What Are the Penalties for Vandalism in Tennessee?

Vandalism is a serious offense in Tennessee, and the potential penalties reflect the severity of the crime. If you are facing criminal charges, it is imperative that you secure the help of a knowledgeable legal professional. Read on and work with a skilled Montgomery County criminal defense lawyer for more information today.

What is Vandalism?

Vandalism is the crime of intentionally and maliciously destroying, damaging, or defacing public or private property without permission from the owner. It is a serious property crime encompassing a wide range of actions, including minor pranks to severe criminal offenses. It is generally characterized by deliberate and harmful intent.

In Tennessee, vandalism is defined in TN Code § 39-14-408. Under this law, a person commits vandalism when they knowingly do any of the following.

• Cause damage to or the destruction of any real or personal property of another or of the state, the United States, any county, city, or town, knowing that the person does not have the owner’s effective consent;
• Solicit, direct, aid, or attempt to aid another to commit vandalism of a retail merchant, while acting with the intent to promote or assist the commission of vandalism of a retail merchant, or to benefit in the proceeds or results of the offense;
• Damage merchandise offered for retail sale by a retail merchant; or
• Facilitate the commission of vandalism of a retail merchant or acts as an accessory after the fact to vandalism of a retail merchant.

Vandalism can take many forms. Some common examples include graffiti, slashing tires, throwing eggs, breaking windows, keying a car, defacing public monuments or street signs, damaging mailboxes, cutting trees without permission, and more.

What Are the Penalties for Vandalism in TN?

When you are charged with vandalism in Tennessee, the legal penalties that you incur depend on the specific circumstances of the situation. Vandalism is penalized in a similar manner as theft offenses in TN.

The crime can be charged as a misdemeanor or felony, based on the details of the case, namely the monetary value of the damage caused. Below are the different levels of vandalism and their penalties.

• $1,000 or less is a Class A misdemeanor, punishable by up to 11 months and 29 days in jail.
• $1,000 to $2,500 is a Class E felony, potentially resulting in 1 to 6 years in prison.
• $2,500 to $10,000 is a Class D felony, carrying 2 to 12 years in prison.
• $10,000 to $60,000 is a Class C felony, with a prison term of 3 to 15 years.
• Over $60,000 is a Class B felony, which can lead to 8 to 30 years in prison.

Fines and additional penalties may be imposed depending on the circumstances of the situation. Because of the potential repercussions, securing legal representation is crucial. Reach out to a skilled attorney at Fendley & Birch today for more information.