Maryland Vandalism & Arson Lawyers

Vandalism is generally perceived as an offence that takes place when someone destroys, or otherwise defaces, the property of someone else without his/her permission or consent. In Maryland, vandalism is usually charged specifically as Malicious Destruction of Property. Arson, on the other hand, is the malicious and willful burning of property.

The Difference

Vandalism generally includes broken windows, vehicle damage, graffiti, or even damaging or destroying a website of a person. Vandalism is widely perceived as “art” by the rebellious youth, but in reality, it is a punishable crime that comes with jail time, fines, or both.

There are various types of crimes that fall under the category of arson, including setting fire to property with fraudulent intent, such as collecting insurance money. Generally speaking, a majority of arson crimes involve property damage, but setting fire to a boat or forest land also falls under the same category. As there is always a potential for serious injury or wrongful death in such a case, it is generally classified as a felony.

What Constitutes Vandalism?

Vandalism, in the broad sense, is a crime that encompasses many different types of behavior. It includes any conduct that destroys, defaces, or alters the property of someone else with willful intent. As such, the following list illustrates some common behavior that would be classified as vandalism or Malicious Destruction of Propery:

• Spray painting someone’s property with the intention of defacing it
• Egging a window or someone’s car
• Scratching or keying paint off another’s car
• Breaking windows
• Using graffiti and other forms of ‘art’ to deface public property
• Slashing tires
• Defacing park benches
• Altering street signs
• Damaging others’ property with one’s hands or feet

Additionally, possession of items that can be used to commit vandalism, including drills, glass cutters, and similar items, can also indicate that one’s intent is to deface another’s property even though the act may not yet have been committed. For example, if one is found on school property late at night carrying spray paint, then he could be charged with, among other things, attempted Malicious Destruction of Property.

Degrees of Arson

Various degrees of arson are recognized by many states depending upon whether a building is occupied, or if insurance fraud is intended. Based on the seriousness of the act, the punishment may include a fine, jail time, or in extreme cases where an intentional murder has also been committed, the death penalty.

Arson is generally investigated by elite law enforcement and involves chemical analysis to determine the source of origin. It may take from months to years before the investigation is complete, during which the motivations of the offender(s) are also studied. Arson may occur in cases of domestic violence as well, where the offender may try to hide a crime involving murder or financial gain.

If you have been affected because of vandalism or arson, there is no reason you shouldn’t seek professional help. Contact the lawyers at Altmark, Rotter & Trock, LLP today at 410-783-9230 to explore your options.