You can get professional help handling vandalism accusations in Lancaster, CA. The team at the Simmrin Law Group can begin working to build your defense quickly after an arrest. We can review all aspects of your case to provide you with the legal assistance you need.
Reach out to our vandalism lawyers in Lancaster if you are accused of vandalizing public or private property. We can work to block evidence against you. Our team is also ready to fight to get your charges reduced or even dismissed.
Vandalism Charges in Lancaster: Definition
Let’s focus on the definition of vandalism in Lancaster. The court system in California uses Penal Code Section 594 to define and prosecute vandalism. According to PC 594, you could face vandalism charges if you:
- Damage another person’s property
- Deface another person’s property
- Destroy another person’s property
You could face vandalism accusations for damaging, defacing, or destroying both public and private property in California.
For a free legal consultation with a lawyer serving Lancaster, call (310) 896-2723
Vandalism Charges in Lancaster: Levels of Severity
You should be aware that not all vandalism accusations are prosecuted the same way in Lancaster. You could end up charged with an infraction, misdemeanor, or felony depending upon the amount of damage caused by the vandalism and how many acts of vandalism were committed.
Generally, the court will charge individuals with:
- An infraction if they cause under $250 in damage and do not commit multiple acts of vandalism
- A misdemeanor if they cause between $250-$400 in damage or if they commit multiple acts of vandalism
- A felony if they cause over $400 in damage
A criminal defense lawyer in Lancaster can help you handle any kind of vandalism charge. The professionals at the Simmrin Law Group know what it takes to build a strong defense for you.
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Vandalism Charges in Lancaster: Penalties
The penalties for a vandalism conviction in Lancaster can vary depending upon the severity of the charge you are facing. If you are charged with an infraction, for example, you may only face fines. However, other vandalism charges can have more serious results, including:
- Fines of up to $3,000 for a misdemeanor
- Fines of up to $10,000 for a felony
You may also end up facing:
- Years of time behind bars
- Probation of up to five years
- Drivers’ license suspension of up to two years
- Community service requirements
You can improve your chances of successfully resolving a vandalism accusation if you reach out to a property crimes lawyer in Lancaster immediately after an arrest. Getting legal help quickly can help you avoid the harsh penalties for a vandalism conviction.
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Vandalism Charges in Lancaster: Legal Defenses
Your vandalism lawyer can help you build a strong defense to the charges you are facing. The team at the Simmrin Law Group can go over all of your legal needs. We can investigate your case. Depending upon your situation, we may be able to show that:
You Caused Property Damage by Accident
You must act intentionally to damage, deface, or destroy someone’s property to be convicted of vandalism. If you accidentally caused property damage, you could be able to avoid a conviction for vandalism in Lancaster.
You Damaged Your Own Property
Legally, you are allowed to damage your own property if you so desire. If your lawyer can show that you owned the property that was damaged, you could be able to build a strong defense to the vandalism charges you’re facing.
You Damage Property While Expressing Freedom of Expression
Some acts of property damage may be protected under the Constitution. If you were expressing your right to free speech, you may not be convicted for vandalism. This defense can be difficult to prove if you do not have help from a legal professional.
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Vandalism Charges in Lancaster: Other Legal Hurdles
Building a strong defense to vandalism charges represents only one of the services offered by a theft crimes lawyer in Lancaster. The team at the Simmrin Law Group can also:
- Advise you during legal interviews
- Help during your bail hearing
- Go over all plea bargains you’re offered
- Take steps to block evidence against you
- Work to get your charges reduced or dismissed before trial
Let our professional legal team address all of your needs after you are accused of vandalism in Lancaster.
Speak with a Lancaster Vandalism Lawyer Immediately
You can get help dealing with vandalism charges by speaking with the Simmrin Law Group as soon as you are arrested. Our team is standing by to offer you a FREE consultation to review your legal options. Let us begin aggressively working for you now.
You can reach our vandalism lawyers in Lancaster by calling (310) 896-2723 or filling out our online contact form.
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