{"id":371306,"date":"2024-10-29T15:21:35","date_gmt":"2024-10-29T20:21:35","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/state\/alabama-law\/alabama-criminal-mischief-laws.html"},"modified":"2024-10-29T15:25:26","modified_gmt":"2024-10-29T20:25:26","slug":"alabama-criminal-mischief-laws","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/state\/alabama-law\/alabama-criminal-mischief-laws.html","title":{"rendered":"Alabama Criminal Mischief Laws"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<div class=\"wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 fl-sectionWithSidebar fl-container fl-flex fl-flex-wrap fl-gap30\">\n    \n    <div class=\"fl-page-articles fl-section-main fl-section-main-full-width\">\n        <h1 class=\"fl-no-margin-top\">Alabama Criminal Mischief Laws<\/h1>\n<section class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline\">\n    <div class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-content\">\n                    By <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/our-team\/samuel-strom-j-d\/\">Samuel Strom, J.D.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by <a\n                href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/our-team\/laura-temme-esq\/\">Laura Temme, Esq.<\/a>\n                | Last updated\n        <time>\n                            October 29, 2024\n                    <\/time>\n    <\/div>\n\n    \n    <details class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-toggle fl-gutenberg-byline-legally-reviewed\">\n        <summary>\n            <i class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n            Legally Reviewed\n        <\/summary>\n\n        <div class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-toggle-content\">\n            <p><em>This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/our-team.html\">FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/company-history\/editorial-policy.html\">our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n        <\/div>\n    <\/details>\n\n    <details class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-toggle fl-gutenberg-byline-fast-checked\">\n        <summary>\n            <i class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n            Fact-Checked\n        <\/summary>\n\n        <div class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-toggle-content\">\n            <p><em>The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/our-team\/contributing-authors.html\">contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please <a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/?fli=bylinelink\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n        <\/div>\n    <\/details>\n<\/section>\n<div class=\"fl-key-takeaways fl-mb30\" data-testid=\"fl-key-takeaways\">\n    <div class=\"fl-card-content\">\n        <div class=\"fl-card-body fl-card-bg-teal fl-flex fl-flex-column\">\n                            <h2 class=\"fl-card-title fl-h2 fl-no-margin\">Key Takeaways<\/h2>\n                        <p>Criminal mischief is an umbrella term that encompasses many different types of property damage, including vandalism. In Alabama, criminal mischief is a felony or misdemeanor, depending on the amount of damage a person causes and the method they use.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>The crime of criminal mischief is commonly referred to as &quot;vandalism.&quot; It generally encompasses offenses involving damage or defacement to real property, such as graffiti or smashed windows. Some states, like Alabama, have increased penalties for damaging specific properties like churches or other religious buildings.<\/p>\r\n<p>In Alabama, the basic elements of criminal mischief include the following:<\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li>A person intended to cause property damage<\/li>\r\n<li>They inflicted property damage<\/li>\r\n<li>They had no right to cause said property damage or had no reasonable ground to believe they had a right to do so<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<p>Under Alabama law, whether a person commits criminal mischief in the first, second, or third degree depends on the amount of damage they cause. The criminal penalties the person faces upon conviction also depend on the degree of mischief committed.<\/p>\r\n<p>For example, if the damage exceeds $2,500, a person commits criminal mischief in the first degree, a Class C felony. If the damage exceeds $500 but is less than $2,500, they commit criminal mischief in the second degree, which is generally a Class A misdemeanor. Causing less than $500 of property damage is a Class B misdemeanor.<\/p>\r\n<p>This article provides an overview of Alabama\u2019s criminal mischief laws and criminal penalties. For more general information, visit FindLaw\u2019s <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/criminal\/criminal-charges\/vandalism.html\">Vandalism<\/a> article.