What kinds of crimes can be charged as criminal mischief?
There are many crimes in which a person can be charged for damaging property, including. • Vandalism, Graffiti or “tagging” property • Smashing mailboxes, light fixtures, windshields, or other tangible property • Trespassing • Defacing, damaging, or destroying property owned by another person or entity (i.e., business or government) In order for the defendant to be found guilty of criminal mischief, the State must prove each of the following elements in a case beyond a reasonable doubt: The State must prove that the defendant damaged tangible property of another. To damage means to cause loss, injury or deterioration. Tangible property means real or personal property which may be felt or touched, which is visible and corporeal (physical). Property of another means that the defendant is not the owner. Reckless, Negligent, or Criminal Behavior. The State must prove that the defendant acted recklessly or negligently when they damaged the property, or that the defendant damaged property by
