Criminal mischief is generally the damage, destruction, defacing, or alteration of tangible property (vandalism), done with criminal intent (intentionally or knowingly). Criminal mischief charges often arise from (1) damage to a home or dwelling; (2) damage to a place of business; (3) damage to a motor vehicle; (4) damage to a school; (5) defacement or destruction of public or private property (graffiti, etc.); or (6) tampering with public water, gas, power, or communications.

Criminal mischief laws are generally located in a state’s statutes—usually in the penal or criminal code.

In Missouri, criminal mischief is addressed under the state's statutes concerning property damage and vandalism. Missouri law typically categorizes such offenses based on the extent of the damage and the intent of the perpetrator. For instance, knowingly damaging another person's property can lead to charges of property damage, which can be classified as either a misdemeanor or a felony, depending on the circumstances and the value of the property damaged. Specific acts like graffiti or defacement are also covered under these statutes. Additionally, tampering with utilities such as water, gas, power, or communications systems is a criminal offense in Missouri and can result in serious charges. The severity of the charges for criminal mischief can range from minor penalties for less significant damage to substantial fines and imprisonment for more severe or repeated offenses. An attorney can provide detailed guidance on the applicable laws and potential defenses for someone facing criminal mischief charges in Missouri.