<\/p>\r\n<h2><b>Alabama Criminal Mischief Laws: Overview<\/b><\/h2>\r\n<p>The table below summarizes Alabama\u2019s criminal mischief laws and applicable penalties. For more information, visit the <a href=\"https:\/\/alison.legislature.state.al.us\/code-of-alabama\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Code of Alabama<\/a> or the resources listed at the end of this article.<\/p>\r\n<table>\r\n<tbody><tr><th><p><b>Code Sections<\/b><\/p>\r\n<\/th>\r\n<td><p>Code of Alabama Title 13A Criminal Code, Chapter 7, Article 2 &#8211; Criminal Damage to Property<\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li>Ala. Code \u00a7 13A-7-21 &#8211; Criminal Mischief in the First Degree<\/li>\r\n<li>Ala. Code \u00a7 13A-7-22 &#8211; Criminal Mischief in the Second Degree<\/li>\r\n<li>Ala. Code \u00a7 13A-7-23 &#8211; Criminal Mischief in the Third Degree<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr><tr><th><p><b>Criminal Mischief in the First Degree<\/b><\/p>\r\n<\/th>\r\n<td><p>A person who inflicts damage to property when they intended to do so and had no right to do so or any reasonable ground to believe they had a right to cause the damage commits the crime of criminal mischief in the first degree if:<\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li>The amount of damage exceeds $2,500 (\u00a7 13A-7-21(a)(1)), or<\/li>\r\n<li>They caused the damage using an explosion. (\u00a7 13A-7-21(a)(2))<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<p>Criminal mischief in the first degree is a Class C felony. (\u00a7 13A-7-21(b)). If convicted, they face the following penalties:<\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li>A mandatory minimum prison sentence of one year and one day in prison. (\u00a7 13A-5-6(a)(3))<\/li>\r\n<li>A maximum sentence of up to 10 years in prison. (\u00a7 13A-5-6(a)(3))<\/li>\r\n<li>A fine of up to $15,000. (\u00a7 13A-5-11(a)(3))<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr><tr><th><p><b>Criminal Mischief in the Second Degree<\/b><\/p>\r\n<\/th>\r\n<td><p>A person commits criminal mischief in the second degree if they inflict damage to property that exceeds $500 but does not exceed $2,500. The person must have intended to damage property but had no right or reasonable ground to believe they had the right to cause it. (\u00a7 13A-7-22(a))<\/p>\r\n<p>Criminal mischief in the second degree is a Class A misdemeanor. (\u00a7 13A-7-22(b)(1)). If convicted, they face up to one year of jail time and a fine of up to $6,000. (\u00a7\u00a7 13A-5-7(a)(1); 13A-5-12(a)(1)). However, see the following for possible mandatory jail sentences:<\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li>If a person has a second conviction for criminal mischief in the second degree within a five-year period and causes property damage to a religious building, they face a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 days in jail. (\u00a7 13A-7-22(b)(2))<\/li>\r\n<li>Upon a third or subsequent conviction within a five-year period involving damage to a religious building, they face a mandatory minimum sentence of at least 30 days of jail time. (\u00a7 13A-7-22(b)(2))<\/li>\r\n<li>Upon conviction for criminal mischief in the second degree involving a religious building, the court will order the defendant to pay restitution. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/criminal\/criminal-procedure\/restitution.html#\">Restitution<\/a> is a court order that the person who committed an offense pays the victim for their economic loss. Restitution generally takes priority over any other fines or costs the court may order them to pay. (\u00a7 13A-7-22(b)(3))<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr><tr><th><p><b>Criminal Mischief in the Third Degree<\/b><\/p>\r\n<\/th>\r\n<td><p>A person who commits property damage that does not exceed $500 commits criminal mischief in the third degree. They had to intend to damage property and have no right to damage, nor a reasonable ground to believe they had such a right. (\u00a7 13A-7-23(a))<\/p>\r\n<p>Criminal mischief in the third degree is a Class B misdemeanor. (\u00a7 13A-7-23(b)). They face up to six months in jail and a $3,000 fine if convicted. (\u00a7\u00a7 13A-5-7(a)(2); 13A-5-12(a)(2))<\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr><\/tbody><\/table>\r\n<p><i>Note: State laws often change due to the actions of the state legislature, higher court rulings, and other means. Consider conducting your own research or contacting an <\/i><a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/criminal-law\/alabama\/?fli=dcta\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><i>Alabama criminal defense attorney<\/i><\/a><i> to verify how these state laws might impact your unique case.