Vandalism, which is codified in O.R.C. 2909.05, is defined as damaging someone else’s property. It is often associated with teenage mischief, but vandalism can be charged as a serious offense and result in significant penalties for the accused. If you or a loved one have been charged, retaining experienced criminal defense counsel is highly advised.
At Patituce & Associates, our proven legal team of Toledo criminal defense lawyers is led by not one, but three former prosecutors who have navigated courts all over the state of Ohio. Collectively, our firm has won hundreds of criminal cases and knows how to explore every viable avenue toward a dismissal or reduction on our clients’ behalf. If you’ve been accused of vandalism, Call our team at (419) 597-5849 today to speak with a Toledo vandalism defense attorney.
What Are The Forms of Vandalism in Ohio?
O.R.C. 2909.05 includes the base vandalism charge, which is considered a fifth-degree felony. This can result in fines and up to one year in jail. However, if the damage involved in the incident costs $7,500 or more, vandalism can be considered a fourth-degree felony. When the damage costs $150,000 or more, the charge is a third-degree felony.
Other vandalism charges in Ohio include:
- Vehicular Vandalism (O.R.C. 2909.09) – when it is believed the accused intentionally placed objects in the path of cars, trains, boats, or other vehicles.
- Interference with Operation of Train (O.R.C. 2909.10) – when it is believed the accused threw objects at a train, illegally boarded a locomotive, or otherwise intentionally delayed the operation of a train.
- Railroad Grade Crossing Device Vandalism (O.R.C. 2909.101) – when it is believed the accused vandalized railroad crossing devices like bells, lights, gates, etc.
All of these charges have different grades of severity based on the circumstances surrounding the alleged incident. For more information on the specifics of your case, what penalties you could be exposed to, and what our firm can do to protect you, contact us today.
We’re ready to offer you a free and confidential case evaluation. Call our skilled Toledo vandalism defense lawyers today.
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Toledo Vandalism Defense Lawyer, Joseph C. Patituce
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Patituce & Associates, LLC – Toledo Office
412 14th Street
Toledo, OH 43604
P: (419) 484-4289