Though restitution and fines both involve financial costs imposed on a defendant, there is a difference between the two. Typically, the penalties range from fines and/or probation to incarceration.įirst Degree Class C Felony 10 years $10,000 Second Degree Class D Felony 5 years $7,500 Third Degree Aggravated Misdemeanor 2 years $6,250 Fourth Degree Serious Misdemeanor 1 year $1,875 Fifth Degree Simple Misdemeanor 30 days $625Īlong with the penalties for criminal mischief listed above, the courts often order restitution.

It is also contingent on the level or degree of the offense which the state’s statutes determine. The penalties for criminal mischief depend on whether it classifies as a misdemeanor or felony offense. The following table is an example of criminal mischief classifications according to state law:Ĭategory First Degree $10,000 Class C Felony Second Degree $1,000 – $10,000 Class D Felony Third Degree $500 – $1,000 Aggravated Misdemeanor Fourth Degree $200 – $500 Serious Misdemeanor Fifth Degree $0 – $200 Simple Misdemeanor Penalties for Criminal Mischief The degrees of criminal mischief each carry specific penalties as outlined in state criminal codes. Most states further divide the two classifications into subcategories, with first-degree being the most serious. The laws governing the offense differ by state, however, all classify the crime as a misdemeanor or felony, depending on the value of damage.

Tampering with a grave Degrees of Criminal Mischief.

Tampering with an emergency exit or alarm.

Introducing a virus into someone’s computer.

Graffiti on buildings, property, or vehicles.

Other types of criminal mischief include: Common criminal mischief examples including removal of paint on a vehicle, or breaking a window on a home or business.

The meaning of mischief