Created by FindLaw's team of legal writers and editors | Last reviewed January 31, 2018
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There are many cases of vandalism reported every year all across the country. However, state laws vary as to the classification of this property crime. Individuals in some states who engage in acts of vandalism such as keying a car are charged with criminal mischief, but other states like North Carolina actually use the term vandalism.
General issues such as graffiti arise in all vandalism laws, but there are also certain state-specific issues that the law addresses. For instance, North Carolina, which houses many Confederate monuments which have a potential risk of vandalism due to ongoing controversies and protests regarding their presence, has a law requiring approval before these monuments or other "objects of remembrance" can be removed or altered.
North Carolina also has many distinctive caves and caverns. State law specifically prohibits any person from intentionally breaking, burning, destroying, or damaging any cave.
The chart below provides a summary of laws related to North Carolina's vandalism laws, including links to important code sections.
Statutes |
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Penalties |
The charges and the penalties depend on the specific circumstances in your case and factors such as criminal history. Graffiti vandalism: Class 1 misdemeanor and is punishable by a minimum fine of $500 and 24 hours of community service unless the following circumstances apply: Guilty of Class H felony if all of the following apply:
Vandalism of caves: Class 3 misdemeanor Vandalism of any human remains: Class H felony |
Possible Defenses |
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Related Offenses |
Note: 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.
Although violations of North Carolina's vandalism laws are typically categorized as misdemeanors, these charges should be taken seriously. A simple act of vandalism can escalate into more serious related charges depending on the circumstances. Get peace of mind by speaking to an experienced criminal defense attorney who can analyze your options.
Meeting with a lawyer can help you understand your options and how to best protect your rights. Visit our attorney directory to find a lawyer near you who can help.
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