Top Mableton, GA Vandalism Lawyers Near You
The Hames Law Firm, the answer when the police call.
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Over 25 Years Experience in Helping Clients with Their Criminal Defense.
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Accused of A Crime? You Deserve Skilled Advice. Call Me Today!
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4056 Wetherburn Way NW, Suite 3, Peachtree Corners, GA 30092
The Carnell Law Firm, LLC has years of experience helping clients with their Vandalism needs in Mableton, Georgia.
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21 Lee Street, Jonesboro, GA 30236
The Frey Law Firm has experience helping clients with their Vandalism needs in Mableton, Georgia.
50 Hurt Plaza, The Hurt Building, Suite 1145, Atlanta, GA 30303
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Law Offices of David N. Ghazi has experience helping clients with their Vandalism needs in Mableton, Georgia.
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215 North McDonough Street, Decatur, GA 30030
Clients needing legal solutions for Vandalism can connect with The Maloof Law Firm, a local Georgia practice.
123 Church Street NE, Suite 220, Marietta, GA 30060
David West & Associates has experience helping clients with their Vandalism needs in Mableton, Georgia.
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3546 Habersham at Northlake Rd, Tucker, GA 30084
3101 Cobb Parkway SE, Suite 124, Suwanee, GA 30339
912 Holcomb Bridge Rd, Suite 203, Roswell, GA 30076
170 Anderson St. SE, Marietta, GA 30060
1075 Peachtree Street NE, Suite 1700, Atlanta, GA 30309
310 Tanner Street, Carrollton, GA 30117
999 Peachtree Street NE, Suite 1500, Atlanta, GA 30309
2039 Dayron Court, Marietta, GA 30062
630 Village Trace Building 15, Suite E, Marietta, GA 30067
8473 Earl D Lee Blvd, Suite 300, Douglasville, GA 30134
125 Clairemont Avenue, Suite 470, Decatur, GA 30030
353 Dahlonega Street, Cumming, GA 30040
3348 Peachtree Rd NE, Suite 1400, Atlanta, GA 30326
Building F, 309 Pirkle Ferry Road, Cumming, GA 30040
1331 Spring St NW, Suite 1400, Atlanta, GA 30309
950 The Lenox Building, 3399 Peachtree Road, Atlanta, GA 30326-1120
1170 Peachtree Street, NE, Suite 2400, Atlanta, GA 30309-7676
5555 Glenridge Connector, Suite 435, Atlanta, GA 30342
511 East Paces Ferry Road, N.E., Atlanta, GA 30305
315 W. Ponce de Leon Ave., Suite 400, Decatur, GA 30030
Mableton Vandalism Information
Lead Counsel independently verifies Vandalism attorneys in Mableton and checks their standing with Georgia 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
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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 Georgia?
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.