Texas Basic Peace Officer Certification Practice Exam

What type of offense has occurred if a pickup truck causes $1,000 worth of damage by backing up without looking?

1. Reckless damage or destruction

2. Criminal mischief - Misdemeanor B

3. Criminal mischief - Misdemeanor A

4. Criminal mischief - Felony

The correct answer is: Reckless damage or destruction

The correct classification for this scenario is reckless damage or destruction because the actions of the driver—backing up without looking—demonstrate a disregard for the safety of others and property. This behavior indicates a conscious choice to engage in risky actions that lead to damage, which falls under reckless conduct. The key aspect of this offense is that it is an act of recklessness. The driver’s failure to ensure safety while operating the vehicle represents a significant deviation from the standard of care expected from similarly situated individuals. This leads to damage to property, qualifying the offense as reckless rather than intentional or merely negligent. To clarify further, criminal mischief involves deliberate damage to property. However, in this scenario, the damage is not caused by an overt intention to destroy or damage, but rather by recklessness. Thus, it doesn't fit the definitions of criminal mischief at any misdemeanor or felony level, making reckless damage or destruction the most suitable classification.