Rhode Island Vandalism Defense Lawyer

The Law Offices of Michael J. Zarrella

Rhode Island Criminal and Vandalism Defense Attorney

Vandalism is a frequently prosecuted charge in the state of Rhode Island. If you have been arrested in Rhode Island and charged with vandalism you are facing serious penalties if you are convicted. In Rhode Island, vandalism is the willfully and maliciously or mischievously injuring, destroying, or defacing another property or obstructing the use of someone else’s property. If convicted of the offense of vandalism, you will be facing the following penalties:

Rhode Island Vandalism Penalties

  • Up to 1 year at the ACI
  • Up to $1000 in fines
  • First time conviction-100 hours of community service
  • 2nd or subsequent conviction-200 hours of community service, and
  • Restitution paid to the owner of the property that was damaged

In addition, there may be future penalites if the victim falls under the defintion of the The Domestic Violence Prevention Act.

The effects of a vandalism charge on your record can effect many aspects of your life. If you have no record and receive probation for a vandalism charge, it will stay on your BCI (criminal record) for at least 5 years after your probation runs out. If you have any other conviction it could become a permanent fixure on you record.

Vandalism Defense Lawyer in Rhode Island

The Law Offices of Michael J. Zarrella has helped numerous individuals who were facing vandalism charges get their charges dismissed or reduced to a lesser charge. Attorney Zarrella's goal in every vandalism case is to get the charges dismissed and to prevent his client from having the charge on their permanent record.

There are many ways to defend a Rhode island vandalism charge. Attorney Zarrella will focus on the numerous defense available which are as follows:

  • Bias
  • Mistake of fact
  • Damage was done by accident and was not willfull
  • Defendant was the owner of the property, and
  • False Allegations

Law enforcement in Providence and thoughout Rhode Island has increased their effort in catching those individuals who vandalize buildings, bridges, cemeteries and other property. If you or a loved one has been arrested and charged with vandalism, you need to make every effort in order to prevent them from convicting you and punishing you for the crime. Do not wait, call a a lawyer that has a track record of winning cases. So it is important to remember that if you are facing the crime of vandalism or another criminal offense do not think that the police or the State prosecutor is going to help you. You must get a legal advocate on your side that is willing to fight the state to obtain the best outcome for you. Call a lawyer who will try a case and not just look to plead out to the first offer the state makes. Contact The Law Offices of Michael J. Zarrella to proceed with the best defense for your case.

Other charges assocated with Vandalism and penalties

   11-44-21.1  Graffiti – Defacing private residences, offices, businesses or commercial property.

1st and 2nd offense- A fine not to exceed one thousand ($1,000) and community service notto exceed 200 hours.

3rd or subsequent offense- case is now a felony, up to 2 years at ACI, a fine of up to $2,000, and 300 hours of community service.

11-44-12  Injury to public property-the willfully cutting or defacing or otherwise injuring any public building or fence or other property .

Penalty:

If damage is less than $100 then a fine up to $100

If damage exceeds $100, then a fine which is not less than three (3) times the amount of the damage nor more than five hundred dollars ($500), Up to 1 year at ACI, or both.

11-44-13  Injury to public statues and monuments. – the willfull vandalism of the Soldiers' and Sailors' Monument in the city of Providence, or any other public statue or monument

Up to One year at ACI, up to $1000 fine, or both