{"id":374546,"date":"2018-10-05T10:01:54","date_gmt":"2018-10-05T15:01:54","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/state\/missouri-law\/missouri-vandalism-laws.html"},"modified":"2018-10-05T12:05:35","modified_gmt":"2018-10-05T17:05:35","slug":"missouri-vandalism-laws","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/state\/missouri-law\/missouri-vandalism-laws.html","title":{"rendered":"Missouri Vandalism Laws"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Missouri 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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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

A vandalism charge can arise from a road rage incident, a relationship that has soured, or other situations where anger clouds decision-making. Some jurisdictions use the actual term "vandalism" to describe this type of property crime<\/a>, which involves a person damaging or destroying someone else’s property. However, some states use other terms such as malicious mischief or malicious damage to convey the same thing.<\/p>\r\n

In Missouri, vandalism offenses are charged as either "property damage" or "tampering." Both crimes can be charged as either a misdemeanor or a felony, depending on the level of property damage caused and the intent of the actor.<\/p>\r\n

A Synopsis of Missouri Vandalism Laws<\/h2>\r\n

The most accurate way to determine the meaning of a statute is by working with an attorney. However, before you get to that point, you can become familiar with the law by reading a synopsis of the statutes written in plain language. See the chart below for a helpful synopsis detailing Missouri’s vandalism laws.<\/p>\r\n\r\n

Statutes<\/b><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n

Missouri Revised Statutes:<\/p>\r\n

Property Damage<\/b><\/p>\r\n

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First Degree Property Damage:<\/i><\/b> An individual commits this crime by either:<\/p>\r\n

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  • Knowingly damaging another’s property and the cost of the damage totals more than $750;<\/li>\r\n
  • Damaging property valued at more than $750 to defraud an insurer; or<\/i><\/b><\/li>\r\n
  • Damaging a motor vehicle while trying to steal something inside.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n

    First degree property damage is a Class D felony, punishable by incarceration of up to 4 years except in the following circumstances:<\/p>\r\n

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    • Damage to a motor vehicle is a Class C felony, punishable by incarceration for up to 10 years.<\/li>\r\n
    • Damage to a motor vehicle where the defendant has a previous charge for the same offense is a Class B felony, punishable by incarceration for up to 15 years.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n

      Second Degree Property Damage:<\/i><\/b> An individual commits this crime by either:<\/p>\r\n

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      • Knowingly damaging another’s property; or<\/i><\/b><\/li>\r\n
      • Damaging property to defraud an insurer.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n

        Second degree property damage is a Class B misdemeanor, punishable by incarceration for up to 6 months.<\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>

Tampering<\/b><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n

First Degree Tampering:<\/b><\/i> An individual commits this crime by either:<\/p>\r\n

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  • Intentionally damaging or tampering with property or facilities of a utility or institution providing health or safety protection and causing substantial interruption or impairment of service; or<\/i><\/b><\/li>\r\n
  • Knowingly receiving, possessing, selling, or unlawfully operating an automobile, airplane, motorcycle, motorboat or other motor-propelled vehicle without the consent of the owner.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n

    First degree tampering is a Class C felony, punishable by incarceration for up to 7 years.<\/p>\r\n

    Second Degree Tampering:<\/i><\/b> An individual commits this crime by either:<\/p>\r\n

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    • Tampering with another person’s property for purposes of causing substantial inconvenience to them or another person;<\/li>\r\n
    • Unlawfully riding in another’s automobile, airplane, motorcycle, or boat;<\/li>\r\n
    • Tampering or making connection with property of a utility; or<\/i><\/b><\/li>\r\n
    • Tampering with any electric, gas, steam, or water utility’s meter.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n

      Second degree tampering is a Class A misdemeanor, punishable by incarceration for up to 1 year.<\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>

Related Offense<\/b><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n

Missouri Revised Statutes:<\/p>\r\n