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 face potential incarceration and high fines for a conviction 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 Simmrin Law Group if the police accuse you of any form of vandalism. Our Long Beach vandalism lawyers can put you first and fight for your rights.
We have decades of experience between us. When you hire our team, it means you’ve got a friend who knows the law. Our Long Beach criminal defense lawyers can get to work on your charges right now.
Why Hire a Vandalism Lawyer Serving Long Beach, CA?
Hiring a criminal defense attorney after an arrest for vandalism can improve your chances of successfully handling these criminal charges. Our team can work to:
- Get your charges reduced
- Have your case dismissed
- Secure a not-guilty verdict
We provide comprehensive legal representation to clients in your situation. You can rely on us to explore a variety of defense strategies to confidently address all of your legal concerns.
You can count on our criminal law team to:
- Answer all of your legal questions
- Support you during interviews with the prosecution or police
- Assist at your arraignment hearing
- Stand up for you at your bail hearing
- Build your defense
- Protect your rights
Contact us now to learn more about how we can help if you face charges under California Penal Code 594: Vandalism.
For a free legal consultation with a vandalism lawyer serving Long Beach, call (310) 896-2723
The Official Definition of Vandalism
Many people think of spray-painted graffiti when picturing vandalism. In fact, any action that damages, defaces, or destroys the property of someone else can be considered vandalism. Individuals can face vandalism charges for:
- Keying a motor vehicle
- Drawing in wet cement
- Egging a house
- Breaking a piece of property
You might end up charged with a property crime 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.
We’re ready to offer the legal representation you deserve every step of the way, so start working with a vandalism attorney serving Long Beach.
Long Beach Vandalism Lawyer Near Me (310) 896-2723
California’s Charges for Vandalism
The court does not prosecute all instances of vandalism 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
- Up to a year in county jail
- Probation of up to 5 years
- Community service
- Suspended driver’s 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
- Up to 3 years in a California state prison
- Community service
- Driver’s license suspension 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.
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Get Professional Help from Our Team
You can fight back after an arrest 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 face a conviction for 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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How We Can Resolve Your Charges
Our team will explore all legal options to handle the criminal allegations you face. We may focus on:
- Securing a plea deal from the prosecution
- Getting the judge to dismiss your charges
- Fighting your charges through a jury trial
We understand the legal system and can use our knowledge to explore defenses to vandalism accusations.
Let Us Help You After a Vandalism Arrest
You can get help building a defense as soon as you are arrested for any act of vandalism. 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 Long Beach vandalism attorneys today.
We’re ready to help you confidently navigate the criminal justice system in California.
Call or text (310) 896-2723 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form