Vandalism Charges

What Is Vandalism In The Eyes Of The Law?

Vandalism is the purposeful destruction of property by means of graffiti, inscription, cutting, breaking or any other means of defamation. Vandalism crimes include destruction or damage to:

• Vehicles,
• Signs,
• Cemeteries,
• Businesses,
• Buildings,
• Even park benches and trees can qualify!

In fact, you can be charged for vandalism for causing damage to any form of property that can be defaced or destroyed in a way that reduces its private or public value.

How Is Vandalism Charged?

Vandalism can be charged as either a misdemeanor or a felony. The crime you will be charged with depends on a number of factors, the most important of which is the extent of the damage you are accused of causing, often measured in dollars. Many states use a cutoff of 1,000$ in damages.

Other factors can include your alleged intent in causing the damage (intentional acts are always punished more severely than accidental vandalism). The target of your vandalism can also be relevant, as defacing public property like schools or police cars is more likely to result in severe penalties.

Finally, it is important to remember that damaging or defacing federal government property can be charged even more severely, as “federal property damage” charges. These federal charges come with even harsher penalties and longer-lasting consequences, making hiring a skilled defense attorney with federal criminal experience all the more important.

Keeping The Damage In Perspective.

At Kardon Law, we thoroughly investigate the facts surrounding the incident, including obtaining the statements of any witnesses. We then use the information and testimony we obtained to prepare a presentation packet for the prosecution seeking either

• A dismissal of the vandalism case against you,
• A reduction in the charges (for example, from felony to misdemeanor)
• A significantly reduced sentence, such as smaller fines or less jail or probation time.

We know firsthand that most incidents of vandalism are not indicative of a greater criminal propensity, and many teens are wrongfully accused of it year after year, just for being in the wrong place at the wrong time.

Even when you genuinely did do the act, however, it is often simply an expression of angst, anger or disenfranchisement. Elements we can often use to convince a judge or jury to show clemency for, especially for young defendants.

As your vandalism defense lawyer, Nancy Kardon will work hard to make sure the consequences of this act do not outweigh the crime.

Kardon Law: Your Vandalism Defense Lawyer

Before founding Kardon Law and becoming one of California and Colorado’s most effective defense lawyers, Nancy Kardon served as a federal prosecutor for over a decade. There she prosecuted all kinds of federal crimes, acquiring substantial familiarity with the way prosecutors think and act.

Now she uses that knowledge to protect those accused of crimes at every level, from state misdemeanors to federal felonies, including vandalism charges. When your future is on the line after a criminal charge, even one that might seem minor, like vandalism, you won’t find a more ardent or effective defender.

Do I Really Need A Private Lawyer For A Vandalism Charge?

Honestly, only you can answer that question. If you are not worried about the consequences of a criminal conviction on your record and future, you might not need a lawyer at all. If you cannot afford a private lawyer, court-appointed public defenders do amazing work with the limited resources they have.

Unfortunately, their time is limited as they are often stretched thin over so many cases.

Hiring a private attorney for your vandalism case, or your child’s, means securing the efforts of someone who can and will take the time to cover every eventuality, option, recourse, and negotiation tactic to construct a powerful and effective defense. When it comes to securing a dismissal or a reduced charge, a private defense lawyer like Nancy Kardon is the obvious choice.

Facing Vandalism Charges? Call Kardon Law Today

Whether you are facing misdemeanor vandalism charges in Colorado or a federal property damage felony charge in California, if you want to fight for your innocence and avoid the worst consequences of your arrest, it's time to call Kardon Law.

If you or your child has been charged with vandalism at the state or federal level, call (310) 708-1044 today or contact our team online to schedule a consultation as soon as possible. Every moment counts when building a defense; don't let your future slip away; call today!