Criminal mischief is a Florida charge that is basically for property destruction. Florida Statutes section 806.13(1)(a) states:
A person commits the offense of criminal mischief if he or she willfully and maliciously injures or damages by any means any real or personal property belonging to another, including, but not limited to, the placement of graffiti thereon or other acts of vandalism thereto.
Penalties/Punishment for a Criminal Mischief Charge
Criminal mischief is typically a misdemeanor, unless certain conditions exist. For example, if the property damaged is a place of worship or if the dollar amount of the property damage is over $1,000, it’s a third-degree felony.
Criminal mischief is also an enhanceable offense, meaning that the penalties for a second or subsequent offense get harsher and harsher. Minors who run afoul of this law can also find themselves having their driving privileges suspended, a penalty normally reserved for drug offenders.
The Weisman Law Firm handles criminal mischief charges for people accused of crimes. The founders had the sense to establish the constitutional principles that we’re all presumed innocent until proven guilty, the burden is on the state to prove a person’s guilt beyond a reasonable doubt, and that any person accused of a crime is guaranteed effective representation. If you, a friend, or a loved one has been accused of a crime like this, feel free to contact The Weisman Law Firm for a free, confidential consultation.