It may seem unimportant, but vandalism is a serious offense. California Penal Code states that:
"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:
- Defaces with graffiti or other inscribed material
- Damages
- Destroys"
This crime is a "wobbler" if the damage is worth $400 or more, meaning that it can be filed as a misdemeanor or as a felony, depending on the circumstances.
Vandalism Bail Bonds Costs and Penalties in San Diego County
These are some of the vandalism charges mentioned in the San Diego Bail Schedule:
- Vandalism less than $400 or misdemeanor
- Vandalism less than $400 with prior misdemeanor
- Misdemeanor vandalism more or equal to $400
In San Diego County, the bail amounts for such cases can range from $1,000 all the way up to the value of the property destroyed in some cases.
If the damage is less than $400, the punishment can be probation, up to one year in jail and/or a fine of up to $1,000. If the damage is $400 or more, the defendant can face up to three years in jail and/or a fine of $10,000.
If a friend or family member was arrested for vandalism he or she may face punishment. Regardless of the circumstances, get started on the bail bond process by contacting an experienced bail agent in San Diego, Vista or Santee today.
Call 24/7: 760.505.0811 (Local) | 844.BAIL.400 (Toll-Free)
Pre-approved in 5 minutes »Vandalism in San Diego County: Case Examples
- Three art students decided to enhance the look of an old, unkempt building by covering it with their artistic creations. Although they upgraded the look of that area, they were charged with vandalism as the building was a historical site.
- After an argument with a professor, a college student keyed his car and was subsequently charged with vandalism.
- After an argument with his wife, a man took revenge by breaking her family heritage china, committing vandalism.
- Enraged that his neighbor didn't want to cut down a tree, the defendant kicked and damaged his fence, committing vandalism.
- Two young men were arrested for vandalism after defacing the outside walls of a mosque.
- An angry former employee decided to take revenge on the manager that fired him and slashed his car tires. He was charged with vandalism.
- Drunk after a night of partying, the defendant returned home by crossing a park. He decided to vent and defaced three park benches, committing vandalism.
- The defendant got angry and punched a picture frame in front of a Police officer and was charged with vandalism.
- A man was arrested for vandalism after damaging six vehicles in a mall's parking lot and smashing some of the building's windows.