Damage to a religious place or religious article over $200 constitutes which offense level?

• A. 2nd degree misdemeanor
• B. 1st degree misdemeanor
• C. 3rd degree felony
• D. Felony with prior convictions

Answer: (C)

Damage to a religious place or religious article is treated with added seriousness by the law, and the dollar threshold matters. When the damage exceeds $200, the offense becomes a third-degree felony. That level carries significant penalties—up to five years in prison and up to a $5,000 fine. This higher tier exists to deter vandalism of places of worship and sacred objects. If the damage were $200 or less, it would fall under a lower, typically misdemeanor, level. The option about a felony with prior convictions isn’t a separate category here—prior convic­tions can worsen penalties, but the base classification for damage over $200 to religious property is a third-degree felony.