Juvenile Vandalism

If you do not own it, do not deface it.  Vandalism is the term for crimes such as graffiti, keying cars, toppling headstones, and virtually any other activity that causes damages to private or public property.  Those activities may seem like brave rites of passage to teenagers, but they are serious crimes that carry heavy penalties depending on the specific target of vandalism. 

The formal definition states that vandalism is the wilful or malicious destruction, injury, disfigurement, or defacement of any public or private property without the consent of the owner or custodian of that property.  Under the juvenile justice system, a youth offender can be charged with either a misdemeanor (generally for damages of $400 or less) or a felony (generally for damages of more than $400), if the offense is severe enough.

Vandalism Penalties  

Some of the specific penalties for vandalism charges convictions for minors and juveniles can include the following:

Possible Penalties

1. Repairing the damaged property
2. Paying for someone else to repair the damaged property
3. Fines (often of $500 or more)
4. Expulsion from school
5. Counseling
6. Detention in a juvenile facility
7. Community service
8. Up to 3 years of probation
9. In some cases, even time in jail

Sentencing for Vandalism

In some jurisdictions, vandalism is considered a very serious crime and juvenile offenders can receive a criminal record.  However, a juvenile judge has a great deal of leeway in his sentencing options.  If a child is just suffering the consequences of listening to the wrong people or trying to live up to the requirements of a club or group, an experienced attorney may be able to help negotiate with the judge.

There Is Valuable Legal Advice for Minors Charged with Vandalism

Some instances of vandalism are nothing more than youthful foolishness or recklessness.  One brush with the legal system may be enough to discourage such behavior forever after.  In those cases, a competent attorney may provide the representation your child needs to avoid a permanent blot on his record and restore a sense of respect for the law and for the property of others.