetzesnummer=10002296&amp;Artikel=&amp;Paragraf=126&amp;Anlage=&amp;Uebergangsrecht=\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">possible<\/a> in the case of <strong>\u00a7 126 of the Criminal Code<\/strong>, but <strong>rare<\/strong> due to the typical severity of the offense. <\/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\">\u201eThe higher the damage and the more worthy of protection the affected item, the narrower the scope for diversion and the more important an early, structurally prepared defense strategy becomes.\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\">Aggravated criminal damage to property knows two different penalties. What is decisive is <strong>which special circumstance<\/strong> fulfills the offense. <\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If the damage affects a <strong>particularly protected item<\/strong> such as a monument, a grave, a religiously dedicated object, a scientifically or culturally valuable piece or a part of the critical infrastructure or if the act causes damage of <strong>more than \u20ac5,000<\/strong>, a <strong>imprisonment of up to two years<\/strong> is threatened. There is no minimum penalty here. The court can assess the penalty within this framework according to the circumstances of the individual case.  <\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If the act leads to an <strong>exceptionally high level of damage of more than \u20ac300,000<\/strong>, a <strong>significantly stricter penalty framework<\/strong> applies. In these cases, the prison sentence is <strong>at least six months and no more than five years<\/strong>. The law assumes a <strong>particularly serious economic impairment<\/strong> here, which is why a minimum sentence is mandatory.  <\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Circumstances such as a subsequent apology, the attempt to make amends, or the voluntary termination of the damaging behavior do <strong>not<\/strong> change the statutory penalty framework. Such factors are taken into account exclusively within the framework of <strong>sentencing<\/strong>. <\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Criminal liability only ceases if a <strong>justification<\/strong> applies, such as self-defense or the lawful exercise of a right of possession. In such cases, the penalty framework is not applied in the first place because the act is legally <strong>not reprehensible<\/strong>. <\/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 daily rates<\/strong> \u2013 at least <strong>\u20ac4<\/strong>, maximum <strong>\u20ac5,000<\/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 the case of serious damage to property, a fine is <strong>only considered in exceptional cases<\/strong>, for example, if the qualifying circumstance is <strong>only slightly pronounced<\/strong> and the damage has been <strong>quickly compensated<\/strong>.<\/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 (StGB): If the statutory penalty threat extends <strong>up to five years<\/strong>, the court may impose a <strong>fine<\/strong> instead of a short prison sentence of no more than one year. This possibility therefore also exists in the case of serious damage to property.<br\/>In practice, however, Section 37 StGB is applied <strong>more cautiously<\/strong> in the case of <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ris.bka.gv.at\/NormDokument.wxe?Abfrage=Bundesnormen&amp;Gesetzesnummer=10002296&amp;Artikel=&amp;Paragraf=126&amp;Anlage=&amp;Uebergangsrecht=\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Section 126 StGB<\/a> because the offense either covers <strong>particularly protected objects<\/strong> or <strong>significant damage<\/strong> has occurred. An application is primarily considered if the qualifying circumstance is <strong>only just met<\/strong>, the damage has been <strong>quickly compensated<\/strong>, and there is <strong>no relevant prior conviction<\/strong>.  <\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Section 43 StGB: A prison sentence can be <strong>conditionally suspended<\/strong> if it <strong>does not exceed two years<\/strong> and the offender has a <strong>positive social prognosis<\/strong>. This possibility also exists in the case of serious damage to property.<br\/>Conditional remission is granted more cautiously if <strong>particularly vulnerable items<\/strong> were affected, if there is <strong>significant material damage<\/strong>, or if the behavior was <strong>deliberate, malicious, or repeated<\/strong>. A conditional remission is realistic above all if the damage has been <strong>fully compensated<\/strong>, the perpetrator is <strong>insightful<\/strong>, and the qualification is <strong>at the lower end<\/strong>.  <\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Section 43a StGB: Partial conditional remission allows a <strong>combination<\/strong> of unconditional and conditionally suspended parts of the sentence. It is possible for sentences <strong>over six months and up to two years<\/strong>.<br\/>In the case of serious damage to property, Section 43a StGB can therefore be of <strong>practical significance<\/strong>, in particular if the sentence commensurate with the guilt lies <strong>between six months and two years<\/strong> due to the amount of damage or the special protection required. In particularly serious cases with sentences <strong>of more than two years<\/strong>, for example in the case of damage of more than \u20ac300,000, Section 43a StGB is not applicable.  <\/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 StGB:<\/a> The court may issue <strong>instructions<\/strong> and order <strong>probation assistance<\/strong>. These often concern <strong>compensation for damages<\/strong>, the <strong>avoidance of further conflicts<\/strong>, or programmatic measures such as behavioral training. The aim is to compensate for the <strong>damage incurred<\/strong> and to ensure that the perpetrator <strong>refrains from similar actions in the future<\/strong>.  <\/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\">Due to the <strong>higher penalty threat<\/strong>, the <strong>Regional Court as a single judge<\/strong> is generally responsible for <strong>serious damage to property<\/strong>. According to the statutory rule, offenses with a possible prison sentence of up to six months or a fine of comparable magnitude fall within the first-instance jurisdiction of the District Courts. <\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">However, since serious damage to property provides for <strong>a significantly higher penalty framework<\/strong>, there is reason to involve the <strong>Regional Court as a single judge<\/strong>. A lay judge court is not an option because a significantly higher penalty threat would have to be provided for this. <\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A jury court is not an option, as no particularly severe penalties are available in this area of offenses.<\/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\">Appeals against judgments of the <strong>Regional Court as a single judge<\/strong> can be lodged with the Regional Court or the Higher Regional Court, depending on the type of appeal. The Regional Court decides as a court of appeal on guilt, sentence, and costs. <\/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 the case of serious damage to property, the injured party can assert their civil law claims directly in the criminal proceedings as a private party. Since the offense constitutes an encroachment on the ownership or usability of an item, the claims relate in particular to <strong>repair costs, replacement costs, reduction in value, cleaning costs, loss of use<\/strong>, as well as other pecuniary damages caused by the damage.<br\/>Depending on the case, <strong>significant consequential costs<\/strong> can also be claimed, in particular if a <strong>particularly protected item<\/strong> was affected or <strong>high economic damage<\/strong> has occurred. <\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The private party connection suspends the statute of limitations for all claims asserted as long as the criminal proceedings are pending. The limitation period only continues after a legally binding conclusion, insofar as the damage has not been fully awarded. <\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Voluntary compensation, such as the assumption of repair costs, a complete settlement of damages, or a credible effort to compensate, can have a mitigating effect on the sentence, provided that it is carried out <strong>in a timely and complete manner<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">However, if the perpetrator acted <strong>systematically<\/strong>, <strong>repeatedly<\/strong>, or in a way that led to a <strong>significant amount of damage<\/strong> or to the damage of a <strong>particularly vulnerable item<\/strong>, a subsequent compensation for damages usually loses a large part of its mitigating effect.<br\/>In such constellations, a subsequent settlement only partially compensates for the injustice of the act.<\/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 a person is considered an accused and can claim all rights of the accused. Since serious damage to property is an ex officio offense, the police and the public prosecutor&#8217;s office initiate the proceedings <strong>ex officio<\/strong> as soon as there is a corresponding suspicion. A special declaration by 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\">Serious damage to property under <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ris.bka.gv.at\/NormDokument.wxe?Abfrage=Bundesnormen&amp;Gesetzesnummer=10002296&amp;Artikel=&amp;Paragraf=126&amp;Anlage=&amp;Uebergangsrecht=\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Section 126 StGB<\/a> concerns encroachments on third-party property that either affect <strong>particularly protected objects<\/strong> or cause <strong>significant damage exceeding \u20ac5,000<\/strong>. The legal assessment depends heavily on the <strong>amount of damage<\/strong>, the <strong>vulnerability of the item<\/strong>, the <strong>intent<\/strong>, and the <strong>evidence situation<\/strong>. Small deviations in the facts can decide here on <strong>indictment<\/strong>, <strong>diversion<\/strong>, or <strong>acquittal<\/strong>.  <\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Early legal support ensures that <strong>evidence is properly secured<\/strong>, the <strong>damage is correctly determined<\/strong>, and exculpatory circumstances are processed in a <strong>legally usable<\/strong> manner. A precise legal analysis is crucial, especially in the case of high amounts of damage or particularly protected objects. <\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Our law firm<\/strong><\/p>\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>carefully examines<\/strong> whether there is actually qualified serious damage to property and whether the alleged damage or the special protection required is legally sustainable.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>analyzes<\/strong> the evidence, in particular intent, alternative sequences, technical reports, and possible gaps in the evidence.