
Vandalism occurs when a person damages someone else's property without the owner's permission. In this system, a prosecutor must still show that vandalism occurred, but the way the courts deal with the crime and the juvenile offender is very different than the way an adult court would deal with it. When a person under the age of 18 commits vandalism, that person is dealt with through the juvenile justice system. Instead, vandalism laws apply to everyone regardless of a person's age. States do not have separate laws on vandalism and teen vandalism. If you're an adult facing vandalism charges, please see Vandalism. Regardless of how state laws describe the crime, all states criminalize the act of vandalism. All states criminalize vandalism, though the language state laws use to describe the offense often differs. Juvenile vandalism is any vandalism performed by a person under the age of 18.

The crime of vandalism, sometimes called malicious mischief, criminal mischief, or property damage, occurs whenever someone intentionally damages property that belongs to someone else. The Internet is not necessarily secure and emails sent through this site could be intercepted or read by third parties. The lawyer or law firm you are contacting is not required to, and may choose not to, accept you as a client. Any information sent through this site does not create an attorney-client relationship and may not be treated as privileged or confidential. You should not send any sensitive or confidential information through this site. Your number will be held in accordance with our Privacy Policy. You will receive up to 2 messages per week from Martindale-Nolo. Attorneys have the option, but are not required, to send text messages to you. You are not required to provide consent as a condition of service. Messages may be sent using pre-recorded messages, auto-dialer or other automated technology.


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