Los Angeles Juvenile Defense Lawyers
Defacing Property Defense Attorneys in Los Angeles, California
Defacing property, also called vandalism, involves damaging real property or personal property in some way. This includes graffiti and may be committed on another’s property (another person’s house or car) or on public property (such as a street sign).
A juvenile facing vandalism charges may face a number of penalties if he or she is convicted of this offense. It is important to work quickly to consult a Los Angeles juvenile defense attorney if your child has been accused of vandalism. Prevention is a key factor in any juvenile case, as a skilled juvenile lawyer may be able to have charges dropped before the case ever goes to juvenile court.
Los Angeles Vandalism & Graffiti Penalties
Although vandalism, defacing property and graffiti may be considered lesser juvenile crimes, they may still result in a number of penalties. Specific penalties will depend upon the value of property damage which occurred. When the value is under $400, this is a lesser offense. When the property damage is more than $400, the juvenile will likely face harsher penalties.
These penalties, for a minor, may include:
- Expulsion from school
- Fines
- Paying to have the damaged property repaired
- Repairing the damaged property him/herself
- Keeping the previously damaged property, or another designated property in the community, graffiti-free for up to 1 year
- Counseling
- Detention in a juvenile facility
- Note: The minor’s parents may be compelled to pay fines or fees on behalf of the minor, or may be required to help the minor with keeping property graffiti-free.
Vandalism Defense Attorney in Los Angeles, California
Contact a Los Angeles vandalism defense lawyer at Okabe & Haushalter if your child has been accused of defacing property, graffiti or vandalism. At our firm, we have the experience and background in juvenile criminal cases which is necessary in order to help a minor who is facing charges or a trial in juvenile court. Because California juvenile court proceedings are different than regular adult proceedings, our specific knowledge of this area will prove invaluable.
Your Los Angeles juvenile defense attorneys handle vandalism and defacing property cases for minors throughout all of Los Angeles, including cities such as: Torrance, Santa Monica, Long Beach, Redondo Beach, Lomita, Hermosa Beach, Palos Verdes, Manhattan Beach and El Segundo.
Contact a Los Angeles vandalism defense attorney at our firm to find out how we can defend your child against these juvenile charges!