Vandalism Attorney in Newton, Kansas

Unfortunately, a loss of temper or a moment of frustration can make you act unexpectedly and destroy someone’s property. This can range from slashing car tires to keying a car, damage to street signs, or egging someone's house. In Kansas, vandalism – knowingly damaging, defacing, or destroying another person's property – is a serious offense, often a severe punishment.

Depending on the severity of the charges, a defendant convicted of vandalism could face massive fines, lengthy imprisonment, a criminal record, and other life-altering ramifications. Also, the parent of a minor child – a person below 18 years – who vandalized another person's property may be held responsible for their child's criminal conduct or actions.

If you or your child is facing vandalism charges, it is crucial that you retain a knowledgeable Kansas criminal defense attorney immediately for proper guidance and to strategize your defense. At Cornerstone Law, LLC, I have the diligence, resources, and knowledge to defend and represent individuals facing vandalism charges.

As your attorney, I can review and investigate every last detail of your case thoroughly and outline a strong defense strategy to maximize your chances of getting the most favorable outcome for your unique circumstances. Also, I will fight aggressively to defend your legal rights and dispute the accusations against you with factual evidence. 

Cornerstone Law, LLC is proud to serve clients throughout Newton, Kansas, and the surrounding areas of Hillsboro, Wichita, Hutchinson, Harvey, Butler, McPherson, and Marion.

Vandalism Charges in Kansas

Vandalism is the malicious or willful defacement or destruction of someone else's property. Under Kansas law – Kansas Revised Statute Section 21-5813 – a person may be charged with vandalism for:

• Knowingly destroying, damaging, defacing, or substantially impairing the use of another person's property without the owner's consent, or

• Destroying, damaging, defacing, or substantially impairing the use of any property with intent to injure or defraud an insurer or lienholder.

Examples of Common Vandalism Offenses

Some common examples of vandalism and vandalism-related offenses in Kansas include:

• Scratching or keying someone's car

• Egging someone's house or vehicle

• Spray painting or tagging another person's property in order to deface the building

• Breaking another person's windows

• Breaking the windshield of someone's vehicle

• Cutting trees without the owner's permission

• Slashing someone's car tires

• Defacing park benches

• Knocking down street signs

• Cutting power lines

• Defacing public property with graffiti and other kinds of art

• Damaging another person's property

Committing any of the aforementioned acts may result in an arrest or criminal charges for vandalism. If you or someone you know is under investigation for vandalism, hiring a skilled criminal defense attorney is crucial for detailed guidance and to help outline your defense strategy.

Elements of Vandalism

In order to be convicted of vandalism, the prosecutor must prove the following elements:

• The defendant physically damaged, destroyed, or defaced the property.

• The damaged property belonged to another person.

• The defendant possessed the means to commit the offense.

• The defendant damaged or destroyed the property intentionally.

An experienced Kansas vandalism defense attorney can investigate all of the surrounding facts of your case and enlighten you about the possible penalties and long-term implications.

Possible Penalties

The ramifications of a vandalism charge can be devastating and can affect every aspect of your life and future. If convicted of vandalism in Kansas, the potential penalties and consequences include:

• Massive fines

• Imprisonment (ranging from months, years, or decades)

• Restitution to the property owner

• A criminal record/history

• Increased difficulty in securing government assistance or public benefits

• Loss of rights to possess, carry, or own firearms

• Increased difficulty in getting jobs and housing

• Loss of the right to vote

• Increased difficulty in traveling overseas

• Ineligibility to obtain certain financial loans

A knowledgeable criminal defense lawyer can fight vigorously to uphold your legal rights, identify the best defenses for your case, and determine whether you may be liable as a parent.

Kansas Parental Responsibility Law

Being a parent or legal guardian comes with several legal responsibilities. Kansas parental responsibility laws were established to hold parents civilly and financially liable for injuries and property damages caused by the willful or malicious conduct or actions of their children.

According to Kansas law – Kansas Revised Statute Section 38-120 – the parent of a child may be financially liable when a minor under the 18 years living with one or both parents "maliciously or willfully" injures another person or causes damage to another person's property.

Unless the child's criminal conduct were due to parental neglect, the recovery of actual damages shall be limited to $5,000. An experienced attorney can strategize an effective defense to help fight your charges and help you avoid any potential liability.

Work With a Knowledgeable
Criminal Defense Attorney

Trying to defend your Kansas vandalism charges or navigating the state's criminal justice system on your own could increase your risks of getting convicted and suffering the maximum penalties. Unfortunately, a criminal conviction could cause devastating consequences to your personal reputation, freedom, quality of life, and professional and future opportunities. Therefore, if you or your child is facing vandalism allegations, retaining a knowledgeable criminal defense attorney is imperative for proper guidance and to help build your defense.

At Cornerstone Law, LLC, I'm dedicated to providing experienced legal guidance and aggressive representation to clients facing vandalism charges. As your legal counsel, I will review all of the facts of your case, carry out an in-depth investigation, and identify the best defense strategy for your unique situation. Using my comprehensive legal understanding, I will help you navigate the criminal justice system, attempt to establish your innocence, or negotiate a favorable plea deal. I will fight to defend your best interests and improve your chances of a brighter tomorrow.