Top Columbia, MD Vandalism Lawyers Near You
Maryland Super Lawyers 2008-2013. Best Lawyers in America 2007-2018. "AV Rated" by Martindale-Hubbell, Highest Peer Review Rating in Legal Ability and Ethical Standards.
Baltimore Premier Criminal Defense Firm, Handling both Federal and State Cases for over 33 years, including Internet Sex Crimes.
Free Consultation
A Law Firm Dedicated to Fighting For Your Rights
Free Consultation
Fighting for Everyday People in Tough Situations
Se Habla Español
Providing Dedicated and Personalized Service From Start to Finish. Call Today to Discuss your Case and See How We Can Help!
Free Consultation
Virtual Appointments
Maryland's Premier Criminal Lawyer & Law Firm....Super Lawyer Nominated 2013-Present
Se Habla Español
1435 Sulphur Spring Road, 1st Floor, Baltimore, MD 21227
Other Nearby Offices
Get assistance for your Vandalism issue in the Columbia, Maryland area. Law Offices of Charles L. Waechter can help.
Free Consultation
210 W Pennsylvania Ave, Suite 100-F, Baltimore, MD 21204
Gary S. Bernstein, P.A. can help you find legal solutions for your Vandalism issue. The practice serves the Columbia, Maryland area.
Free Consultation
100 International Dr, Suite 700, Baltimore, MD 21202
250 W Pratt St, Suite 2200, Baltimore, MD 21201
10015 Old Columbia Road, Suite B-215, Columbia, MD 21046
7226 Lee DeForest Drive, Suite 101, Columbia, MD 21046
303 W Pennsylvania Ave, Towson, MD 21204
100 Light Street, 26th Floor, Baltimore, MD 21202
614 Edmonson Ave., Catonsville, MD 21228
307 West Pennsylvania Avenue, Towson, MD 21204
6510 Falls Road, Baltimore, MD 21209
1001 N. Calvert Street, Baltimore, MD 21202
6914 Holabird Avenue, Suite A, Baltimore, MD 21222-1747
300 E Lombard St, Suite 900, Baltimore, MD 21202
111 S Calvert St, Suite 2000, Baltimore, MD 21202
1435 Sulphur Spring Rd, Suite A, Halethorpe, MD 21227
40 York Rd, 4th Floor, Towson, MD 21204
36 S Charles St, Suite 901, Baltimore, MD 21201
300 E. Lombard Street, Suite 840, Baltimore, MD 21202
300 E. Lombard Street, Suite 840, Baltimore, MD 21202
200 East Lexington Street, Suite 1414, Court Square Building, Baltimore, MD 21202-3543
7226 Lee Deforest Drive, Suite 207, Columbia, MD 21046
532 St. Paul St., Baltimore, MD 21202
3701 Old Court Road, Suite 11, Baltimore, MD 21208
10450 Shaker Dr, Ste 111, Columbia, MD 21046
Columbia Vandalism Information
Lead Counsel independently verifies Vandalism attorneys in Columbia and checks their standing with Maryland 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 Maryland?
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.