Criminal mischief is a class of criminal offenses that is defined differently in different legal jurisdictions. In the United States, criminal mischief is an offense against property that typically involves the intentional or reckless infliction of property damage, defacement, alteration, or destruction of property. In Pennsylvania, criminal mischief is defined as causing damage to someone elses property. The severity of a Pennsylvania criminal mischief charge is primarily based upon the value of the property that was damaged, ranging from as low as a summary offense to a misdemeanor to a felony. The charge can be a relatively minor summary offense, but it can also be a felony offense. A person convicted of criminal mischief faces a sentence that could include probation or jail time, payment of fines, costs, and restitution. The amount of the loss directly impacts the severity of the Pennsylvania Criminal Mischief charge. The greater the loss, the more severe the charge, and the harsher the possible penalties. A person charged with criminal mischief should hire an experienced criminal defense lawyer to challenge the charge and try to obtain the best resolution possible.