CRIMINAL MISCHIEF LAWYER PENNSYLVANIA

Criminal mischief is often the charge associated with vandalism.  It can be defined by any of the following criteria:

•          Intentionally damaging the tangible property of another person
•          Defacing or damaging property by graffiti
•          Tampering with the property of another person to endanger a person or 
           property
•          Causing a financial loss to another by deception or threat
•          Recklessly or intentionally damaging other’s property by fired, 
           explosives or other dangerous means

Depending on the severity of the damage, different charges are applied.  If the property is valued for more than $500 dollars, it is charged as a Misdemeanor in the third degree and carries with it a sentence of up to one year in prison.  A misdemeanor in the second degree is applied when the property damaged valued one thousand to five thousand dollars and is penalized by up to two years in prison.  If the property damage is more than five thousand, the crime is charged as a felony in the third degree and can lead up to seven years in prison.  Criminal mischief, however, has different penalties depending on the status of the defendant minors may face lighter sentences that can be deferred to community service.

While most forms of Criminal Mischief (aka Vandalism) have minimal penalties at the beginning, if the value o f the property damaged is high, the penalties get considerably worse. 

Article written and edited by Lawyer Michael Kotik