Vandalism – Punishment – California Penal Code 594
Orange County/Los Angeles Vandalism Attorney
There are several different types of punishment you may be facing if convicted of vandalism. Vandalism can be a misdemeanor or a felony. The punishment varies by the amount of damages. Vandalism punishment can also increase if the crime is deemed a hate crime or gang related. Below you will see the different types of punishment available.
Misdemeanor Vandalism – Damages less than $400
If the damages caused by the alleged vandalism are less than four hundred dollars ($400), you can only be charged with a misdemeanor. The punishment for a misdemeanor vandalism conviction is up to one year in jail and a one thousand dollar ($1,000) fine.
Vandalism – Damages $400 or More
If the damages caused by the alleged vandalism are four hundred dollars ($400) or more, the prosecution has discretion to charge the crime as a felony or a misdemeanor. This basically means the prosecution will charge you with a felony. The punishment for a felony vandalism can be up to three years in state prison and a ten thousand dollar ($10,000) fine.
If damages from the vandalism was over $10,000, the fine you face could be up to fifty thousand dollars ($50,000).
Prior Vandalism Conviction
If you are convicted of vandalism with damages less than $400, and you have a prior conviction for vandalism on your record, you can face up to one year in jail and up to a five thousand dollar ($5,000) fine.
Driver’s License Suspension
The court can order your driver’s license to be suspended for up to two years. The court can order this even if car vandalism is not involved.
Hate Crime – Vandalism on a Church
If the vandalism was alleged to have been done to a church, it can be deemed as a hate crime. This vandalism crime can be charged as a felony and you can face up to three years in prison if convicted.
Gang Enhancement
If the vandalism is gang related, your punishment can be increased to an additional four years in prison. This can also be considered a strike under the California Three Strikes Law.
Call The Law Offices of Nam Q. Doan today at (714) 248-DOAN (3626) if you were arrested for vandalism. I am a Southern California vandalism attorney and I will defend your rights in court. I believe in quality legal representation at an affordable price. I take pride in getting results for my clients. For more information, visit www.OCLegalDefense.com.