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 Oklahoma, criminal mischief is addressed under the state's statutes concerning the destruction of property. Oklahoma law considers actions such as vandalism, graffiti, and other forms of property damage as criminal offenses. These offenses can range from misdemeanors to felonies, depending on the extent of the damage and the value of the property affected. For instance, willful and malicious injury to property is illegal under Oklahoma statutes, and the severity of the charge typically correlates with the value of the damage done. Damaging a home, business, vehicle, school, or public property, as well as tampering with utilities, can all fall under the umbrella of criminal mischief. Penalties for these offenses may include fines, restitution, and incarceration. Specific statutes detailing these offenses and penalties include Oklahoma Statutes Title 21, Sections 1760, 1787, and others related to the malicious injury or destruction of property.