The teen in this scenario could be charged with malicious mischief to a vehicle in violation of California Vehicle Code Section 10853 VC. The teen drives around destroying crops and eventually crashes the tractor into a barn. One of the boys climbs onto the tractor and starts it. In another example, a group of teenagers sneak onto a farm one night and find a tractor in a field. This man could still be prosecuted for malicious mischief to a motor vehicle under California Vehicle Code Section 10853 VC as the statute only requires that the defendant attempt to start the car in order to commit malicious mischief. The man ultimately abandons his attempts to start his neighbor’s car. He jumps into the front and tries to manipulate the brakes and starting mechanism, however he is unable to get the car started. The man wants to start the car and go joyriding. Unlawful Taking or Driving of a Vehicle – California Vehicle Code Section 10851 VCĪ man sees a brand new sports car parked in his neighbor’s front yard.Grand Theft Auto – California Penal Code Section 487(d)(1) PC.AND the defendant did so with the intent to commit malicious mischief.The defendant attempted to manipulate the levers, starting mechanism, brakes or other mechanism or device of a vehicle.The defendant climbed into or upon a vehicle while it was in motion or at rest.To prove that a defendant is guilty of malicious mischief to a vehicle, the following elements must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt: As a result the Legislature has enacted California Vehicle Code Section 10853 VC, which makes it a crime to commit malicious mischief to a vehicle. However, these vehicles are very valuable to their owners and have the potential to cause serious injuries or property damage if operated in a reckless fashion. Motor vehicles may be attractive targets for those who are looking to commit malicious mischief or any other criminal offense.

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