The state of California considers vandalism to be a serious property crime. Vandalism charges can force you to go up against highly trained prosecutors. You can end up facing incarceration and high fines if you are convicted of vandalism in the Long Beach area.
Fortunately, you do not have to build a defense for vandalism charges on your own. You can get professional help from the Simmrin Law Group if you are accused of any form of vandalism. Our vandalism lawyers in Long Beach will fight to:
- Get Your Charges Reduced
- Have Your Case Dismissed
- Secure You a Not-Guilty Verdict
The Official Definition of Vandalism in Long Beach
Many people think of spray-painted graffiti when picturing vandalism. In fact, any action that that damages, defaces, or destroys the property of someone else can be considered vandalism. This means that individuals can be charged with vandalism for:
- Keying a Motor Vehicle
- Drawing in Wet Cement
- Egging a House
- Breaking a Piece of Property
You might end up charged with a criminal act for an action you did not even realize was against the law. Make sure you get help dealing with any unexpected legal challenges you’re facing by contacting a Long Beach criminal defense lawyer right away.
For a free legal consultation with a lawyer serving Long Beach, call (310) 896-2723
Long Beach’s Charges for Vandalism
Not all instances of vandalism are prosecuted the same way. Individuals accused of vandalism could actually face three different charges:
Vandalism Infraction
You can be charged with an infraction for causing less than $250 worth of damage to someone’s property. You will likely face the following repercussions if convicted of an infraction:
- Fines of Up to $1,000
- Community Service
Misdemeanor Vandalism
Individuals who cause between $250-$400 in damage can be charged with misdemeanor vandalism. You may also face a misdemeanor vandalism charge for repeatedly causing smaller amounts of damage. Misdemeanor vandalism convictions can lead to:
- Fines of Up to $3,000
- Jail Time of Up to 1 Year
- Probation of Up to 5 Years
- Community Service
- Suspended Drivers License for Up to 2 Years
Felony Vandalism
You could be charged with felony vandalism for causing more than $400 in damage with an act of vandalism. The penalties for felony vandalism include:
- Fines Determined by the Court
- Prison Time of Up to 3 Years
- Community Service
- Suspended Drivers License for Up to 2 Years
You may also be ordered not to approach the area you previously vandalized. Note that the penalties for any form of vandalism may be harsher if you vandalized a place of worship, or if the vandalism was part of a hate crime.
Criminal Defense Lawyer Near Me (310) 896-2723
Get a Professional Defense from a Vandalism Lawyer
You can fight back if you are arrested for vandalism in Long Beach. The Simmrin Law Group has a reputation for winning cases for our clients. We will dig into the charges against you and we may be able to argue:
You Didn’t Cause Any Damage
You cannot be convicted of vandalism if you did not actually damage or deface someone else’s property. In some felony vandalism cases, we may be able to argue that you caused less than $400 in damage, which can decrease the severity of the penalties you’ll face.
Any Damage was Accidental
Legally, you must be acting maliciously to commit vandalism. If you damaged or defaced someone’s property by accident, you should not be convicted of vandalism.
You Were Falsely Accused
Mistakes happen, even in police investigations. We may be able to prove that you were not responsible for an act of vandalism.
Your defense will be stronger if you get help right away. Waiting to contact a vandalism lawyer can make it more difficult to successfully resolve the charges against you.
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Let a Long Beach Vandalism Lawyer Help You
You can get help building a defense as soon as you are arrested for any act of vandalism. The Simmrin Law Group can start working on your case immediately, giving you the best chance for clearing your name. You can reach out to our vandalism lawyers in Long Beach today by calling (310) 896-2723 or completing our online contact form.
We are ready to start giving you the legal advice you need with a FREE consultation.
Call or text (310) 896-2723 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form