4 Things to Know about Criminal Mischief Crimes in Utah

Whether you destroy a valued possession of a partner in a domestic dispute or deface public property as part of a protest, you could be charged with criminal mischief. Additionally, destroying your own property for insurance money or recklessly causing a substantial interruption to structures like public utilities, health care facilities, or government operations is also considered criminal mischief.

Below are four questions you may have about criminal mischief charges in Utah. The details are summarized from the official Utah code. For the full details, see the Utah code website.

1. What is criminal mischief?

Criminal mischief is a specific type of property crime that ranges in severity from destruction of property to endangering human life. The following bullets outline the specific types of crimes that could result in criminal mischief charges.

• under circumstances not amounting to arson, damaging or destroying property with the intention of defrauding an insurer
  

• intentionally and unlawfully tampering with the property of another and recklessly endangering human life or human health or safety
  
• intentionally and unlawfully tampering with the property of another and recklessly causing or threatening a substantial interruption or impairment of any critical infrastructure (defined below)
  

• intentionally damaging, defacing, or destroying the property of another
  

• recklessly or willfully shooting or propelling a missile or other object at or against a motor vehicle, bus, airplane, boat, locomotive, train, railway car, or caboose, whether moving or standing

2. What is considered critical infrastructure?

Critical infrastructure includes many things you might think of, but there are also a few you may not. According to the Utah code, the following is considered critical infrastructure:

• information and communication systems
• financial and banking systems
• any railroads, airlines, airports, airways, highways, bridges, waterways, fixed guideways, or other transportation systems intended for the transportation of persons or property
• any public utility service, including the power, energy, and water supply systems;
• sewage and water treatment systems
• health care facilities and emergency fire, medical, and law enforcement response systems
• public health facilities and systems
• food distribution systems
• other government operations and services

3. What are the penalties for criminal mischief in Utah?

Within the Utah code, there are four specific violations with their own criminal classifications:

1. under circumstances not amounting to arson, damaging or destroying property with the intention of defrauding an insurer—third degree felony
   
2. Intentionally and unlawfully tampering with the property of another and as a result recklessly endangering human life—class A misdemeanor
   
3. Intentionally and unlawfully tampering with the property of another and as a result recklessly endangering human health or safety—class B misdemeanor
   
4. intentionally and unlawfully tampering with the property of another and as a result recklessly causing or threatening a substantial interruption or impairment of any critical infrastructure—second degree felony

Outside of those specific instances, any other criminal mischief violation will result in charges based on the value of the property that was lost:

• Conduct that causes or is intended to cause a loss of $5,000 or more in value—second degree felony
  
• Conduct that causes or is intended to cause a loss between $1,500 and $5,000 in value—third degree felony
  
• Conduct that causes or is intended to cause a loss between $500 and $1,500 in value—class A misdemeanor
  
• Conduct that causes or is intended to cause a loss of less than $500 in value—class B misdemeanor

4. Do I need a lawyer to represent my criminal mischief case?

Whether your criminal mischief charge is a misdemeanor or a felony, you deserve to have your rights protected. The expert criminal lawyers at Brown, Bradshaw & Moffat will work hard to build a strong defense and work with you to determine the best course of action for your case.

Contact us at (801) 532-5297 if you have questions about your criminal mischief charges or to get started on your defense.