Vandalism is an intentional act of damaging or wrecking a property that mars, defaces, or tarnishes it, leading to depreciation in its value. Vandalism can amount to much more than a misdemeanor. The extent of penalty in a vandalism (criminal mischief) charge, depends upon the financial cost of the damage. If you or someone you know have a charge of vandalism against you, it is important to understand how the crime of vandalism may bear an additional and more serious charge of felony.

Acts of Vandalism

Vandalism broadly describes willful behavior that aims to destroy, deface, or damage someone else's property. Acts of vandalism can include:

• Breaking the windows of a building
• Breaking the windshield of a car
• Destroying equipment at a school
• Cutting down trees without permission
• Defacing street signs
• Cutting power lines
• Defacing property with spray paint
• Egging a car or house
• Keying a car
• Slashing a car's tires
• Defacing park benches

Most acts of vandalism are probably nothing more than mild pranks, but extreme acts like arson count as both vandalism as well as a violent crime, wherein two counts of charges can apply for a single act.   

The Elements of Vandalism

Vandalism has a clear legal definition under California Penal Code 594, which specifies certain essential aspects to the crime that are musts for a conviction:

• Damage

Vandalism must involve damage. Vandalism covers such acts and forms of damage that are often permanent but not grave enough to destroy the property or cause a hindrance in its functioning.

• Intent

An act requires a willful intent to vandalize. You may have a legal obligation to pay for any unintentional damage to others' property, but that is not a criminal act.

• Ownership

There must be an owner other than you, of the property you damage, and you must willfully damage the property against their wishes. 

Under the law, for an act to be vandalism, it must involve all the elements mentioned above. 

Misdemeanor or Felony

Typically, vandalism is not a grave crime unless there is a lot of financial damage involved. Most acts of vandalism are misdemeanors, but those resulting in serious damage in monetary terms are felonies. Damages less than $400 result in the filing of a misdemeanor. The crime is felony vandalism if the value of damages is more than $400.

In case of a misdemeanor, you may face:

• A prison term of up to one year.
• Up to $1,000 in fines, which can go as high as $5,000 if there is a prior conviction.
• Probation.
• Monetary compensation for damage repair.
• All the above.

In case of felony vandalism, you face:

• A prison term of up to three years
• Up to $10,000 in fines, which can go as high as $50,000 if the value of monetary losses from the damage was more than $10,000
• Probation
• Monetary compensation for damage repair

Apart from this, felons in California may not be able to vote or claim benefits from public programs, among other things. This is precisely the reason it is very important to defend yourself against a felony charge.

Contact Our Experienced Los Angeles Criminal Defense Team

A felony vandalism charge can follow you for life, and cause unforeseen hardships. The skilled Los Angeles defense attorneys at the Kann California Law Group are available for a free consultation. Call our office today at 888-744-7730 or contact us online to get the help you deserve.