What is the penalty for criminal mischief if the amount lost is less than $100?

The penalty for criminal mischief when the amount of loss is less than $100 is classified as a Misdemeanor C. This designation reflects the relatively low severity of the offense, acknowledging that the financial impact of the damage is minimal. Criminal mischief laws are designed to address property damage or destruction, and in situations where the loss is under this threshold, it results in lesser legal repercussions compared to higher amounts.

In Texas, for example, penalties escalate based on the amount of damage, starting from Misdemeanor C for amounts less than $100, thus making it important for law enforcement and legal practitioners to accurately assess the value associated with property offenses. In this context, a Misdemeanor C carries the least serious consequences, often resulting in fines rather than incarceration.