Criminal mischief crimes in Dallas generally involve any type of damage of property, including alteration, destruction, and defacement. Offenses commonly associated with criminal damage can include vandalism, graffiti, and even arson.
Although criminal mischief may seem like a minor offense, it has the potential to endanger other people and interfere with public utilities or critical infrastructures. Therefore, it is taken seriously in Texas and can result in a misdemeanor or felony conviction. If you have been charged with criminal mischief in the Dallas / Fort Worth metroplex, it is essential to contact an experienced criminal attorney to create your best legal defense.
Criminal Mischief Defense Lawyer in Irving, Dallas, Carrolton, Richardson, TX
If you have been charged with a criminal mischief offense contact the Law Offices of Richard C. McConathy today at (972) 233-5700 for a consultation about your alleged offense in Irving, Dallas, Carrolton, Richardson, and surrounding areas of Dallas County, Texas.
Richard McConathy is a criminal defense attorney in Dallas, Texas, who is knowledgeable in all areas of Texas’ property crime laws and will make every effort to fight the allegations against you.
Criminal Mischief in Dallas
An individual can be charged with criminal mischief in Dallas under Tex. Penal Code § 28.03 if they engage in any of the following conduct without the consent of the property owner:
- Intentionally or knowingly damage or destroy tangible property that belongs to another person;
- Cause a financial loss or substantial inconvenience to the owner or another person of tangible property by intentionally or knowingly tampering with the property;
- Intentionally or knowingly mark, draw, paint, inscribe on, or mark a slogan on the tangible property that belongs to another person.
Tangible property is any type of personal or real property that can be touched or is moveable. For example, furniture, a home, a car, clothing, electronics, and appliances are tangible property. A copyright, checking account, deed, mortgage, or stock certificate are examples of intangible property.
Dallas Penalties for Criminal Mischief
The penalties for Dallas criminal mischief offense are defined in Chapter 12 of the Texas Penal Code. A conviction for a criminal mischief offense can range from simple misdemeanors to serious felony offenses depending on the value of property damage or destruction.
Charges can result in a Class C misdemeanor conviction if the amount of financial loss is less than $50, or it causes substantial inconvenience to another person. This degree of offense can result in a fine of up to $500.
Charges can result in a Class B misdemeanor conviction if the amount of financial loss is less than $500 but $50 or more. This degree of offense can result in a jail sentence of up to 180 days and/or a fine of up to $2,000.
Charges can result in a class A misdemeanor conviction if the amount of financial loss is less than $1,500 but at least $500, or the alleged offender causes impairment or interruption of any public water supply. This degree of offense can result in a jail sentence of up to one year and/or a fine of up to $4,000.
Charges can result in a state jail felony conviction if the amount of financial loss is:
- Less than $20,000 but $1,500 or more;
- Less than $1,500, but a home or habitation was damaged or destroyed through the use of a firearm or explosive weapon;
- Less than $1,500, but a fence used to contain livestock, game animals, or poultry were destroyed or damaged; or
- Less than $20,000, but the alleged offender caused public communications, transportation, gas power supply, or any other public service to be impaired or interrupted.
This degree of offense can result in a jail sentence ranging from 180 days to two years and/or a fine of up to $10,000.
Charges can result in a felony of the third-degree conviction if the amount of financial loss is less than $100,000 but at least $20,000. This degree of offense can result in a prison sentence ranging from two to ten years and/or a fine up to $10,000.
Charges can result in a felony of second-degree conviction if the amount of financial loss is less than $200,000 but $100,000 or more. This degree of offense can result in a prison sentence ranging from two to 20 years and/or a fine up to $10,000.
Charges can result in a felony of the first-degree conviction if the amount of financial loss is $200,000 or more. This degree of offense can result in a prison sentence ranging from five to 99 years or life imprisonment and/or a fine up to $10,000.
Find A Dallas County Defense Attorney for Criminal Mischief Charges | Law Offices of Richard C. McConathy
Contact [firm] today for a consultation about your alleged criminal mischief offense throughout Dallas County in Texas. Richard McConathy is an experienced Dallas property crime defense lawyer who will make every effort to help you avoid the most serious penalties and repercussions to your alleged offense.
Contact our office today at (972) 233-5700 for a consultation about your alleged offense in Irving, Dallas, Carrolton, Richardson, and surrounding areas of Dallas County, Texas.