Criminal Tampering (2nd Degree) elements included.

Criminal Tampering (2nd Degree) elements included.

• A. Intentionally tampers with the property of another to cause injury, inconvenience or annoyance or if he makes an unauthorized connection with property of a utility.
• B. Intentionally tampers with property to cause minor inconvenience.
• C. Recklessly damages property.
• D. Interferes with a public utility service.

Answer: (A)

The main idea being tested is the elements of Criminal Tampering in the second degree. This offense requires that a person intentionally tamper with someone else’s property to cause injury, inconvenience, or annoyance, or make an unauthorized connection with property of a utility. The statement chosen fits this exactly: it specifies intentional tampering with another’s property to cause injury, inconvenience, or annoyance, or making an unauthorized connection with utility property. Why the other options don’t fit as well: limiting the effect to a “minor inconvenience” narrows the harm and doesn’t capture the broader litter of injury, inconvenience, or annoyance the statute contemplates. Recklessly damaging property describes a different mental state and a different offense. Interfering with a public utility service is not the same as making an unauthorized connection with utility property, and it may involve distinct statutes or elements.

The main idea being tested is the elements of Criminal Tampering in the second degree. This offense requires that a person intentionally tamper with someone else’s property to cause injury, inconvenience, or annoyance, or make an unauthorized connection with property of a utility. The statement chosen fits this exactly: it specifies intentional tampering with another’s property to cause injury, inconvenience, or annoyance, or making an unauthorized connection with utility property.

Why the other options don’t fit as well: limiting the effect to a “minor inconvenience” narrows the harm and doesn’t capture the broader litter of injury, inconvenience, or annoyance the statute contemplates. Recklessly damaging property describes a different mental state and a different offense. Interfering with a public utility service is not the same as making an unauthorized connection with utility property, and it may involve distinct statutes or elements.