Criminal mischief refers to crimes that are a) non-violent in nature and b) related to the intentional destruction of property that belongs to another person. It covers crimes such as graffiti and vandalism.
In all cases, the damage must be intentional, or the result of recklessness. You cannot be charged with criminal mischief simply because you have an accident of some kind.
While these crimes may seem mild on their surface, they can be charged as anything from a Class A misdemeanor to a class B felony. Punishment can range from 1 year in prison to 25 years in prison. Thus, you should take a criminal mischief charge as seriously as you’d take any criminal mischief charge.
Jeffery Greco is an attorney providing legal services covering Criminal Defense and Criminal Defense: White Collar and Criminal Defense: DUI / DWI.
Jeffery Greco, who practices law in New York, New York, was selected to Super Lawyers for 2020 - 2023. This peer designation is awarded only to a select number of accomplished attorneys in each state. The Super Lawyers selection process takes into account peer recognition, professional achievement in legal practice, and other cogent factors.
Prior to becoming an attorney, he studied at South Texas College of Law Houston. He graduated in 2004. After passing the bar exam, he was admitted to legal practice in 2005.
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