Vandalism is a common charge in San Diego County.
When someone thinks of vandalism, it usually conjures up visions of someone tagging a wall. However, Vandalism is not just graffiti, “tagging,:. Some common types of vandalism include:
- Breaking items that belong to your significant other or family members
- Breaking a car window or kicking in door
- Breaking car lights and “keying” car bodies
- Damaging somebody else’s property, including cell phones, personal items, etc.
San Diego Vandalism Charges can be reduced and so can the consequences.
The situation usually has more of a story that needs to be factored into. The charge is usually listed as a PC 594(a)(1) or PC 594(a)(2).
Call The Law Offices Of Mark Deniz APLC For Dedicated Criminal Defense at 858-751-4384.
Intent must be proven
In a San Diego Vandalism, PC 594(a)(1), the prosecution must prove intent. Did someone really try to destroy property or could it truly be accidental? This is one issue amongst many that needs to be evaluated. Retaining professional criminal defense counsel is critical to your best possible outcome within the criminal justice system.
My almost 10 years of experience as a former veteran prosecutor lends inside knowledge of the prosecution techniques and strategies. I will help you mitigate the consequences you face, and I will work to get the charges against you dismissed if possible. The key in these cases is to be proactive.
Please call The Law Offices of Mark Deniz APLC today to get a free case evaluation and schedule a free initial consultation at 858-751-4384. San Diego vandalism defense attorney Mark Deniz. I serve clients throughout San Diego County, from Chula Vista to Escondido, and I am responsive to your immediate needs.
Misdemeanor Vandalism Penalties
You will be charged with a San Diego Vandalism PC 594(a)(1) as a misdemeanor if damages amount to less than $400, but penalties include possible jail time, probation, community service and fines. Conviction on a tagging or graffiti offense will bring additional probation conditions, including graffiti cleanup program participation and fines ranging from $1,000 to $5,000, depending on if it is a first offense or not.
Felony Vandalism Penalties
The conditions of a San Diego PC 594(a)(2) felony vandalism charge include:
- Damage of $400 or more, or if you have a prior criminal record, or if the alleged vandalism was a “hate crime”
- Alleged involvement with street gang activities (warrants a strike under California’s three strikes law)
- Malicious defacing, damage or destruction to somebody else’s private or business property without permission
Extreme damage and repeated offenses are penalized with jail or prison times and fines up to $10,000. Special probation conditions apply to tagging and graffiti offenses, including paying for repairs to damaged property and mandatory participation in a graffiti cleanup program.
San Diego Vandalism charges when it is part of a Domestic Violence case
Domestic violence is a complex crime that includes many different kinds of offenses. Though the typical example of domestic violence is a partner physically harming their partner, domestic violence comes in many other forms.
Some people are surprised to learn that destruction of property can be considered domestic violence under certain circumstances. Destructive acts that aren’t directed toward the victim him or herself can still be considered domestic violence. Though it may not result in a domestic violence criminal charge, it can result in a criminal charge and a domestic violence restraining order. The case will be handled by Domestic Violence prosecutors. They often want the same terms and conditions that one would see in a Domestic Violence case. Begin to be proactive on your case and call the Law Offices of Mark Deniz, APLC at 858-751-4384.
A San Diego Vandalism charge PC 594(a)(1) destroying property can be used as a controlling action in domestic violence scenarios. But destruction of property is typically a vandalism crime. Vandalism is punishable by jail time and heavy fines. Vandalism can be charged as a misdemeanor or a felony, depending on the value of the property vandalized and the damage done. As with many property crimes, the district attorney must prove you knowingly and willingly damaged or destroyed someone else’s property without his or her consent. This applies even if you jointly own the property with someone else. This is a common occurrence in domestic violence disputes. Such an incident can result in both vandalism and domestic violence charges being brought against you. Be proactive and call the Law Offices of Mark Deniz APLC at 858-751-4384.
San Diego Vandalism PC 594(a)(1) and PC 594(a)(2) charges need to be evaluated as soon as possible. Once the facts come out the next step is to be proactive and work on getting the best resolution possible. Call the Law Offices of Mark Deniz APLC now to get the ball rolling at 858-751-4384.
