FOCL Practice Test

Doug's action of pouring sugar into Charles's truck's gas tank is classified as what type of crime?

1. Felony criminal mischief

2. Misdemeanor criminal mischief

3. Destruction of property

4. Burglary

The correct answer is: Misdemeanor criminal mischief

The correct classification of Doug's action of pouring sugar into Charles's truck’s gas tank is misdemeanor criminal mischief. This classification primarily stems from the intent to cause damage to another person’s property without permission. In the context of property crimes, misdemeanor criminal mischief generally involves actions that result in less severe damage compared to felony-level offenses, typically involving lower monetary damage thresholds or less severe potential penalties. Though Doug's action is indeed destructive and harms Charles's property, it does not usually rise to the level of a felony unless it meets specific criteria regarding the extent of damage or prior criminal conduct. While pouring sugar into a gas tank can be a serious offense and lead to costly repairs, it more commonly falls under the misdemeanor category due to its nature and likely outcomes, aligning with the definitions and thresholds established for criminal mischief in many jurisdictions. Destruction of property is a broader term and may not specify the legal implications as clearly as criminal mischief does, and burglary involves entering a structure unlawfully with intent to commit a crime inside, making it irrelevant in this situation. Consequently, the most accurate and precise answer for this scenario is misdemeanor criminal mischief.