If you have been charged with Vandalism in Orange County for maliciously damaging or destroying property, you should contact The Atias Law Firm. Our law firm works with a team of professionals on the matter and knows how to handle these particular kinds of vandalism charges. In Orange County, Vandalism is divided into two degrees, depending on whether the value of the damage is worth $400 or more. Vandalism is usually committed when someone maliciously damages or destroys property. However, Vandalism can be charged more severely when the value of the property damage is $400 or more.

Vandalism Orange County Penal Code 594

First, let the experienced attorneys of The Atias Law Firm handle your vandalism charges in Orange County. First, let us give you the relevant law. The relevant portion of the law that is applicable to Vandalism in Orange County is summarized below. However, the full text of the vandalism laws in Orange County can be found in California Penal Code Section 594. To prove that the defendant is guilty of Misdemeanor Vandalism, the Prosecutor must prove that:

• The defendant maliciously defaced with graffiti or with other inscribed material, or
• damaged or destroyed,
• real or personal property of another person.

To prove the defendant is guilty of Felony Vandalism, the Prosecutor must also prove that the property is valued at $400 or more. The vandalism laws in Orange County can be confusing to a defendant charged with a crime. Vandalism Lawyers Orange County knows the ins and outs of these particular criminal charges and we may be able to help you get your case dismissed or lowered to a lesser offense, such as trespass.

Reducing a Vandalism Charge To A Lesser Crime

Circumstances may allow the Prosecutor to charge you with Misdemeanor Vandalism, rather than Felony Vandalism. These circumstances include that the value of the property is less than $400. Vandalism Orange County may be able to show that your Felony Vandalism charge should be reduced to a Misdemeanor Vandalism charge. Call today for a free and confidential initial consultation. We can go over the facts of your case and help you understand the possible outcomes, and possible strategies for successfully getting your case reduced or dismissed. Our attorneys aggressively challenge any valuation of the property. If we can get a court to agree that the value of the property is less than $400, then the maximum jail time is one year, the maximum fine you face is $1,000. Also, If we can convince the court that the property is valued at less than $450, your Vandalism charges will be reduced to Misdemeanor Vandalism and you will avoid prison.

Will I Go To Jail?

Possibilities & Penalties For Vandalism in Orange County

Vandalism is generally a misdemeanor, meaning that the maximum jail term is one year, and the maximum fine is $1,000. However, vandalism of property valued at $400 or more is a wobbler, meaning that it can usually be charged as a misdemeanor or felony. Felony Vandalism may result in a sentence ranging from up to one year in jail, to three years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000. However, a Vandalism charge involving property damage of more than $10,000 may result in up to three years in prison and a fine of up to $50,000. As detailed below, your case may be reduced to a lower crime, or your case may be dismissed.

Vandalism Defenses in Orange County

Our criminal defense attorneys in Orange County know the defenses that may help get your Vandalism charge dismissed. There are a number of defenses to Vandalism in Orange County, however the applicability of those defenses depends on the facts of your case. For instance, you may have damaged someone else’s property by accident. That is a defense in your case that may get your Vandalism charge dismissed. One common defense is that had no intent to annoy or injure anyone. If you did not have the intent to annoy or injure anyone then then that is a defense to your Vandalism charge in Orange County. Another common defense is that the police did something wrong while investigating your case. For instance, if the Officer who stopped you did not have reasonable suspicion to stop and detain you then we may be able to get your case dismissed. Also, if you were detained by Officers who used an unreasonable amount of force then that may be a defense in your case. Another defense may be that you do in fact own an interest in the property. Husbands and wives may have property disputes, however if the property taken is community property then there may be a defense in your case. Also, if you have been charged with multiple counts of Vandalism, we may be able to get all of your charges consolidated into one charge, with one penalty.

How Can Vandalism Charges Be Reduced?

When the prosecution case is strong, sometimes the best tactic is to try to work out a plea deal with the Prosecutor. The experienced attorneys at The Atias Law Firm may be able to help you get your Vandalism charge reduced to a lesser charge, perhaps even an infraction. Our defense lawyers may be able to get your Vandalism charge, and the Vandalism penalties reduced to those penalties associated with Attempted Vandalism, Misdemeanor Vandalism, or Trespass.

What Happens If I Have a Prior Conviction?

If you have prior convictions for Vandalism, then you may face increased penalties in your current Vandalism case. The Atias Law Firm aggressively challenges any prior convictions. For instance, if your prior Vandalism conviction occurred more than 10 years ago, or if it occurred in another state, then we may be able to get those prior convictions stricken. If we can successfully strike your prior convictions, then you will only face 1st time Vandalism penalties. Call Vandalism lawyers in Orange County today to see how your prior convictions may impact your current Vandalism charge.

What Should I do about a Vandalism charge in Orange County?

Contact our office in Orange County today for a free and confidential consultation regarding your case. We will look at your personal history and the facts surrounding the charges against you, and then we can discuss possible outcomes with you at no cost.