In Pennsylvania, a charge that cromes up in Criminal Defense is Institutional Vandalism. it is a crime to vandalize, deface, and destroy anyone’s property without consent. This crime involving Criminal Defense issues is known as institutional vandalism. Pert title 18 section 3307(a) of the PA crimes code, a person commits institutional vandalism if he knowingly desecrates, vandalizes, defaces or otherwise damages: any church, synagogue or other facility or place used for religious worship or other religious purposes; any cemetery, mortuary or other facility used for the purpose of burial domestic violence or memorializing the dead; any school, educational facility, community center, municipal building, courthouse facility, State or local government building or vehicle or juvenile detention center; the grounds adjacent to and owned or occupied by any facility set forth in the statute; and any personal property located in any facility set forth in this subsection.
In addition to the act of vandalism, it is also illegal to possess the tools used to vandalize property. A person commits the offense of institutional vandalism if, with intent to violate subsection (a), the person carries an aerosol spray-paint can, broad-tipped indelible marker or similar marking device onto property identified in subsection (a). Institutional vandalism is a serious offense that carries harsh penalties. If you commit institutional vandalism, you are committing a misdemeanor of the second degree. If you are found guilty, you face a potential penalty of up to two years imprisonment and/or fines up to $5,000. Institutional vandalism is a felony of the third degree if the act is one of desecration or if the actor interference with child custody causes pecuniary loss in excess of $5,000. Pecuniary loss includes the cost of repair or replacement of the property affected. If you are found guilty, you face a potential penalty of up to seven years imprisonment and/or fines up to $15,000. If you or someone you know is facing institutional vandalism charges, it is important to consult with a criminal defense attorney as soon as possible. A criminal defense attorney will be able to assess your case and determine the best course of action to take.
