Vandalism

The damage caused by acts of vandalism can be incurred in various forms. It can be through defacing, damaging, or destroying public or private property. For instance, vandalism can take the form of someone spray-painting a wall without the consent of the owner, or slashing the tire on another person’s vehicle.

Perpetrators of vandalism may face penalties or fines. They may also be asked to perform community service, such as cleaning up or repairing the damaged property. In some cases, criminal penalties may include jail time, fines, or both.

Having a criminal record is also a lasting consequence of a vandalism conviction. If you are facing a vandalism charge, consider contacting a criminal defense attorney near you. An attorney can help in several ways. For example, they can can assess whether the alleged act was intentional—an essential element of a vandalism charge.

Definition of Vandalism

Vandalism is a broad category of property crime that’s used to describe a variety of behaviors. Generally, it includes any willful behavior that destroys, alters, or defaces the property of another.

Felony vandalism is committed in various ways. It can be through defacing a place of worship or significant tampering with another’s personal property. These willful acts include the following:

• Spray painting another’s property to deface it
• "Egging" someone’s car or house
• Keying (or scratching) paint off of someone’s car
• Breaking someone’s windows
• Defacing public property with graffiti and other forms of "art"
• Slashing someone’s tires
• Defacing park benches
• Altering or knocking down street signs
• Kicking and damaging someone’s property with your hands or feet

Understanding Vandalism Laws

Vandalism laws exist to prevent the destruction of property and public spaces. They may also protect against hate crimes and other behavior directed at religious or minority groups. Examples of hate crimes related to vandalism include:

• Ransacking a church or synagogue
• Writing racist or sexist graffiti on school property
• Etching a swastika in a car

State laws cover criminal property damage and are usually defined differently by each state. Some states refer to vandalism as "criminal damage," “malicious trespass," or “malicious mischief." Other legal terms can be incorporated with it, such as property damage.

To control the impact of this crime, many states have specific laws that aim to decrease certain forms of property damage. For example, some states have local "aerosol container laws." These laws limit the sale of spray paint containers or other "vandalism tools" that could be used for defacing property.

In addition, some states have laws prohibiting vandalism to specific types of property. For instance, California Penal Code 594 penalizes anyone who maliciously defaces, damages, or destroys real or personal property.

Moreover, some state vandalism laws prohibit specific acts. These acts may include breaking windows or using corrosive materials to destroy property.

Violation of Vandalism Laws: Penalties and Punishment

Depending on the state and value of the property damage, the crime could be charged as either misdemeanor vandalism or felony vandalism. For instance, a first-degree vandalism conviction could result in higher penalties. On the other hand, second-degree vandalism could result in less severe penalties.

In New York, recklessly damaging the property of another valued at an amount above $250 is criminal mischief. Penalties typically include fines, imprisonment in county jail, or both.

In addition, a person convicted of vandalism is often ordered to repair or replace damaged property. This process is called "restitution." Authorities may also ask them to participate in programs to clean up graffiti and other forms of vandalism. If a minor committed vandalism, the parent may be ordered to pay the fines. The order may fall under a "parental liability" theory.

Vandalism, on its own, is often considered a non-violent crime. But, other acts may happen during the commission of vandalism, which could escalate to more severe crimes. Crimes related to vandalism include burglary, criminal trespass, or disturbing the peace.

Defenses to Vandalism Charges

Defenses to charges of vandalism typically include circumstances that might mitigate the penalties. Mitigating circumstances can lessen the penalty imposed. These could include accident, mischief, or creative expression.

Using “accident" as a defense suggests that the property damage was not wrongfully, or unlawfully, committed. Meanwhile, “creative expression" could suggest the act was a political statement or artwork.

Even though vandalism is a criminal charge that generally requires completion of the act, it doesn’t need you to get caught in the act. A person may be charged with this crime after the fact, particularly if there are witnesses, surveillance, or other evidence that might implicate you.

Charged With Vandalism? Seek Legal Advice From an Attorney

The rules surrounding vandalism can be complicated. People often question where the line is drawn between freedom of expression and a felony crime. Thus, seeking legal advice from a vandalism defense attorney or a criminal defense lawyer is essential.

An experienced attorney can help protect your rights with their experience and expertise in criminal law. They will also assess the evidence against you to plan an effective legal defense.