What is malicious mischief, you ask? Malicious Mischief is a crime that is committed when someone knowingly and maliciously causes physical damage to the property of another. It comes in three degrees, which is often based on the value of the property destroyed. For example, first degree malicious mischief happens when the damage exceeds five thousand dollars. First degree malicious mischief is a Class B felony. It also includes acts that: (a) cause an interruption or impairment of service rendered to the public by physically damaging or tampering with an emergency vehicle or property of the state, a political subdivision thereof, or a public utility or mode of public transportation, power, or communication; (b) cause an impairment of the safety, efficiency, or operation of an aircraft by physically damaging or tampering with the aircraft or aircraft equipment, fuel, lubricant, or parts; or (c) cause an interruption or impairment of service rendered to the public by, without lawful authority, physically damaging, destroying, or removing an official ballot deposit box or ballot drop box or, without lawful authority, damaging, destroying, removing, or tampering with the contents thereof. Malicious mischief in the second degree is a Class C felony and includes damage to the property of another in an amount exceeding seven hundred fifty dollars. Finally, malicious mischief in the third degree is a gross misdemeanor and includes acts that are done knowingly and maliciously that cause physical damage to the property of another, under circumstances not amounting to malicious mischief in the first or second degree.
If you or a loved one is in a bind as a result of a criminal charge (malicious mischief related or otherwise), immediately contact a Seattle Criminal Attorney. A Criminal lawyer is not going to judge you and understands that everyone makes mistakes. Hiring a Seattle Criminal Lawyer to help can – at a minimum – reduce penalties and can help direct people on how to best deal with their criminal charge, and many times even get them dismissed. So, it should go without saying that someone cited for a misdemeanor or felony should hire a qualified Seattle Criminal Lawyer as soon as possible. Criminal charges can cause havoc on a person’s personal and professional life. Anyone charged with a crime in Washington State should immediately seek the assistance of a seasoned Seattle Criminal Lawyer. SQ Attorneys can be reached at (425) 359-3791 and/or (206) 441-0900.