<\/i><\/p>\r\n<h2><b>Related Resources<\/b><\/h2>\r\n<p>For more information related to Alabama law, criminal mischief, property damage, and related topics, visit the links below:<\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/state\/alabama-law.html\">Alabama Law<\/a><\/li>\r\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/state\/alabama-law\/alabama-criminal-laws.html\">Alabama Criminal Laws<\/a><\/li>\r\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/state\/alabama-law\/alabama-civil-statute-of-limitations-laws.html\">Alabama Civil Statute of Limitations<\/a><\/li>\r\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/state\/alabama-law\/alabama-criminal-statute-of-limitations-laws.html\">Alabama Criminal Statute of Limitations<\/a><\/li>\r\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/state\/alabama-law\/alabama-criminal-littering-law.html\">Alabama Criminal Littering Laws<\/a><\/li>\r\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/state\/alabama-law\/alabama-criminal-trespass-laws.html\">Alabama Criminal Trespass Laws<\/a><\/li>\r\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/state\/alabama-law\/alabama-domestic-violence-laws.html\">Alabama Domestic Violence Laws<\/a><\/li>\r\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/state\/alabama-law\/alabama-dui-laws.html\">Alabama DUI Laws<\/a><\/li>\r\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/state\/alabama-law\/alabama-protective-orders-laws.html\">Alabama Protective Order Laws<\/a><\/li>\r\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/criminal\/criminal-charges\/arson.html\">Arson<\/a><\/li>\r\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/criminal\/criminal-charges\/assault-and-battery-overview.html\">Assault and Battery Overview<\/a><\/li>\r\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/injury\/car-accidents\/car-accident-property-damage-claims-faq.html\">Car Accident Property Damage Claims FAQ<\/a><\/li>\r\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/family\/domestic-violence.html\">Domestic Violence Laws<\/a><\/li>\r\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/criminal\/criminal-charges.html\">Criminal Charges<\/a><\/li>\r\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/criminal.html\">Criminal Law<\/a><\/li>\r\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/criminal\/criminal-charges\/harassment.html\">Harassment<\/a><\/li>\r\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/criminal\/criminal-law-basics\/self-defense-overview.html\">Self-Defense Law: Overview<\/a><\/li>\r\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/realestate.html\">Real Estate Law<\/a><\/li>\r\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/criminal\/criminal-charges\/vandalism.html\">Vandalism<\/a><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<p>You can also visit FindLaw\u2019s <a href=\"https:\/\/caselaw.findlaw.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">U.S. Codes<\/a> section to research other states\u2019 vandalism and criminal mischief laws.<\/p>\r\n<h2><b>Facing Criminal Mischief Charges? Contact an Attorney<\/b><\/h2>\r\n<p>If law enforcement charges you with a criminal mischief charge in Alabama, you could face jail time and thousands of dollars in fines. If so, do not delay in contacting an <a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/criminal-law\/alabama\/?fli=dcta\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Alabama criminal defense lawyer<\/a>. Their legal advice and representation could make a significant difference in your criminal case. Visit FindLaw\u2019s <a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">attorney directory<\/a> to find an experienced lawyer near you.<\/p>\r\n<div class=\"was-this-helpful\">\n    <div\n            class=\"was-this-helpful__question-container\"\n            aria-labelledby=\"was-this-helpful__question\"\n            role=\"group\"\n    >\n        <span\n                id=\"was-this-helpful__question\"\n                class=\"was-this-helpful__question fl-text-lg-bold\"\n        >Was this helpful?<\/span>\n        <button\n                class=\"was-this-helpful__button fl-text-sm\"\n                aria-label=\"Yes\"\n                value=\"yes\"\n        >\n            <span class=\"was-this-helpful__button-text fl-text-bold\">Yes<\/span>\n            <i class=\"was-this-helpful__button-icon\">\n                <svg width=\"22\" height=\"22\" viewBox=\"0 0 22 22\" fill=\"none\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\">\n                    <g id=\"thumbs-up\" clip-path=\"url(#clip0_604_3418)\">\n                        <path id=\"Vector\"\n                              d=\"M6 21H3C2.46957 21 1.96086 20.7893 1.58579 20.4142C1.21071 20.0391 1 19.5304 1 19V12C1 11.4696 1.21071 10.9609 1.58579 10.5858C1.96086 10.2107 2.46957 10 3 