California treats vandalism as a severe crime. Individuals can face infractions, misdemeanors, or felony charges if accused of violating California Penal Code §594: Vandalism. The property’s value (and the type of property) will determine the punishment.
If you are convicted of felony vandalism, you face a fine of up to $50,000, up to three years in state prison, or both a fine and prison. Acts of vandalism can also involve other aggravating factors, such as hate crime elements or damage to an educational institution.
An experienced Los Angeles vandalism lawyer can help you learn more about this California Penal Code, the penalties for a conviction, and potential defenses. If your case involves graffiti laws or religious prejudice, the stakes may be even higher.
Understanding Infraction, Misdemeanor, and Felony Vandalism Charges
Vandalism involves causing damage to another person’s property. Individuals who deface or destroy someone’s personal property can also face charges under PC 594. Some cases may involve the use of caustic chemicals, which can aggravate the situation further.
Depending on the exact circumstances surrounding a PC 594 violation, an individual could face charges for:
Infraction
Individuals may commit an infraction if they cause less than $250 in damage to personal property during an act of vandalism. Note that this charge does not apply if someone repeatedly causes small amounts of damage.
Repeated acts of vandalism can result in misdemeanor charges. For example, someone could face increased charges for repeatedly damaging property with graffiti.
Misdemeanor Penalties for Vandalism
Misdemeanor vandalism charges apply if an individual causes damage to personal property valued between $250 and $400. Individuals may also face this criminal charge if they cause smaller amounts of damage multiple times.
Some misdemeanor penalties for acts of vandalism may include months in county jail and restitution for graffiti removal or damage. Note that these penalties may increase if the prosecution accuses you of other wrongful acts during an act of vandalism.
For example, you could face additional legal repercussions for an accusation under Penal Code 347 PC | Poisoning Food, Medicine or Water Supply.
Felony Vandalism
Felony vandalism is the most severe form of vandalism. In the Los Angeles court system, any act of vandalism that causes more than $400 in damage represents a felony.
A Los Angeles criminal defense lawyer can help individuals face these charges, especially if they involve hate crime allegations, religious services, or damage to a place of worship. For a free legal consultation with a vandalism lawyer serving California, contact Simmrin Law Group.
For a free legal consultation with a california penal code §594: vandalism lawyer serving California, call (310) 896-2723
Defenses That Can Beat Vandalism Charges
It can be difficult to resolve vandalism accusations successfully. However, contacting a Los Angeles criminal defense attorney today can boost an individual’s odds of beating their charges.
Some common defenses may require an attorney to argue that:
You Defaced Your Own Property
Individuals in California are allowed to do what they want to their own property. This rule applies even if your property is on someone else’s land.
You should not face vandalism charges for damaging something that belongs to you. However, this defense may not fully apply to a property you jointly own with others, such as a spouse, family member, or single parent.
You Were Falsely Accused or Misidentified
It is possible to be falsely identified or intentionally falsely accused of vandalism. Dashcams and security footage may capture images that resemble you, or eyewitnesses may misplace you at the scene. An attorney can help defend an innocent individual and dispute false allegations.
You Were Not Acting Maliciously
Vandalism only occurs when someone maliciously damages, defaces, or destroys another person’s property. If the act was accidental or lacked intent, charges may not apply. A criminal defense attorney can help demonstrate the absence of malice.
You Were Expressing Your Right to Free Speech
Some individuals face vandalism charges after participating in protests or public demonstrations. Depending on the setting, especially when on the grounds of an educational institution or place of worship, this may be mischaracterized.
The court may consider free speech protections, especially if no malicious damage was intended.
California California Penal Code §594: Vandalism Lawyer Near Me (310) 896-2723
California Vandalism Laws for Juveniles
Parents of minors facing vandalism charges should be aware that the consequences can extend beyond the child. If your child is convicted, you may be financially responsible for paying their fines or court-ordered restitution.
If your child is required to perform community service or attend religious services as part of their sentence, you may need to coordinate transportation or supervise them. Some court orders may even mandate hours of school attendance or counseling.
Work with a criminal defense attorney who has experience in both vandalism laws and California’s juvenile court system. Penalties for juveniles can sometimes be resolved through diversion programs, but others may involve lasting consequences for the family—especially for a single parent.
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Additional Considerations in Vandalism Cases
Vandalism charges in California can carry serious and long-lasting consequences, especially when certain aggravating factors are involved.
Whether you’re accused of damaging personal property or defacing a public building, the details of the incident—such as location, motive, and method—can significantly influence the penalties. Understanding these nuances is crucial when defending against any act of vandalism.
Enhanced Penalties Based on the Type of Property
Vandalism charges in California may be elevated depending on the type of property involved. Damage to an educational institution, house of worship, or government building may trigger additional consequences.
If the offense is motivated by religious prejudice or targets a protected group, it could be prosecuted as a hate crime, leading to enhanced sentencing.
Harmful Methods and Aggravating Circumstances
Using caustic chemicals, fire, or etching tools during acts of vandalism can result in steeper penalties. Courts may also consider the need for graffiti removal, which could be added to your sentence along with fines or jail time.
In some cases, the use of these methods can transform a misdemeanor into a felony-level charge.
Probation Terms and Community-Based Sentencing
Judges often impose a condition of probation that includes a period for community service, hours of school attendance, or even participation in religious services.
These alternatives may be especially common for younger defendants or those with mitigating circumstances, such as being a single parent or a first-time offender.
Juvenile Offenders and Minor Defendants
For convictions of persons age 18 or younger, courts may take a rehabilitative approach. That said, serious offenses—especially those tied to graffiti laws or repeat vandalism—can still lead to months in county jail.
A reduction of the period for probation may be possible with the help of a qualified criminal defense attorney, particularly when there’s a strong argument for early termination of probation.
False Accusations and Related Offenses
An innocent individual may be falsely identified in group vandalism cases or when surveillance evidence is unclear. In some situations, vandalism may be charged alongside other crimes, such as domestic battery, adding challenge and risk to the case.
Legal representation from an experienced professional from Simmrin Law Group is critical when multiple charges are involved.
Penalties and Legal Strategy
A conviction of vandalism can carry long-lasting consequences. Misdemeanor penalties may include fines, jail, and community service, while felony convictions may lead to imprisonment pursuant to state sentencing guidelines.
A skilled criminal defense attorney in Los Angeles can challenge the evidence, fight to reduce the penalties for acts of vandalism, and advocate for alternatives to incarceration whenever possible.
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Contact a California Criminal Defense Lawyer at Simmrin Law Group After a Vandalism Charge
A criminal defense attorney can help if you face vandalism charges under California Penal Code §594: Vandalism. Simmrin Law Group can provide professional guidance through a free legal consultation. If you have questions about your vandalism charge or believe you are an innocent individual, don’t wait to contact our firm.
Our team will evaluate your case so you can defend your rights and explore all available legal strategies—including dismissal, reduction of charges, or advocacy during sentencing. For more answers, visit our FAQ page.
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