Whether it’s a momentary lapse in judgment or a misunderstanding, the consequences of facing criminal mischief charges can be severe, affecting your reputation, freedom, and future. Texas laws define this crime as intentionally or knowingly damaging, destroying, or tampering with another’s property. This broad definition covers a wide range of damage, from minor acts like breaking a window to more severe types of damage like arson.
Depending on the type of damage and the range of damage caused, potential charges can escalate from misdemeanor charges into felony offenses. The potential penalties are significant, including hefty fines, community service, and even jail time. These consequences can lead to a permanent criminal record that follows you for the rest of your life.
The penalties for child abuse in Texas can range from a fine and up to 99 years in prison, on top of severe damage to your reputation. Potentially, even worse, if you are accused of abusing your own child, you may lose custody. This is not something you can risk to face on your own. At M|C Criminal Law, we have experience from both sides of the aisle, as both prosecutors and defense attorneys. We know what the best defense is in your situation.
| Damage Amount | Severity of Offense | Penalties |
| Less than $100 | Misdemeanor offense | Fine for monetary damages |
| $100 - $2,500 | Class B misdemeanor offense | Up to 180 days in jail |
| $2,500 - $30,000 | State jail felony offense | Significant jail time |
| Over $30,000 | First-degree felony offense | Lengthy prison sentence |
When accused of damaging property in Texas, whether it’s tangible property like a car or a building or even less typical offenses such as graffiti, you need a criminal mischief lawyer who understands criminal mischief law and the types of situations that can arise from such criminal charges. The M|C Criminal Law team specializes in these cases and knows how to challenge the evidence, negotiate with prosecutors, and fight for the best possible outcome.
Criminal mischief misdemeanors involve less severe offenses, typically resulting in fines or short jail sentences. However, a conviction can still have lasting consequences on your record. See how we can defend against these charges.
Criminal mischief felonies are serious charges that can lead to significant prison time and heavy fines. Understanding your legal options is crucial to defending your rights. Discover how our criminal attorneys can help protect your future.
At M|C Criminal Law, our experienced defense attorneys are committed to providing you with a robust yet compassionate defense. We recognize that criminal mischief offenses often arise from non-threatening situations, misunderstandings, or minor disputes that unnecessarily escalate into property crimes. We approach each case with empathy and dedication, ensuring that your side of the story is heard and understood.
With experienced criminal defense attorneys who have successfully handled a variety of criminal mischief crimes in your corner, you’ll have all the support and expertise needed to navigate the legal complexities of Texas law.
Don’t let a criminal mischief charge ruin your life. With the right legal representation, you can fight back. All you need is a skilled criminal mischief Texas lawyer who will stand by your side and defend your rights every step of the way.
Kendall is an extraordinary attorney with great legal knowledge, experience, common sense and judgement. The quality of Kendall’s character is equally outstanding. He deeply cares about his clients and doing the very best for them. Kendall was an invaluable counsel and resource in in our difficult domestic child abuse case. I am honored to know
Messina Madson is the greatest!! She not only knows the law in and out, but truly cares for her clients. Messina was up front and honest about everything happening throughout my case. I spoke to Messina for the first time while I was in jail and thought I had zero chance of getting out on
My loved one had a very serious charge, and I wanted to do everything I could to make sure he got the best outcome possible. After almost a year, the plea deal stayed the same, and I was frustrated. Also getting his bond reduced was denied over and over. Someone I work with told me
When I first learned I needed a defense lawyer for some very serious charges I was lost and scared, and feared the worst. I saw my life spinning out of control with the possibility of losing everything and even jail. I had never needed a lawyer and didn’t know who to turn to. Kendall Castello
Hear it straight from the legal experts
Criminal mischief is taken seriously in Texas and can lead to severe consequences depending on the extent of the damage. Penalties range from minor fines for small-scale damage to lengthy prison sentences for more significant offenses, especially if the damage qualifies as a felony. A conviction can result in a permanent criminal record, impacting your future opportunities.
The penalty for criminal mischief in Texas varies depending on the amount of damage caused. For minor damage (less than $100), it’s a Class C misdemeanor, punishable by a fine. As the damage increases, the penalties escalate – ranging from a Class B misdemeanor (up to 180 days in jail) to a state jail felony or even a first-degree felony for damage exceeding $300,000, which could result in significant prison time.
In Texas, property damage becomes a felony when the value of the damage exceeds $2,500. Specifically, damage between $2,500 and $30,000 is classified as a state jail felony, while damage over $30,000 can lead to more severe felony charges, with higher fines and longer prison sentences.
Reckless damage or destruction in Texas refers to damaging someone else’s property without intent but through reckless behavior. This offense is typically charged as a Class C misdemeanor, which may result in a fine. However, if the damage is significant or if the reckless behavior poses a danger to others, more severe charges could apply. If there is intent to damage, the offense is classified as criminal mischief.
In Texas, property crimes include offenses that involve damaging, destroying, or unlawfully taking someone else’s property. This includes criminal mischief, burglary, theft, arson, and vandalism. Property crimes can be charged as misdemeanors or felonies depending on the value of the property involved and the nature of the offense.
