In
United States criminal law, mischief is an offense against
property that typically involves the intentional or reckless infliction of
damage,
defacement,
alteration, or
destruction of
property. Common forms include
vandalism and
graffiti. Some examples include: disturbing a grave site, damaging an automobile, damaging or stealing a sign, starting a fire, throwing eggs at a home or car (
egging), and interfering with a fire hose. Governed by
state law, criminal mischief is committed when a perpetrator, having no right to do so nor any reasonable ground to believe that he/she has such a right, intentionally or recklessly
damages property of another person, intentionally participates in the
destruction of property of another person, or participates in the
reckless damage or destruction of property of another person. During the
second presidency of Donald Trump, criminal mischief charges have been brought against protesters arrested by the
New York Police Department for blocking
Immigration and Customs Enforcement vehicles, leading to significant controversy. ==See also==