Many artists and rebels have used graffiti as a way of expressing themselves through their art. They use spray paints to create designs and drawings and write quotes for the world to see. While some graffiti artists aim to serve a larger purpose, many just do it for the thrill of it.
Graffiti is an offense that can even land you in jail. You’re charged for destructing city property, and the consequences are proportionate to your crime. Here’s everything you need to know about getting arrested for graffiti.
How Are The Charges Decided?
Graffiti charges are typically decided based on the level of destruction that caused the artist’s prior convictions. If the damage is little and can easily be contained, the person may get away with a small fine and a probation period. For more serious damage, the person may even be sent to jail.
Adult Graffiti Artists
Adult graffiti artists are charged differently from minors. Their conviction largely depends on the damage they have caused, the level of obscenity (if any), and their priors. As per Indiana Vandalism Law, the act can be classified as a type A or B misdemeanor.
In Class A misdemeanor, the property damage is between $750-$50,000. In this case, the person may be sent to jail for up to 1 year and pay up to $5,000 in fine. In a Class B misdemeanor, the fine may be around $750 or less and the person may be sent to jail for up to 6 months or be obligated to pay a penalty of up to $1,000.
Minor Graffiti Artists
Depending on the severity of the charges, the minor may be subjected to one of these three circumstances:
1. Dropped Charges
If the damage is minimal and the minor doesn’t have priors, the judge may decide to drop all the charges with a warning.
2. Informal Adjudication
The judge may decide to give informal punishment or community service for a stipulated period. When the minor completes the task, the judge may drop these charges.
3. Formal Charges
In this case, the minor is tried in court. If found delinquent, they may have to pay a fine, spend time in a detention center, pay for damages, seek counseling, or be put on formal probation.
What to do if you get arrested for Graffiti?
If you get arrested for graffiti, here are the two things you can do.
Seek Legal Help
If you have formal charges against you and you’re looking at jail time, hire a lawyer at your earliest. They can help bring down your charges.
Get Bail if Needed
A bail will keep you out of jail while you fight your case. This should be the first thing you do as soon as you get arrested to avoid any inconvenience.
Find a Reliable Bail Bond Agency
Since graffiti is a misdemeanor, you’ll most likely get out of this trouble by paying the penalty. You may have to face even more serious consequences in some cases, but timely bail can help you stay out of jail.
Have you or someone you know been charged for this offense in Kosciusko County, Wabash County, Miami County, Jasper County, Lake County, Whitley County, and nearby areas in IN? Use DeLaughter Bail Bond’s24-hour bail bond service, and our experts will get you out of this trouble in no time.
To get in touch or learn more about us, call 260-578-0505, and we’ll deal with your case right away!
