{"id":373297,"date":"2016-09-12T16:26:30","date_gmt":"2016-09-12T21:26:30","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/ability-fl-prod.internetbrands.com\/ability-law\/state\/indiana-law\/indiana-vandalism-laws.html"},"modified":"2018-03-06T17:49:27","modified_gmt":"2018-03-06T22:49:27","slug":"indiana-vandalism-laws","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/state\/indiana-law\/indiana-vandalism-laws.html","title":{"rendered":"Indiana Vandalism Laws"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Indiana Vandalism Laws<\/h1>\n
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Created by FindLaw’s team<\/a> of legal writers and editors<\/i><\/p>\n\n | Last updated\n

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This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

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The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n

Sure, it may sound like harmless youthful indiscretion to scale the town water tower and spray paint your distinctive "tag" for everyone to see. Even the official statutory name for vandalism<\/a> in Indiana sounds whimsical — criminal mischief<\/i>. But it’s no laughing matter and can land you in prison and set you back a few thousand dollars in fines.<\/p>\n

Generally speaking, vandalism (or criminal mischief) occurs when an individual destroys or defaces another’s property without their permission; this is true even for acts in violation of the law that could arguably be considered "art." Other forms of vandalism include "keying" someone’s car, breaking the windows of a local business, or etching your initials on a park bench. Whatever the case, the act must be intentional.<\/p>\n

Learn more about Indiana’s vandalism laws (charged as criminal mischief) in the following table.<\/p>\n\n
Statute<\/b><\/td>\n

Indiana Code \u00a7 35-43-1-2<\/a><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>

Statutory Definition of Vandalism (Criminal Mischief)<\/b><\/td>\n

A person who recklessly, knowingly, or intentionally damages or defaces property of another person without the other person’s consent commits criminal mischief<\/b> .<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>

Classifications & Penalties<\/b><\/td>\n

Class B misdemeanor if pecuniary<\/a> loss is less than $750; up to 180 days in jail, up to a $1,000 fine.<\/p>\n

Class A misdemeanor if pecuniary loss is between $750 and $50,000; up to 1 yr. in jail, up to a $5,000 fine.<\/p>\n

Level 6 felony (6 mos. to 2 1\/2 yrs. in prison, up to a $10,000 fine) if:<\/p>\n

Aggravated Charges<\/b><\/td>\n

A person who recklessly, knowingly, or intentionally damages (1) a structure used for religious worship; (2) a school or community center; (3) agricultural property (as defined by 32-30-6-1<\/a>); or (4) personal property contained in any of the above, commits institutional mischief<\/b>.<\/p>\n

Administrative Penalty for Use of Graffiti<\/b><\/td>\n

Driver’s license may be suspended for up to 1 year.<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr><\/tbody><\/table>\n

Note:<\/b> State laws are always subject to change through the passage of new legislation, rulings in the higher courts (including federal decisions), ballot initiatives, and other means. While we strive to provide the most current information available, please consult an attorney or conduct your own legal research to verify the state law(s) you are researching.<\/i><\/p>\n

Indiana Vandalism Laws: Related Resources<\/h2>\n