Texas Criminal Mischief Defense Attorney
Criminal mischief — damaging or destroying someone else’s property — ranges from a Class C ticket to a first-degree felony in Texas, driven almost entirely by the alleged dollar amount of the damage. We defend criminal mischief cases for a $5,000 flat fee, and the damage valuation is very often the weakest part of the state’s case.
Last updated: July 3, 2026
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How Texas grades criminal mischief
Under Texas Penal Code §28.03, the offense level follows the claimed pecuniary loss: under $100 is a Class C citation; $100–$750 Class B; $750–$2,500 Class A; $2,500–$30,000 a state jail felony; and it climbs from there. Small differences in a repair estimate can be the difference between a ticket and a felony — which is why we attack valuation first.
How these cases get won
Criminal mischief cases commonly turn on identity (who actually caused the damage), intent (accidents and shared-property disputes are not crimes), consent, and inflated damage claims backed by nothing but the complainant’s estimate. Restitution can often resolve a case without a conviction — and for many first-time defendants we can pursue outcomes that keep the record clean and eligible for later expunction or nondisclosure.
Transparent flat-fee pricing
| Service | Flat fee | 10-month financing |
|---|---|---|
| Criminal Mischief Defense | $5,000 | $500 / month |
We offer 10 monthly payments with the first payment due at hiring. Listed fees are for payment in full or auto-payment financing; the client is responsible for keeping the credit card on file updated. Your exact flat fee is confirmed at your free consultation. Facing multiple charges from the same arrest? We discount combined representation. See our complete published fee schedule. Prices are subject to change at any time; the fee quoted in your signed representation agreement is the fee that controls.
Common questions
How much does a criminal mischief lawyer cost in Texas?
Our fee is a $5,000 flat fee with 10-month financing ($500/month). Prices are subject to change at any time; the fee quoted in your signed representation agreement is the fee that controls.
Is criminal mischief a felony in Texas?
It depends on the alleged damage amount. $2,500 or more is a felony; below that it’s a misdemeanor. Because the level follows a repair estimate, challenging the valuation is often the fastest way to reduce a charge.
Can a criminal mischief charge be dismissed?
Yes — identity, intent, consent, and inflated damage valuations are all common weaknesses, and restitution agreements frequently resolve cases without a conviction.
