Criminal mischief is defined as what?

• A. Theft
• B. Will and malicious destruction of property belonging to another
• C. Burglary
• D. Fraud

Answer: (B)

Criminal mischief involves intentionally destroying or damaging someone else’s property. The key element is that the act is willful and malicious and targets property that belongs to another person. This covers acts like vandalism, graffiti, breaking windows, or tampering with property in a way that harms its value or usefulness. Accidental damage doesn’t meet this definition, because the harm isn’t intentional.

This differs from theft, which is taking someone’s property; burglary, which is unlawful entry to commit a crime inside; and fraud, which involves deceiving someone to obtain property or money.