Criminal Damage & Vandalism

Arizona Criminal Damage & Vandalism Laws

Classifications & Penalties

Depending on the level of offense, such as the value of the property damaged, the prosecution may pursue either felony or misdemeanor charges.

Felony Offenses

• • Damage of $10,000 or damage of $5,000 or more to a public utility = up to a four-year prison term, four years of probation and a fine of $150,000
  • Damage of $2,000 or more, but less than $10,000 = up to a 2.5-year prison term, three years of probation and a fine of $150,000
  • Damage of $1,000 or more, but less than $2,000 = up to two years in prison, three years of probation and a fine of $150,000

Misdemeanor Offenses

• • Damage of more than $250, but less than $1,000 = up to six months in jail, three years of probation and a fine of $2,500
  • Damage of $250 or less = up to four months in jail, two years of probation and a fine of $750

Damage Caused By Graffiti, Trespassing, Burglary, Or Arson

Graffiti is one of the most common reasons for criminal damage charges in Arizona. Courts will include labor costs, material costs, and costs associated with the equipment used to get rid of the graffiti to determine damages. Jail time is also likely for these offenses. Other related offenses can include trespassing, burglary, and arson.

Driving While Impaired

Another common type of criminal damage occurs when a person is driving while impaired and causes an accident. For example, after a driver runs over a stop sign, the prosecutor could argue that the driver’s reckless actions caused the damage to the stop sign.

Domestic Violence-Related Criminal Damage Charges

Criminal damage is also often charged as a domestic violence offense. In these situations, the defendant partially owns the damaged property. If a husband breaks a dish during an argument, he could face criminal damage charges because the wife also owns the dish.