Providing An Experienced Defense With Charges Involving Vandalism And Graffiti
Have you been accused of vandalism or graffiti in New Jersey? Did a night out with your friends take a turn for the worst? Did you do some things you wish you could just take back?
My name is Anthony N. Palumbo, partner at The Law Offices of Anthony N. Palumbo. In many vandalism cases, the accused is offered a second chance, known as a Pretrial Intervention Program. PTIs mean that the case is dismissed and your record is wiped clean of the criminal conviction after a period of probation. However, it may be harder for clients with prior records to obtain these.
In my decades as a criminal defense attorney, I have obtained thousands of PTIs for clients accused of vandalism. While every case is unique, I will do my best to ensure you receive the lightest penalties possible under the circumstances of your case. Furthermore, if the property damage is below $2,000, your case can be resolved in Municipal Court. If you’ve been accused of any local property crime like vandalism, graffiti or criminal mischief in New Jersey, contact me at 908-272-9700 for a free initial consultation.
Thorough Vandalism Representation
In New Jersey, there are several different property crimes, including trespass, criminal mischief and vandalism. Both criminal mischief and trespass are laid out in the New Jersey Statute. An experienced attorney will be able to defend you on any one of these charges. While there is no listing under the term vandalism, there are two offenses that deal with graffiti and defacing private property.
1. Causing fear of unlawful bodily violence; Act of Graffiti
A person is guilty if:
- He purposely, knowingly or recklessly puts or attempts to put another in fear of bodily violence by placing on private property of another a symbol, an object, a characterization, an appellation or graffiti that exposes another to threats of violence.
- A person shall not be guilty of an attempt unless his actions cause a serious and imminent likelihood of causing fear of unlawful bodily violence.
- To view the entire statute, see N.J.S.A. 2C:33-10.
2. Defacement of private property; Act of Graffiti
A person is guilty if:
- He purposely defaces or damages, without authorization of the owner or tenant, any private premises or property primarily used for religious, educational, residential, memorial, charitable, or cemetery purposes, or for assembly by persons for purpose of exercising any right guaranteed by law or by the Constitution of this state or of the United States by placing thereon a symbol, an object, a characterization, an appellation, or graffiti that exposes another to threat of violence.
- To view the entire statute, see N.J.S.A. 2C:33-11.
Penalties Upon A Conviction
The following sets out the penalties that result when a person is convicted of one of the above crimes. An experienced criminal defense attorney may be able to have your charges reduced, I have extensive experience with all types of municipal and criminal court charges.
Causing fear of unlawful bodily violence; Act of Graffiti:
- Third-degree crime
- Three to five years in prison
Defacement of private property; Act of Graffiti:
- Fourth-degree crime
- Up to 18 months in prison
In addition to the penalties imposed above, the following applies to anyone convicted of one of the above crimes when the offense involves graffiti:
- A person, in addition to any other penalty imposed by the court, is required either to pay to the owner of the damaged property monetary restitution in the amount of the pecuniary damage caused by the act of graffiti or to perform community service, which shall include removing the graffiti from the property, if appropriate.
- If community service is ordered, it shall be for not less than 20 days or less than the number of days necessary to remove the graffiti from the property.
Begin Building Your Best Possible Defense Today
If you’ve been accused of vandalism in New Jersey, you need a lawyer you can trust to be at your side. I know what it’s like to make a mistake. I believe that whether you are an adult or a juvenile, everyone deserves a second chance, and I will do my best to ensure that you get one.
Contact me, Anthony N. Palumbo, New Jersey vandalism lawyer, at 908-272-9700. I offer every client a free initial consultation, I will help you get through this difficult time. The sooner you contact me, the sooner you get the best possible outcome in your defense.