10H6M13 8V4C13 3.20435 12.6839 2.44129 12.1213 1.87868C11.5587 1.31607 10.7956 1 10 1L6 10V21H17.28C17.7623 21.0055 18.2304 20.8364 18.5979 20.524C18.9654 20.2116 19.2077 19.7769 19.28 19.3L20.66 10.3C20.7035 10.0134 20.6842 9.72068 20.6033 9.44225C20.5225 9.16382 20.3821 8.90629 20.1919 8.68751C20.0016 8.46873 19.7661 8.29393 19.5016 8.17522C19.2371 8.0565 18.9499 7.99672 18.66 8H13Z\"\n                              stroke=\"#666666\" stroke-width=\"2\" stroke-linecap=\"round\"\n                              stroke-linejoin=\"round\"><\/path>\n                    <\/g>\n                    <defs>\n                        <clipPath id=\"clip0_604_3418\">\n                            <rect width=\"22\" height=\"22\" fill=\"white\"><\/rect>\n                        <\/clipPath>\n                    <\/defs>\n                <\/svg>\n            <\/i>\n        <\/button>\n        <button\n                class=\"was-this-helpful__button fl-text-sm\"\n                aria-label=\"No\"\n                value=\"no\"\n        >\n            <span class=\"was-this-helpful__button-text fl-text-bold\">No<\/span>\n            <i class=\"was-this-helpful__button-icon\">\n                <svg width=\"22\" height=\"22\" viewBox=\"0 0 22 22\" fill=\"none\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\">\n                    <g id=\"thumbs-down\" clip-path=\"url(#clip0_604_3423)\">\n                        <path id=\"Vector\"\n                              d=\"M16 0.999995H18.67C19.236 0.989986 19.7859 1.18813 20.2154 1.55681C20.645 1.9255 20.9242 2.43905 21 3V10C20.9242 10.5609 20.645 11.0745 20.2154 11.4432C19.7859 11.8119 19.236 12.01 18.67 12H16M9.00003 14V18C9.00003 18.7956 9.3161 19.5587 9.87871 20.1213C10.4413 20.6839 11.2044 21 12 21L16 12V0.999995H4.72003C4.2377 0.994543 3.76965 1.16359 3.40212 1.47599C3.0346 1.78839 2.79235 2.22309 2.72003 2.7L1.34003 11.7C1.29652 11.9866 1.31586 12.2793 1.39669 12.5577C1.47753 12.8362 1.61793 13.0937 1.80817 13.3125C1.99842 13.5313 2.23395 13.7061 2.49846 13.8248C2.76297 13.9435 3.05012 14.0033 3.34003 14H9.00003Z\"\n                              stroke=\"#666666\" stroke-width=\"2\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\"\/>\n                    <\/g>\n                    <defs>\n                        <clipPath id=\"clip0_604_3423\">\n                            <rect width=\"22\" height=\"22\" fill=\"white\"\/>\n                        <\/clipPath>\n                    <\/defs>\n                <\/svg>\n            <\/i>\n        <\/button>\n    <\/div>\n    <span class=\"was-this-helpful__taken-action fl-text-sm-bold\"><\/span>\n    <div class=\"was-this-helpful__feedback-container\">\n        <div class=\"was-this-helpful__choose-option-message\" role=\"status\">\n            <p class=\"was-this-helpful__choose-option-message-text\"><\/p>\n        <\/div>\n        <form class=\"was-this-helpful__feedback-form\">\n            <div class=\"was-this-helpful__feedback was-this-helpful__feedback--positive\">\n                <fieldset>\n                    <legend class=\"was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\" tabindex=\"0\">Why was this helpful?<\/legend>\n                    <div class=\"fl-radio-button-field fl-flex was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\">\n                        <input\n                                id=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--understandable\"\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-input\"\n                                type=\"radio\"\n                                name=\"positive-feedback\"\n                                value=\"Easy to understand\"\n                        >\n                        <label\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-label fl-text-sm was-this-helpful__radio-label\"\n                                for=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--understandable\"\n                        >Easy to understand<\/label>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"fl-radio-button-field fl-flex was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\">\n                        <input\n                                id=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--solved-problem\"\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-input\"\n                                type=\"radio\"\n                                name=\"positive-feedback\"\n                                value=\"Solved my problem\"\n                        >\n                        <label\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-label fl-text-sm was-this-helpful__radio-label\"\n                                for=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--solved-problem\"\n                        >Solved my problem<\/label>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"fl-radio-button-field