Top Hartsdale, NY Vandalism Lawyers Near You
With Almost 30 Years of Criminal Law Experience, Mr. Tilem, a Former Prosecutor and His Team Have the Skills, Experience, and Knowledge To Defend Your Rights and Win Your Case.
A Strong Defense From A Former NYC Prosecutor. Experience On Both Sides Of The Courtroom. Call For FREE Consultation. Avail 24/7
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Facing Federal or State Charges in New York or New Jersey? Retain a Respected & Successful NYC Criminal Defense Lawyer. Samuel has been Selected to Super Lawyers Since 2011!
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FOCUSED on FEDERAL CHARGES. Experienced Former Federal Prosecutor, Protecting Your Rights & Freedom In Your Defense Of A Federal Criminal Charge
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123-60 83rd Avenue, Suite 1T, Kew Gardens, NY 11415
Law Office of Luke Scardigno helps clients in the Hartsdale area handle cases involving Vandalism.
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521 Fifth Avenue, Suite 1729, New York, NY 10175
Contact The Law Office of Jeffrey Chabrowe in Hartsdale, New York for experienced legal assistance in Vandalism.
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16 Court Street, Suite 3500, Brooklyn, NY 11241
Getting legal representation for your Vandalism issue is easier than you think. Let Law Offices of Samuel Gregory P.C. in Hartsdale, New York help you today.
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1133 Westchester Avenue, White Plains, NY 10604-3407
411 Theodore Fremd Ave, Ste 206, Rye, NY 10580
527 Old Country Road, Plainview, NY 11803
260 Madison Ave., 22nd Floor, New York, NY 10016
888 Grand Concourse, #1-O, Bronx, NY 10451
1 Dosoris Lane, Glen Cove, NY 11542
259 Mineola Blvd, Suite 200, Mineola, NY 11550
75 S Broadway, Fl 4, White Plains, NY 10601
7 Times Sq, 44th Floor, New York, NY 10036
1177 Avenue of the Americas, 41st Floor, New York, NY 10036-2714
299 Broadway, Suite 1400, New York, NY 10007
100 Broadhollow Rd, Ste 100, Farmingdale, NY 11735
136-18 39th Ave, 8th FL, Flushing, NY 11354
100 Quentin Roosevelt Bld, Ste 511, Garden City, NY 11530
700 White Plains Road, Suite 237, Scarsdale, NY 10583
810 7th Ave, Suite 405, New York, NY 10019
101 Park Avenue, 17th Floor, New York, NY 10178
60 E 42nd St, 40th Floor, New York, NY 10165
1540 Broadway, New York, NY 10036-4086
1211 6th Ave, 26th Floor, New York, NY 10036
87 Walker St, 2nd Floor, New York, NY 10013
863 Islip Ave, Central Islip, NY 11722
Hartsdale Vandalism Information
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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 New York?
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.