VANDALISM DEFENSE ATTORNEY SERVING KNOXVILLE & FARRAGUT, TENNESSEE

According to the U.S. Department of Justice, in 2018, an estimated 179,828 arrests were made for vandalism-related offenses. A moment of frustration or anger can cause you to do something unexpected, such as breaking a building’s window, keying a car, or puncturing car tires. If you or your child has been arrested and charged with vandalism, consulting with an experienced Tennessee criminal defense attorney is crucial to protect your rights.

At the Law Office of Joshua S. Reed, we are devoted to providing comprehensive legal counsel and strong representation to clients in matters of criminal law and vandalism. We will fight aggressively to protect your rights and determine your best defense strategy for a favorable outcome. Contact us today for a free case assessment. We proudly serve clients all over East Tennessee including but not limited to Knox, Blount, Anderson, Sevier, and Union Counties.

VANDALISM CHARGES IN TENNESSEE

Vandalism can be described as an activity that involves the deliberate destruction or damage to private or public property.

According to the Tennessee Code Annotated, Section 39-14-408, the crime of vandalism is committed if a person intentionally:

• Causes damage to or the destruction of any real or personal property, or property belonging to the government

• Damages merchandise offered for retail sale by a retail merchant

• Solicits, directs, aids, or attempts to aid another to commit vandalism

• Facilitates commission of vandalism or acts as an accessory to vandalize retail merchant

The statute of limitations prescribes a maximum time after an event within which legal proceedings may be initiated by the plaintiff. In Tennessee, the statute of limitations for a vandalism offense is three years.

POSSIBLE PENALTIES FOR VANDALISM IN TENNESSEE

The severity of the punishment is determined by the value of the property damage and other surrounding circumstances. If convicted of the crime of vandalism in Tennessee, possible penalties include:

PROPERTY VALUE BELOW $500

• Charges: Class A misdemeanor

• Fines: Up to $2,500

• Prison Sentence: Up to 1 year in prison

PROPERTY VALUE BETWEEN $500 AND $1,000

• Charges: Class E felony

• Fines: Up to $3,000

• Prison Sentence: between 1 and 6 years

PROPERTY VALUE BETWEEN $1,000 AND $10,000

• Charges: Class D felony

• Fines: Up to $5,000

• Prison Sentence: between 2 and 12 years in prison

PROPERTY VALUE BETWEEN $10,000 AND $60,000

• Charges: Class C felony

• Fines: Up to $10,000

• Prison Sentence: 3 to 15 years in prison

PROPERTY VALUE OVER $60,000

• Charges: Class B felony

• Fines: Up to $25,000

• Prison Sentence: 8 to 30 years in prison

TENNESSEE PARENTAL RESPONSIBILITY LAW

Under Tennessee parental responsibility law, a parent may be held financially liable for certain injuries and property damage caused by the conduct or actions of their minor child. Pursuant to Tennessee Code Title 37, Chapter 10, Part 1:

"A parent or guardian shall be liable for the tortious activities of a minor child that cause injuries to persons or property where the parent or guardian knows or should know of the child's tendency to commit wrongful acts that can be expected to cause injury to persons or property."

An individual, corporation, town, village, county, school district, or state entity may recover damages or financial compensation from the parents of a minor child.

FINANCIAL LIMITS

Under Tennessee Code section 37-10-102, a parent's liability is limited to $10,000 in "actual damages." The actual damages are the out-of-pocket expenses associated with property damage or injury. It doesn't include non-economic damages like pain and suffering.

HOW EXPERIENCED LEGAL COUNSEL CAN HELP

In Tennessee, the crime of vandalism can result in misdemeanor or felony charges. Defendants charged with vandalism may be facing time in state prison and hefty fines. When defending vandalism charges, having a strong and comprehensive defense strategy that fits your unique situation perfectly is essential.

At the Law Office of Joshua S. Reed, we are committed to defending adults and minors who have been wrongfully accused or are facing vandalism charges. As a knowledgeable and experienced Tennessee criminal defense attorney, I will review every detail of your case and carry out a thorough investigation to determine a strategic course of action.