Top Woodinville, WA Vandalism Lawyers Near You
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10700 Meridian Ave N, Suite 108, Seattle, WA 98133
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Contact Law Offices of Jason S. Newcombe in Woodinville, Washington for experienced legal assistance in Vandalism.
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1105 Tacoma Avenue South, Tacoma, WA 98402
A law firm in Woodinville, Washington, Michael Austin Stewart, Attorney at Law experienced in helping clients with Vandalism issues.
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PO Box 50, Cle Elum, WA 98922
Contact Heritage Law Office in Woodinville, Washington for experienced legal assistance in Vandalism.
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32116 SE Red Fall City Rd, Fall City, WA 98024
3250 Airport Way S, Suite 206, Seattle, WA 98134
19309 68th Ave S, Suite R-102, Kent, WA 98032-2112
2122 112th Ave NE, Suite A-200A, Bellevue, WA 98004
986 ZYX Street, Suite 452, Lynnwood, WA 98036
1001 Fourth Avenue, Suite 4400, Seattle, WA 98154
400 Warren Avenue, Suite 415, Bremerton, WA 98337
12835 Newcastle Way, Sute 301, Newcastle, WA 98056
PO Box 77041, Seattle, WA 98177
1818 Westlake Ave. N., Suite 216, Seattle, WA 98109
520 Pike St, Suite 2350, Seattle, WA 98101
108 S. Washington Street, Suite 406, Seattle, WA 98104
720 3rd Ave, Suite 2015, Seattle, WA 98104
5611 76th St W, Suite A, Lakewood, WA 98499
9924 4th Ave W, Everett, WA 98204
999 Third Avenue, Suite 3900, Seattle, WA 98104-4040
705 S. 9th St, Suite 204, Tacoma, WA 98405
1420 Fifth Avenue, Suite 2200, Seattle, WA 98101
451 SW 10th St, Suite 215, Renton, WA 98057
2025 1st Avenue, Suite 1140, Seattle, WA 98121
1200 Westlake Avenue North, Suite 700, Seattle, WA 98109
19303 44th Avenue West, Suite A, Lynnwood, WA 98036-5664
Woodinville 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 Washington?
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.