Residents of Colorado can be charged with a misdemeanor or felony if they vandalize property. There are different forms of this type of crime.
What is vandalism?
Vandalism is an offense that involves the defacing of property. This can occur through damage or destruction of public or private property. Vandalism can result in significant consequences if a person is convicted of the offense. In addition to traditional penalties, those convicted are often ordered to clean, repair or replace the property that was affected.
What are some examples of vandalism?
There are many forms that vandalism can take. One of the most common is when walls, other structures or public transit vehicles like trains or buses have graffiti made with spray paint.
Vandalism involves defacing property. It can occur when a person scratches paint off of an object such as a car or etches words on a wooden bench, table or other item.
Breaking windows even counts as an act of vandalism. Slashing someone else’s car tires is not often thought of as a form of vandalism, but it, too, falls under the category of this crime.
Street signs or other structures being damaged or taken down is vandalism as well. In some cases, a sign might be down due to other factors such as a car hitting it or a strong wind knocking it down, but when it occurs due to intent, it’s an act of vandalism.
Penalties for vandalism
Depending on the severity of the vandalism, a person could be sentenced to jail time and be responsible for paying fines. Some individuals face both types of penalties. If a minor is found to be guilty of vandalism, their parents might be liable for the damages incurred.
Vandalism is often committed alongside another crime. Trespassing is one of the most common.
