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 can help you construct a legal defense right now. Let our vandalism lawyers in Torrance go over your unique legal needs today.
California Uses Several Charges to Prosecute Vandalism
Vandalism occurs if someone:
- Damages Another Person’s Property
- Destroys Another Person’s Property
- 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 different charges.
Depending upon the area vandalized and the materials used to commit vandalism, individuals in Torrance 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
Each of these charges may be handled differently by the court system. You can get specialized legal advice handling the charges you are facing by contacting a criminal defense lawyer in Torrance now.
For a free legal consultation with a 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
Misdemeanor
Misdemeanor vandalism charges can be more severe than infraction accusations. The court system may charge individuals with a misdemeanor for causing $250-$400 worth of damage. Misdemeanor charges can also apply if individuals repeatedly committed 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.
Criminal Defense 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 in Torrance on your own. You can get the help you need by reaching out to a property-crimes lawyer right now. The professional team at the Simmrin Law Group can help you starting today. We may be able to:
Advise You During Legal Questions
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
Your lawyer may be able to dig into the facts surrounding your charges. The team at the Simmrin Law Group can 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
Your vandalism lawyer can 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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Call a Torrance Vandalism Lawyer Now
You can start focusing on protecting your future now by contacting a vandalism lawyer in Torrance. Let the professionals at the Simmrin Law Group start focusing on your defense today. You can reach us by completing our online contact form or calling (310) 896-2723.
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