While a vandalism charge might not seem like a big deal, it can actually mean jail time and thousands of dollars in fines. It doesn’t have to, though. With the help of a vandalism lawyer serving Tustin, you can fight your charges and protect your future.
Our property crimes lawyers taking cases in Tustin know what it takes to get you a reduced sentence for your vandalism charge. Simmrin Law Group has experience defending people like you from the harsh California court system.
We also offer free consultations to give you an idea of how we can help.
What Is Vandalism?
Even though vandalism charges might not seem as serious as charges for theft crimes, drug crimes, violent crimes, white collar crimes, sex offenses, and other criminal offenses, they still come with consequences. If you’ve been accused of vandalism, you should try to understand your charges and get help from a criminal defense lawyer serving Tustin.
When you think of vandalism, you might picture a delinquent teen spray-painting a wall. However, vandalism can be more than just graffiti.
According to California Penal Code (CPC) § 594, vandalism is any malicious defacement, damage, or destruction of someone else’s property.
It’s important to remember that if the defacement of the property is impermanent or removable, it is still vandalism. That means even if you draw something that is easily cleaned off, you can still be charged.
If you’re confused as to whether or not your actions count as vandalism, you can get a free consultation with our vandalism attorney serving Tustin. Our team will listen to your side of the story and tell you what the next steps for your case should be, as well as what we can do for you.
For a free legal consultation with a vandalism lawyer serving Tustin, call (310) 896-2723
Common Examples of Vandalism
There are a variety of different actions that can count as vandalism in Orange County, CA. Many of them are honest mistakes, but no matter what your intention might be, you can still be charged, potentially with a felony. Common examples of vandalism include:
- Drawn or spray-painted graffiti
- Thrown objects like eggs
- Damage to a car’s paint from a key or other sharp object
- Slashed tires
- Broken windows
If you’ve been accused of vandalism but don’t think you’re guilty, a criminal defense attorney can help argue your case. Our vandalism attorneys serving Tustin know that sometimes people get caught up and can break or deface something, even if they don’t mean to.
We’ll help you fight your criminal charges and protect your permanent record in Tustin, CA.
Tustin Vandalism Lawyer Near Me (310) 896-2723
What Is the Punishment for Vandalism in California?
While vandalism might seem like a minor charge for a fun prank or a simple mistake, the penalties can be steeper than you might think. Ultimately, it depends on how much damage your vandalism did, as the court often scales your punishment to the extent of your crime.
In general, misdemeanor vandalism consists of property damage worth less than $400. For a misdemeanor vandalism offense, you could be facing up to a year in prison and a fine of up to $1,000. Not to mention the impact on your life that having a vandalism charge on your criminal record could make.
Our vandalism attorney in Tustin can assess your unique situation and explain the penalties you’re facing. We’ll provide the legal defense you need to get a favorable plea deal or have your charges dropped.
Is Vandalism a Felony?
If your vandalism caused property damages worth more than $400, it is a felony. Felonies carry much higher penalties than misdemeanors and can prohibit you from voting or owning a gun.
If you’re charged with felony vandalism, you could be facing up to three years of jail time and a fine of up to $50,000. Along with the challenges that a felony conviction can pose to your chances of getting a job or a loan, prison time and fines can derail your life. There could be a way to avoid the steep penalties of a felony charge, though.
A reduced charge or a dropped conviction can save you from life-altering consequences. Hiring our vandalism lawyers serving Tustin to defend you can be your first step. We know how hard it can be living with a vandalism charge on your record, and we know how to help you avoid the worst consequences.
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How Does a Vandalism Lawyer Serving Tustin Fight a Charge?
Fighting a vandalism charge isn’t necessarily easy, so we suggest that you seek the help of an attorney if you intend to fight your charges. Only an experienced lawyer can navigate the nuances of criminal defense and know how to negotiate a reduced sentence.
In order to fight your charge, a vandalism attorney serving Tustin will do the following:
- Investigate your case
- Gather any evidence that supports your innocence
- File any necessary documents or motions
- Negotiate with the prosecutor for a lesser sentence
- Argue that you deserve to have your charge reduced or dropped entirely
To do those things, your lawyer may employ certain defenses that could get you out of your charges by a technicality. Common defenses against vandalism charges in California include arguing that:
- You did not have any malicious intent to deface or destroy any property
- You thought you were the owner of the property
- The owner actually gave you consent for your actions
- You were mistaken for the actual vandal
- The damage done was a complete accident
By arguing your side of the story, one of our criminal defense attorneys may be able to convince them to completely drop your charges, saving you valuable time and money. At your initial consultation, our team will tell you what we think we can do for you.
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What to Do After Being Arrested for Vandalism in Tustin
An arrest for vandalism can be overwhelming, but the steps you take immediately afterward can make a major difference in the outcome of your case. Whether you are facing misdemeanor vandalism or felony vandalism criminal charges, knowing how to protect yourself from the start is important.
Here is what our criminal defense attorneys serving Tustin recommend:
- Stay calm and cooperate with the arresting officers: Do not resist or argue with law enforcement during your arrest, as this could lead to additional criminal charges that make your situation worse.
- Exercise your right to remain silent: You are not required to answer questions from police officers or prosecutors about the property damage you are accused of, and anything you say can be used against you in the California court system.
- Contact a criminal defense lawyer as soon as possible: Having legal representation early on gives your attorney more time to investigate your case, review evidence, and begin building a strong legal defense before your court appearances.
- Do not discuss your case with anyone: Avoid talking about the details of your criminal charges with friends, family, or on social media, as these conversations could be used as evidence by the prosecution.
- Document everything you remember: Write down the details of what happened while they are still fresh in your mind, including where you were, who was present, and any other information that could support your defense.
- Show up to every court appearance: Missing a scheduled court date can result in a bench warrant for your arrest and additional penalties, including county jail time.
- Do not accept a plea deal without legal advice: A prosecutor may offer you a plea deal that sounds reasonable. A criminal defense attorney can assess whether the terms are actually in your best interest or if a better outcome is possible at trial.
Our vandalism attorneys serving Tustin have a deep understanding of criminal law and the charges you’re facing. We’ve helped thousands of individuals in Orange County and throughout California face serious cases.
Don’t trust your case with a public defender. Instead, work with a team of trial attorneys that can meet all your legal needs, even when dealing with a felony offense. We’ll handle investigations, strategy building, and jury trials, so you can have peace of mind.
Talk to a Vandalism Attorney Serving Tustin Today
Even if your actions did not seem serious or were an accident, your vandalism charge can affect your life. Fines, jail time, and a record of your arrest can make things much harder. Help from a criminal defense attorney could be what you need to move on without heavy repercussions.
Simmrin Law Group wants to hear your account and help you with your case. Contact us today to get a free consultation with our team and begin working with a vandalism lawyer serving Tustin. We are available 24/7 and look forward to speaking with you soon.
Call or text (310) 896-2723 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form