Top Laguna Beach, CA Vandalism Lawyers Near You
Arrested? Or Think You May be Arrested? Call David. Interviewed by NBC & Dr Drew for his Criminal Defense Success.
Free Consultation
SoCal Super Lawyers 16 years in a row, AV rated. Criminal defense attorney offering experience, skill and personal attention.
Se Habla Español
Free Consultation
When Results Matter Most, Put 42 Years of Criminal Defense to Work For You! Open 24/7. Free Consultation.
Se Habla Español
Free Consultation
Virtual Appointments
Over 30 years experience aggressively fighting for your rights when charged with a crime. We look forward to helping you!
Free Consultation
Virtual Appointments
16520 Bake Parkway, Suite 280, Irvine, CA 92618
Representing people in Laguna Beach, California with their Vandalism issues.
Se Habla Español
Free Consultation
260 St. Ann's Drive, Laguna Beach, CA 92651
Clients who need legal help with Vandalism concerns can contact Law Offices of Barry T. Simons, a reputable law firm in Laguna Beach, California.
Se Habla Español
Free Consultation
6345 Balboa Blvd, Suite 247, Encino, CA 91316
If you need Vandalism help in California, contact Law Office of Gregory Rubel, a local practice in Laguna Beach, for legal representation.
Free Consultation
One Park Plaza, Irvine, CA 92614
Other Nearby Offices
Those seeking legal help with Vandalism can reach out to Bulldog Law, a local practice representing people in Laguna Beach, California.
Se Habla Español
Free Consultation
Virtual Appointments
23679 Calabasas Road, Suite 412, Calabasas, CA 91302
Assisting people in California with their Vandalism needs. Learn More.
Se Habla Español
Free Consultation
1440 N Harbor Blvd, Suite 900, Fullerton, CA 92835
Contact Law Offices of David Borsari for experienced Vandalism guidance in Laguna Beach, California.
Free Consultation
333 City Blvd W, Suite 1742, Orange, CA 92868
5250 Lankershim Blvd, Suite 500, North Hollywood, CA 91601
355 South Grand Ave, Suite 2450, Los Angeles, CA 90071
827 Deep Valley Dr, Suite 209, Rolling Hills Estates, CA 90274
4929 Wilshire Boulevard, Suite 1010, Los Angeles, CA 90010
865 S. Figueroa St., Suite 3100, Los Angeles, CA 90017
10250 Constellation Blvd, Suite 900, Los Angeles, CA 90067
811 Wilshire Blvd, Suite 1701, Los Angeles, CA 90017
633 West Fifth Street, Suite 1600, Los Angeles, CA 90071
620 Newport Center Dr., Suite 1100, Newport Beach, CA 92660
555 South Flower Street, 31st Floor, Los Angeles, CA 90071
14401 Sylvan Street, Suite 100, Van Nuys, CA 91401
433 North Camden Drive, Suite 400, Beverly Hills, CA 90210
500 N Brand Blvd, Suite 1125, Glendale, CA 91203
5440 Trabuco Rd, Irvine, CA 92620
1010 Wilshire Blvd, Ste.1415, Los Angeles, CA 90017
8383 Wilshire Blvd, #830, Beverly Hills, CA 90211
424 South Beverly Drive, Beverly Hills, CA 90212
15260 Ventura Boulevard, Suite 1400, Sherman Oaks, CA 91403
Laguna Beach Vandalism Information
Lead Counsel independently verifies Vandalism attorneys in Laguna Beach and checks their standing with California bar associations.
Our Verification Process and Criteria
Ample Experience
Attorneys must meet stringent qualifications and prove they practice in the area of law they’re verified in.Good Standing
Be in good standing with their bar associations and maintain a clean disciplinary record.Annual Review
Submit to an annual review to retain their Lead Counsel Verified status.Client Commitment
Pledge to follow the highest quality client service and ethical standards.
What Is Considered a Vandalism Crime?
Vandalism is a crime where the perpetrator willfully and intentionally defaces or damages someone else’s personal property. Some common examples of acts of vandalism are egging a person’s house, destruction of property, using spray paint or another form of paint to scrawl messages or artwork on unapproved properties, breaking windows belonging to storefronts or other property belonging to another person and even arson.
While arson is considered its own criminal offense, it also falls under the definition of an act of vandalism.
What Is the Difference Between Graffiti and Vandalism?
There is a debate as to whether graffiti — sometimes referred to as street art — is considered a form of public expression or a form of vandalism. Regardless, the use of spray paint or other paint on unapproved surfaces (even if they are publicly owned walls attached to common buildings) is generally considered a criminal offense or an act of vandalism.
Most graffiti cannot be compared to high-end art, and typically may involve simple tags or etching, sometimes containing vulgarities. Despite the ongoing debate between advocates of street art (many of whom are more supportive of public spaces designed for graffiti, rather than unwanted and illegal vandalism) and proponents of reducing public graffiti in unapproved spaces, those who engage in the practice without approval are subject to prosecution under vandalism laws in most jurisdictions.
Is Vandalism a Felony?
The crime of vandalism can be prosecuted either as a felony offense or misdemeanor in most jurisdictions and is most commonly charged at the state level — although there are federal statutes that could lead to federal vandalism charges if the defacement involves significant damage to public property. Federal law covers both the definition for federal vandalism as well as the punishment for those who perpetrate such offenses.
At the state level, whether or not a charge of vandalism is considered to be a misdemeanor or a felony typically boils down to the cost of remediating the property damage done by the vandal. In some states, damage costing less than $1,000 to remediate will likely result in a misdemeanor charge. However, should the cost of fixing the damage cost more than $1,000 or if the vandalism disrupted business or public communication, you could face a felony vandalism charge. Repeat offenders, even if prior offenses were classified as misdemeanors, could also face felony charges as a result, even if damages amount to less than $1,000.
Some states use a threshold of $500 in damages rather than $1,000, and automatically escalate damage caused to a vehicle to a felony charge, regardless of the actual damages done.
What Are Some Possible Penalties if Convicted of Vandalism Charges?
If you are charged at the federal level, vandalism can result in imprisonment for a period ranging between one (if the damage does not exceed $1,000 in costs) and 10 years (if the damage exceeds $1,000 in costs). If there is complete destruction of vital infrastructure, or if a person is killed during the commission of the crime, the penalty can increase to 20 years jail time.
At the state level, punishments vary, but a broad range can be established. If you are found guilty of misdemeanor vandalism, most states give a maximum penalty of around one year in county jail. For those convicted of felony vandalism, penalties typically hover around three to five years of incarceration as a maximum penalty.
Can a Lawyer Help With Vandalism Charges in California?
If you are facing charges related to vandalism, it is important to secure proper legal representation as soon as possible. A conviction in response to vandalism charges, misdemeanor or felony, could result in a permanent criminal record, a steep fine and time in jail or prison.
An experienced criminal defense attorney can help you negotiate the charges against you and attorney-client privilege allows you to discuss all material evidence and strategy with your lawyer in privacy and in detail. Attorneys familiar with vandalism case law, standing precedent and the nature of the prosecution’s argument against you will be more likely to represent your best interests in a court of law and may be able to negotiate with the prosecution to avoid a trial entirely.