Have you, a friend, or a loved one been charged with criminal mischief  in Houston, TX? You should contact a criminal mischief lawyer in Houston, TX to help you fight the case.

The Severity of the Charge Depends on Amount of the Damages

In Texas, a person can be charged with criminal mischief for intentionally causing damage or destruction to another’s property without the effective consent of the owner. Criminal mischief can also be charged for tampering with someone else’s property causing them to lose money or causing a substantial inconvenience to that person or a third party. There are other ways that someone could be charged with criminal mischief, however, these are the most common.  Whether the case is filed as a misdemeanor or felony, depends largely on the fair market value of damages or loss caused by such an allegation. These are the punishment ranges according to the Texas Penal Code.

• Class C Misdemeanor – Less than $100.00
• Class B Misdemeanor – $100 – $750.00
• Class A Misdemeanor – $750.00 – $2,500.00
• State Jail Felony – $2,500.00 – $30,000.00
• 3rd Degree Felony – $30,000.00 – $150,000.00
• 2nd Degree Felony – $150,000.00 – $300,000.00
• 1st Degree Felony – $300,000.00 or more

If you or your loved one in Houston has been charged with criminal mischief, you should contact an experienced Houston criminal defense lawyer before making any statements to police, investigators, or anyone about the facts of the case. These statements will likely be recorded and used by the government in prosecuting the case.