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>protects<\/strong> against one-sided or excessive representations by critically questioning the assessment of the damage and the involvement in the act.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>develops<\/strong> a clear defense strategy that fully captures the actual sequence of events and classifies it legally accurately.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">As a representation specializing in criminal law, we ensure that the accusation of serious damage to property is examined <strong>thoroughly<\/strong>, <strong>objectively<\/strong>, and <strong>without legal errors<\/strong> and that the proceedings are conducted on a <strong>solid factual basis<\/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\">\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-126 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\\\/aggravated-criminal-damage-to-property\\\/\",\"mainEntity\":[{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"name\":\"When does serious damage to property under Section 126 StGB exist?\",\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"Serious damage to property exists if a third-party item is intentionally impaired and, in addition, a legally defined qualifying circumstance is met. This may be the case if a particularly protected item is affected or if the damage caused exceeds the value limit of 5,000 euros. For damage exceeding 300,000 euros, the increased penalty framework of paragraph 2 applies.  \"}},{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"name\":\"Which objects are considered particularly protected?\",\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"Particularly protected are, for example, monuments, graves, religiously dedicated objects, as well as objects with scientific, artistic, or historical value. Parts of the critical infrastructure are also included if their impairment endangers public interests. The decisive factor is the objective importance of the object and not the personal assessment of the perpetrator.  \"}},{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"name\":\"Is minor damage sufficient for a qualification?\",\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"Minor damage is not sufficient to qualify the offense. The qualification only applies if a particularly protected item is affected or if the economic damage exceeds the statutory value limit of 5,000 euros. Only from this amount is the act classified as serious damage to property. For damage exceeding 300,000 euros, a significantly stricter penalty framework applies.   \"}},{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"name\":\"Is diversion possible in the case of serious damage to property?\",\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"Diversion is possible, but only in narrowly limited cases. It is considered if the qualifying circumstance is only just met, the damage has been quickly compensated, and there are no serious accompanying circumstances. The higher the damage or the more protected the item, the more unlikely a diversionary solution is. In many cases, the public interest in a judicial decision outweighs.   \"}},{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"name\":\"What penalty is threatened in the case of serious damage to property?\",\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"In the event of damage exceeding 5,000 euros or in the event of damage to particularly protected items, a prison sentence of up to two years is threatened. If the damage exceeds 300,000 euros, the penalty threat is six months to five years. Depending on the case, mitigating or aggravating circumstances can influence the sentence. Fines are possible, but are imposed cautiously in practice.   \"}},{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"name\":\"How should you behave if you receive a summons as an accused?\",\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"You should not make a statement before your defense has inspected the files. Secure all relevant evidence and avoid any contact with the opposing party. Document important processes and remain calm. Early legal support significantly improves the chances of strategically controlling the proceedings and avoiding incriminating errors.   \"}}]}<\/script><div class=\"wp-block-uagb-faq-child uagb-faq-child__outer-wrap uagb-faq-item uagb-block-126-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\">When does serious damage to property under Section 126 StGB exist?<\/span><\/div><div class=\"uagb-faq-content\"><p>Serious damage to property exists if a third-party item is intentionally impaired and, in addition, a legally defined qualifying circumstance is met. This may be the case if a particularly protected item is affected or if the damage caused exceeds the value limit of 5,000 euros. For damage exceeding 300,000 euros, the increased penalty framework of paragraph 2 applies.  <\/p><\/div><\/div><div class=\"wp-block-uagb-faq-child uagb-faq-child__outer-wrap uagb-faq-item uagb-block-126-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\">Which objects are considered particularly protected?<\/span><\/div><div class=\"uagb-faq-content\"><p>Particularly protected are, for example, monuments, graves, religiously dedicated objects, as well as objects with scientific, artistic, or historical value. Parts of the critical infrastructure are also included if their impairment endangers public interests. The decisive factor is the objective importance of the object and not the personal assessment of the perpetrator.  <\/p><\/div><\/div><div class=\"wp-block-uagb-faq-child uagb-faq-child__outer-wrap uagb-faq-item uagb-block-126-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\">Is minor damage sufficient for a qualification?