Florida VANDALISM

School • Graffiti • car • Mail Box • Law
Definition • Consequence

Orlando Criminal Defense Attorney

Based upon to the Florida Vandalism Law, under Penal Code, the definition of vandalism is, "Every person who maliciously commits any of the following acts:

• Defaces with graffiti or other inscribed material
• Damages or
• Destroys the real or personal property of an additional."

Vandalism is recognized as the deliberate damage or destruction of public or private property, without the owner's permission. While subway "graffiti art", keying a parked car, or defacing a street sign may seem inconsequential, these crimes qualify as vandalism by Florida lawmakers, determined to bring an end to vandalism throughout the state.

• Possession of aerosol containers of paint under 18
• Possession of vandalism tools
• Vandalism to a church or synagogue
• Vandalism to government facilities or vehicles
• Vandalism on or near a highway
• Vandalism on a freeway
• Vandalism using noxious or caustic chemicals

Vandalism: Misdemeanor or Felony
Based upon to the Florida Vandalism Law, vandalism may fall under the classification of either a misdemeanor or a felony based on the circumstances under which the crime was committed. Despite the mitigating cause of vandalism; indifferential factor, juvenile mischief, creative expression, or malicious intent, there are severe aftermath of vandalism that include community service, probation, steep fines, and possible incarceration.

Misdemeanor
First time vandalism charges with minimal damage (less than $400) is generally deemed a vandalism misdemeanor and comes with:

• No prison time
• Fines
• Restitution
• Community service
• 3 years of informal probation

• Jail time
• Formal probation
• Restitution
• Community service

Fines for vandalism charges variety from $400 to $5,000. In some cases, a vandalism conviction could result in a one-year driver's license suspension.

Elevating a Misdemeanor to a Felony
In some cases a misdemeanor vandalism charge can be elevated to a felony vandalism charge. A past criminal record, gang involvement, and hate crime implications can all elevate what would be a misdemeanor vandalism charge into a felony vandalism charge. If a gang enhancement (a crime intended to further the gang as a whole) is charged, then not only is the charge a felony but a "strike" - as in Florida Three Strikes Law. Avoid

Prosecution
In Florida, particularly Orlando and Orange counties, vandals are prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law as a vandalism hinderion initiative. Strong legal representation is critically significant for anyone who is accused of vandalism, particularly when charged with a felony. A unmatched legal team may take early action to improve your chances of dismissal or to secure a reduction in charges at the pre-filing stage.

If in fact you have been involved in a Florida Vandalism charge, please contact the criminal defense attorneys at The Orlando Criminal Defense Law Firm. to discuss the evidence and proven facts that surround your case.

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