fl-flex was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\">\n                        <input\n                                id=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--other\"\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-input\"\n                                type=\"radio\"\n                                name=\"positive-feedback\"\n                                value=\"Other\"\n                        >\n                        <label\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-label fl-text-sm was-this-helpful__radio-label\"\n                                for=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--other\"\n                        >Other<\/label>\n                    <\/div>\n                <\/fieldset>\n            <\/div>\n            <div class=\"was-this-helpful__feedback was-this-helpful__feedback--negative\">\n                <fieldset>\n                    <legend class=\"was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\" tabindex=\"0\">Why was this not helpful?<\/legend>\n                    <div class=\"was-this-helpful__choose-option-message\" role=\"status\">\n                        <p class=\"was-this-helpful__choose-option-message-text\"><\/p>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"fl-radio-button-field fl-flex was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\">\n                        <input\n                                id=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--missing-info\"\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-input\"\n                                type=\"radio\"\n                                name=\"negative-feedback\"\n                                value=\"Missing Information\"\n                        >\n                        <label\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-label fl-text-sm was-this-helpful__radio-label\"\n                                for=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--missing-info\"\n                        >Missing the information I need<\/label>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"fl-radio-button-field fl-flex was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\">\n                        <input\n                                id=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--complicated\"\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-input\"\n                                type=\"radio\"\n                                name=\"negative-feedback\"\n                                value=\"Too complicated\"\n                        >\n                        <label\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-label fl-text-sm was-this-helpful__radio-label\"\n                                for=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--complicated\"\n                        >Too complicated \/ too many steps<\/label>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"fl-radio-button-field fl-flex was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\">\n                        <input\n                                id=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--dated\"\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-input\"\n                                type=\"radio\"\n                                name=\"negative-feedback\"\n                                value=\"Out of date\"\n                        >\n                        <label\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-label fl-text-sm was-this-helpful__radio-label\"\n                                for=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--dated\"\n                        >Out of date<\/label>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"fl-radio-button-field fl-flex was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\">\n                        <input\n                                id=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--negative-other\"\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-input\"\n                                type=\"radio\"\n                                name=\"negative-feedback\"\n                                value=\"Other\"\n                        >\n                        <label\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-label fl-text-sm was-this-helpful__radio-label\"\n                                for=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--negative-other\"\n                        >Other<\/label>\n                    <\/div>\n                <\/fieldset>\n            <\/div>\n            <div class=\"was-this-helpful__form-buttons-container\">\n                <button\n                    class=\"was-this-helpful__feedback-button was-this-helpful__feedback-button--positive at-feedback-submit fl-button