St Louis Criminal Law Attorney
Vandalism Defense | Criminal Defense Law
If you or or a loved one is charged with vandalism in the St Louis area, whether it be tagging or graffiti or defacing property, the punishments can be severe. Depending on the extent of the damage, a person accused of vandalism could be charged with a felony, face extensive fines, time in the county jail, and in some cases state prison.
If you are the parent of a minor who is convicted of vandalism, you will be financially responsible for the damage your child caused. This is why it is important to retain a qualified St Louis criminal defense lawyer to handle your vandalism or tagging case.
Types of Vandalism
- Breaking a window or door
- Etching or carving into a piece of glass or wood such as a table, chair, desk or bench
- Tagging with markers or paint
- Intentionally damaging somebody else’s property including mailboxes, cars, plants, lawn or other personal property
Misdemeanor & Felony Vandalism
To be found guilty of vandalism, the prosecution must prove that a person maliciously defaced, damaged, or destroyed somebody else’s property without their permission.
The amount of damage will determine how the prosecution may charge the vandalism offense. Generally, damage in the amount of $500 or more is a felony. Damages under $500 are charged as a misdemeanor vandalism offense.
If vandalism is shown to be a "hate crime", the suspect may be charged with a felony criminal offense, regardless of the amount of damage.
An experienced criminal defense attorney can help you understand how the law applies to your specific situation as well as the potential punishment for a vandalism conviction.
We accept credit cards for your convenience. Contact our St Louis law firm today to schedule an appointment to learn how our legal expertise can help you acheive your goals. Attorney Chris Cox is conveniently located in Chesterfield, Missouri. Call us at 314.727.0163 or contact us online.