Texas defines criminal mischief as damage or vandalism to another individual’s property. In addition, the offender must have intentionally or knowingly caused damage to the other individual’s property, resulting in considerable loss. The law also considers “tagging” or drawing graffiti on another person’s property as criminal mischief.

If you have been charged with criminal mischief, you may feel that it is not a profoundly serious charge and will just pay the fine. Nevertheless, all criminal charges should be taken seriously as they can stay on your permanent record and hinder your future opportunities.

What are Some Examples of Criminal Mischief?

The term criminal mischief may be misleading to some as it does not sound like a serious offense. However, crimes related to criminal mischief can be quite serious such as the following examples:

  • Discharging a firearm at an individual’s home, vehicle, or business
  • Set your vehicle on fire to get out of paying the remainder of the car loan.
  • Intentionally ruining property that you own jointly with a spouse, relative, significant other, or roommate.
  • Spray painting on public surfaces
  • Breaking car windows, headlights, or keying car paint
  • Destroying school property as part of a prank

What are the Penalties for Criminal Mischief?

The penalties for criminal mischief are based on whether the crime was committed with malice in addition to the cost of the damage. The penalties are as follows:

  • Under $100: Class C misdemeanor, punishable by a fine of up to $500
  • Between $100 and less than $750: Class B misdemeanor, punishable by a jail term of no more than 180 days and a fine of up to $2,000
  • Between $750 and less than $2,500: Class A misdemeanor, punishable by a jail sentence of not more than one year and a fine of up to $4,000
  • Between $2,500 and less than $30,000: State jail felony, punishable by a maximum jail sentence of up to two years and a fine of up to $10,000.

How Does a Criminal Mischief Conviction Affect You Long Term?

Any type of criminal conviction can be severe and cause potential problems later in life. Even a criminal mischief conviction can show up on a background check. Some other examples include the inability to:

  • Receive student loans or government assistance
  • Obtain a green card

If you are convicted of felony criminal mischief, one of the main issues that most individuals encounter is not being able to obtain employment and housing. You will also not be able to:

Attend the college or university of your choice

Own a firearm

How Can an Attorney Help Me With a Criminal Mischief Charge?

If you have been charged with criminal mischief, you need to obtain legal representation as soon as possible. Depending on your age or if this is your first offense, your defense attorney may be able to negotiate with the prosecutor and request that you receive deferred adjudication instead of probation or jail time. In addition, after a specified period of supervision is completed, it may be possible to have the charges dropped or even expunged.

For more information, contact our law offices by calling 979-779-2000 and ask to schedule a free consultation.