What Is Criminal Mischief Less Than $200?

CRMS1000 refers to the crime of willfully and maliciously damaging or injuring property valued at $200 or less. This includes actions such as vandalizing cars, breaking windows, or other minor acts of destruction. Under Florida Statute 806.13, if the property damage falls within this amount, the offense is considered a second-degree misdemeanor, which can still carry serious consequences.

Example of CRMS1000 Criminal Mischief (Malicious Damage under $200) would be:

Imagine someone scratches the paint on a neighbor’s car out of spite after an argument. The damage costs around $150 to repair. The act was done intentionally and with malice, meaning it was done with the intent to harm the neighbor’s property. In this case, the person could be charged with CRMS1000, as the malicious act resulted in damage to someone else’s property, and the damage was less than $200, making it a second-degree misdemeanor under Florida law.

Potential defenses to CRMS1000 Criminal Mischief (Malicious Damage under $200):

1. Lack of Intent: One of the key elements of criminal mischief is the intentional act of damaging property. If you can prove that the damage was accidental or not done with malice or intent, this could be a defense. For example, if the damage occurred during a moment of clumsiness or was caused by a mechanical failure, this could potentially negate the charge.
2. Consent: If the property owner had given consent for you to alter, modify, or damage their property (for example, you were repairing the property or making a modification that they agreed upon), this could be used as a defense. Without consent, any damage to their property can be classified as criminal mischief.
3. Mistaken Identity: If you were mistakenly identified as the person who caused the damage, a defense strategy could involve showing that you were not the person who committed the act. Evidence, such as an alibi or lack of surveillance footage, could help prove your innocence.
4. No Malicious Intent: Florida law requires the act to be done “willfully and maliciously.” If you can show that you did not act out of spite or with a malicious intent, it could potentially reduce the charge or result in a dismissal. For example, if the damage was caused unintentionally or as a result of a misunderstanding, you might not meet the criteria for “malicious.”
5. Insufficient Evidence: The prosecution must prove beyond a reasonable doubt that the damage was committed by you and that it meets the criteria of criminal mischief. If there is a lack of concrete evidence, such as witness testimony, video footage, or forensic evidence linking you to the crime, this could be a defense to challenge the charges.

Frequently Asked Questions About Criminal Mischief Less Than $200

Contact a Tampa Criminal Defense Attorney Today

Call Us at 813-222-2220

If you have been charged with CRMS1000 Criminal Mischief Less Than $200, it’s crucial to get legal advice right away. Attorney W.F. “Casey” Ebsary Jr. has years of experience defending clients in Hillsborough County and can help you navigate the complexities of the legal system. Contact our office today at (813) 222-2220 or visit our Contact Page to schedule a free consultation.

If you’ve been charged with CRMS2000 Criminal Mischief $200 to $1000 in Florida, you are facing a serious criminal charge that can result in significant penalties. Under Florida Statute 806.13, this offense applies when someone intentionally damages property valued between $200 and $1000. The damage could be anything from breaking windows to defacing property. Even though the damage amount is lower compared to more severe charges, a conviction could still result in jail time, probation, fines, and a permanent criminal record.

Contact a Tampa Criminal Defense Attorney

If you’ve been charged with CRMS2000 Criminal Mischief $200 to $1000, don’t wait to seek legal help. A conviction for criminal mischief can have lasting consequences on your future. W.F. “Casey” Ebsary Jr. is a criminal defense attorney with extensive experience defending clients in Hillsborough County, Florida. Call (813) 222-2220 or visit our Contact Page to schedule your free consultation and discuss your case.

Frequently Asked Questions About Criminal Mischief $200 to $1000

If you have been charged with CRMS2000 CRIMINAL MISCHIEF $200 TO $1000, you can call a Defense Attorney in Tampa at (813) 222-2220 and tell your story.

Call Us at 813-222-2220

Charge Information:

• Form Code: CRMS2000
• Florida Statute: 806.13.1B2
• Level: Misdemeanor (Misd)
• Degree: 1st Degree
• Description: CRIMINAL MISCHIEF $200 TO $1000

Statutory Law:

Title XLVI — Crimes
Chapter 806 — Arson and Criminal Mischief

806.13 Criminal mischief; penalties; penalty for minor.

(1)(a) A person commits the offense of criminal mischief if he or she willfully and maliciously injures or damages by any means any real or personal property belonging to another, including but not limited to placement of graffiti or acts of vandalism.

(1)(b)2. If the damage is greater than $200 but less than $1,000, it is a first-degree misdemeanor, punishable as provided in s. 775.082 or s. 775.083.

What Does “Willfully and Maliciously” Mean?

Willfully means the act was done intentionally, not by accident.
Maliciously means the person acted with ill will, hatred, spite, or evil intent toward the owner or property.

Examples:

• Spray painting graffiti on a business storefront late at night.
• Kicking and damaging someone’s car door during an argument.
• Breaking a neighbor’s window with a rock after a dispute.

Even minor property damage can lead to an arrest when authorities believe the act was done on purpose and with bad intent.

Penalties for CRMS2000 Criminal Mischief $200 to $1000

• Up to 1 year in jail
• Up to 12 months probation
• Up to $1,000 fine
• Restitution to the victim for the cost of repairs
• Potential community service hours
• Possible impact on future employment and criminal record

Defense Strategies

An experienced attorney can investigate defenses such as:

• Lack of intent (the act was accidental)
• Lack of maliciousness (no ill will)
• Mistaken identity
• Property was abandoned or had no real value
• Damage amount is less than $200 (which could reduce the charge)

Call Today for a Free Case Evaluation

Facing a criminal mischief charge can be overwhelming. Prosecutors often aggressively pursue these cases even when the damage is minor.

Call Tampa Defense Attorney W.F. “Casey” Ebsary Jr. at (813) 222-2220 today.
Protect your record, your freedom, and your future.

Original 2010 Post Updated to 2025

If you have been charged with CRMS2000 CRIMINAL MISCHIEF $200 TO $1000 you can call a Defense Attorney Tampa at (813) 222-2220 and tell me your story.

Form Code: CRMS2000   

Florida Statute: 806.13.1B2
Level: Misd (Misdemeanor)
Degree: 1st

Description: CRIMINAL MISCHIEF $200 TO $1000

CRMS2000 CRIMINAL MISCHIEF $200 TO $1000 is often charged in Hillsborough County, Florida.

Title XLVI CRIMES
Chapter 806 ARSON AND CRIMINAL MISCHIEF

806.13 Criminal mischief; penalties; penalty for minor.

(1)  (a) A person commits the offense of criminal mischief if he or she willfully and maliciously injures or damages by any means any real or personal property belonging to another, including, but not limited to, the placement of graffiti thereon or other acts of vandalism thereto.

(b)1. If the damage to such property is $200 or less, it is a misdemeanor of the second degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082 or s. 775.083.

2. If the damage to such property is greater than $200 but less than $1,000, it is a misdemeanor of the first degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082 or s. 775.083.