Walk It Through: The Keyed Car
A class A misdemeanor for intentional damage, a class E felony over $250, and what each carries.
After a parking dispute, a neighbor drags a key down the side of another neighbor's car.
Two things a person in this spot might do. Picking one shows what the law says about it.
One car and one key. Restitution, a civil suit for the repair, and the higher degrees of mischief are not worked through here.
A practice walkthrough, not a prediction of how any real one will go. Legal information, not legal advice.
Words this turns on
Terms with a legal meaning that is narrower than the everyday one. Each links to the definition and the authority behind it.
- Class A misdemeanorThe higher misdemeanor class, carrying up to 364 days in jail and a fine of up to $1,000.
- Criminal mischiefIntentionally damaging another person's property with no right to do it, or recklessly damaging it by more than $250. In the fourth degree, a class A misdemeanor.
- Physical injuryImpairment of physical condition or substantial pain, the harm assault in the third degree turns on.
- Traffic infractionA category of offense of its own, separate from violations and crimes.
- ViolationAn offense allowing no more than fifteen days in jail and a fine of up to $250. Disorderly conduct, harassment in the second degree and trespass are violations.