Vandalism

Graffiti and Vandalism

California Penal Code Section 594 prohibits the destruction or defacing of property. Commonly referred to as vandalism, this crime can be charged as a misdemeanor or a felony depending on the amount of damage caused. Damaging another person's property by accident is not part of California's vandalism law. Vandalism is charged only when there is malicious intent.

An attorney who knows how vandalism cases are handled by area courts

It is important to have a lawyer who knows how the prosecutor's office views these cases. Our criminal defense attorney was a Deputy District Attorney, and he knows how such matters are handled. This benefits clients facing any level of vandalism charges. If you or your child has been charged with vandalism, contact the Newport Beach law firm, the Law Offices of Fred Thiagarajah. Call us toll-free at 1-866-511-2757.

Penalties for conviction of vandalism charges

Conviction can mean jail or prison time, fines, counseling, community service and ongoing cleanup of others' vandalism. People convicted of vandalism can lose their driver's license for one year, even if the vandalism was unrelated to driving. Fines can be up to $10,000 if the person charged has prior convictions and the damage was more than $400. Jail and prison sentences can be up to three years. If the damage is valued at $10,000 or more, the fine can rise to as much as $50,000. In many cases, parents can be held liable for their children's fines and cleanup responsibilities.

Property damage under $400 in value is usually charged as a misdemeanor. However, if the vandalism is in a religious institution or cemetery, it can be charged as a felony even if the value of the damage is less than $400.

Graffiti is vandalism

There are special laws that concern graffiti-related vandalism, also known as "tagging." If a person is convicted of graffiti-related vandalism, the court can order that person to clean up or replace the damaged property. He or she may be ordered to keep that property or any other property free of graffiti for up to one year. If the person convicted of vandalism is a minor, the court can order his or her parents to help keep an area free of graffiti for up to one year.

Working toward the best possible outcome in vandalism cases

If you or a child is facing vandalism charges, it is important to have knowledgeable legal advice. As a former prosecutor, Fred Thiagarajah knows how such cases are handled in the courts of Orange and Los Angeles counties. He strives to get the best possible outcome, exploring alternative penalties and helping with expungement petitions to remove a vandalism conviction from your record or that of your child. Contact him at our Newport Beach law firm. Call 1-866-511-2757.