MCOLES State Licensing Practice Exam

If a juvenile accidentally breaks a neighbor's window while playing baseball, what is the appropriate charge?

1. MDOP

2. No crime has been committed

3. Breaking and Entering of an auto

4. Criminal Mischief

The correct answer is: No crime has been committed

In this scenario, the most appropriate understanding is that no crime has been committed due to the accidental nature of the act. In legal terms, criminal liability typically requires intent or, at least, recklessness. Since the juvenile was playing baseball and did not intend to break the window, this incident would generally be deemed an accident rather than a criminal act. Furthermore, intentional actions leading to damage, such as those considered under Michigan's Malicious Destruction of Property (MDOP) or Criminal Mischief, involve some level of intent to cause harm or damage. Since the juvenile was not acting with that intent while engaging in a game, it aligns with the understanding that this situation does not constitute a crime. To clarify, while other options imply conduct that typically carries criminal implications, they do not apply since the situation described centers on an accident, where intent and malice are absent. This reinforces the reasoning that no charge is appropriate in this case.