A criminal mischief charge can affect your teen for the rest of their life.
Teens Arrested After Stealing, Crashing Vehicle Downtown
According to a KSAT News report, multiple teens were arrested early this morning after stealing and crashing a vehicle downtown.
Police reported the incident occurred at around 3:30 a.m. December 19th at the Agave Apartments in the 600 block of South St. Mary’s Street, not far from East César E Chávez Boulevard. Police responded to a call about criminal mischief when the teens apparently drove the stolen vehicle through the gate of the complex. The teens fled in the vehicle but crashed into two patrol cars. They then attempted to flee on foot and were caught and arrested without incident. The vehicle was discovered to be stolen, and two guns were also discovered at the scene. They were arrested on criminal mischief charges, as well as evading arrest, unlawful carry of a weapon, and unauthorized use of a vehicle.
Did You Know?
Motor vehicle theft increased 41.48% in Texas between 2018 and 2022.
Juvenile Criminal Mischief Offense in San Antonio
We all made some pretty stupid mistakes as teenagers. However, some mistakes have bigger consequences than others.
Criminal mischief rates have decreased in recent years, but it’s still a common problem among Texas youth. Texas law defines criminal mischief as:
- Damaging or destroying another person’s property purposely and without their consent,
- Tampering with another’s property, causing a loss or inconvenience without their consent,
- or intentionally marking another’s property without their consent.
The punishment for criminal mischief depends on the severity of the crime. It can range from a misdemeanor to a felony.
Consequences of Juvenile Criminal Mischief
How your teen will be punished for a criminal mischief charge will depend on how severe the damage was, usually determined by the monetary value of the damage.
Misdemeanor
Misdemeanors in Texas range in “classes” from C to A.
- Class C Misdemeanor — If the act causes significant inconvenience to another person or if the monetary damage is under $100.
- Class B Misdemeanor — If the act resulted in property damage greater than $100 but less than $750.
- Class A Misdemeanor — If the act results in damage between $750 and $2500 or if the act interferes in any way with the public water supply.
Misdemeanors can result in fines and jail time.
State Jail Felony
If the act results in damage to a home, involves a firearm or explosive, damages a public place of worship, damages a school, or interferes with a public service, it is a state jail felony. This is also the case if the damage is worth between $2500 and $30,000.
Felony Charges
- Third-Degree — if the damage costs between $30,000 and $150,000, or if cattle or horses were killed, or if the damage involved telecommunication services.
- Second-Degree — if the damage costs between $150,000 and $300,000.
- First-Degree — if the damage costs $300,000 or results in cattle contracting mad cow disease.
Felony charges almost always result in jail time and can also include hefty fines. Juvenile courts can issue the same fines to a minor as to an adult. Also, if the teen is 15 years or older, they may be tried as an adult for more severe crimes.
Is Your Teenager Facing a Criminal Mischief Charge? Call Carabin Shaw
Your child’s mistake may permanently impact their future. You need stellar legal representation if your teen is facing a criminal mischief charge in San Antonio.
Our criminal defense attorneys are dedicated to putting their clients first. Call the criminal defense team in San Antonio that cares at 800-862-1260. We look forward to serving you.
Contacting a Carabin Shaw attorney is free and does not obligate you to work with the firm.