Search Texas Criminal Mischief Records

Texas Criminal Mischief: Understanding the Charges and Consequences

Texas criminal mischief is a criminal offense that often involves intentional destruction, tampering, or harm to personal, business or public property. This can include vandalism, destruction, arson or a multitude of other destructive and intentional acts. Criminal mischief offense can range from minor damages, like graffiti, to much more severe damages that usually result in costly repairs or sometimes public safety that can endanger people’s lives. The resulting criminal mischief charges in Texas can vary quite a bit depending on the severity of the damage caused. 

What Is Criminal Mischief in Texas?

Criminal mischief in Texas is defined by a few categories such as: 

• When someone intentionally damages or destroys someone’s personal property, which can include their homes, vehicles or other possessions. 
• When a person intentionally tampers with another person’s property causing financial loss, repairs, or a significant inconvenience from the mischief act. 
• When someone intentionally makes markings, inscriptions, or defaces another person’s property. Vandalism and graffiti are some of the most common forms of criminal mischief in Texas. 

Criminal Mischief Charges in Texas

The penalties for criminal mischief in Texas vary quite a bit, based on the dollar amount of the damage, the type of property damaged, or the effects of the tampering of public or personal property. Here’s how Texas categorizes these criminal mischief offenses: 

• Class C Misdemeanor: When the damage amounts to less than $100. 
• Class B Misdemeanor: When damages are between $100 and $750. 
• Class A Misdemeanor: Damage is between $750 and $2,500. 
• State Jail Felony: When damages are between $2,500 and $30,000, or the crime caused a financial loss of less than $2,500 but resulted in the damages or interruptions of public services or utilities such as; water, natural gas delivery, power outages, internet services, or any other damages related to any public infrastructure. 
• Third-Degree Felony: If the damages range between $30,000 and $150,000. 
• Second-Degree Felony: If the damage is between $150,000 and $300,000. 
• First-Degree Felony: If the damage amounts to $300,000 or more. 

Texas Criminal Mischief Penalties

The penalties for criminal mischief, as stated in the Penal Code, are determined based on the value of the damage or the type of property affected: 

• Less than $100: Class C Misdemeanor 
• $100 to less than $750: Class B Misdemeanor 
• $750 to less than $2,500: Class A Misdemeanor 
• $2,500 to less than $30,000: State Jail Felony 
• $30,000 to less than $150,000: Third-Degree Felony 
• $150,000 to less than $300,000: Second-Degree Felony 
• $300,000 or more: First-Degree Felony 

There might also be special considerations for damage that causes major inconveniences or interruptions of public services, or if the damage was done to certain types of properties like churches, grave sites, public monuments, or community centers. These rulings might be a bit more subjective and can also include other criminal charges depending on the circumstances. 

Conviction of Criminal Mischief in Texas

For someone to be arrested and convicted of criminal mischief in Texas, the state or prosecution must prove beyond a reasonable doubt that the defendant knowingly and intentionally committed the act. This means that there must be sufficing evidence, such as: 

• If a witness testifies that they saw the action itself, or the person involved. 
• Video footage of the incident that clearly shows who and what happened. 
• Physical evidence, such as tools or substances used that created the damage. 
• Statements made by the defendant in which they might incriminate themselves. 

Sentencing of Criminal Mischief in Texas

Once convicted, the sentencing will align with the severity of the crime which are based on the relevant Texas penal codes: 

• Class C Misdemeanor: Fine of up to $500. 
• Class B Misdemeanor: Sentenced up to 180 days in jail and/or a fine up to $2,000. 
• Class A Misdemeanor: Sentenced to 1 year in jail and/or a fine up to $4,000. 
• State Jail Felony: Sentenced between 180 days to 2 years in a state jail and/or a fine up to $10,000. 
• Third-Degree Felony: Sentenced from 2 to 10 years in prison and a fine up to $10,000. 
• Second-Degree Felony: Sentenced from 2 to 20 years in prison and a fine up to $10,000. 
• First-Degree Felony: Sentenced 5 to 99 years (or life) in prison and a fine up to $10,000. 

The range of penalties for sentencing given out for these crimes depends on the nature of the criminal act, what evidence was presented and of course what the defendant said in court and how the courts perceived the criminal acts. If the mischief acts included extreme malice or included hate related crimes, the penalties will be much greater. The judge, or jury, will decide the severity of the sentencing. You can find information about potential sentencing from the Texas Attorney General website.

Texas Criminal Mischief Penal Codes

For more granular insights to the penal codes that are used to enforce criminal mischief, they fall under Title 7, Chapter 28, Section 28.03 of the Texas State Penal Code. This section basically defines and details the actions and charges that are associated with criminal mischief in Texas and the penalties that are assigned to each of the acts depending on the financial loss, inconvenience it creates, and any public safety related issues caused by these actions. The Texas penal codes for criminal mischief have been updated and modified over the years so it is important to check with the Texas State Legislature for the most recent updates. 

Looking Up Criminal Mischief Records in Texas

If someone wants to check a person’s criminal record in Texas for any mischief offenses, they can utilize the following methods: 

• Online Databases: The Texas Department of Public Safety has an online tool known as the Computerized Criminal History System (CCH), where anyone can run a search for Texas-based criminal records. 
• County Clerk’s Office: For local records, one can visit or contact the relevant Texas county clerk’s office where the offense occurred, such as the Harris county clerk’s office.
• Background Check Services: There are several online background check and public record services that offer criminal background checks that include Texas criminal mischief offenses. 

The Seriousness of Criminal Mischief

While some people may dismiss criminal mischief as a minor crime, especially if the damages are small, the consequences of such actions can be severe. This is especially true for repeat offenders or if the damages cause significant financial loss or create public safety issues. This can also lead to property owners feeling violated and unsafe in their homes and puts a dent in the community trust. No matter what the circumstance, it is a criminal offense that can lead to stiff penalties and even jail time.