If you or a loved one is charged with vandalism in Missouri, whether it be tagging or graffiti or defacing property, the result can be serious charges and severe penalties. If damage resulting from the vandalism is bad enough, you can face steep fines, a criminal record, jail time and even time in state prison.
Many do not realize that parents of minors are financially responsible for the damage that their children cause. Parents of minors charged with vandalism or tagging need to hire an experienced criminal defense lawyer to handle their case.
Types of Vandalism
- Carving into a piece of glass or wood such as a table, chair, desk or bench with a knife or any other tool
- Breaking windows or doors
- Tagging with markers or paint
- Damaging somebody else’s property including mailboxes, cars, plants, lawn or other personal property with intent
Difference Between Misdemeanor & Felony Vandalism
For a person to be found guilty of vandalism prosecutors must prove that they maliciously intended to damage or deface personal property of another person.
Charges of Misdemeanor or Felony depend of the severity of the damage caused. Typically damage under the amount of $750 is considered a misdemeanor while damage of $750 and over is considered a felony.
Acts of vandalism will automatically be felonies if they are proved to be “hate crimes.”
An experienced criminal defense attorney can help you understand your case as well as help you get the best possible result in court. In some cases, your case may even be dropped if there is not enough evidence.