Texas law defines several situations as criminal mischief. What starts out as a fun night with friends may end up in a conviction for an individual that is not aware of state law. Under Texas criminal law, you may be arrested for criminal mischief if there is reason to believe that you had a part in one of three things:
- Damaged another individual’s property knowingly or intentionally.
- Tampered with another’s property intentionally or knowingly, causing substantial inconvenience or loss.
- Making graffiti, inscriptions, drawings or marks on the property of another.
Unfortunately, several of these things are commonly done by teenagers with little to no understanding of the seriousness of committing a crime. Without the help of a defense attorney, many find themselves in serious trouble when their bad decisions catch up with them.
Juveniles and the Capacity for Crime
Laws are defined in such a way to protect juveniles from prosecution for something they may not understand is wrong. If the individual lacks the mental capacity to understand the consequences that may come from their actions, they may be treated differently in court.
Over time, the age limit for juvenile crimes has wavered and changed, and often depends on the state. In certain cases, prosecutors are able to prove that the child understood their actions and consequences regardless of their age. These cases have changed the trend for juvenile crimes and require for young children and teenagers to be more aware of their rights when they are arrested.
Trending: Accountability
Over time, the legal system’s view of juvenile crimes has hardened and become stricter. Juveniles are regularly facing serious charges and sentences for crimes they may not fully understand.
Juvenile courts were created with the express purpose of ensuring that children were not treated as or subjected to the same sentences as adults. Over the last two decades, many younger children have been tried as adults in court because of the violent nature or seriousness of their crimes.
Where to Turn
Although breaking a neighbor’s window or tagging the freeway wall may not seem like a big deal, charges of criminal mischief can seriously affect your future. An adult record may stop you from getting into college or getting that dream job you want.
Fortunately, you do have options when you are facing the consequences of a bad decision. The defense attorneys at Mark Morales & Associates, P.C. are well versed in the complexities of criminal mischief in Texas and how the juvenile courts are run. With the right attorney in your corner, you don’t have to gamble with your future.
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