The crime of criminal mischief always seems to pop up in those odd “clickbait” news stories that somehow find their way into our Internet news feeds. Articles with headlines like “Police: Blair County man in underwear hides in basement, claims to be a bomb,” “Thorsby man arrested for climbing into ceiling of Pennsylvania restaurant,” or “Lancaster County man charged with indecent exposure after removing clothes and jumping into a bagged ice freezer” all share one charge in common: criminal mischief.

A Very Broad Statute That Covers Many Criminal Acts

One reason for this is that Pennsylvania's criminal mischief statute is very broad, covering a wide range of actions. You can be charged with criminal mischief for intentionally damaging someone else's real property (such as their home) or personal property (such as their car). Graffiti-tagging anything – someone's wall, a bridge, even a dumpster – can be charged as criminal mischief. Even shooting a paintball gun at almost any “personal, private, or public property” can result in a criminal mischief charge.

Penalties for Criminal Mischief in Pennsylvania

If you do enough damage (more than $5000), a criminal mischief conviction in Pennsylvania can be a third-degree felony. It's also a third-degree felony if you cause a “substantial interruption or impairment” of a variety of public services such as communications (phone or cable lines, for example) or water, gas, or electric service. And a conviction for a third-degree felony can result in a 7-year prison sentence, a $15,000 fine, and the life-long burden of having a felony conviction on your record.

Intentionally cause more than $1000 in damage, and your criminal mischief charge can result in a second-degree misdemeanor conviction. While less serious than a felony, you could still find yourself sentenced to two years in prison and ordered to pay a $5000 fine.

If your actions intentionally cause more than $500 in damage, or $150 in the case of graffiti, you can end up with a third-degree misdemeanor conviction and one year in jail. Lesser amounts of damage can result in a conviction for a summary offense, which can still carry a 90-day jail sentence and a $300 fine.

You Need to Take Criminal Mischief Charges Seriously

If you've been charged with criminal mischief, don't make the mistake of taking it lightly. A conviction can cost you thousands of dollars, months, or years of your life and leave you with the stigma of a criminal record. You need the help of an experienced criminal defense attorney who understands the law, the criminal process, and how the court system works in Pennsylvania. The LLF Law Firm Criminal Defense Team has been helping defendants charged with criminal mischief in Pennsylvania for years. They will help you understand the charges filed against you, will be your advocate in negotiations and discussions with prosecutors, and will fight for your rights throughout the entire process, including, if necessary, at trial.

Don't try to face a criminal mischief charge by yourself! Get the experienced criminal defense help that you need by calling us today at 888.535.3686 or by using the LLF Law Firm Criminal Defense Team's online link to set up a confidential consultation.