In this post, I will explain seven (7) things you should know about vandalism laws. Show
let’s begin… In This Guide We’ll Cover: What Is Considered Vandalism & How Does The Prosecutor Prove ItVandalism is the act of intentionally harming someone else’s property. To prove that the defendant is guilty of this crime, the prosecutor must prove that the defendant maliciously:
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NoteThe property owner’s lack of permission is not an element of vandalism4. Is It An Infraction, Misdemeanor or Felony?When is vandalism an infraction?If any of the above conduct occurs, and the damages is less than $250, then you may be charged with vandalism, as an infraction5 When is vandalism a misdemeanor?If any of the above conduct occurs, and the damages are less than $400, and exceed $250, then you may be charged with vandalism, as a misdemeanor. Example of misdemeanor vandalism:Michael is going through a tough breakup with his longtime girlfriend. One evening, after leaving happy hour, Michael decides to stop by his ex-girlfriend’s house and puncture all four of her tires, and left a note on her windshield saying, “Good luck moving on now.” The next morning, Tina walks to her car to go to work and sees the four punctured tires. Seeing the note, and recognizing the handwriting, Tina immediately calls the police, who charge Michael with vandalism under Penal Code section 594. It costs Tina $300 to replace all four of her tires that morning. Based on these circumstances, the prosecutor IS able to prove Michael is GUILTY of:
Vandalism Causing More than $400 in Damage If any of the above is done, and the damages exceed $400, then you may be charged with vandalism, as a felony6. Example:Jacob and Alex are art students, and typically spray paint their motivational art work on blank canvases. One day, while leaving class, the two walk past an abandoned building near their school. Suddenly inspired by the landscaping and surrounding structures, Jacob and Alex decide to display their art work on the side of this building, in an effort to enhance the neighborhood. While spray painting various phrases, portraits and designs on the building, a police officer pulls up behind them and places both Jacob and Alex under arrest for vandalism under Penal Code section 594. Jacob and Alex later find out that the building they chose to display their artwork on was actually a historical site, previously designated as a landmark by the City. The cost to clean and refurbish the wall of the historical building amounts to over $1,000. Based on these circumstances, the prosecutor IS LIKELY able to prove both Jacob and Alex are GUILTY of:
Legal DefensesBelow are possible legal defenses to a charges under Penal Code Code §594: The Damage Was Not Done “Maliciously.” Penal Code section 594 specifically requires that a defendant “maliciously” commit the damaging act7. Therefore, if the damage was done negligently, unintentionally, or even accidentally, an attorney may be able to prove that you should not be found guilty or charged with the offense. The Property Belongs To You. Penal Code section 594 specifically requires that the property belongs to someone else. Therefore, if the damage done was done to your own property, then an attorney may be able to prove that you should not be found guilty or charged with the offense. insufficient Evidence A diligent and conscientious defense attorney can show the prosecutor that they do not have enough evidence to prove that you actually caused the damage to the real or personal property, or to establish the actual value of the property. (For example: An item bearing only sentimental value). Penalties & SentencingPenalties under penal code 594 depend on whether the conviction is an infraction, misdemeanor or felony.
If convicted of a felony, this charge will carry all the weight and stigma of being deemed a “felon” under the eyes of the law, including but not limited to: Lose right to possess firearm, lose right to vote, lose right to sit on a jury, lose right to hold public office, must provide law enforcement with DNA sample, immigration consequences, as a drug abuser, if you are a noncitizen. Related Articles You May Be Interested In
FAQWhat does “malicious” mean with regard to vandalism? Under the law, if you intentionally do a wrongful act or if you act with the unlawful intent to annoy or injure someone else.9 Does it have to be graffiti to qualify as vandalism? Vandalism includes graffiti, but it also includes other inscribed material, damaging or destroying real or personal property. Inscribed material includes an unauthorized inscription, word, figure, mark, or design that is written, marked, etched, scratched, drawn, or painted on real or personal property. As shown in the examples above, it can additionally be simply harming someone else’s property. Does the damage have to be permanent? Penal Code section 594 also includes simply “defacing” real or personal property.10 Therefore, if the damage has to be cleaned off, replaced, etc., it is still vandalism. Penal Code section 594 also includes simply “defacing” real or personal property.10 Therefore, if the damage has to be cleaned off, replaced, etc., it is still vandalism. If a minor is personally unable to pay a fine levied for acts prohibited, the parent of that minor shall be liable for payment of the fine. A court may waive payment of the fine, or any part thereof, by the parent upon a finding of good cause. What if your child commits vandalism? If a minor is personally unable to pay a fine levied for acts prohibited, the parent of that minor shall be liable for payment of the fine. A court may waive payment of the fine, or any part thereof, by the parent upon a finding of good cause. Expungement For VandalismOffenses Which May Be Charged In Conjunction To VandalismPenal Code section 602 pc – Trespassing: Entering upon lands or buildings owned by any other person without the license of the owner or legal occupant, injuring, damaging, gathering, or carrying away property of the owner or legal occupant, whether enclosed or unenclosed by a fence, with the intention of interfering with, obstructing, or injuring any property or property rights carried by the owner of the land, the owner’s agent, or by the person in lawful possession11. Penal Code section 459 pc – Burglary: Every person who enters any house, store, or any inhabited dwelling, with intent to commit larceny is guilty of burglary12. Penal Code section 451—Arson: A person is guilty of arson when he or she willfully and maliciously sets fire to or burns or causes to be burned or who aids, counsels, or procures the burning of, any structure, forest land, or property.13 Penal Code 647(j) – Invasion Of Privacy
Ms. Aizman is the founding attorney at Aizman Law Firm, an award winning criminal defense attorney & former prosecutor for the city of Los Angeles. She regularly appears on CNN, Fox News, HLN & CBS News to provide legal insight on various legal topics. She is a proud member of the California Attorneys For Criminal Justice, California DUI Lawyers Association & the National College of DUI Defense Can I Graffiti my house UK?It's illegal to draw or paint graffiti on public or private property without permission. Those caught can be prosecuted, and if found guilty can be fined up to £5,000.
Is it illegal to explore abandoned buildings UK?In the UK Urban Exploration is not illegal in most circumstances. Specific laws apply to certain locations, such as railways and military sites. However, in general exploring an abandoned location in the UK is not illegal. Trespass is not a criminal offence, but rather a civil matter between you and the landowner.
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