Legal consequences and how to get away with this?

Question

I'm writing a novel, and I was wondering how the main character would get away with a crime she commits halfway through the story.

She doesn't hurt or kill anyone. Instead, she blows up a very expensive, pimped-out luxury car (belonging to another character) in the middle of the night, then completely demolishes any remains.

Also, if she does get caught (still debating whether or not she should) what penalties/prison time/fines she could face.

It's not the big "event", it's just one of the things that happens in the story.

Answer 1

misdirection is the easiest way to be eliminated as a suspect

Answer 2

Destruction of property (of that value) is generally a lesser felony -- subject to a few years in prison and monetary fines based on the value of the property and costs of prosecution.

As for "getting away with it" at trial -- two approaches: either prevent the trial by making sure there is no evidence, or discredit any witnesses. The latter is standard trial practice technique, and the former is itself further criminal behavior which could be seperately prosecuted.

Answer 3

Getting away with it. Being pimped out that it is, the police will suspect gang activity, or rival drug dealers involvement. Unless she is suspected by the victim, the police would not suspect her. When a car is exploded or burned, there is very little physical evidence to link a suspect. Her only chance of being caught would be that someone told on her, or she is caught in the act.

Charges. Destruction of property - felony, arson, ???

Answer 4

I would NOT read this book if blowing up a car is the big "event"

Answer 5

Depends on the owner of the car, and how much lawyer she can afford.

Answer 6

she knows an inside that "looses" the evidence against her, or perhaps someone in the jury knows her and she gets off becuase of that secret connection....