Vandalism / Reckless Damage or Destruction

Vandalism is commonly known as intentional or deliberate destruction or damage to public or private property. These types of offenses usually include graffiti, spray painting, breaking windows, arson, smashing mailboxes, throwing eggs at cars or buildings, trespassing, and any other offenses that would damage property.

It is important to hire a criminal defense attorney who is experienced in defending Texas property offenses if you have been charged with a vandalism offense in Houston. A conviction for vandalism can result in severe punishments and repercussions, including jail or prison sentences, a criminal record and/or fines.

Houston Graffiti/Vandalism Lawyer

Contact the law office of Matt Horak today for a free consultation about your alleged vandalism offense in Houston. Matt Horak is experienced in defending property crimes and will make every effort to fight the allegations against you. Call Matt Horak Attorney at Law at (713) 225-8000 for a consultation today if you have been charged with a property crime in Harris County and the surrounding counties in Texas.

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Texas Vandalism Laws and Statutes

Vandalism can result in various charges under Texas laws. The following defines the offenses an individual can be charged with if they commit vandalism.

According to Tex. Penal Code Ann. § 28.04, Reckless Damage or Destruction occurs when an individual recklessly damages or destroys the property of the owner without the permission of the owner. This offense can result in a Class C misdemeanor.

Criminal Mischief under Tex. Penal Code Ann. § 28.03 occurs when an individual intentionally or knowingly, without the consent of the owner, does any of the following:

• Damages or destroys the tangible property of the owner,
• Tampers with the tangible property of the owner and causes loss or substantial inconvenience to any person, and/or
• Makes markings, drawings, paintings, writings, inscriptions or slogans on the tangible property of the owner.

This offense is punishable as a Class C, B or A misdemeanor, or a state jail felony or felony of the third, second or first degree, depending on the amount of loss resulting from the damage.

An individual can be charged with committing Graffiti (Tex. Penal Code Ann. § 28.08) if they intentionally or knowingly draw, paint, spray paint, mark on, inscribe or write on the tangible property of an owner without their permission by using:

• Paint,
• Permanent marker, and/or
• An etching or engraving tool.

This offense is punishable as a Class A or B misdemeanor or state jail felony, felony of the third, second, or first degree, depending on the amount of damage to the property and where the graffiti was committed.

An individual could also be charged with an Arson offense if they intentionally or recklessly destroy property by using fire or an explosion under Tex. Penal Code § 28.02. This offense is punishable as a state jail felony, felony of the first degree, felony of the second degree, or a felony of the first degree, depending if death or injury resulted to any person as a result of the arson, and depending on where the arson occurred.

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Penalties for Vandalism in Houston

The minimum statutory penalties, as defined in Chapter 12 of the Texas Penal Code, for vandalism offenses are listed below. However, these punishments can increase depending on whether the offender has previously been convicted of a felony, caused death or serious bodily injury while committing the offense and/or used a weapon while they committed or attempted to commit the offense.

• A person who is charged and convicted with a vandalism offense can result in a Class C misdemeanor. This offense can result in a fine up to $500.
• A class B misdemeanor can lead to a jail sentence up to 180 days and/or a fine not more than $2,000.
• Class A misdemeanors can result in a one-year jail sentence and/or a fine not exceeding $4,000.
• State jail felonies can result in a jail sentence ranging from 180 days to two years and/or a fine up to $10,000.
• A felony of the third degree can lead to two to ten years in prison and/or fines up to $10,000.
• Felonies of the second degree can result in two to 20 years in prison and/or a fine not exceeding $10,000.
• A felony of the first degree is punishable by a prison sentence ranging from five to 99 years or life imprisonment and/or a fine not more than $10,000.

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Matt Horak Attorney at Law, PLLC | Houston Graffiti Defense Attorney

Contact the law office of Matt Horak today for a consultation about allegedly vandalizing property in Houston. Matt Horak is an experienced Houston property crimes lawyer and will make every effort to find applicable defenses or mitigating factors to the charges against you.  Call Matt Horak Attorney at Law at (713) 225-8000 for a free consultation about your property offense in Harris County and surrounding counties, including Montgomery County, Fort Bend County, Waller County, Galveston County, Liberty County and Brazoria County in Texas.