secondary\"\n                    type=\"submit\"\n                >\n                    <span class=\"fl-button-content\">Submit<\/span>\n                    <i\n                        class=\"fa fa-angle-right medium\"\n                        aria-hidden=\"true\"\n                    ><\/i>\n                <\/button>\n                <button\n                    class=\"was-this-helpful__feedback-button was-this-helpful__feedback-button--cancel fl-button primary disabled\"\n                    type=\"reset\"\n                >\n                    <span class=\"fl-button-content\">Cancel<\/span>\n                    <i\n                        class=\"fa fa-times-circle medium\"\n                        aria-hidden=\"true\"\n                    ><\/i>\n                <\/button>\n            <\/div>\n        <\/form>\n    <\/div>\n    <div class=\"was-this-helpful__thank-you-message\" role=\"status\">\n        <i class=\"was-this-helpful__thank-you-message-icon fa fa-check\"><\/i>\n        <p class=\"was-this-helpful__thank-you-message-text\" aria-live=\"polite\"><\/p>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n    <\/div>\n    \n    <div class=\"fl-section-sidebar\">\n        <div class=\"fl-editors-summary\" data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary\">\n    \n    <div class=\"fl-editors-summary-content\" data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary-content\">\n                    <h2>Can I Solve This on My Own or Do I Need an Attorney?<\/h2>\n                <div class=\"fl-editors-summary-content-main\" data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary-content-main\">\n            \n        <\/div>\n        <ul class=\"fl-list-style-none\">\n                            <li data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary-content-item\">\n                    <i class=\"fa fa-check medium fl-editors-summary-content-item-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n                    Complex criminal defense situations usually require a lawyer\n\n                <\/li>\n                            <li data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary-content-item\">\n                    <i class=\"fa fa-check medium fl-editors-summary-content-item-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n                    Defense attorneys can help protect your rights\n\n                <\/li>\n                            <li data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary-content-item\">\n                    <i class=\"fa fa-check medium fl-editors-summary-content-item-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n                    A lawyer can seek to reduce or eliminate criminal penalties\n\n                <\/li>\n                    <\/ul>\n                    <div class=\"fl-editors-summary-content-description\" data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary-content-description\">\n                <p>Get tailored advice and ask your legal questions. Many Alabama attorneys offer free consultations.<\/p>\n\n            <\/div>\n                            <div class=\"fl-editors-summary-content-link fl-flex\" data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary-content-link\">\n                <i class=\"fa fa-angle-right medium\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n                <p class=\"find-attorney\"><a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/criminal-law\/#USER_GEO\/?fli=esum\" title=\"Criminal Defense Lawyer Directory\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">If you need an attorney, find one right now.<\/a><\/p>\n\n            <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<div class=\"email-subscription fl-mb30\">\n    <div class=\"email-subscription-header\">\n        <div class=\"email-subscription-header-content\">\n            <h3 class=\"fl-callout-sm fl-no-margin\">Stay Up-to-Date With How the Law Affects Your Life<\/h3>\n        <\/div>\n        <div class=\"email-subscription-header-image fl-flex fl-items-end\">\n            <img decoding=\"async\"\n                src=\"https://www.findlaw.com/static/c/images\/images\/w_1200,c_limit,dpr_auto\/f_auto,q_auto:eco\/v1745902396\/ability-law\/wp-prod\/general-components-subscribe-module-Image-subscribeModule_1\/general-components-subscribe-module-Image-subscribeModule_1.png?