How Do You Press Charges Of Criminal Mischief In Pennsylvania?
The crime of criminal mischief in Pennsylvania covers a variety of situations in which a defendant has damaged, defaced or tampered with the real or personal property of another person. If you believe that you have been the victim of criminal mischief, you may file a private criminal complaint with the local district attorney’s office. A private citizen cannot actually press charges, but by filing the complaint a citizen is asking the district attorney to do so and agreeing to cooperate with the prosecution of the defendant. Print out the Private Criminal Complaint form from the Pennsylvania Unified Judicial System website. Complete the complaint form with as much information as you have. If the defendant’s name is known to you, include his name. If not, include a description or any other identifying information that you have. Describe the crime and damage with as much detail as possible. Include the proper statute that the defendant violated — in this case 18 Pa. Cons. Stat. 3304. Fi
