Southern California Defense Blog

In California, the court will impose a suspension, or delay the driving privileges of any minor convicted of vandalism. A conviction mandates the court to impose a two year license suspension for a person 13 years of age up to 21 years of age. If the minor has yet to receive a license, the court will put a delay the issuance of a license.

Vandalism in California is codified under Penal Code Section 594, which states every person who maliciously commits any of the following acts: (1) defaces with graffiti or other inscribed material. (2) damages (3) destroys, with respect to any real or personal property not his or her own, is guilty of vandalism.

If you are required to drive to and from work or school, it is imperative that you hire an experienced criminal defense attorney.

Hiring an experienced criminal defense law firm can greatly increase your chances of keeping your license. The attorneys at Wallin & Klarich have been helping people keep their license for over 30 years.

Please feel free to contact Wallin & Klarich to discuss your case. You can reach us 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at 877-466-5245 or go to our website at www.wklaw.com for more information.

In California, Penal Code 594 defines vandalism as maliciously damaging or destroying property belonging to another person, or defacing it with graffiti or other inscribed material. Someone acts maliciously when a person intentionally does a wrongful act, or when an individual acts with the unlawful intent to annoy or injure someone else. For the purposed of this offense, the defacement does not need to be permanent. Graffiti or other inscribed material includes an unauthorized inscription, word, figure, mark, or design that is written, marked, etched, scratched, drawn, or painted on real or personal property.

If the amount of defacement, damage, or destruction is less than $400, vandalism is punishable by imprisonment in a county jail not exceeding one year, or by a fine of not more than $1,000. However, if the amount of defacement, damage, or destruction is over $400, vandalism may be punishable by imprisonment in the state prison and by a fine of $10,000. The punishment for a felony conviction of vandalism may be increased if the crime was done for the benefit of or at the direction of any criminal street gang. In such situation, the person may be punished by imprisonment in state prison for additional two, three, or four years.

If you have been accused of vandalism, you will need an experienced criminal defense attorney to vigorously represent you. At Wallin & Klarich, we have helped people accused of this crime for over 30 years. Call us today at (888) 764-2615 or visit us at our website at www.wklaw.com/areas-vandalism-charges. We will be there when you call.

California Penal Code Section 594 defines vandalism as any person who maliciously defaces with graffiti, damages, or destroys any real or personal property. This definition is so broad that it encompasses any sort of destructive or unsightly behaviors. Specifically, one can be charged with vandalism for minor crimes, such as scratching a name into a desk. Essentially, if the property or item does not belong to you and you destroy, deface, or damage it without the owner’s consent – you may be charged with the vandalism.

In order to be convicted of vandalism, the prosecution has the burden to prove that the defendant maliciously defaced with graffiti, damaged, or destroyed real or personal property; and the defendant did not own the property. If the prosecution is charging a felony, it must also be proven that the amount of damage caused by vandalism was $400 or more.

Vandalism is a considered to be a “wobbler.” This means a conviction for vandalism can be a misdemeanor or a felony. A felony conviction is punishable by imprisonment for up to three years in state prison, or a fine of ten thousand dollars ($10,000), or by both fine and imprisonment. Vandalism is usually a felony when the damage was more than $400. However, vandalism committed against a church can be a felony and punishable by up to three years in state prison, regardless of the amount of damage done.

Continue reading "I am Accused of Vandalism - What Should I Do? - California Penal Code Section 594" »

It was recently reported that three individuals were arrested in connection to a vandalism case in El Cajon, California. Oswaldo Sanchez (19 years old), Aaron Menjuga (18 years old), and a minor (male, 16-years old) were all taken into custody when police pulled them over for an unrelated traffic stop. The police found BB guns and ammunition in the vehicle. Earlier that same day over 13 cars had been damaged by what police believe were caused by BB guns. The damage to the vehicles is estimated to be several thousand dollars.

California Penal Code 594 states the following in regards to vandalism: “(a) Every person who maliciously commits any of the following acts with respect to any real or personal property not his or her own, in cases other than those specified by state law, is guilty of vandalism:

1. Defaces with graffiti or other inscribed material.


2. Damages.


3. Destroys."

Vandalism can be charged as a misdemeanor or felony depending upon the circumstances.

Continue reading "How Hiring an Experienced San Diego Criminal Defense Attorney Can Help You if You Are Charged with Vandalism - Penal Code Section 594" »

It was recently reported that a minor was taken into custody and charged with 232 counts of vandalism in Vista, California. The police also suspect him in 85 additional vandalism incidences. His alleged graffiti tags have caused over $101,000 in damage according to police. His name has not been released because he is a minor.

In this case, the minor will be facing charges in juvenile court. Juvenile courts are specifically designed to handle cases involving children under the age of 18 charged with crimes. Juvenile courts hope to rehabilitate children as well as continue to ensure that they progress in their education. The courts also seek to provide counseling for the children.

Continue reading "Minors and Vandalism Charges" »