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I am Accused of Vandalism - What Should I Do? - California Penal Code Section 594

By Walin & Klarich

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...continue to full post

Full post as published by Southern California Criminal Defense Blog on March 12, 2010 (boomark / email).