Vandalism is a common juvenile crime in Santa Ana and elsewhere in Southern California. It may also be charged against adults in domestic cases or other situations in which malicious destruction of property is alleged.

Santa Ana Criminal Defense Attorney Houman Fakhimi and our Criminal Defense Team represent clients facing vandalism and juvenile and domestic charges throughout Orange and Los Angeles counties.

California Penal Code 594PC defines vandalism as maliciously damaging or destroying someone else’s property. Misdemeanor charges may be filed if the value of the damage or destruction was less than $400. Felony charges can result when the value is greater than $400.

Defacement with graffiti or inscribed material may result in a vandalism charge. There is no requirement that such defacement be permanent in nature. Additionally, the law applies to property that is jointly owned, meaning you can be charged with vandalizing your own property in cases where the property is co-owned by a spouse, business partner or third party.

Acting maliciously means you intentionally committed the act. You cannot be charged with vandalism as a result of accidental damage.

If you are facing charges of prostitution or solicitation in Los Angeles, Santa Ana or Rancho Cucamonga, contact the Southern California Criminal Defense Team for a free and confidential consultation to discuss your rights.

Possible defenses to a charge of vandalism include:

• Accidental Damage: Accident is a valid defense in cases where damage to property was accidental or unintentional.
• False Allegations/Mistaken Identity: Unless a defendant is caught in the act, wrongful arrest is often a defense. False allegations made by a vindictive partner or simple mistaken identify may be legitimate defenses.
• Value of Damage: When the state groups the value of multiple items together, felony charges can be filed, instead of individual misdemeanor charges. In other cases, the value of an item or the amount of damage may be contested.

Under Penal Code 640.5 and 640.6, vandalism may also be filed as a simple infraction. In cases where a misdemeanor or felony is charged, a fine of up to $1,000 may be levied and community service may be ordered. You may also face up to 1 year in the county jail.

Restitution is another area where an Orange County criminal defense attorney must work to protect a client’s rights. Excessive restitution my complicate your ability to comply with terms of probation and may even result in additional legal problems.

And the social consequences of a conviction may be even more severe, particularly for a teenager or college student just starting out in life. A criminal record may prevent them from holding certain jobs or obtaining certain occupational licenses. Qualifying for student aid and joining the military may also be complicated by a criminal conviction.

If you are facing vandalism charges in Los Angeles, Santa Ana or Rancho Cucamonga, contact the Southern California Criminal Defense Team for a free and confidential consultation to discuss your rights.