<\/span><\/div><div class=\"uagb-faq-content\"><p>Minor damage is not sufficient to qualify the offense. The qualification only applies if a particularly protected item is affected or if the economic damage exceeds the statutory value limit of 5,000 euros. Only from this amount is the act classified as serious damage to property. For damage exceeding 300,000 euros, a significantly stricter penalty framework applies.   <\/p><\/div><\/div><div class=\"wp-block-uagb-faq-child uagb-faq-child__outer-wrap uagb-faq-item uagb-block-126-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\">Is diversion possible in the case of serious damage to property?<\/span><\/div><div class=\"uagb-faq-content\"><p>Diversion is possible, but only in narrowly limited cases. It is considered if the qualifying circumstance is only just met, the damage has been quickly compensated, and there are no serious accompanying circumstances. The higher the damage or the more protected the item, the more unlikely a diversionary solution is. In many cases, the public interest in a judicial decision outweighs.   <\/p><\/div><\/div><div class=\"wp-block-uagb-faq-child uagb-faq-child__outer-wrap uagb-faq-item uagb-block-126-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\">What penalty is threatened in the case of serious damage to property?<\/span><\/div><div class=\"uagb-faq-content\"><p>In the event of damage exceeding 5,000 euros or in the event of damage to particularly protected items, a prison sentence of up to two years is threatened. If the damage exceeds 300,000 euros, the penalty threat is six months to five years. Depending on the case, mitigating or aggravating circumstances can influence the sentence. Fines are possible, but are imposed cautiously in practice.   <\/p><\/div><\/div><div class=\"wp-block-uagb-faq-child uagb-faq-child__outer-wrap uagb-faq-item uagb-block-126-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 you behave if you receive a summons as an accused?<\/span><\/div><div class=\"uagb-faq-content\"><p>You should not make a statement before your defense has inspected the files. Secure all relevant evidence and avoid any contact with the opposing party. Document important processes and remain calm. Early legal support significantly improves the chances of strategically controlling the proceedings and avoiding incriminating errors.   <\/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":"Aggravated criminal damage to property Aggravated criminal damage to property exists if a deliberate impairment of someone else&#8217;s property also fulfills a qualification criterion, such as special protection of the &#8230;","protected":false},"author":25,"featured_media":97002,"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-97172","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\/\u00a7126-Schwere-Sachbeschaedigung.webp",1920,1080,false],"thumbnail":["https:\/\/harlander-partner.eu\/wp-content\/uploads\/\u00a7126-Schwere-Sachbeschaedigung-100x100.webp",100,100,true],"medium":["https:\/\/harlander-partner.eu\/wp-content\/uploads\/\u00a7126-Schwere-Sachbeschaedigung-800x450.webp",800,450,true],"medium_large":["https:\/\/harlander-partner.eu\/wp-content\/uploads\/\u00a7126-Schwere-Sachbeschaedigung.webp",1920,1080,false],"large":["https:\/\/harlander-partner.eu\/wp-content\/uploads\/\u00a7126-Schwere-Sachbeschaedigung.webp",1920,1080,false],"1536x1536":["https:\/\/harlander-partner.eu\/wp-content\/uploads\/\u00a7126-Schwere-Sachbeschaedigung.webp",1536,864,false],"2048x2048":["https:\/\/harlander-partner.eu\/wp-content\/uploads\/\u00a7126-Schwere-Sachbeschaedigung.webp",1920,1080,false],"336x":["https:\/\/harlander-partner.eu\/wp-content\/uploads\/\u00a7126-Schwere-Sachbeschaedigung-336x189.webp",336,189,true],"352x":["https:\/\/harlander-partner.eu\/wp-content\/uploads\/\u00a7126-Schwere-Sachbeschaedigung-352x198.webp",352,198,true],"woocommerce_thumbnail":["https:\/\/harlander-partner.eu\/wp-content\/uploads\/\u00a7126-Schwere-Sachbeschaedigung-300x300.webp",300,300,true],"woocommerce_single":["https:\/\/harlander-partner.eu\/wp-content\/uploads\/\u00a7126-Schwere-Sachbeschaedigung-600x338.webp",600,338,true],"woocommerce_gallery_thumbnail":["https:\/\/harlander-partner.eu\/wp-content\/uploads\/\u00a7126-Schwere-Sachbeschaedigung-100x100.webp",100,100,true],"yarpp-thumbnail":["https:\/\/harlander-partner.eu\/wp-content\/uploads\/\u00a7126-Schwere-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":"Aggravated criminal damage to property Aggravated criminal damage to property exists if a deliberate impairment of someone else&#8217;s property also fulfills a qualification criterion, such as special protection of the ...","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/harlander-partner.eu\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/97172","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=97172"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/harlander-partner.eu\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/97172\/revisions"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/harlander-partner.eu\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/40715"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/harlander-partner.eu\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=97172"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/harlander-partner.eu\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=97172"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/harlander-partner.eu\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=97172"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}