Texas Penal Code Practice

What crime is committed when tampering with tangible property causes substantial inconvenience to the owner or a third person?

1. Graffiti

2. Criminal Mischief

3. Leaving Child in Motor Vehicle

4. Violation of Protection Order

The correct answer is: Criminal Mischief

The correct answer is B. Criminal Mischief. Criminal Mischief is committed when someone intentionally or knowingly damages tangible property of another without the owner's effective consent, and when this act causes substantial inconvenience to the owner or a third person. This can include damaging or destroying property, tampering with it to an extent that causes significant inconvenience, or even altering it in a way that reduces its value. Option A, Graffiti, specifically refers to the act of marking or defacing property without the owner's consent, which is a form of Criminal Mischief but not the only type. Option C, Leaving Child in Motor Vehicle, refers to a separate offense related to endangering a child's safety by leaving them unattended in a vehicle, and is not directly related to damaging tangible property. Option D, Violation of Protection Order, involves violating the terms of a protective order issued by the court to prevent contact or certain behaviors towards a protected individual, and does not pertain to damaging tangible property.