Top Wilmington, CA Vandalism Lawyers Near You
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260 St. Ann's Drive, Laguna Beach, CA 92651
Clients who need legal help with Vandalism concerns can contact Law Offices of Barry T. Simons, a reputable law firm in Wilmington, California.
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6345 Balboa Blvd, Suite 247, Encino, CA 91316
If you need Vandalism help in California, contact Law Office of Gregory Rubel, a local practice in Wilmington, for legal representation.
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16520 Bake Parkway, Suite 280, Irvine, CA 92618
Representing people in Wilmington, California with their Vandalism issues.
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23679 Calabasas Road, Suite 412, Calabasas, CA 91302
Assisting people in California with their Vandalism needs. Learn More.
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1440 N Harbor Blvd, Suite 900, Fullerton, CA 92835
Contact Law Offices of David Borsari for experienced Vandalism guidance in Wilmington, California.
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355 South Grand Ave, Suite 2450, Los Angeles, CA 90071
Riverside Barrister Building, 3993 Market Street, Riverside, CA 92501
620 Newport Center Dr., Suite 1100, Newport Beach, CA 92660
500 N Brand Blvd, Suite 1650, Glendale, CA 91203
3530 Wilshire Blvd, Suite 670, Los Angeles, CA 90010
1400 N. Harbor Blvd., Suite 601, Fullerton, CA 92835
17581 Irvine Blvd., Suite 108, Tustin, CA 92780-3123
5250 Lankershim Blvd, Suite 500, North Hollywood, CA 91601
12400 Wilshire Blvd, Suite 1120, Los Angeles, CA 90025
1999 Avenue Of The Stars, Suite 1100, Los Angeles, CA 90067
PO Box 3313, Granada Hills, CA 91394
888 West 6th St, 4th Floor, Los Angeles, CA 90017
225 Avenue I, Suite 201, Redondo Beach, CA 90277
555 S. Flower Street, Suite 4200, Los Angeles, CA 90071
433 North Camden Drive, Suite 400, Beverly Hills, CA 90210
424 South Beverly Drive, Beverly Hills, CA 90212
555 South Flower Street, Suite 2900, Los Angeles, CA 90071
3838 Carson Street, Suite 302, Torrance, CA 90503
707 Wilshire Blvd, Suite 3800, Los Angeles, CA 90017
333 City Blvd W, Suite 1742, Orange, CA 92868
Wilmington Vandalism Information
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What Is Considered a Vandalism Crime?
Vandalism is a crime where the perpetrator willfully and intentionally defaces or damages someone else’s personal property. Some common examples of acts of vandalism are egging a person’s house, destruction of property, using spray paint or another form of paint to scrawl messages or artwork on unapproved properties, breaking windows belonging to storefronts or other property belonging to another person and even arson.
While arson is considered its own criminal offense, it also falls under the definition of an act of vandalism.
What Is the Difference Between Graffiti and Vandalism?
There is a debate as to whether graffiti — sometimes referred to as street art — is considered a form of public expression or a form of vandalism. Regardless, the use of spray paint or other paint on unapproved surfaces (even if they are publicly owned walls attached to common buildings) is generally considered a criminal offense or an act of vandalism.
Most graffiti cannot be compared to high-end art, and typically may involve simple tags or etching, sometimes containing vulgarities. Despite the ongoing debate between advocates of street art (many of whom are more supportive of public spaces designed for graffiti, rather than unwanted and illegal vandalism) and proponents of reducing public graffiti in unapproved spaces, those who engage in the practice without approval are subject to prosecution under vandalism laws in most jurisdictions.
Is Vandalism a Felony?
The crime of vandalism can be prosecuted either as a felony offense or misdemeanor in most jurisdictions and is most commonly charged at the state level — although there are federal statutes that could lead to federal vandalism charges if the defacement involves significant damage to public property. Federal law covers both the definition for federal vandalism as well as the punishment for those who perpetrate such offenses.
At the state level, whether or not a charge of vandalism is considered to be a misdemeanor or a felony typically boils down to the cost of remediating the property damage done by the vandal. In some states, damage costing less than $1,000 to remediate will likely result in a misdemeanor charge. However, should the cost of fixing the damage cost more than $1,000 or if the vandalism disrupted business or public communication, you could face a felony vandalism charge. Repeat offenders, even if prior offenses were classified as misdemeanors, could also face felony charges as a result, even if damages amount to less than $1,000.
Some states use a threshold of $500 in damages rather than $1,000, and automatically escalate damage caused to a vehicle to a felony charge, regardless of the actual damages done.
What Are Some Possible Penalties if Convicted of Vandalism Charges?
If you are charged at the federal level, vandalism can result in imprisonment for a period ranging between one (if the damage does not exceed $1,000 in costs) and 10 years (if the damage exceeds $1,000 in costs). If there is complete destruction of vital infrastructure, or if a person is killed during the commission of the crime, the penalty can increase to 20 years jail time.
At the state level, punishments vary, but a broad range can be established. If you are found guilty of misdemeanor vandalism, most states give a maximum penalty of around one year in county jail. For those convicted of felony vandalism, penalties typically hover around three to five years of incarceration as a maximum penalty.
Can a Lawyer Help With Vandalism Charges in California?
If you are facing charges related to vandalism, it is important to secure proper legal representation as soon as possible. A conviction in response to vandalism charges, misdemeanor or felony, could result in a permanent criminal record, a steep fine and time in jail or prison.
An experienced criminal defense attorney can help you negotiate the charges against you and attorney-client privilege allows you to discuss all material evidence and strategy with your lawyer in privacy and in detail. Attorneys familiar with vandalism case law, standing precedent and the nature of the prosecution’s argument against you will be more likely to represent your best interests in a court of law and may be able to negotiate with the prosecution to avoid a trial entirely.