Vandalism is generally the damage, destruction, defacing, or alteration of tangible public or private property, done with criminal intent (intentionally or knowingly). Vandalism charges often arise from (1) damage to a home or dwelling; (2) damage to a place of business; (3) damage to a motor vehicle; (4) damage to a school; (5) defacement or destruction of public or private property (graffiti, etc.); or (6) tampering with public water, gas, power, or communications.

Vandalism is sometimes classified as criminal mischief or reckless damage or destruction of property under state laws. These laws vary from state to state and are generally located in a state’s statutes—usually in the penal or criminal code.

In Mississippi, vandalism is addressed under the state's criminal statutes, specifically within the Mississippi Code. Vandalism may fall under several categories, such as malicious mischief, defacement, and destruction of property. According to Mississippi Code Section 97-17-67, malicious mischief involves willfully or maliciously destroying, injuring, or defacing the property of another. The severity of the charges and penalties can vary based on the value of the property damaged or destroyed. For instance, if the value of the property is $1,000 or more, the offense is considered a felony, potentially leading to significant fines and imprisonment. For damage under $1,000, the offense is typically treated as a misdemeanor, which carries lighter penalties. Charges can escalate if the vandalism involves tampering with utilities or if it is committed at a school or place of business. An attorney can provide specific guidance on how these laws may apply to individual cases of vandalism in Mississippi.