Acts of vandalism can lead to infraction, misdemeanor, or felony charges in Torrance, CA. You may end up facing tough prosecutors intent on securing a conviction if you are accused of vandalizing another person’s property in California.
Fortunately, you do not have to stand up to these accusations alone. The team at the Simmrin Law Group will help you construct a legal defense right now. Let our vandalism lawyer serving Torrance go over your unique legal needs today during a free case evaluation.
Our property crimes lawyers serving Torrance have helped thousands of individuals fight serious criminal charges. Our law firm is available 24/7 and prepared to protect your rights.
California Uses Several Charges to Prosecute Vandalism
You can get skilled assistance with handling the charges you are facing by contacting our vandalism lawyers serving Torrance. Our criminal defense attorneys serving Torrance will provide the advice and advocacy you need to get a fair outcome.
Vandalism occurs if someone damages, destroys, or defaces another person’s property. California uses this definition to cover basic vandalism charges under California Penal Code Section 594. However, depending upon the circumstances surrounding an act of vandalism, the state may choose to prosecute you under several types of charges.
Depending upon the area vandalized and the materials used to commit vandalism, individuals in Los Angeles County could be charged under:
- California Penal Code Section 594.3: Vandalizing a Place of Worship
- California Penal Code Section 594.4: Vandalism Involving Caustic Chemicals
- California Penal Code Sections 640.7 and 640.8: Vandalizing on or Near a Highway or Freeway
For a free legal consultation with a vandalism lawyer serving Torrance, call (310) 896-2723
Infraction, Misdemeanor, and Felony Vandalism in Torrance
Not all vandalism charges are prosecuted with the same level of severity in the state of California. The severity of these charges generally depends upon the amount of damage caused by the act of vandalism and your prior criminal record. Based on these factors, you could be charged with a(n):
Infraction
Infractions are the least severe charge you can face for a vandalism accusation. You may be charged with an infraction if you are accused of causing less than $250 in damages.
Infraction charges are generally only used if individuals have not committed vandalism multiple times in the past. The penalties for an infraction can include up to $1,000 in fines.
Even though a vandalism infraction isn’t as serious as charges for drug crimes, assault and battery, sex crimes, and other severe offenses, it doesn’t mean you should face the justice system with only a public defender. Protect your future by handing your case over to our experienced vandalism attorneys serving Torrance.
Misdemeanor
Misdemeanor vandalism charges can be more severe than infraction accusations. The court system may charge individuals with a misdemeanor for causing $250 to $400 worth of damage. Misdemeanor charges can also apply if individuals repeatedly commit smaller acts of vandalism. Penalties for a conviction may include:
- Up to $3,000 in fines
- Up to one year of jail time
Felony
Felony charges for vandalism can have the most severe consequences. Vandalism that causes $400 or more in damage can be prosecuted as a felony. A felony conviction can lead to the following penalties:
- Up to $10,000 in fines
- Up to three years of jail time
You should be aware that the fines for vandalism may be much higher in certain circumstances. However, these fines represent the general charges used in vandalism cases in Torrance.
If you’ve been caught vandalizing another person’s property by Torrance police, don‘t wait to get legal help. Our vandalism law firm serving Torrance can provide the solid legal strategies you need to get a positive case result.
Torrance Vandalism Lawyer Near Me (310) 896-2723
Build a Legal Defense for Torrance Vandalism Charges
You don’t have to try to handle a vandalism accusation on your own. You can get the help you need by reaching out to our trusted legal team. Our firm can help you, starting today.
Our vandalism attorney serving Torrance will take the following steps to get the results you deserve:
Advise You During Questioning
You may be questioned by police officers and prosecutors after an arrest for vandalism. Make sure you have a vandalism lawyer with you before you answer any questions. Everything you say can later be turned against you, so it is important that you have help in your corner.
Build Your Defense and Investigate Your Case
We may be able to dig into the facts surrounding your charges. Our criminal defense attorneys will also monitor the police investigation to make sure that your rights are respected at all times. Let us work to block evidence and construct your defense now.
Help You Handle Plea Bargains
You may be offered a plea bargain by the prosecution after you are accused of vandalism. You will have to plead guilty if you wish to accept a plea bargain, in return for facing lessened penalties. It is highly advised that you allow a criminal defense lawyer to assess these deals before you accept them.
Fight for You in Court
Our vandalism attorney serving Torrance will build your defense to make sure it is courtroom-ready. Let us begin preparing your case right now to increase the odds that you can beat the charges you are facing.
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Common Defenses Our Criminal Defense Attorneys Use for Vandalism Cases
A vandalism charge does not have to result in a conviction. Our criminal defense lawyers serving Torrance will dig into the details of your situation and develop a legal strategy designed to protect your future.
Michael Simmrin has taken more than 100 cases to trial, and our team will not hesitate to fight for you in a Los Angeles County courtroom if necessary. Depending on the facts of your case, our criminal defense attorneys may pursue one of the following strategies:
- No malicious intent: The prosecution must prove that you deliberately caused property damage, and our team will work to demonstrate that any damage was purely accidental.
- Mistaken identity: Our criminal defense attorneys will examine surveillance footage, witness accounts, police reports, and all other available evidence to establish that you were not the individual responsible.
- Owner authorization: If the property owner gave you permission to make changes to their property, our legal team will present that evidence to have the criminal charges against you dropped.
- Weak or unreliable evidence: A conviction requires proof beyond a reasonable doubt, and our vandalism lawyers serving Torrance will challenge any questionable evidence the prosecution tries to use against you.
- Fabricated allegations: Property damage accusations can sometimes arise from personal conflicts or misunderstandings, and our team will investigate to uncover the truth and fight to have the charges dismissed.
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Call a Vandalism Lawyer Serving Torrance Now
You can start focusing on protecting your future now by contacting a vandalism lawyer serving Torrance. Let the team at the Simmrin Law Group start focusing on your defense today.
Get the legal answers you’re looking for now with a free case evaluation. We are available 24/7 and are prepared to fight for the best outcome possible.
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