Top Denver, CO Vandalism Lawyers Near You
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Extensive track record of dismissals & acquittals. Aggressive criminal defense team helmed by former prosecutor who knows the system & how to win. Over 100+ 5-star reviews online.
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When your livelihood is at stake, you simply cannot take risks with a Criminal Defense matter. 25+ years of experience in State & Federal Courts. Don't plead guilty - call me now.
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Arrested? Police want to talk to you? Do not talk & do not plead guilty! Call us first to know all of your rights and options!
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We Are the Real Deal. We Will Go to Trial and Fight for the Result That is Best for You.
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Charged w/ a crime? Don't plead guilty! You have rights & options - call us now to review your case. Se Habla Español
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Dedicated Practice Exclusively to Criminal Defense. Experienced in Handling all Types & Levels of Criminal Cases in State & Federal Court.
1001 Bannock Street, Denver, CO 80204
Connect with a proven Denver, Colorado law firm with experience helping clients with Vandalism issues.
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14142 Denver West Parkway, Building 51, Suite 200, Lakewood, CO 80401
Vandalism concerns can be addressed by Pearson & Paris, P.C.. This practice offers legal representation for clients in the Denver, Colorado area.
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720 South Colorado Blvd., Suite 600, Denver, CO 80246
Law Office Of Richard B. Huttner, a reputable Vandalism firm representing clients in the Denver, Colorado area.
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200 Union Blvd., Lakewood, CO 80228
Law Office of Elaine E. Lukic can help you find legal solutions for your Vandalism issue. The practice serves the Denver, Colorado area.
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1775 Sherman Street, Littleton, CO 80203
The Law Office of Sean R. Dingle, LLC is experienced handling Vandalism cases in the Denver area.
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1331 17th Street, Suite 520, Denver, CO 80202
1801 California Street, Suite 4400, Denver, CO 80202
1890 Gaylord Street, Denver, CO 80206
700 17th Street, Suite 650, Denver, CO 80202
7555 East Hampden Avenue, Suite 600, Denver, CO 80231
1144 15th St, Suite 2700, Denver, CO 80202
5251 DTC Parkway, Suite 1175, Englewood, CO 80111
1873 S Bellaire St, Suite 1400, Denver, CO 80222
675 15th St, Suite 2900, Denver, CO 80202
3801 E. Florida Ave., Suite 725, Denver, CO 80210
138 W 5th Avenue, Denver, CO 80204
1400 South Colorado Blvd., Suite 500, Denver, CO 80222
1125 17th Street, Suite 450, Denver, CO 80202
6855 S Havana St, Suite 570, Centennial, CO 80112
10457 Park Meadows Drive, Lone Tree, CO 80124
555 17th St, Suite 3200, Denver, CO 80202
675 15th St, Suite 2650, Denver, CO 80202
1801 Broadway Street, Suite 900, Denver, CO 80202
469 South Cherry Street, Suite 201, Denver, CO 80246
1660 Lincoln Street, Suite 2505, Denver, CO 80264
Denver 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 Colorado?
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.