MCOLES State Licensing Practice Exam

What is the appropriate charge for a juvenile who intentionally throws a rock and breaks a streetlight?

1. No charge against the juvenile, but the parent can be charged

2. Interfering with city property

3. MDOP

4. Vandalism

The correct answer is: MDOP

When considering the situation where a juvenile intentionally throws a rock and breaks a streetlight, the appropriate charge is Michigan's Malicious Destruction of Property (MDOP). This charge applies in cases where an individual intentionally destroys or damages someone else's property, and in this instance, the streetlight is considered public property. MDOP is specifically designed to address acts of vandalism or any deliberate damage inflicted upon property without the owner's consent. This charge reflects the seriousness of the act, as it demonstrates not only a disregard for public property but also poses risks to public safety and wellbeing. In this scenario, although the act could be perceived as vandalism, MDOP is the specific legal term used in Michigan law to classify the destruction of property. It encompasses a broader array of actions, but fundamentally, it addresses the intentional nature of the action taken by the juvenile. This makes MDOP a fitting charge for the act in question. The other options may not provide the same level of legal specificity or relevance to the act of breaking a streetlight.