_i=AA\"\n                alt=\"\"\n                loading=\"lazy\"\n            \/>\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n\n    <div class=\"email-subscription-content fl-flex fl-flex-wrap\">\n        <div class=\"email-subscription-content-text fl-mb25\">\n            <h4 class=\"fl-no-margin\">Enter your email address to subscribe<\/h4>\n        <\/div>\n\n        <form class=\"email-subscription-content-form\">\n            <input type=\"hidden\" name=\"distributionList\" value=\"latl\" \/>\n            <label for=\"email-subscription-content-form-group-input\" class=\"fl-text-sm-bold\">Email (Required)<\/label>\n            <div class=\"email-subscription-content-form-group\">\n                <input id=\"email-subscription-content-form-group-input\" name=\"email\" autocomplete=\"email\"\/>\n                <button type=\"submit\" aria-label=\"Submit\">\n                    <i class=\"fa fa-angle-right\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n                <\/button>\n            <\/div>\n            <p class=\"email-subscription-content-form-success subscribe-success-message fl-text-sm-bold\" aria-hidden=\"true\" role=\"status\">Thank you for subscribing!<\/p>\n            <p class=\"email-subscription-content-form-error subscribe-error-message fl-text-sm-bold\" role=\"alert\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/p>\n\n            <div id=\"email-subscription-content-form-recaptcha\" class=\"email-subscription-content-form-recaptcha subscribe-recaptcha\"\n                data-sitekey=\"0x4AAAAAAABGBEkK9kEeKxO-\"><\/div>\n        <\/form>\n\n        <div class=\"email-subscription-content-footer fl-text-sm\">\n            <p><a href=\"https:\/\/newsletters.findlaw.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Learn more about FindLaw\u2019s newsletters<\/a>, including our terms of use and privacy policy.<\/p>\n\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"general-list\">\n    <h3>Helpful Links<\/h3>\n    <ul class=\"fl-list fl-no-margin\">\n                                    <li class=\"fl-list-item fl-flex\">\n                    <i class=\"fa fa-angle-right medium\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n                    <a class=\"fl-list-item-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/criminal\/criminal-rights\/are-you-entitled-to-a-court-appointed-attorney.html\">\n                        Are You Entitled to a Court Appointed Attorney?\n                    <\/a>\n                <\/li>\n                                                <li class=\"fl-list-item fl-flex\">\n                    <i class=\"fa fa-angle-right medium\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n                    <a class=\"fl-list-item-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/criminal\/criminal-rights\/trial-rights.html\">\n                        Criminal Trial Rights\n                    <\/a>\n                <\/li>\n                                                <li class=\"fl-list-item fl-flex\">\n                    <i class=\"fa fa-angle-right medium\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n                    <a class=\"fl-list-item-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/criminal\/criminal-procedure\/arraignment.html\">\n                        What Is an Arraignment Hearing?\n                    <\/a>\n                <\/li>\n                        <\/ul>\n<\/div>\n\n\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>FindLaw&#8217;s State Laws section describes Alabama&#8217;s laws and criminal penalties related to criminal mischief charges, which encompass unlawful property damage.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":41135,"featured_media":0,"parent":371275,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"app\/Http\/Controllers\/Templates\/ArticleWithBreadcrumbsController.php","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_stopmodifiedupdate":true,"_modified_date":"","_autodraft_ids":[],"_cloudinary_featured_overwrite":false,"_sb_is_suggestion_mode":false,"_sb_show_suggestion_boards":false,"_sb_show_comment_boards":false,"_sb_suggestion_history":"","_sb_update_block_changes":"","_is_real_time_mode":false,"_realtime_collaborators":"","footnotes":"","cf_checklist_status":[]},"categories":[2743],"tags":[],"state_laws_tags":[],"flmsa":[],"class_list":["post-371306","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry","category-state"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/371306","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/41135"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=371306"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/371306\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":400819,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/371306\/revisions\/400819"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/371275"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=371306"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=371306"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=371306"},{"taxonomy":"state_laws_tags","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/state_laws_tags?post=371306"},{"taxonomy":"flmsa","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/flmsa?post=371306"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}