Finally, you can be charged with this crime even if you have simply encouraged someone else to commit an act of malicious mischief. This is known as “restitution,” and it will be officially mandated by the court. The same $10,000 fine applies in both of these cases.Īside from paying fines and spending time in prison, you will also likely be ordered to pay for the replacement or repair of the property you have vandalized.

If the property is worth $25,000 or more, the maximum prison sentence is increased once again to a maximum of 20 years.

If the property is worth $5,000 or more, the maximum prison sentence is increased to 10 years. You may spend up to five years in prison, and you could be fined up to $10,000. If your crime involves property that is worth more than $1,000, you will face a felony. However, this is still a serious offense, and you may face a fine of up to $1,000 and a prison sentence of 12 months. If you destroy, disfigure, or injure property with a value of $1,000 or less, you will only be charged with a misdemeanor. The value of the property you have vandalized determines whether or not you will be charged with a felony. When Does Malicious Mischief Become a Felony? These experts can use a range of different strategies to help you mitigate or completely avoid the consequences of your actions.Īccording to Mississippi law, you are guilty of malicious mischief if you “maliciously or mischievously destroy, disfigure, or injure, or cause to be destroyed, disfigured, or injured, any property of another, either real or personal.”Įssentially, malicious mischief is simply another word for vandalism. Team up with a skilled lawyer, and you will have a much better chance of achieving a positive legal outcome.

If you have been charged with malicious mischief or any other crime in the state of Mississippi, it makes sense to consult with a qualified, experienced criminal defense attorney as soon as possible. However, this can happen, and it is important to understand the potential legal consequences of “malicious mischief.” With these factors in mind, it might seem unthinkable that vandalism could potentially be classified as a felony in Mississippi. In most cases, property owners even have insurance policies that can cover their losses. You are not actually hurting anyone, and destroyed or damaged property can be replaced. At first, it might seem like vandalism is a relatively innocent crime.

Malicious mischief